Susan Hartley Kuiler Wants Fairfax Growth To Preserve City's Character

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Fairfax City Council candidate Susan Hartley Kuiler says managing population and economic growth without sacrificing the city's natural resources and small-town character is the biggest challenge facing Fairfax voters.

“The biggest challenge facing Fairfax City, a small, 6.4-square-mile, largely built-out independent city, is how to manage population and economic growth while preserving our natural resources and small-town character and quality of life,” Kuiler said in response to Patch’s 2026 candidate questionnaire.

Kuiler, who serves on the city's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, said she favors targeted redevelopment, streamlined approvals, flexible mixed-use policies, support for small businesses and infrastructure investments rather than trying to replicate development patterns in neighboring jurisdictions. She also called for more public involvement and transparent decision-making about the city's future.

Kuiler is running for the Fairfax City Council in the Nov. 3 general election.

The other candidates running for City Council are Stacy A. Hall, Kelly O’Brien, Rachel M. McQuillen, Anthony T. Amos, Sandi W. Slappey Brown, Russell A. Jones, Stephen S. Kim, María José Padmore, Steve S. Chang, and Jessica Lough.

Patch invited candidates to share their backgrounds, priorities and views on issues facing Fairfax City through its campaign questionnaire. Kuiler’s responses follow below.

Your Name

Susan Hartley Kuiler

Position sought

Council

Age (as of Election Day)

[No response provided]

Campaign Website

kuiler4fairfax.com

City elections are traditionally non-partisan and candidates must run as independents, according to both the city charter and the Code of Virginia. No party affiliation or "mark" will appear next to any of the candidates' names on the November 2026 ballot. Have you been endorsed by a recognized political party or have you aligned yourself with a group of candidates representing themselves as independent, non-partisan candidates, including candidates running in other city races? Please check the answer that is most appropriate.

I have aligned myself with a group of candidates representing themselves as independent and nonpartisan.

Please elaborate on your answer to the previous question and explain how this will affect the way you will serve on the city council.

Starting with the November 2022 general election, the two major political parties put out “blue” and “red” ballots with their local party’s endorsements or recommendations of candidates for local office. In the 2022 and 2024 general elections, one of the parties required candidates seeking the local party’s endorsement/recommendation to complete a questionnaire designed to determine whether the candidate’s views were aligned with the local party’s views.I and other independent candidates are working together to call attention to the importance of independent, nonpartisan local elections. We run our own separate campaigns. We have come together as independents to underscore that addressing issues and moving this City forward must not be constrained by political party committees, cliques, or a small group of people who select and endorse candidates. Machine politics have no place in our City government. They have already blighted governance at national and state levels, and we must not allow this kind of politics to become embedded here. Our City has a long tradition of independent, non-party elections that has been compromised in recent years. Consequently, we must honor our heritage of independence by restoring it to ensure sound, open government in our City. In short, City of Fairfax voters want to vote for their independence from political machines and local political party committees. Voters do not want to toe any political line that stifles innovation, creativity, and exploration of alternatives in defining and solving local problems.Proud to uphold this long-standing tradition of political independence, I stand as a candidate for city council who cares deeply about keeping local elections free from political party influence. I will strive to gain and maintain the trust and support of all City of Fairfax residents and not just a small group of people who are members of a local political party committee. I want to hear from everyone—homeowners and renters, longtime residents and newcomers, families, seniors, students, and business owners. Every voice matters because every resident has a stake in Fairfax’s future. Good decisions begin with listening, and lasting solutions come from finding common ground.

How does your status as described in the two previous questions help Fairfax City voters choose a candidate that best aligns with their particular political beliefs?

Before the local elections were moved from May to November in 2022, City of Fairfax voters selected candidates for local office by asking candidates about their perspectives on various issues or by visiting their websites, and not by asking candidates about their political affiliations. Political ideology does not necessarily lead to effective governance. Furthermore, most voters did not know or care about a candidate’s political affiliation or particular political beliefs. Instead, they assessed the candidate’s character and views about issues affecting the City. Indeed, it was often difficult to determine whether an elected official was “a true blue” Democrat or a “true red” Republican based on their decisions as mayor or council members. The mayor and council strove to work collaboratively to serve best the City of Fairfax voters. In the November 2022 and 2024 general elections, the overriding issue was the extent to which a candidate was “aligned” with the ideology of a political party. Local issues were not necessarily front-and-center. We need to reassert our independence from political parties, particularly local political party committees, by assessing each candidate’s character, governing style, experience, vision for the future of our City, and, if an incumbent, the candidate’s decisions and actions while in office. Does the candidate listen to voters in order to understand their concerns and ideas? Will the candidate work collaboratively with the mayor and other council members to achieve consensus or will the candidate work along political party lines? Is the candidate open to others’ views and alternative courses of action, or is the candidate driven by political party ideology? Is the candidate focused primarily on the well-being of the City of Fairfax residents rather than the well-being of surrounding jurisdictions? Will the candidate work collaboratively with other jurisdictions while focusing on the well-being of our City of Fairfax?The City of Fairfax voters want council members who are not beholden to one or the other political party’s ideologies or who considers herself to be a “regionalist.” Instead, voters want council members who listen to them and work collaboratively to achieve consensus and find common ground about what our priorities are so that we can work together to keep our City beautiful, livable, and safe for all of us.

