Andrew H. Macdonald

Candidate for City Council

Age: 51

Residence: Taylor Run.

Education: BS, geology, St. Lawrence University; PhD, geology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario.

Occupation: Owner, Patowmack River Studio.

Elected offices/civic activities: Member, Alexandria City Council, 2003-present; member, Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Chesapeake Bay Policy Committee, Alexandria Library Board and Alexandria Waterfront Committee; co-chairman, Alexandria Woodrow Wilson Bridge Neighborhod Task Force.

What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction? "It's several interrelated issues: skyrocketing property values, rising housing costs and higher city expenses. Is reducing spending part of the answer? Yes. Can developing densely and diversifying the tax base help? Yes, if it's done right. Sensible economic development keeps property taxes from rising faster than they would otherwise, but population growth is still driving up the cost of government. It's a vicious cycle: new development, more people, higher property values (and rents and taxes) and bigger budgets. If we are to remain a livable and historic community, we will have to address all of these problems simultaneously and holistically."

Why should voters elect you? "A native Alexandrian, I spent my first council term trying to preserve the town's historic character, acquire parkland, protect our environment and reduce spending."

Web site: www.andrewhmacdonald.com

E-mail address: andrewhmacdonald@earthlink.net