Thomas C. Peterson

Candidate for Clifton Mayor

Age: 52

Residence: Clifton.

Education: BA, education, and MA, educational administration, George Mason University.

Occupation: Teacher, Robinson Secondary School, Fairfax County public schools.

Elected offices/civic activities: Vice president, Clifton Betterment Association, 2002-present; chairman, Clifton Day Festival, 2004 and 2005; founder and co-chairman, Clifton Cup Golf Tournament.

What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction? "The most urgent issue facing the town of Clifton is developing a "roadmap" of where residents want our town to be in five years and beyond. We must work to maintain (and improve) the small-town presence of this Historic District. In order to be successful, we need to develop a step-by-step plan to 1) introduce traffic-calming measures that address the tremendous volume of vehicles that travel through our town each day; 2) step up our efforts in capturing the charm and beauty this small town has the chance to offer."

Why should voters elect you? "As a former high school coach, I have experience in successfully leading organizations. The same principles used in athletics can be applied in leading Clifton."

Web site: None given.

E-mail address: tommypclifton@aol.com