Family

Erik Kuiler, my husband, and I share our home with two older dogs, whom we adopted from a shelter and who had been together all their lives until they were abandoned

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Oakland University; Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional (PMP) certification; Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering Administration. Central Michigan University; SAIC courses: Cost Benefit Analysis and OMB Exhibit 300 Scoring; Project Management I and II, PMP Preparation; Earned Value Management System Training; various SkillSoft courses, such as Facilitating Works Groups and Meetings, Facilitative Fundamentals-Technique and Tools, and The Role of the Facilitator; ESI International’s Project Leadership, Management, and Communications; Knowledge Academy’s ITIL Foundation; and various Project Management Webinars offered by PMI Washington, DC Chapter.

Occupation

I have worked in Information Technology (IT) in the public and private sectors for 40 years in software development, project and program management, and capital planning and investment control. My teams developed disaster response and recovery systems for FEMA and a variety of IT solutions for other agencies. In building these systems, all team members contributed, we reached consensus on what to do, and then I oversaw the execution of the solution. We were effective and efficient. As mayor, I will apply this same dedication and team-based approach to addressing the City’s tough problems. Before transitioning to IT, I managed a music and Hallmark card store that went from losing money for the preceding 7 years to turning a profit and did it during an economic downturn. I did this by building the team: I drew on each member’s skills and ideas and together we streamlined processes, developed good relationships with vendors, and we achieved the goal. I learned firsthand the power of a highly collaborative team. I understand what it means to generate enough revenue to make payroll, develop strong relationships with suppliers, develop effective marketing strategies, and build effective teams. From working for small business enterprises to working on large, complex Federal projects, I have developed the necessary leadership, personal, and technical skills to guide multi-disciplinary, collaborative teams to the successful completion of complex projects and programs.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Political Office

Appointed to the City's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Why are you seeking elective office?

I’m running for City Council because I love the City of Fairfax. It’s the kind of place where neighbors know each other, local businesses remember your name, and someone is always ready to offer directions around Main Street—even if their shortcut somehow takes longer.Our city has something special. The character of Fairfax and the quality of life we enjoy didn’t happen by accident—they’re the result of neighbors who care, people who pitch in, and a community that believes we’re stronger together. I want to help preserve that spirit while preparing thoughtfully for the future.I believe local government works best when it’s practical, transparent, and focused on solving problems—not creating them. The best ideas don’t come with party labels. They come from residents who love this city and want to make it even better. That’s why I’m running as an independent: to represent people, not politics.I want to hear from everyone—homeowners and renters, longtime residents and newcomers, families, seniors, students, and business owners. Every voice matters because every resident has a stake in Fairfax’s future. Good decisions begin with listening, and lasting solutions come from finding common ground.Building consensus isn’t always the fastest path. It takes patience, respect, and yes, probably a few more meetings than anyone would choose for fun. But that’s how trust is built, and it’s how good communities stay strong.

The single most pressing issue facing voters is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The biggest challenge facing Fairfax City, a small, 6.4-square-mile, largely built-out independent city, is how to manage population and economic growth while preserving our natural resources and small-town character and quality of life. I propose addressing this by thoughtful, inclusive debate on how we can meet the needs of residents and businesses now and in the future. We need to return to more collaborative governance and commit to transparent decision-making.Rather than trying to replicate Rosslyn or Arlington or even Fairfax County, I would focus on leveraging the City's location and limited land as advantages through targeted redevelopment, streamlined approvals, flexible mixed-use policies, small-business support, economic-development marketing, and infrastructure investments. In addition, I would tout the City’s parks, trails, and protection and preservation of green spaces – key items that new residents and long-timers have told me initially attracted them to the City.

What approach should Fairfax City take to new development and redevelopment? What types of projects would you support or oppose, and how would you balance housing needs and economic growth with concerns about traffic, infrastructure and neighborhood character?

