Meet The Candidate: Naila Alam For Herndon Town Council
HERNDON, VA — In addition to voting for the president and vice president, U.S. senator and U.S. representative in the Nov. 3 general election, residents of the Town of Herndon will be choosing from among 10 candidates to fill vacant seats on the Town Council. They will also choose who will be the new mayor.
Naila Alam, 55, works for a profit organization and has 17 years of experience in real estate. She is running for the Herndon Town Council.
As part of its coverage of the 2020 election, Patch has asked each of the candidates in Herndon to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they're the best person to fill the job they're running for.
Candidate
Naila Alam
Age (as of Election Day)
55
Town/City of Residence
Herndon
Office Sought
Herndon Town Council
Party Affiliation
Democrat
Family
Husband and sister
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No
Education
Associate degree from NOVA College
Occupation
Non profit organization and real estate 17 years of experience
Campaign website
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
Former Board member for Governor Terry McAuliffe's Public Guardian and Conservatory Advisory Board
The single most pressing issue facing Herndon is affordable housing for underserved families, and this is what I intend to do about it.
Single most pressing issue I consider is affordable housing for underserved families of our town. There is a large number of immigrants who consider Herndon their home. They work for the benefit of the Town and neighborhoods. It’s important that their American dream should be fulfilled.
Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?
Black lives not only matter, they are precious! There is lots back and forth on whose life matters more, it is not a competition! It is important to try to understand the causes that has deprived black communities’ equality and progress. It is not only the mistreatment blacks feel from the police, it is the systemic problem that has marginalized them. Basically, all racial and or immigrant groups in America have felt some form another of discrimination but, there has been no letup on blacks. Black live indeed matter and they must be protected, humanity owes this to blacks, we all would not be here if it was not for blacks! Blacks want equality not charity.
What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police?
I believe, it is imperative to develop strong police / public relationship in order to dispel any misunderstanding and situations causing mistrust. In our democratic system of policing, police carries out the mandate of people. People have to have confidence in their police and police also has to feel the public support. It is a symbiotic relationship, we need each other. We are blessed with a great police agency under a public oriented leadership and defunding it in any fashion, will only erode the police services and will have negative impact the crime rate. Recent events around the nation has indeed highlighted the need for some level of police reforms at a national level but we have to be careful not to brush our police department with a broad brush. I am for more engagement between our police and the community which will only help.
What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?
There have been more than 200,000 loss of precious lives and if we want to stop the spread of corona virus, we should take these measures, such as wearing face mask, avoiding big crowds and social distancing should be mandatory.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am a people’s person and have a proven track record of ability to relate well with the diverse group of people, as I consider myself having persuasive communication skills. I am appreciative to the differing viewpoints.
I retain exceptional learning and delivering abilities with high standard of professional integrity. I believe that for the Herndon Town we must have a proactive planning for long term.
I am best at relationship-building organization, and making sound judgements under pressure and within tight deadlines. I am also bilingual and can speak, write and understand Urdu.
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)
I wonder that in last one decade, we could not take advantage of economic growth for the betterment of the Town. Many ideas and CIP projects were not taken in account. We must continue to provide services before it become difficult and challenging by the increasing demands to help. I am sure that the Council members want to address the issues ahead of time, and I would want to work with them to give a facelift to the Town of Herndon, a place I live and love.
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform
I wonder that in last one decade, we could not take advantage of economic growth for the betterment of the Town. Many ideas and CIP projects were not taken in account. We must continue to provide services before it become difficult and challenging by the increasing demands to help. I am sure that the Council members want to address the issues ahead of time, and I would want to work with them to give a facelift to the Town of Herndon, a place I live and love.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As I indicated earlier that I am a people’s person, and in my entire career I have been working with the community especially women. Along with public service, I have been a volunteer and helping our political candidates as well. My training from the Herndon Police Academy and serving on the Governor Terry McAullife’s board Public Guardian and Conservatory Advisory Board has brought to me lot of knowledge and knowhow of dealing with issues faced by the community members.
If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?
If I get a chance to serve on this position, I will use all my efforts for the benefit of the residents of Town of Herndon. That will be my real success when I will see the people’s satisfied faces.
Why should voters trust you?
I am proud to be a member of the large South Asian community that is remarkably diverse and hard working.
Following are my strengths and abilities that I am sure are required for a council member:
Ability to think critically
Excellent analytical abilities
Detailed oriented
Team leadership and cooperation
What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?
Due to the changes in the regional environment there should be a balance of constant cuts and revenues.
Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?
I would like to serve my full term
The best advice ever shared with me was:
During my training at the Sorensen Institute of Political Training Program, Mr. Bob Gibson, (Director) advised me to become the voice of your community, that is immigrant community. He said you can bridge the gap between the government and the community.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I have experience of community service. As far as the governing body of the Town council is concerned I am running for the first time. I will work with the Mayor and the rest of the council members for policies and administration of the Town, to make it an ideal place to call home.
This article originally appeared on the Herndon Patch
