FAIRFAX, VA — The three candidates running for Braddock District supervisor participated in a candidate forum Wednesday night, where they discussed funding for public schools, the impact federal layoffs and furloughs have had on the local economy, and the preservation of Lake Accotink.

Kenneth Paul Balbuena (R), Carey Chet Campbell (I), and Rachna Sizemore Heizer (D) fielded questions from an audience of about 60 people in the North Springfield Elementary School cafeteria. The event was hosted by the North Springfield Civic Association.

Balbuena, Campbell, and Sizemore Heizer are on the Dec. 9 ballot to see who will complete the remainder of former Supervisor James Walkinshaw's (D) term, which runs until Nov. 2, 2027.

The seat became vacant when Walkinshaw defeated Republican challenger Stewart Whitson in the Sept. 9 special election, filling the congressional seat held by U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D), who died in May. The former supervisor's victory created the need for the Dec. 9 special election.

Here are excerpts from remarks made by the candidates during Wednesday night's forum.

"The No. 1 reason that I run, I have 45 years of federal service, is to be of service to you, because that's what the Braddock District supervisor job is all about. When you call and you have an issue, we have to address it. We have to get you an answer, or find someone who can answer your question." — Carey Chet Campbell

"I am really proud to now be running for Braddock District supervisor, because I want to bring that integrity, that heart, that passion for service, to serve you. One thing I'm really proud of in my record on the school board is I don't care who you are, who you love, where you're from, your political party, I'm here to serve you." — Rachna Sizemore Heizer

"People have always been at the forefront of what my public service is. 'People before politics' is my campaign slogan, and that is what I focus on. I don't focus on party labels. I focus on making sure I'm representing the needs of the people. I've got five priorities, I'm going to touch on just a couple of them. One of them is to really just restore confidence and trust back into the Board of Supervisors to reassure those that we represent that their voices are heard and listened to, not only just heard, but listened to." — Kenneth Paul Balbuena

"There are a lot of things already being done. The Braddock District office right now is already sending out a list on a regular basis of facilities. There have been meetings for unemployment, for people who want to learn how to apply for unemployment. There have been meetings where people are looking for part-time jobs. There have been opportunities to go and get food. All of those things are coming out of the Braddock District. — Carey Chet Campbell

"I have a vision to build on our strong local economy, building on the strengths of what we have here in Fairfax County. We have a strong cybersecurity presence already. Many of the organizations and companies that support the federal government have a cyber expertise. Mason has cybersecurity training programs with workforce development right here in the Braddock District and we can utilize the infrastructure with the highly skilled workforce to help plug them into growing a cybersecurity industry that has jobs for people with and without college degrees. That reduces the reliance on the federal government." — Rachna Sizemore Heizer