Connolly's Authority Flows From Firm Hand

Connolly has also had to deflect charges that his job at Science Applications International, a national security contractor where he works as a vice president for community relations, taints his views on development density in Tysons. One of the stations on the proposed Dulles extension is in front of the company's headquarters on Leesburg Pike (Route 7). And although there is no evidence that Connolly had a role in its placement, his critics say the appearance of conflict has damaged his credibility. Connolly says that, as long as the chairmanship doesn't pay a full-time salary, he has a right to make a living. He also points out that the company does no business with county government.

Many board members say Connolly has pursued his agenda vigorously but not by trampling over their prerogatives as district supervisors. They say the collegial tone was set at a February 2004 weekend retreat on McConnell's farm in Stanley, Va.

"Gerry really relies on all of us to be a part of the discussion," said Supervisor Penelope A. Gross (D-Mason).

But others who have worked with the board on county issues say they are struck by Connolly's almost complete dominance.

Charles W. Hall, co-founder of Fairfax Citizens for Responsible Growth, which fought with the board over the size of MetroWest, a planned community of 2,250 townhouses, apartments and condominiums that will go up just south of the Vienna Metro station, likens Connolly's role on the board as that of "the angry father figure, always capable of lashing out."

"He is more combative than they are," said Hall, who ran unsuccessfully this spring in the Providence District Democratic primary against incumbent and Connolly protege Linda Q. Smyth (D). "There is a real anxiety about getting on his wrong side."

Connolly has a low tolerance for even implied criticism. He was furious at Supervisor T. Dana Kauffman (D-Lee) after the 2003 election for telling a reporter that retiring Supervisor Stuart Mendelsohn (R-Dranesville) could have won the chairman's race had he run.

Privately, some board members said they are sometimes appalled at Connolly's treatment of people in public hearings. They mention his dressing down last April of Deputy County Executive Verdia L. Haywood, who had left him unaware of financial problems threatening to close a Centreville nonprofit group as the board was about to adopt its 2008 budget.

Connolly said that he brings "the normal range of human emotions" to his work as chairman and that he does not consider himself to be a harsh person. But he added:

"I believe in accountability. To be honest with you, it's one of the problems with government. Nobody is accountable when things go wrong."

Staff writer Amy Gardner contributed to this report.