Gerlach runs for Fredericksburg City Council, focuses on economic recovery

Jon Gerlach is running for a seat on the Fredericksburg City Council.

Gerlach is a man who wears many hats. In addition to owning and operating Gerlach Law Firm for 33 years, he has a business, Safe Passage International, which is dedicated to finding solutions for victims of kidnapping, extortion, ransom, and other specialties.

Gerlach has been Chair of the City’s Architectural Review Board, a member of the Historic Preservation Working Group, a volunteer with the Fredericksburg chapter of the NAACP, and he’s also an archaeologist who’s worked at the Ferry Farm site.

Potomac Local News asked him a few questions regarding what he brings to the table and the impact he hopes to have as a member of the City Council.

For further information check out his campaign website at JonForCityCouncil.com. Mr. Gerlach can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.

Election polls will be open on May 19.

What issue in the City of Fredericksburg has the highest priority for you? If elected as a member of the Town Council what steps would you take to make any needed changes?

My number one issue is economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

If elected to City Council, I will dedicate myself to listening, learning, and consensus-building among fellow Council members, the City Manager, City Staff, the City Attorney, and stakeholders throughout the community.

What do you believe are the most important needs for business and economic development in Fredericksburg?

I’ve been on a listening tour for some time now. I hear from many employers who say that
finding qualified workers is a major problem. On City Council, I will advocate for business and economic development. I believe that one key to economic development is creating a talent pool of qualified workers that will attract businesses to locate in Fredericksburg. This includes a robust workforce development program where high school students and adults can learn about, and obtain certification in, living-wage careers.

I also advocate for conscientious and intentional growth. Talking about proposals for new real estate development, I like to say: “Don’t swing at every pitch.” We have to be deliberate and conscientious in making decisions that affect the city’s residents and its businesses so that our future unfolds along an arc that is intentional, not reflexive. We must do this. #ItsTime

What are some other concerns in Fredericksburg that have caught your attention? Any that may have caught you by surprise?

Economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis must go hand-in-hand with addressing my top six
issues. All of these issues overlap like a Venn diagram. Solutions are best found in the spaces
where these issues overlap.

I am a strong proponent of sustainable environmental practices. I supported the Clean Energy Resolution as a member of Fossil Free Fredericksburg. I am an active kayaker and a member of Friends of the Rappahannock. Protecting the environment is very important to our community. Population growth is on everyone’s mind. How we move forward with economic recovery, population growth, new development, and protecting the environment while not spoiling the “special sauce” that makes our city so unique will require strong leadership and difficult
decision-making.

As a retired archaeologist, I tend to think in terms of generations, not just days or months. We have a solemn duty to the hundreds of thousands of unborn people who will make
Fredericksburg their home far into the future. We must do everything we can to foster, and pass along, a vibrant, diverse, and welcoming city that is even better than it is today.
While making decisions that shape our future, we must keep in mind the vision of what we want our city to be in 10, 20, even 100 years. It will be complicated and challenging given the development pressures that are coming down I-95. We will build, of course, but we can’t let that destroy what we all love about this place. It won’t be easy, but it is achievable as long as we remember that the key issues are interrelated. They overlap like a Venn diagram. Solving the issues we face depends on community engagement, transparent decision-making, strong leadership, and 21st-century solutions.

There are three candidates on the ballot for the two Council members needing to be elected. Please describe your particular qualifications to serve as a Council member.

With all the challenges facing our city, it’s time for a fresh approach on City Council. We need to innovate and adopt 21st-century solutions. I am particularly well qualified for that. I am forward-thinking. I have legal training and own small businesses.

I am a hard worker and a good listener who plays well with others. I am a consensus builder who has developed excellent working relationships with the City Council, City Manager and staff, the City Attorney, and the School Board. I have been attending nearly every City Council and Planning Commission meeting for years now, and I have a good understanding of “how the sausage is made.”

The other two candidates are friends of mine, and I am not running against anyone. If I win this election, I look forward to serving alongside all of my friends on City Council.

What are some special features of Fredericksburg that make it a good place to live?

Fredericksburg is a great place to live, work, and play. We have a welcoming community. We
have a diverse socio-economic base. Our community is active in city government, and many
residents volunteer their time on boards and committees.

We have world-class historical amenities, a vibrant arts and music scene, many good restaurants and specialty stores, an excellent university, and top-shelf healthcare. The Rappahannock River, along with our network of trails and parks, offers fantastic outdoor recreational opportunities. These and many other qualities create that “special sauce” that gives Fredericksburg its unique and unforgettable character.

One thing I appreciate most about the city is that our local government is non-partisan. We may differ on state, national and international issues, but when it comes to the city, partisan disputes are few and far between.

Instead, we roll up our sleeves together as a team, from the City Manager to City Council, City Staff, its boards, committees, volunteers, and the community at large, and get things done. How refreshing is that?

Here are the candidates as listed on the Virginia Department of Elections website:

Mayor

Anne G. Little
LittleForMayor.com

Mary Katherine Greenlaw (incumbent)
greenlawformayor.com

City Council At-large

Jon A. Gerlach
JonForCityCouncil.com

Matthew J. Kelly (incumbent)
friends4matt.org

Kerry P. Devine (incumbent)
(no website provided)

School Board At-large

Jannan W. Holmes (incumbent)
JannanHolmesfor SchoolBoard.com

School Board

Jarvis E. Bailey (incumbent)
(no website provided)