Bradley seeks third term on Dumfries Council

By Aileen Streng

Published: March 25, 2008

Economic uncertainty will likely call for the town of Dumfries to make some tough budget decisions, according to Stephanie Bradley.

"I think I know the issues facing the town of Dumfries, and I have the expertise that eight years of experience on the council has given me," Bradley said.

Bradley, 55, is seeking a third four-year term on the Dumfries Town Council. 

She was a member of the Virginia Municipal League Finance Committee from 2002-2004, a member of the Wil-liamstown Homeowners Association Board of Directors since 1991 and has been involved in Neighborhood Watch.

"I feel I have been a voice of reason on the council. I come prepared for meetings. I do my research and I listen to what people tell me," Bradley said. "It's very important to listen to people. If you don't, you lose perspective."

Bradley said she has seen firsthand the impact of the slowing economy. There are more than 130 empty town houses in her community of Williamstown. Between the economy and the recent Prince William County crackdown on illegal immigrants, Bradley said, "people are just walking away from their houses in the middle of the night.

"We are going to have to be careful with what we do with our funding," Bradley said. "We need someone on council who is afraid to say we have to cut things."

Bradley said she would stop unnecessary spending, institute a hiring freeze and re-evaluate town projects.

She also said she would work with state and local officials toward the permanent closing of Potomac Landfill.

Bradley also said that since more than half of the housing within the town is in town house communities, she feels there should be at least one council member representing this population.

"Right now I am the only one on the council that lives in a town house community," she said.

Dumfries staggers the four-year terms of its six council members.

Aside from Bradley's seat, Brenda L. Via and Rafael Lopez currently hold the other two seats up for a vote this year.

Via is seeking reelection. The other four candidates seeking one of the three seats are: Dorothea D. Barr, Nancy H. West, Sean Robinson and Willie J. Toney.

There are 2,212 registered voters in Dumfries. The town's population is about 5,000. Dumfries Town Council members get a yearly stipend of $5,642.

The town election is May 6.

Staff writer Aileen Streng can be reached at 703-878-8010.