The GFCA is pleased to invite members, friends, and area residents to this year’s Candidates Forum.  This occasion marks the return of the GFCA’s tradition of bringing the community together with area candidates for public office who will represent Great Falls.

Event Date: Wednesday September 27, 2023

Location: Great Falls Grange, 9818 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls 22066

Arrival Time: 5:30 pm (Informal Time to Meet the Candidates, Lower level of Grange)

Forum start: 6:30 pm (Upper level of Grange)

Forum conclusion: 9:15 pm

Because of state-wide redistricting and some retirements, there is an entirely new slate of candidates seeking to represent our legislative districts at the county and state levels.  This event will be a great occasion to hear what they have to say and how their positions may impact our community.  The GFCA has received confirmations from the two candidates seeking to represent the Dranesville District on the Board of Supervisors, James “Jimmy” Bierman (D), and Puneet Ahluwalia (R), as well as the candidates for our State Senate District, Jennifer Boysko (D), and Matthew Lang (R).  Also appearing will be the candidates for the House of Delegates, Richard “Rip” Sullivan (D), and Kristin Hoffman (R).  This is a unique opportunity for Great Falls residents to hear from those who seek to represent us in public office.  To view the candidates' biographical statements, click Here.

As in previous GFCA hosted candidate forums, we expect this year’s program to cover a broad range of important topics and concerns that may exist at both the county and state levels.  The GFCA’s goal is to provide a structured program that offers candidates equal time to present their views and answer questions on such topics as tax impact and budgets, transportation challenges, land use and development policies, solutions to address affordable housing needs, our environment, and public safety.

Event Highlights:

• Meet the candidates:  Prior to the main event, the candidates will be available on the lower level of the Grange Hall to introduce themselves and to engage with members of the community.
• Main event:  Candidates will have equal time to make individual statements which will be followed by a moderated Q&A session where candidates will respond to questions collected in advance by GFCA.  Audience members will be able to submit written questions at the event.
• Refreshments and informal dialogue with the candidates will close the evening.

The GFCA is committed to ensuring that this event will be a respectful and inclusive environment and hopes this forum will help play a key role in informing our community and GFCA members about the choices they have in the upcoming election.  Attendees should plan on arriving early, as a large turn-out is expected.  Written questions are being invited from members in advance of the event.  If you would like to submit a question for consideration during the forum, click Here.