By Roy Byrd
I feel fortunate to have pursued a career first as a Marine Corps officer and later as a business executive.
The journey offered valuable experience in leading and managing large, complex organizations and the significance of teamwork. Additionally, I learned the importance of prioritizing people and distinguishing between leadership and management – essentially, you lead individuals and manage tasks.
The Marine Corps ingrained a profound sense of duty, service and the importance of giving back to the community. So here I am, ready and willing to serve once more.
Raised in military families, my wife and I were accustomed to relocating frequently. My own military service perpetuated this nomadic lifestyle until we discovered and fell in love with Alexandria during my second posting in the region.
After transitioning to the private sector, I engaged in civic activities, deepening my understanding of the needs and aspirations of our residents. Serving the public begins with listening and acknowledging – not dismissing different viewpoints.
It’s essential to engage with all constituents, regardless of their age or political beliefs. Open dialogue, finding common ground, bridging gaps and building consensus can only be achieved through active listening and respect for diverse perspectives.
I’m running for City Council to serve the public. Given that our Council is chosen at-large, it’s crucial to remember councilors are obligated to serve all constituents, including those who voted differently or didn’t vote at all.
As a lifelong Independent, I am committed to prioritizing the needs of residents, free from the influence of party politics or ideological doctrines. I will work to earn and maintain public trust, promote transparency, integrity and high ethical standards.
I believe residents must be involved in policy development from start to finish. My promise is to make sure your voice, needs and concerns are respected.
We are a destination city. Tourists rarely include Falls Church, Fairfax or Arlington County on their itineraries when visiting Washington, D.C., but they often come to Alexandria. The next Council will determine if Alexandria retains this distinction, its diverse neighborhoods and quality of life, or devolves into just another overdeveloped regional urban landscape.
Council should endeavor to lower residents’ taxes, preserve the unique character of Alexandria’s neighborhoods during development, promote affordable rents and diverse housing options and boost homeownership opportunities.
We must balance the tax base with sustainable economic growth, improve our public schools to attract businesses and invest in public safety, infrastructure, recreational and green spaces to support population growth while maintaining quality of life.
We must prioritize public safety, essential services and infrastructure in our funding decisions, as they are central to livability and quality of life. Councilors must exercise careful oversight of public resources. I will advocate for the increased integration of the Six Sigma and Agile methodologies, Big Data analysis and Change Management across all city departments and agencies.
All candidates concur that our city is facing significant challenges, the full scale of which has only recently been revealed to the public. As you select the new Council, think about whether those who led us here should still be trusted to govern. I propose a different approach, one that respects our residents and actively involves them in determining Alexandria’s future.
Alexandria is a wonderful place to live; together, we can make it even better. I am asking for your vote so that collaboratively we can create a prosperous future for all.
The writer is an Independent candidate for City Council.