Interview Time: 4:10-4:45PM
Matt Letourneau, Dulles District (R)https://www.facebook.com/pages/Matt-Letourneau-for-Supervisor/198899023478303 Bio
Matthew F. Letourneau was elected to represent the Dulles District of the Board of Supervisors in November 2011. He serves as Chairman of the Board’s Economic Development Committee and Chairman of the Finance, Government Services and Operations Committee. He serves as one the Board’s representatives on the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and served as COG President in 2014. He also represents Loudoun County as the Vice Chairman of the Route 28 Transportation Improvement District Commission and as a member of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority’s Planning Coordination and Advisory Committee.
He currently serves as Senior Director of Communications and Media for the Institute for 21st Century Energy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Prior to joining the Chamber, he was the Republican Communications Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Early in his career, he served as press secretary for U.S. Senator Pete Domenici of New Mexico, as an aide to U.S. Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona and as a White House intern.
In Loudoun, he was formerly president of a large condominium unit owners association and served as Dulles District chairman of the Loudoun County Republican Committee.
Originally from central Massachusetts, he was a cum laude graduate of The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. While at Catholic University, he met his future wife Margaret. They were married in 2005. They have four children – Patrick, Emily, Brendan, and Caitlin. They currently reside in Little River Commons in Chantilly and attend Corpus Christi Catholic Mission in Stone Ridge.
Financial Information - VPAP
$15,995 Ending Balance on May 27, 2015
$2,500 Diaz, Danny
$2,000 York for Loudoun County Board Chair - Scott (Rep) $1,200 Hamlin, Richard
$1,000 Ramadan for Delegate - David $500 Salmon, Jeffrey
Dulles Area Realtors Political Action Committee 2015 Local Election Candidate Questionnaire Matthew Letourneau
Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, Dulles District
Question #1—Why am I seeking reelection:
The Board has been extremely productive over the last four years, but challenges remain. Many projects that we started are now underway—from roads to parks and amenities—and I want to see those through. I also want to continue to work on the preparation for the Silver Line, which is one of the most important events in Loudoun’s history.
Question #2—top 3 issues:
1) Transportation/Congestion/High tolls, 2) Need to grow the commercial tax base, 3) Threats to Washington Dulles International Airport
Question #3—how would I address them:
Transportation/Congestion/Tolls: Robust oversight and management of projects that have already been funded, aggressive pursuit of Loudoun’s fair share of NVTA funds for future projects in the Capital Improvement Plan, and further expansion of the transit network we are building. My motion initiated the Board’s involvement in the SCC case against the Greenway—a fight which we should continue at the SCC and beyond.
Commercial Tax Base: Stay the course with our economic development team, investment, and strategy—all of which I shaped as Chairman of the Board’s Economic Development Committee. Build out the Foreign Direct Investment initiative that I launched last year which will grow our presence overseas.
Dulles Airport: The most important thing the Board can do on its own is make smart land use decisions around the Airport. The Board must protect Dulles from encroachment, particularly from residential development which could eventually lead to flight restrictions as it has at Reagan National. I have also been working personally to establish a better relationships with MWAA on air route development and land use, and the County is working to protect the perimeter rule during the FAA Reauthorization Bill process.
Question #4—affordable housing:
concerned about what it means for our workforce, since employers need employees at all ends of the career and economic spectrum. The Jefferson Case has made it even more difficult for the County to administer our Affordable Housing Program. We have spent considerable time looking for different models, and that work needs to continue. I should add that this is not just a Loudoun problem—I have also been involved in numerous discussions on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Board of Directors on this topic. I think that Loudoun could be more engaged with some of the regional stakeholders who are also trying to tackle this problem, and perhaps look at models that deviate from our current program.
