Local attorney and retired archaeologist Jon Gerlach has announced his candidacy for an at-large seat on Fredericksburg City Council. In a press release, Gerlach said:
“One thing we all have in common is a love for Fredericksburg and a strong desire to see our community succeed — and thrive — well into the future. The challenges the city faces are complex and interrelated. They require thoughtful, integrated 21st Century solutions. I intend to bring robust community engagement, transparent decision making, and strong leadership to my role on City Council. I want to ensure that Fredericksburg reaches its goals and furthers our whole-community potential as we enter a new era of a changing economy, rapid growth, and environmental challenges.”
Gerlach promises to focus on four areas, with a backdrop of transparency and fiscal responsibility:
Growth: Conscientious and intentional growth that respects the needs, character and infrastructure challenges of Fredericksburg.
Education: Give our children the best education possible, including career training that will prepare them for good jobs that pay a living wage, and advocate for higher teachers’ salaries.
Economic development: Rather than focus too heavily on real estate development, we need to shift our strongest efforts to attracting new businesses, and tourism.
Environment: We must implement healthy, clean and sustainable environmental practices that make Fredericksburg a model for Virginia.
Gerlach has been a Fredericksburg resident since 2008 and has a law practice in the City. He earned a master’s degree in Anthropology from Arizona State University and a law degree from the University of Richmond.