One of the biggest challenges facing Fairfax City is managing population and economic growth while preserving the natural resources, neighborhood character, and quality of life that make our community special. As a small, 6.4-square-mile, built-out independent city, we have limited land and must be thoughtful about how and where we accommodate change.I believe growth should be deliberate, community-informed, and appropriately scaled—not pursued simply for the sake of growth. We need to consider not only what can be built, but whether new development fits our neighborhoods and whether our infrastructure, roads, schools, public safety, city services, and finances can support it.I will encourage meaningful public discussion about the pace, scale, and cumulative impact of growth. That means holding town halls and neighborhood meetings where residents, businesses, and Council members can openly discuss how much and how quickly our city should grow. These conversations should happen before major decisions are made, not after plans are already in place. We should also carefully consider the effects of development on traffic, infrastructure, city services, the environment, and the property taxes, business taxes, and fees that support city government.Responsible growth also means maintaining a strong and vibrant local economy. I want to hear directly from our business community about what Fairfax City can do to attract and retain locally owned businesses, support existing employers, and help them attract the talented workforce they need to succeed.Our goal should be a Fairfax City that welcomes thoughtful investment and new opportunities while protecting the character, livability, and long-term financial and environmental health of our community.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I believe that listening to residents, communicating openly, and making decisions that reflect our shared values are vital to good government.Too often, City of Fairfax government decisions can seem to be made before the public is fully aware of what is being considered. By the time residents learn about a proposal, there may be little opportunity to meaningfully influence the outcome. When residents express frustration, they are sometimes told they should have been paying closer attention. That approach shifts responsibility from the decision-making process to the people who are simply trying to stay informed.Good government should not require residents to be experts in City Hall. Residents should not have to search through agendas, meeting notices, staff reports, and multiple websites to discover decisions that may affect their neighborhoods, businesses, or daily lives.I believe City government should engage residents early, clearly, and consistently—not simply after decisions have effectively been made. Information should be easy to find, written in plain language, and communicated through multiple channels. The City should proactively identify neighborhoods, businesses, community organizations, and other groups that may be affected by a proposal and make a genuine effort to hear from them before important decisions are made.Public outreach should be more than a legal requirement or a box to check. It should be an opportunity to listen, answer questions, explain the reasoning behind proposals, and understand concerns that may not be apparent from a staff report. When significant changes are being considered, residents deserve timely notice, meaningful opportunities to participate, and clear explanations of what is being proposed and why.Collaboration also means being willing to change course. Public input should not be sought merely to validate a decision that has already been made. When residents raise legitimate concerns or offer better ideas, City government should be willing to consider them and, when appropriate, modify its approach.My goal is a City government that works with residents rather than simply informing them after the fact—one that listens before deciding, communicates throughout the process, and treats public participation as an essential part of good decision-making.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

The current council has often not listened to residents' concerns, especially with respect to development, taxes, housing, and safety

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Practical leadership rooted in common sense and focused on what matters most.Thoughtful budgeting, efficient use of resources, and planning for long-term financial health.Open, honest communication and clear decision-making every step of the way.Listening to residents and working together to make decisions that reflect our shared values and strengthen our community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My experience includes developing and evaluating inflation- and risk-adjusted cost-analyses of alternatives, risk assessment, and budget analysis.I worked in retail for several years. I managed a store that went from losing money for the preceding 7 years to turning a profit and did it during an economic downturn. I did this by building the team: I drew on each member’s skills and ideas and together we streamlined processes, developed good relationships with vendors, and we achieved the goal. I learned firsthand the power of a highly collaborative team. As president of a City Homeowners Association and as Grounds and Maintenance Chair, I have led groups of neighbors to accomplish much-needed common area tasks, oversaw street and parking lot repairs, issued lawn and tree maintenance contracts, managed challenging budgets, and worked to keep us on track and pulling together.I worked in IT in both the public and private sectors for 40 years in software development, project and program management, and capital planning and investment control. My teams developed disaster response and recovery systems for FEMA and a variety of IT solutions for other agencies. In building these systems, all team members contributed, we reached consensus on what to do, and then I oversaw the execution of the solution. We were effective and efficient. I will apply this same dedication and team-based approach to addressing the City’s tough problems.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

There are three pieces of advice that people have shared with me and that, for me, comprise the best advice. My dad used to tell me to “be myself.” A high school teacher quoted Oscar Wilde to drive home my father’s advice: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Another teacher, in explaining that we may embark on various adventures at different stages of our lives, quoted George Elliott: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”And Christopher Robin, to encourage Winnie the Pooh, said to Pooh: “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” A.A. Milne knew how to encourage children.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My husband and I have lived in Fairfax City for more than 40 years. After having lived in the Midwest and on the West Coast, Fairfax City is our home. We care for the City: We buy from the shops here, we enjoy each other’s company in the restaurants here, we sit quietly in our City’s parks to enjoy breaks from our busy lives, and we walk our dogs in our neighborhood. For information about my positions, please visit my website: https://kuiler4fairfax.com

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