Gary J. Rasmussen

Candidate for City Council

Age: 66

Residence: Mosby Woods.

Education: BS, political science/history, University of Wisconsin; graduate work, University of Chicago.

Occupation: Retired, deputy assistant secretary for vocational and adult education, U.S. Department of Education.

Elected offices/civic activities: Member, Fairfax City Council, 1990-present; former member and chairman, city Planning Commission; city representative, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments board and Public Safety Committee; member, Virginia Municipal League's Education Policy Committee; member, Historic Fairfax City Inc.; former member, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission; former chairman, City-George Mason University-Business Committee; secretary, Mosby Woods Community Association; founding member, Fairchester Woods Civic Association.

What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction? "Improving our main business corridor: Route 50, Fairfax Boulevard. The strength of our business economy has allowed the city to have the lowest tax rate in Northern Virginia. To maintain that we need to do more to improve our business corridor. I was an early proponent of our Economic Development Authority and the Fairfax Boulevard Business Improvement District. These improvement efforts have not moved forward as quickly as I would have hoped. As a result, businesses may be losing their competitive edge. The next City Council must energize this economic revitalization effort."

Why should voters elect you? "The city needs leaders with experience, good judgment and proven ability to work with others for the common good. I bring that to the council."

Web site: None given.

E-mail address: garyras@patriot.net