Providing new leadership and fresh vision so that we can work together to protect and enhance our City’s unique character and build a secure and sustainable future for all.
Tom is an Independent Candidate for Fairfax City Council.
Voting indicates Tom Peterson has won a first term for City Council.*
*Provisional ballots not yet counted. Thanks to all who supported my campaign! Please stay posted for updates.
“Tom is eminently qualified and would add a new level of professionalism to our council. He represents the best of what our city has to offer. He deserves a place on our City Council.”
— Bill and Maryanna Fournier
Why I’m Running
Personal Commitment and Vision
I am running for City Council because I was asked by members of the community, I care deeply about our City’s future, and I have the ability to help us solve complex problems and create opportunities at this critical time.
In my 22 years as a City resident, I have seen many changes that have helped build a truly special community in the City of Fairfax -- as well as others that challenge us to do a better job of working together to have the kind of City that we want. I know we can improve because our community cares and supports change for the better. I understand what it takes to translate community vision to reality.
Experience and Insight
I care deeply about the livability, sustainability, and friendliness of our community and am committed to its further improvement.
The City faces many crossroads decisions in the next two years that will affect the direction and character of our community for years to come, including the question of whether we will protect and enhance our unique character, or let is slip away. The outcome of these decisions concerns me greatly along with many others in our neighborhoods who care about our City. Addressing these challenges effectively and responsibly will require a high level of professional skill, listening, and collaboration with citizens and City leaders. I have the skill, experience, commitment to listening and collaboration to help us meet these challenges.
Call for Collaborative Leadership
As a professional, I have a long track record of leadership, innovation, and consensus building among community stakeholders.
My career includes 42 years of high level professional service in government, business, finance, and the nonprofit sector and 20 years as a university professor. I also serve as Chair of the City’s Environmental Sustainability Committee. In the process, I have worked with many people from diverse perspectives to set and reach ambitious goals and resolve complex problems. I understand the value of well informed collaboration and the kind of professional decision making and disciplined teamwork needed to be successful.
Motivation
Without a clear commitment by our City leaders to informed collaboration involving citizens at all stages, I am concerned they will not be effective at serving our community charting our course for the future.
I know from experience that this will require change, that is is possible, and that we must work together to inspire, develop, and implement new approaches to bring us together. Where there is a will, there is a way. The City has many opportunities to instill stronger collaborative practices and methods of identifying and evaluating options for new or improved policies, plans, and projects. Now is the time for these to be adopted and mainstreamed into City procedures and operations.
