Meet Kerry
Fellow Alexandrians:
As you may have heard, I’ve decided to toss my hat in the ring for the Democratic nomination to Alexandria City Council. I’m excited to be back in the political arena, and look forward to a spirited campaign that focuses on discussing issues of vital importance to all Alexandrians.
My decision to seek a return to Council after serving from 1988 to 2003 – those last seven years as Mayor — came after long and deep reflection on Alexandria’s future. The decision comes amid an historic national economic crisis that will have profound effects on state and local governments for years to come. It is primarily because of the coming economic challenges I see in our City’s future that I decided to seek a return to City Council. In short, I believe I have the leadership experience and tested judgment need to help Alexandria weather the coming storm.
In my previous years on Council and as Mayor, I witnessed both good times and bad. Through my leadership and that of the City Council, we worked to resolve many difficult issues to the benefit of all Alexandrians, and we emerged from that economic storm better prepared to seek continued prosperity as a City and a region. I played a strong role during these times, and I believe my experience in elected office will be invaluable over the next three years as Alexandria is confronted with even tougher economic challenges.
In a nutshell, we need to focus on economic development and job creation as our City weathers the current economic crisis and prepares for recovery.
- Our City needs to restore the balance in our tax base, which is tilted towards residential taxpayers.
- We must make these fiscal decisions while continuing to concentrate attention and resources to the bread and butter issues essential to local government, namely public safety and public education.
- My other priorities will include the completion of a new master plan for Landmark Mall, and the establishment of future-oriented growth policies that stress Alexandria’s many advantages - our location, our historic character and tourism – as we seek to market the city to benefit our small businesses.
We face difficult fiscal decisions and tough budget choices in the coming years and we need proven leaders for these challenging times. I hope you will support my candidacy for City Council as we approach the Democratic Caucus on January 31 and the general election on May 5, and urge your friends to do so as well.
See you on the campaign trail!
Kerry Donley
kerry@votekerrydonley.com
Kerry J. Donley – A Proven Leader For Challenging Times
Kerry grew up in Alexandria, where he graduated from Bishop Ireton High School, and has been active in Democratic politics since his youth. He lives in the West End where he and his wife, Eva, have raised five daughters.
First elected to Alexandria City Council in 1988, he was re-elected in 1991 and 1994 (that year as Vice Mayor) and was elected Mayor in 1996. He served as Mayor until 2003.
Kerry served as Chairman of the Virginia Democratic Party from 2003 to 2005.
Kerry has a long history of leadership in various community organizations, including:
Virginia Municipal League, Legislative Committee Chair and member of the Board
Open Door Housing, Founding Chair
Washington Area Housing Partnership, Chair
Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, Chair
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Board Member
Business Finance Group, Chair
Alexandria United Way Campaign Chair (four years)
Alexandria Community Services Board
Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Chair
Cameron Station Redevelopment Task Force, Co-Chair
Brookeville-Seminary Valley Civic Association, Member
Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy, Founding Chair
Kerry has been recognized for dynamic leadership throughout his career. He received the Skull Award for Public Service from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments in 2002, was named the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year in 2004, and was chosen as the Grand Marshall of the 2006 Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Kerry served as Vice President of Crestar Bank from 1979 to 1998, Executive Vice President of Virginia Commerce Bank from 1998 to 2003, Athletic Director for T.C. Williams High School from 2005 to 2008, and currently is Senior Vice President of Virginia Commerce Bank.
