Economic Recovery and Opportunity We face an unprecedented strain on our financial wellbeing, especially for small businesses dependent on a retail customer base. The response requires creative solutions locally to weather the pandemic storm globally. Ara is an advocate for entrepreneurship and promoting opportunities for all residents of Leesburg. He has worked on building an "Infrastructure for Entrepreneurship" in Loudoun (watch Ara's Testimony to Congress), which helps develop new small businesses, the next major tech startup, or providing support for existing businesses. Proactive Public Safety Leesburg has incredible police, fire, and EMT resources to keep citizens safe. Ara is an advocate for proactive measures for improved emergency preparedness and response programs to help at-risk youth discover new paths of opportunity, and increased collaboration with law enforcement, emergency management, residents, and businesses. As a former Boy Scout, Ara believes in the motto "Be Prepared." The Model 21st Century Hometown Living in the 2020s means leveraging advances in technology, enjoying amenities, and living a healthy lifestyle. Ara wants Leesburg to foster an environment that promotes a high quality of life by developing a workforce that teleworks or works locally, connecting infrastructure for a more walkable community, and creating a prosperous mix of retail, dining, arts & cultural experiences. We must work for the excellent amenities that make Leesburg the best place to live in America. Civic Innovation The voice of Leesburg residents and businesses must be heard! Ara believes in a citizenry that is engaged with issues that impact our future, and embraces a philosophy of being part of the solution, not just propagating a problem. He will look for new or improve ways Leesburg citizens can participate in self-governance. One approach that he is piloting during the campaign is the "Citizen Portal" where you can sign up to participate in instant feedback polls, send in ideas, and access important Town resources. You can sign up here to participate in the Citizen Portal. Financial Stewardship As the CEO of private companies and President of nonprofit boards, Ara brings a strategic perspective to understanding and managing budgets. He believes that every tax dollar invested has a measurable return on investment to improve the quality of services, quality of life, and community wellbeing. Resourcefulness is a core value. Smart Growth Leesburg is a fantastic place, and we need to maintain our distinct character as we continue to grow. Ara believes in a core-out approach to density that promotes mixed-use, walkability, and connectivity, aligning with the community's vision established in the Town Plan. |