John Taylor Chapman
This spring, Alexandria Living Magazine sent the following questions to every person running for City Council as of May 2024. The answers from John Taylor Chapman are below. See links to all other candidate questionnaires here.
Chapman currently serves on City Council in Alexandria. His campaign website is at www.chapman4council.com.
Have the current efforts to improve affordable housing been sufficient? Why or why not?
They have been necessary but not sufficient. We have taken great strides in reducing the burden on families looking to live here and age here, but the work is ongoing. A large part of why I’m running for council for a fifth term is to ensure that the work on affordable housing gets done and done correctly.
What can be done to make sure the increasing population density in Alexandria doesn’t hurt quality of life?
Focusing density around transit hubs. The four Metro stations.
How can the city make public transportation a more viable and attractive option for residents?
By increasing the frequency and dependability of the vehicles in use.
By beautifying transit stops and ensuring safety while waiting for transportation.
What do you think is the most important factor in making the roads safer and more efficient for everyone?
Lowering speeds. Speed irresponsibility is extremely dangerous.
Use of technology such as smart sensors to adjust lights.
What are the biggest challenges facing Alexandria’s smallest businesses and how can the city better support them?
Challenges include foot traffic, competition with internet-based competitors, the cost of brick and mortar, and finding skilled workers. The city can better support small businesses by being careful about how it approaches business taxation, supporting marketing partnerships, supporting grant opportunities, being flexible on fees and fines, and supporting housing affordability.
Do you think Alexandria should return to ward representation? Why or why not?
I do not believe that Alexandria should return to ward representation. I have not seen evidence that a ward representative model would deliver the results that the people of Alexandria have made clear that they are looking for. Looking at the local examples like Washington D.C. or even more locally at our school board, it is not clear that Alexandrians would feel more represented by a ward than an at-large system like the one we already have.
What is something you don’t like about Alexandria that you want to change?
I don’t like to see empty storefronts, and to help change that I support implementation of pop-up programs and working with landowners to help provide space for businesses.
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 am proud of our city for upholding our values and demonstrating that we were serious about union representation in our community. That does not mean that we shouldn’t have development in Alexandria, but that we must be intentional about how we allow that development to happen on our watch. As for what should go in the arena’s stead: The city should shift focus toward a convention center and an entertainment district with access to a concert space. This district would be either in the space proposed for the arena in Potomac Yards or located in Eisenhower where many of our citizens are centrally located.
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?
The city needs to hire more.
What would you tell a resident who doesn’t feel safe living in Alexandria?
Safety is community
We’re all in this together
Encourage engagement
I would tell a resident who doesn’t feel safe that the city is working on safety measures, including hiring more police, incorporating more technology in public safety, and supporting community policing programs.
If you had to convince someone to vote for you in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
Experience matters and no one has more experience providing results for the people of Alexandria than I do.
