The Town of Herndon is guaranteed to have a Council led by Democrats given that 6 of the 8 people running for Council are on the Democratic sample ballot. As a life-long Democrat and current member of the Town Council, you might think I’d be happy with this news. I’m not. A core tenet of democracy is government by the people. Our elected officials should represent the community they govern, and this includes multiple political philosophies.

In light of this, please consider voting for Stevan Porter and Clark Hedrick. They are both worthy candidates who are dedicated to service and will provide some balance to the Council in their views and perspective. Stevan is an active member of Rotary, a volunteer paramedic, and has consistently attended Council meetings. Clark is a lawyer with professional experience in land use and infrastructure and serves on the Board of Zoning Appeals. I’d also strongly suggest that everyone consider “bullet voting”, and vote for no more than 3 candidates. This tactic provides a stronger chance that your top 3 candidates will win instead of diluting your vote with your 4th, 5th, and 6th choices. On the Democratic ballot, my top choice is Sean Regan who has served on the Planning Commission for over 8 years and I know him to be a strong independent thinker and fiscal conservative.

Herndon is a hometown for everyone. I believe in the value of inclusion and that we’re stronger because of our diversity – demographic, experiential, and cognitive. I hope that we elect a Council that will offer balance and give voice to a healthy exchange of ideas which is critical to a representative democracy.

Jennifer Baker

Herndon

Council Member, Town of Herndon, July 2014 – December 2020; Vice Mayor, July 2014 – December 2018.