By Celianna Gunderson

One beautiful, sunny day, a little over 10 years ago, I was having brunch on The Avenue. The owner of the restaurant pulled up a chair and began a conversation. Suffice it to say, when brunch was over, I said, “I have got to move here.” The quaint neighborhood of Del Ray tugged at my heartstrings. It was the perfect place for a single mother of two.

Hence, I packed up and moved from Arlington to Alexandria. Not just my belongings, but my life. I became involved in our city through employment, volunteering and getting to know my neighbors.

In Arlington, my children were in private school. However, once we moved here, I looked into our public school system. Alexandria City Public Schools made such an impression on me that I sought employment with them. I started as a substitute teacher and eventually became an Instructional Assistant in the Special Education Department.

I became interested in running for City Council after I attended an informal community gathering at Fort Ward Park more than a year ago and saw how dismissive Council members were of citizen concerns about crime in the community and in the schools. If citizens call a meeting about a problem, Council needs to listen.

I’ve been talking to many people who are disappointed with the direction of our city and the lack of respect they receive from Council members when they voice opposing opinions. This city could benefit from some political and philosophical diversity. We currently have 7-0 votes along with groupthink. We need voting by wards.

I thought somebody needed to do something to represent other opinions at city hall. Then it clicked. I am somebody. So, I decided to enter the arena and run for a seat on Alexandria’s City Council.

As a parent, I’m personally invested in the city’s future beyond my lifetime. I’ve never wanted to defund the police. I’m concerned about fiscal sustainability and fully funding our employee pension plans.

Let’s make sure we don’t get carried away with taking on debt. I know what it’s like to live on a very tight budget and can relate to folks doing the same. I’m appreciative of our local nonprofits and the vital role they play in our community: They were there for me in my time of need.

The top three issues on my platform are addressing crime and supporting our police, scrubbing the city budget and reducing taxes – which will help reduce rental costs – and taking a strong stand against the “road diet” plans to reduce travel lanes for cars, remove tree canopies and create confusing road markings. Plans to change more than 40 street names would also reduce road safety and impede first responders.

My past experiences form my views and show I can handle this position when elected. I’ve been a small business owner and a homeowner. I’ve successfully navigated international moves and family changes, including divorce and single-mom-hood. I have an appreciation for international business concerns and the legal aspects of business and government. I have also been an engaged citizen in the City of Alexandria.

I want to focus spending on essential government services, cut the budget where we can and reduce taxes. I don’t pretend to know everything and have all the answers. I will be willing to listen to a variety of opinions before making decisions.

Most importantly, I want to keep and enhance the beauty of our historic city. Let’s make it a safer place for us to stay in and return to.

The writer is a Republican candidate for City Council.