Clark Hedrick for Herndon Town Council

The Herndon Homecoming Parade is an annual family favorite tradition in the Hedrick household. This year’s parade was extra special ❤️🖤 Go Hornets!

Herndon,

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. It has been the honor of my life to serve you as your Vice Mayor and I am deeply grateful to have been re-elected to Council.

Over the course of this campaign, I personally knocked over 2500 doors and spoke with thousands of you. The beauty of democracy is that while each of us has a different perspective and lens on our Town, you have spoken with one voice. I have heard you.

You want this next Council to get to work, and fast. Our community has many challenges and incredible opportunity: the next Council will hire a new Town manager, oversee the groundbreaking of the downtown development project, amend and update the Comprehensive Plan, complete the re-zoning of the Transit Related Growth (TRG) area, and re-launch the Town brand. We need to revitalize our Old Town and make it easier for small businesses to grow and operate, we need to reduce the tax burden on families and ensure that our Town budget is not over-reliant on any single source of revenue. We need to amend our Code of Ethics to ensure equal treatment and equal access to the Town for all residents. We need to deliver infrastructure updates to our road, water, and sewer users. We need to calm traffic and address a large number of “trouble spots” along our Town roads. We need to make the Town easier to work with, from paying bills to pulling permits. We need solutions to ensure a diverse and affordable housing stock continues to exist in Town. I have heard you, and I will continue to work for your priorities.

Most of all, you told us that we need to stop the infighting and the divisive bickering. You told us, clearly, that the Council needs to stop merely talking about change. With Keven LeBlanc as your Mayor and a Council full of highly accomplished professionals with a diverse set of ideas, skills, and life experience, we are poised to deliver it.

Thank you, again, to all of my supporters--to my wife, Elizabeth, and our family for their strength and patience through this grueling campaign; to Keven LeBlanc For Herndon Mayor, whose steadfast friendship and integrity has weathered every effort to divide us; to my Council colleagues and fellow candidates, for the spirited debate; to the countless volunteers who gave their time, resources, and effort to sprint through the finish line; and to every resident of Herndon who came out to vote. Thank you and may God continue to bless our Town.

Hey Neighbor 👋

We made it to Election Day! During this campaign, I’ve had the honor of getting to talk with and hear from so many Herndon town residents. I’ve heard about your town interests and priorities, your concerns, and the things you love most about Herndon that keep you tethered here. I love this town and I know you do too. Thank you for your questions, your candid thoughts, and the confidence you’ve given me throughout this campaign. I know we can continue to bring to make our wonderful town even better. If you haven’t voted yet, I look forward to seeing you at the polls, open 6AM-7PM.

Best,
Clark

The skills I have developed in my career as an attorney, crafting policy in the federal government, are skills that I have already leveraged to the benefit of the Town. In my full-time work, I lead a team that worked with a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, last autumn and winter, to negotiate one of the most potentially consequential changes to federal law this decade—the Border Enhancement Act.

Understanding the lawmaking process, driving for greater effectiveness and efficiency for taxpayers, and negotiating with people who disagree with you are traits every public servant should strive to bring to the table. My Council record this term demonstrates my ability to do just that.

Within months of joining the Herndon Town Council, I proposed and delivered Herndon's first tax-rate cut in 12 years; the Town's revenue still increased! When working with a majority of Council members who consistently talk about raising tax rates to increase revenue, I consider this a huge win for struggling families in Herndon. Next, I fought to improve the Town's ethics code due to some worrying ethical lapses we have seen on the Council this term. That vote on our ethics amendment failed when the majority of the Council decided not to increase accountability on themselves; I will continue working to deliver that. Finally, I brought my skills to the table to close out the 7-year-long Downtown development saga. While that effort is still in flight, the Town and Comstock (the developer) now have a very clear path forward and an agreement in principle which the Council had failed to provide for the last four years.

In my daily work, I’m known as the person you go to if you want to get something done. Some of my Council colleagues, and apparently some other public officials, are scared of seeing Herndon working well on a non-partisan basis. They have even begun to spread misinformation about me. That’s fine. It just reminds me of my favorite Abraham Lincoln quote: “Don’t believe everything you read on the internet.”

Here is my commitment to you: I will always bring my best effort to the Town Council; I will always deliver results for you; I will always put the good of our community over partisan and political divisions. I do it professionally every single day.

Friday Night Live! is personal to me—after our first two kids were born, this weekly summer concert on the Town Green was their first public outing. There’s no better event for kids and families of all ages.

That’s why it bothers me when some of my Council colleagues suggest reducing or canceling Friday Night Live! We need more events like it and local event organizers can learn from their success. As the old saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Keven LeBlanc and I have been a staunch supporters of Friday Night Live! on the Council. That is one of the many reasons I believe Keven is the best candidate for Mayor. We also need a majority on the next Council to strengthen Friday Night Live! and events like it. Vote Keven LeBlanc for Mayor, Clark Hedrick, Stevan Porter, Mike Lloyd, Tamim Chowdhury, and Alex Reyes for Town Council!

