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THE COUNTY EDIT CONVERSATION · OCTOBER 2026 · FAIRFAX CITY
Small city, big ballot
This month, in Fairfax City, we're doing what we've always do. We're introducing people.
HOSTED BY ANNETTE SCHMITZ · OLD TOWN, FAIRFAX CITY
The clock in Old Town, Fairfax City.
Fairfax City is small enough to walk across in an afternoon, and this November its ballot
is anything but. Voters will choose a mayor, up to six city council members from eleven
candidates, and school board members — and decide on a 1% sales tax for school
construction and public transportation.
We met three of the people on that ballot at a block party in the Mobius Records
parking lot on Main Street, and a week later we sat down with each of them to get to
know them properly. Local is where politics stops being a headline and starts being your life.
Annette & Yvonne
Tom Peterson, Rachel McQuillen and Stacy Hall are candidates in the City of Fairfax election on 3 November. This is not an endorsement, and
The County Edit does not make them. We asked them about the city and their lives here, not about the campaign, and the same invitation is
open to every other candidate on the ballot.
Stone soup and shady streets
TOM PETERSON · COUNCILMEMBER, RUNNING FOR MAYOR
A Fairfax County native and 24-year Fairfax City resident, Tom sits on the City Council, has chaired its Environmental Sustainability Committee, and runs the Center for Climate Strategies.
We sat down with Tom under the trees to talk about what he loves most about the city: its bike routes, parks and walkable streets, and a neighborhood that comes together the way the villagers do in Stone Soup.
Rachel McQuillen (left) and Stacy Hall
WED 21 OCT · 33 MIN · NEW
Never underestimate a PTA parent
RACHEL MCQUILLEN & STACY HALL · COUNCILMEMBERS
Eleven candidates are running for six seats, and two of them joined us in Old Town. Both are finishing their first term on the City Council. They arrived on a council with no permanent city manager and a budget already waiting.
We also asked what makes Fairfax City great, and the answers ran from Rock the Block on the last Friday of the month to pickleball and a tie-dye studio called Perfect Mistakes. “We really punch above our weight,” Stacy says.
Flamenco, on Main Street
FAIRFAX FLAMENCO COLLECTIVE
The month closes with the Fairfax Flamenco Collective, founded by Renee Gokey.
COMING WEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER
The parent who delivers babies
HALEY KEELY · THE INAUGURAL SERIES, FIVE OF FIVE
Released for National Midwifery Week. Part of the Field School of Hvar series.
YOUR VOTE, IN THREE DATES
Now – 31 Oct
Early voting is open. In Fairfax City, at City Hall, weekdays 8:30am–5pm, plus Sunday 25 October and Saturdays 24 and 31 October.
23 Oct
Last day to register online or by mail, and to request a mail-in ballot. You can also register in person when you vote early or on Election Day.
3 Nov
Election Day. Polls are open 6am–7pm.
Not in Fairfax City? Maryland and DC have their own dates — check with your local elections office.