Charlotte Scherer
This spring, Alexandria Living Magazine sent the following questions to every person running for City Council as of May 2024. The answers from Charlotte Scherer are below. See links to all other candidate questionnaires here.
Scherer’s campaign website is at www.charlotteforalx.com.
Have the current efforts to improve affordable housing been sufficient? Why or why not?
Alexandria has built 15,000 units of new housing in the past five years, but only 7 percent of new housing is affordable. When we allow developers to build what they want, where they want, they will build towards the higher end of the market. It’s time to require them to build a wider range of housing options and direct growth towards core areas. This would provide housing options while preserving our greenspaces and residential streets. That’s smart growth over unchecked development.
What can be done to make sure the increasing population density in Alexandria doesn’t hurt quality of life?
Directing development towards core areas encourages more efficient use of existing infrastructure and resources. By concentrating growth in areas already equipped to handle increased population density, cities can avoid the costly expansion of utilities, roads, and other essential services. This efficient use of resources not only reduces the environmental impact of urban growth but also contributes to the financial sustainability of cities.
How can the city make public transportation a more viable and attractive option for residents?
DASH is now costless, but problems remain. It should work to improve its operations by enhancing accessibility for all users, and designing routes that are efficient and practical for its riders.
What do you think is the most important factor in making the roads safer and more efficient for everyone?
It’s time to get traffic moving again. I want to invest in well-maintained roadways, implement intelligent traffic systems to reduce congestion and optimize signal timing. Investing in smart traffic lights and advanced data analytics to monitor and enhance road safety is the best approach.
What are the biggest challenges facing Alexandria’s smallest businesses and how can the city better support them?
Alexandria's small businesses face challenges that require a supportive and collaborative approach from the city and its residents. I want to cut the red tape that small business owners contend with so that they can focus on their customers rather than city hall.
Do you think Alexandria should return to ward representation? Why or why not?
I would call it district or neighborhood-based representation. Having city council candidates compete “everywhere, all at once” places the emphasis on fundraising and advertising over one-on-one conversations with voters. District representation would provide a more responsive city council and is a reform worth exploring.
What is something you don’t like about Alexandria that you want to change?
Our city council has designed “town halls” as a means to frustrate rather than engage residents over controversial proposals such as the arena or zoning changes. Residents should not have to submit their questions on an index card, or hear their concerns being read aloud to the audience by our mayor. I want to treat you like a grown-up. As a city councilor, I will hand you the mic and answer your questions directly.
How do you feel about the fate of the Potomac Yard Arena development proposal and how do you think the city should go about developing that location?
I opposed the arena project because of the financial burdens it would have imposed on city residents. Now it’s time to focus on our strengths. The area surrounding the Potomac Yard - VT Metro Station and Virginia Tech's Innovation Campus presents a unique opportunity for the city to create a vibrant and diverse community. The city must now embark on a process of reevaluating the site's potential, taking into consideration the needs, desires, and values of its residents.
Do you think the current city staff is able to effectively serve all the development that is happening or do you think the city needs to hire more people?
We have to be responsible custodians of the people’s purse. The tax burden on homeowners has increased one-third in just six years due to rising assessments and taxes. We should work to streamline the permitting process first. Keeping the present number of staff members is the most effective solution.
What would you tell a resident who doesn’t feel safe living in Alexandria?
I share their concerns. We need to address the recent increase in crime and provide residents a greater sense of security in their neighborhoods. My plan includes increasing police presence in high-crime areas, implementing neighborhood watch programs, improving street lighting, and working with community organizations to address the root causes of crime and violence.
If you had to convince someone to vote for you in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
As a former city magistrate, I’ve worked closely with our first responders and police to make our city safer, and I want to bring that hands-on approach to solving problems.