Question #5—the balance between private property rights and community interest:
The Comprehensive Plan has done a good job of maintaining that balance, but it needs updating to reflect current market demands and trends. The overall vision of a rural setting west of Route 15 and higher density to the east makes Loudoun unique and is a selling point for new residents and
prospective businesses. The Commonwealth is a strong property rights state, so protections are always present, but the County has an important role to play in managing growth and development in a way that is compatible with our infrastructure and the needs of our citizens. Local control of planning is vital to ensure that Loudoun grows in the areas intended.
Question #6—economic climate:
Loudoun’s economy is very strong. I’m proud of our Triple-Triple A bond ratings, and the specific recognition by the credit rating agencies of our excellent fiscal management and practices. The Board has addressed unfunded liabilities and grown cash reserves, while keeping an affordable debt profile and the tax burden stable. Over the course of this past term, over 5,000 new jobs were created. We have successfully diversified our economy which is why we are outperforming our peers in the region. Going forward, there are a few obstacles, including lack of capital for new projects, congested roads and high tolls, and a workforce that needs greater diversity in age and career stage. The foreign direct investment initiative is intended to help attract capital into projects, and the Board’s $800 million investment in road and rail projects should help a great deal with congestion. In terms of workforce, the Silver Line will be a game changer by allowing millennials and younger workers to get to Loudoun without having to drive and work (or live) in a mixed use environment.
Question #7—land use tools:
The “tools” that I have been interested in relate to the ability to utilize proffer funds that were contributed but are unable to be accessed. These proffers have come from older projects but were never used in their intended areas. Applying proffer funds already collected lessens he burden on taxpayers and the need for new proffers.
Question #8 – proffers:
by a formula devised by staff and the FIC and are intended to help defray the costs of development. They are applied only to units that exceed the base density on a parcel—which means that these units exceed what the County has planned for in terms of citizen services and infrastructure. The only alternative to pay for that unplanned growth would be to raise the property tax rate on homeowners, which could also have a negative impact on affordability. Ultimately, the most recent figures were passed by a large majority on FIC and the Board of Supervisors. I do believe that the proffer guidelines should be revisited on a consistent basis to ensure that they are accurate and reflecting current development trends.
Question #9--qualifications:
I’m very proud of my accomplishments on the Board. When I first ran for office, I felt that the Dulles South area was lacking a strong voice in County government. I have strived to be that voice to protect the interests of my constituents and move the County as a whole forward. We have made huge strides in Dulles South—a new library, a new recreation center under construction, new schools, and now new commercial development which I have worked hard to attract. As Chairman of the Economic
Development Committee and now the Finance, Government Services and Operations Committee, I am deeply familiar with all aspects of County government and have frequently taken the lead on difficult issues, from economic development incentives to reforming Loudoun Water.
Question #10:--what differentiates me from my opponent:
As my opponent only entered the race in the last few weeks, I am unfamiliar with this platform or reasons for running. However, to my knowledge, he has not been engaged in any of the major issues before the Board during this term. I have strived to communicate with great frequency and detail with my constituents about where I stand on issues and what is happening in our area.
Question #11:--Support of REALTORS:
REALTORS are ambassadors for Loudoun County and are in tune with the communities that they serve. Many REALTORS in my District and Loudoun subscribe to my comprehensive email newsletters and my Facebook page so that they can stay abreast of what is happening, and I’ve had several thank me for helping them share information with clients. I would be proud to receive the endorsement and funding from the DAAR PAC.
Question #12—Other information:
In addition to my roles on the Board, I have actively worked to establish relationships outside the County within the region. I serve on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Board of Directors and had a leadership role as Corporate President last year. In that capacity, I was able to convene one of the first real discussions of the Washington region’s air system plan with both MWAA and the Maryland Aviation Authority. Out of that symposium came the MWCOG Board’s strong position on FAA Reauthorization and PFC’s. I also serve as Chairman York’s alternate on NVTA and have
$300 million in which Loudoun had the top rated project. This year, I am serving as Chairman of the Route 28 Transportation Improvement District Commission, which is funding and overseeing another round of vital improvements to Route 28. Having regional relationships that I have developed has proven beneficial on numerous occasions.
Question #12