Alexandria, VA — On Saturday, February 6, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck hosted the 34th Annual Town Meeting. While this year’s Town Meeting looked different than the past 33 years, Storck and his team were still able to engage and connect on important issues during this annual community-wide event. With more than 500 residents, community leaders and business owners watching on a variety of broadcast and live streaming channels, this year’s meeting was a new kind of success: bringing hundreds in the Mount Vernon community together to share information, learning about new local leadership plans, and engaging in civic activism. Special guest speakers Congressmen Gerry Connolly and Don Beyer led the formal remarks, and discussed federal issues and how they impact the Mount Vernon District.
Throughout the morning, Supervisor Storck shared his vision for improving the quality of life for all Mount Vernon residents, while outlining the challenges and District accomplishments of 2020, and sharing TEAM MVD’s focus for 2021. He highlighted the many investments and strategic partnerships in the Mount Vernon District, as well as COVID-19 economic recovery. Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay presented his vision for the County and the need to continue support for our residents and businesses until COVID-19 is in our rearview mirror.
County Executive Bryan Hill about how the County will rebound stronger and with unity from the pandemic and answered questions about the budget. Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu outlined the ways the Health Department is working within community to get vaccines into the arms of all residents as quickly as possible. Mount Vernon District School Board Member Karen Corbett Sanders addressed the challenges of virtual learning and bringing students back to classrooms this spring.
During two question and answer sessions, virtual attendees had the opportunity to ask questions of their local leaders and receive direct responses. Questions ranged from zoning changes, COVID-19 vaccines, the safety of students returning to classrooms and whether real estate taxes would be increased this year. As the grand finale, Supervisor Storck took the audience on a virtual tour of the District, highlighting changes across the District ranging from the intense urban development in the Huntington area to the upcoming groundbreaking for the South County Police Station & Animal Shelter, in Lorton.
During the meeting, Supervisor Storck thanked everyone for participating remotely and said, “This has been the most challenging year in my 17 years of service to Mount Vernon residents. I have been heartened by the ways our neighborhoods and businesses have come together, supported one another, provided assistance and encouraged each other in times of great struggle for many. I look forward to a brighter 2021 with you all!”
