Handly Making Push for City Council Seat

Paul Handly envisions a pro-business City of Falls Church in the years to come.

Handly, 46, is hoping others share his vision and elect him to city council in May’s election. Attracting retail and professional services to Falls Church would bring economic growth, he said.

“I love the city and there’s a lot going on and I love public service,” Handly said. “It looks to me city council could use my skills.”

Handly joins , , , , City Councilman and Mayor as the seven council candidates on the May ballot. Baroukh is running for re-election to city council and according to the city's website, with the seating of a new council, the council members elect the mayor and vice mayor for a two-year term.

This is Handly’s first attempt running for public office. He is a member of the Village Preservation and Improvement Society, Falls Church Arts, First Lego League (MEH Robotics Team), and helps with the Cub Scouts Pack 657 sponsored by Falls Church Presbyterian Church. He said his family is behind him and have made his decision to run easier.

“They said they think I’m crazy but they support me because they know this is what I want to do,” Handly said.

A chief technology officer, Handly said he has experience starting and growing businesses. He said his skills, especially listening to the public, could be used to assist the city in their effort to attract businesses.

“The whole City Center South is a good example of how we didn’t include the landowners the way we should have,” Handly said. “We need to engage them in our planning process early on.”

For more information on Handly’s campaign, click here.