Gerald T. O'Dell

Candidate for City Council

Age: 67

Residence: Comstock.

Education: BA, psychology, California State University Los Angeles; studies at University of San Diego, Loyola University Los Angeles, Loyola Law School; graduate study in business administration, personnel administration, psychology, computer programming, math and statistics, sociology, social work, law; 18 months in novitiates of the Resurrectionist Fathers (Winnetka, Ill.) and the Trappist Monks (Vina, Calif.).

Occupation: Retired from government and private sector. Federal, local jobs spanned program analysis, budget analysis, personnel administration, computer programming, social work, teaching, research, writing. U.S. service: Navy reserves; Army Vietnam-era veteran.

Elected offices/civic activities: Member, Comstock Homeowners Association, bylaws committee; attendee of almost all City Council (hundreds of speeches) and most School Board meetings. Member, Knights of Columbus, Blue Army, Legion of Mary and Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. Anti-abortion demonstrator and "prayer warrior." Former member, Nocturnal Adoration Society, Gregorian chant scholas (choirs), opposed elementary school task force as watchdog; member, citizens group successfully opposing Amoco tank farm expansion.

What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction? "For: commuters: rush-hour traffic; homeowners (and, indirectly, renters): unjustifiably increasing real estate tax bills (rates must be lowered to make rising market prices and assessments tax-revenue neutral); all residents: the added congestion, runoff and pollution from overdevelopment; people of reason, faith (or both): rampant killing of unborn babies (employee health plans should not subsidize abortions, providers); all observers: the indecisiveness and ineptitude of the City Council; George Mason Boulevard and Old Town redevelopment delays; police station relocation; traffic redirection (Dwight, Main, North streets); One God Ministry issue; continuing acquisition (downtown properties) for private developers."

Why should voters elect you? "I speak candidly. My 13 years' City Council attendance rivals five incumbents' attendance rate. I am: 'Fighting for Fairfax, families and the faith — forever.'[campaign slogan]"

Web site: None given.

E-mail address: godell0001@email.vccs.edu