Jon Gerlach is a retired archaeologist and lawyer running to represent Ward 2 on the city council in Fredericksburg. Gerlach received his undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh and his law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law. He owns a law firm based in Fredericksburg. He is a chair of the City's Architectural Review Board and a member of the city’s Historic Preservation Working Group. He and his wife have two children and eight grandchildren.
Gerlach supports strong environmental regulations and protections. He is an avid member of Fossil Free Fredericksburg, which in 2019 successfully lobbied city council to commit to relying on 100% renewable energy community-wide by 2050. The group also encouraged the council to hire a full-time sustainability coordinator. Gerlach is a strong supporter of conservation efforts for the Rappahannock River and supports increasing tree coverage and reducing paved surfaces to help keep the river clean and healthy. He would like to see the city implement more environmentally friendly construction, including using solar panels and emphasizing walkability and other sustainable transportation options.
Gerlach supports equity in Fredericksburg and understands that the strength of Fredericksburg communities comes from their diversity. He is a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and the LGBTQ+ community. He supports the implementation of the Marcus Alert System, which is working to ensure that individuals undergoing behavioral health crises or experiencing substance abuse are supported through the proper channels, rather than being diverted to the criminal justice system. In running for office, he has pledged to “reject all bigotry, discrimination, or prejudice” and to “treat everyone as I want to be treated – with respect and courtesy.”
Gerlach will work to ensure all members of the Fredericksburg community can afford to live in the area. He would like to see the city prioritize affordable housing in its planning, so that no one is priced out of their homes and communities maintain their socioeconomic diversity as the city grows. Additionally, as a member of the Historic Preservation Working Group, he understands the importance of maintaining the city’s character. However, he believes that intentional and carefully planned growth can allow for population growth while maintaining the city’s charm and community spaces.
One of Gerlach’s top priorities is ensuring all residents of Fredericksburg have access to high quality education. He supports funding universal pre-K classes. He would like to see the city address its overcrowded schools so that students are receiving sufficient teacher attention. Additionally, he supports the establishment of a workforce training institute, which would allow students to graduate with an associate’s degree, and be able to earn high wages. He also supports more investment into adult learning centers, so that adults can gain new skills and increase their economic mobility.
Gerlach is running against Navy veteran and physician William “Andrew” Reese. Reese plans to prioritize public safety in the city by ensuring EMS and Fire and Rescue services are not over-extended. He supports the historic preservation of Fredericksburg’s landmarks and believes supporting small businesses is critical to maintaining the city’s culture. He would like to increase affordable housing options in the city, as well.
Due to his support for environmental protection, equity, affordable housing, and public education, Jon Gerlach is the most progressive choice in this race.
Jon Gerlach is a retired archaeologist and lawyer running to represent Ward 2 on the city council in Fredericksburg. Gerlach received his undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh and his law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law. He owns a law firm based in Fredericksburg. He is a chair of the City's Architectural Review Board and a member of the city’s Historic Preservation Working Group. He and his wife have two children and eight grandchildren.
Gerlach supports strong environmental regulations and protections. He is an avid member of Fossil Free Fredericksburg, which in 2019 successfully lobbied city council to commit to relying on 100% renewable energy community-wide by 2050. The group also encouraged the council to hire a full-time sustainability coordinator. Gerlach is a strong supporter of conservation efforts for the Rappahannock River and supports increasing tree coverage and reducing paved surfaces to help keep the river clean and healthy. He would like to see the city implement more environmentally friendly construction, including using solar panels and emphasizing walkability and other sustainable transportation options.
Gerlach supports equity in Fredericksburg and understands that the strength of Fredericksburg communities comes from their diversity. He is a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and the LGBTQ+ community. He supports the implementation of the Marcus Alert System, which is working to ensure that individuals undergoing behavioral health crises or experiencing substance abuse are supported through the proper channels, rather than being diverted to the criminal justice system. In running for office, he has pledged to “reject all bigotry, discrimination, or prejudice” and to “treat everyone as I want to be treated – with respect and courtesy.”
Gerlach will work to ensure all members of the Fredericksburg community can afford to live in the area. He would like to see the city prioritize affordable housing in its planning, so that no one is priced out of their homes and communities maintain their socioeconomic diversity as the city grows. Additionally, as a member of the Historic Preservation Working Group, he understands the importance of maintaining the city’s character. However, he believes that intentional and carefully planned growth can allow for population growth while maintaining the city’s charm and community spaces.
One of Gerlach’s top priorities is ensuring all residents of Fredericksburg have access to high quality education. He supports funding universal pre-K classes. He would like to see the city address its overcrowded schools so that students are receiving sufficient teacher attention. Additionally, he supports the establishment of a workforce training institute, which would allow students to graduate with an associate’s degree, and be able to earn high wages. He also supports more investment into adult learning centers, so that adults can gain new skills and increase their economic mobility.
Gerlach is running against Navy veteran and physician William “Andrew” Reese. Reese plans to prioritize public safety in the city by ensuring EMS and Fire and Rescue services are not over-extended. He supports the historic preservation of Fredericksburg’s landmarks and believes supporting small businesses is critical to maintaining the city’s culture. He would like to increase affordable housing options in the city, as well.
Due to his support for environmental protection, equity, affordable housing, and public education, Jon Gerlach is the most progressive choice in this race.
This election will be held on November 2, 2021, and shares a ballot with statewide offices of governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general. Incumbent Delegate Lashrecse Aird (D) is facing a challenge from small business owner Kim Taylor (R). Del. Aird has held the seat since 2016.