Bush says background will be asset to Occoquan

By Aileen Streng

Published: April 7, 2008

With a background in urban studies and historic preservation, Denise Bush feels she has something to contribute to her town of Occoquan.

“[I would like to] protect Occoquan’s unique appeal, its historic character and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, when considering future initiatives and development,” Bush said.

Bush, 44, is a candidate for the Occoquan Town Council. Bush moved to Occoquan about three and a half years ago after a work transfer brought her to the area.

“The first week we got here I went down to town hall and told [administrator and town clerk] Claudia Cruise that I wanted to be involved and I asked her what I could do,” Bush said.

She was quickly put to work as a member of Occoquan Planning Commission and the Occoquan 2007 Commemoration Committee. She also is an at-large member and past president of the Townes of Occoquan Mill Homeowners Association. Before moving to Occoquan she was the chairperson of the Substance Abuse and Youth Council in Suffolk.

Seeking a seat on the Occoquan Town Council was a natural progression, Bush said, after volunteering in other capacities for the town.

“I feel I can do something for the town,” she said. “I think we can build on the historic nature of the town to launch plans for improving it.”

Bush also would like to see the problems caused by the morning and evening commuters who use the town as a short cut addressed.

“The cut-through traffic erodes the town’s atmosphere and puts pedestrians at risk,” she said. “It amazes me how hard it is to walk across the streets, especially in the mornings.”
Bush also finds these drivers frustrating.

“I want the old time feel of respect and consideration,” she said. “I don’t want the hubbub that is standard in an urban area where someone won’t let me cross the street or back my car out.”
Bush said she would work closely with town residents, merchants and visitors.

“I will seek ways to promote Occoquan as a wonderful place to live, work and visit,” she said.

Bush is among the six residents running for one of the five two-year term seats on the Occoquan Town Council. The others candidates are: incumbents Ken Brunsvold, Barry G. Dean and James Walbert along with Joao Paul “JP” Cunha and Lance R. Houghton.

There are 584 registered voters in Occoquan out of a population of about 800. Occoquan Town Council members are paid a stipend of $1 per month or $12 a year.