2020 Herndon Town Council Election: Meet Signe Friedrichs

Eight candidates are running for six seats on the Herndon Town Council for the 2021-2022 term. This week, Reston Now will publish candidate statements, which are edited for typos and formatting only. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Featured here is Signe Friedrichs. 

What would your top three priorities be as a council member? 

• Economic Recovery from Coronavirus
• Redevelopment of Downtown and Arts Center
• Transportation (public, multi-modal)

What is the top challenge the town faces currently and how do you aim to address it?

Top Challenge: Financial security–providing basic services while tax revenues plummet because of residents and businesses distress.

Solutions: Prioritizing spending, maintaining reserves and deploying county resources when possible to maintain status quo without layoffs or decreasing services.  

How does your background uniquely position you for this position?

I have served the town in many capacities. I have lived in Herndon since 1996. I have been an academic, a military spouse, a small business employee, a membership relations manager for the local chamber of commerce, and the executive director of a nonprofit. I know business owners, and Herndon residents and can represent them well. I love Herndon’s small town feel and community cohesion.

Metro Development Progress

We understand that the new metro station will be opening in Herndon this winter. Projects already funded, mainly by the State and County, will mean that building bus bays, bike lanes, sidewalks, and traffic abatement systems are underway. In addition, several attractive redevelopment projects for the 1970s and 80s style office buildings on Herndon Parkway are proposed by the developers who own them. Herndon is seen as the next part of the County to “take off”, and we want to make sure we have the infrastructure to support redevelopment on that side of the town. Rest assured, though, the neighborhoods and downtown should remain small, intimate and communal in keeping with Herndon’s personality.

Photo via Signe Friedrichs