Keven LeBlanc For Herndon Mayor Porter4Herndon Reyes 4 Herndon Tamim for Herndon Council Friday Night Live! - Herndon Rocks

Ethics and Accountability are on the ballot this November! In my first term I worked hard to increase the transparency and accountability in our Town’s ethics code. Unfortunately, my effort was defeated by a 4-3 vote.

You deserve more transparency in our government. You have a right to more accountability. Herndon residents should know what their Council is doing with taxpayer resources. They shouldn’t be offering quid pro quos, they shouldn’t be offering free lifetime golf passes for former mayors who have endorsed them, they shouldn’t be putting campaign literature on Town-sponsored event promotions, they should be showing up to meetings.

That’s why I’m supporting Keven LeBlanc for Mayor. He has ironclad integrity and fought alongside me to update our code of ethics. It is at the top of our agenda if we are elected to serve back on Council. We need a new majority on Council, one that is independent and will put your interests first. Please support Keven LeBlanc for Mayor, and Clark Hedrick, Stevan Porter, Tamim Chowdhury, Alex Reyes, and Mike Lloyd for Council.

V O T E !

Early voting opened up at the Herndon Fortnightly Library this past Thursday. Early in-person voting at the library is available now through November 2nd during the following days and times:
• Weekdays, 1-7PM
• Saturdays, 9AM-5PM
• Sunday (10/27 only), 1-5PM

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The kids helped us vote this weekend. One was a more enthusiastic fan of the process, one took it much more seriously 🇺🇸

💼 Strong Fiscal Management for a Stronger Herndon 💼

As your next Mayor, I’m committed to ensuring that Herndon’s finances remain strong and responsive to the needs of our community. Here’s what we’ve achieved together:

-Maintained a AAA Bond Rating, proving our town's financial health and responsibility.
-Reduced the tax rate for the first time in 12 years, keeping more money in residents' pockets.
-Created a Stormwater Management Fund to address long-term infrastructure needs without burdening taxpayers.
-Opposed the quadrupling of Town Council salaries and fought against unnecessary adjustments in policies for Town Council-sponsored events.

Looking ahead, my platform focuses on:

-Maintaining or lowering tax rates to further support residents and keep Herndon affordable.
-Rebalancing commercial and residential tax sources through smart economic development, ensuring that residents aren't carrying the full tax burden.
-Cutting down on unnecessary spending, such as reducing Council member slush funds disguised as initiatives.
-Reducing facilitator costs for Town Council meetings and finding more efficient solutions.
-Evaluating and lowering summer sewer rates, providing relief for families and businesses.

Together, we can ensure Herndon’s financial future stays bright and accountable. We walk forward toward a town that is both fiscally responsible and sustainable.

🚧 Building a Better Herndon: Infrastructure and Transportation 🚧

As part of my platform for Mayor, I’m committed to ensuring Herndon grows sustainably while keeping our infrastructure and transportation systems safe and effective for all. We’ve made key strides in this area:

✅ Implemented traffic calming measures like the stop sign on Spring St and Sterling Rd. ✅ Opened the Silver Line Metro stop—the only one in a town! ✅ Fully utilized the $25.5M ARPA grants for capital improvements and secured additional transportation grants, including starting work on Spring St. ✅ Conducted cut-through and traffic incident studies to keep our streets safer.

Looking ahead, my platform focuses on:

🚦 Mitigating risks of Comstock Downtown development while ensuring smart growth. 🚧 Managing development near the Metro transit area with appropriate zoning. 💧 Upgrading critical water systems, pipes, towers, and pumping stations. 🚥 Improving traffic signalizations and addressing high-traffic road issues to ease congestion,, including looking at a first/last mile to metro stop and a Town Trolley focused on metro loops through town.

Let’s keep Herndon moving forward with safe streets, smart growth, and sustainable infrastructure!

I am appalled that one of my colleagues named in this article commented on and is seeking to unmask an anonymous source to the press. Is it too difficult to just admit that your were wrong? My response to her:

“Councilwoman Scherff, you talk about bullies with pulpits, but you, Mr. Dhakal, and Mr. del Aguila sit down the same dais as I do. You have a position of power. You literally have a pulpit and a microphone. You, a government official, are seeking to unmask an anonymous source to the press who said something you don't like. I think that's the definition of bullying; it makes a mockery of our First Amendment. Ms. Glakas is a Town resident, your constituent, a veteran, and a retired teacher. It's unbecoming of you and your office. It shames our Town and our Council. On that basis, please remove your comment.”

Herndon Town Council members face ethics violation allegations Two Herndon Town Council members face allegations of ethics violations related to their involvement in a Juneteenth celebration and concerns over partisan influence in local elections.

