BY JONAS BEALS

When Stafford County officials considered closing schools last year, Irene Egan knew she had to get involved. The mother of two elementary school students will vie for the Aquia District supervisor seat against Republican incumbent Paul Milde and fellow independent Paul Ortiz.

For Egan, the school incident was the last straw, emblematic of poor decisions and a lack of transparency that she feels have been the norm for too long.

"I saw things happening that I wasn't too keen about," she said. "Somebody has to be in there looking at the full transparency of the government."

Egan is running as an independent, in part so she can avoid what she sees as partisan confrontations that have dogged the current board. She considers herself to be a conservative independent.

"I really would like to see a little more friendliness toward one another on the board," she said. "Everyone is working toward the same goal, and you can't do that with hatred."

As it is for other candidates, the business, professional and occupational license tax also is an issue of concern. When the tax was passed, Egan did not support it. Now that it has been added to next year's budget, she can't see a good way to repeal it.

"What happens to the budget when the BPOL goes away?" she asked. "Do you take money out of the general fund? Chisel it out of my children's education? We can't repeal the BPOL on the backs of our schools or public safety."

She hopes that with a little more cooperation, the board can overcome those hurdles and find solutions that will benefit everyone.

"I want to make decisions based on what's right for my community, my neighbors and my kids--not based on party," Egan said. "You can't ever put your party first. Unfortunately, that isn't happening here."

Jonas Beals: 540/368-5036
Email: jbeals@freelancestar.com