As 2012 draws to a close, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova has shared with Patch her legislative priorities and goals for 2013. They have been published below. As an added bonus, she also included her New Year's resolutions.

The adoption of the Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Budget begins in earnest in late February when County Executive Ed Long releases his Advertised Budget. We already know that Fairfax County is, and will be, affected by the current federal climate.

Our income projections (flat to modest) coupled with expenses needed just to maintain our current levels of service result in a projected shortfall of approximately $170 million for FY2014. It is my goal, working with my colleagues and County staff, to adopt a budget that continues to strike the right balance for our taxpayers and corporate neighbors. It is critical that we invest what is needed to maintain the quality of life we value in Fairfax County.

Top on my list for next year is the successful opening of four new Silver Line Metro stations in Tysons Corner. I am working with stakeholders in the Tysons area to make sure employees and neighbors will be able to use the new stations through shared parking arrangements in commercial buildings near stations, as well as new bus service/routes and pedestrian access. 

I’m excited about new Express Connector Bus Service that will whisk travelers from VRE stations in Lorton, Burke and Springfield via the new Beltway Express (HOT) lanes into Tysons. The new service will be rolled out in January. Click here for more information.

Throughout the next year my colleagues and I will continue our focus on the former Lorton prison site. This South County area is transforming into an exciting mixed-use town center, including the wonderful Arts Workhouse. Since 2002, when the U.S. Congress transferred the 2,300 acres of property at Laurel Hill to Fairfax County, the county has worked with residents and task forces to develop plans for future uses of the area. The approved Master Plan for the Adaptive Reuse Site at Laurel Hill (east of Route 123 and south of Silverbrook Road) creates a hub of community residences, workplaces, shopping, and green space.

For my New Year’s resolution, I want to lose five pounds and find the perfect pair of comfortable black dress pumps.