My opponents are featuring a tag. This is pretty strange since their slate features the longest serving of all the candidates. Pradip and Cesar are seeking their 4th terms and Naila is looking for her 3rd term. It is also important to note that for the last two terms -- as Cesar loves to repeatedly point out at meetings -- their block has had the majority. So how is keeping the same people in power a "vote for change"?

If you really are looking for change and different perspectives, it is important to get on Council along with some experienced members. Both Keven LeBlanc For Herndon Mayor and Clark Hedrick for Herndon Town Council are completing their first terms so they can bring some of the experience the Council will need while Porter4Herndon, Reyes 4 Herndon, Tamim Chowdhury, and Michael Lloyd are all seeking their first terms.

As always reach out with any questions. I want to EARN your vote for Stevan Porter for Herndon Town Council this year.

*** Paid for by Stevan Porter for Herndon Council ***

Early in-person voting begins at the Herndon Fortnightly Library today at 1pm-7pm. Come and make your voices heard—let’s bring !

For more information on voting and early in person voting, go to ClarkHedrick.com/voting

Housing access and affordability is on the ballot this November! In my first term on Council, I pushed for our only tax rate cut in 12 years. During that time, the typical tax bill increased by $4000 per year—increasing three times the rate of average wages.

We need a Town Council that focuses on ensuring affordable housing for families and individuals at all stages of life. We need to be careful that we don’t tax lifetime residents out of our communities. Folks on fixed incomes and families looking to buy their first homes cannot afford to see their tax bill increase hundreds of dollars each year. Renters cannot afford those pass-through increases either.

Keven LeBlanc led the charge with me to secure our tax rate cut, but that’s just a start. We need more of his clear-eyed and intentional leadership on the Council. We certainly don’t need to see our tax rates increasing, as some of my colleagues have suggested. For more fiscal responsibility on Council, support Keven LeBlanc For Herndon Mayor and elect Clark Hedrick, Stevan Porter, Tamim Chowdhury, Alex Reyes, and Mike Lloyd to Council.

Keven LeBlanc For Herndon Mayor Porter4Herndon Reyes 4 Herndon

Election Day is only three weeks away! During this campaign, I’ve knocked on over 2,000 doors and each conversation has been inspiring. I want you to know: I’ve heard you loud and clear. We need a Council that will prioritize your needs and vision for the Town above personal pet projects and the special interests—that is my commitment to you.

We have so much to be proud of as a Town and a lot of work to get done. If you haven’t voted yet, I look forward to meeting you either as I knock doors or at the polls. Let’s bring !

Friday Night Live! is on the ballot this November. Whether it’s supporting Friday Night Live!, lowering tax rates, or generating economic development, Keven LeBlanc (Keven LeBlanc For Herndon Mayor) is the only mayoral candidate who will put Herndon’s interests first.

For 30 years, Friday Night Live! has brought Herndon together, once a week, every Friday throughout the summer. Not only that, it brings thousands of visitors from all over our region to support Herndon’s small businesses. This privately organized and volunteer-run event is a testament to Herndon’s unique and diverse community. The Town provides some support—our public works department prepares the Town green and our police ensure public order and safety.

For some reason, a majority of my Council colleagues, and the candidates they are supporting for Council, want to withhold Town support for Friday Night Live! unless the organizers change the event’s programming. They want to leverage taxpayer resources to compel a private organization to ignore the decades of data they have collected; they want to use your Town government to control the speech and expression of citizen volunteers who have spent their time and resources to create our most successful and beloved event in Town.

One of my colleagues has even suggested that the Town cancel the event.

Don’t let them do it. Please vote for Keven for Mayor, and elect a team of new, independent voices who will put your interests over the political interests of partisan activists who do not live in, love, or even know Herndon. Please support Clark Hedrick, Stevan Porter, Alex Reyes, Tamim Chowdhury, and Mike Lloyd for Town Council.

Friday Night Live! - Herndon Rocks Keven LeBlanc For Herndon Mayor Porter4Herndon Reyes 4 Herndon
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Photo © 2021 Laura B. Poindexter. Used with permission.

As begins, I want to extend my warmest wishes to everyone observing this sacred day of reflection and atonement. Yom Kippur is a time for introspection, renewal, and seeking peace both within ourselves and with others. It offers a chance to pause, reflect on the past year, and set intentions for the year ahead.

To all those fasting and seeking forgiveness, may you find strength, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. May this day bring peace to you, your family, and our entire community. G’mar Chatima Tova—may you be sealed in the Book of Life.

Good Governance:

As a government professional committed to reform, oversight, and responsiveness, I want to continue to lead the Council in careful budgeting, streamlining Town administration, and easing the regulatory burden on homeowners and local businesses. In my first term, I have championed those issues and I fought to enact Herndon’s first tax rate cut in over a decade. A diverse and growing community means that the Town Council needs to be laser focused on reducing the costs of living here while improving the Town services we rely on. I believe we can (and must) “walk and chew gum at the same time.”