Clifton Elections: Meet the Mayor

The town of Clifton elections are coming up on Tuesday, May 1. The previous members of the town council are running unopposed, but the council is still encouraging residents to vote.

Polls will open starting at 6 a.m. through 7 p.m. at the Clifton town meeting hall at 12641 Chapel Road.

Patch sent each member of the council a questionnaire about Clifton's future. Their answers will run in advance of the election. Below is the questionnaire for the town mayor, Bill Hollaway.

"My view is that people should exercise their right to vote always because it’s such a valuable right," Hollaway said.

Short Bio

I am a partner with the law firm of Gibson Dunn, where I lead the Energy Regulatory practice. I received a Ph.D. from MIT and a J.D. from Georgetown. I am mayor of Clifton, was twice elected a council member, and served as chairman of the planning commission.

How long have you lived in Clifton?

20 years

What improvements do you envision to revitalize Main Street?

I envision the town making significant improvements over the next year to both the “Triangle” at the entrance to the town on Main Street, which is the gateway to the town, and to Ayre Square, which is the town square in the middle of the town. Both improvements will follow the designs and philosophy created by the comprehensive Streetscape Master Plan we just completed, with extensive public involvement, and terrific leadership by Susan Yantis. Both improvements also will be cost-effective and sensitive to budget constraints. With the volunteer spirit of Clifton, we will improve the town without breaking the bank.

Do you think a “green initiative” should be an important consideration for Clifton?

The people of the Clifton Community have been “green” long before being green was the “in” thing. Our citizens respect the environment and live within its means. The essence of historic preservation and environmental preservation go hand-in-hand. Rather than having a separate initiative, we weave environmental responsibility into our planning on an organic basis. 

What is your position on updating Clifton’s sign ordinance?

I strongly support updating Clifton’s sign ordinance to reflect today’s needs.  We have initiated a process to obtain input and feedback from the town businesses, residents, and the Architectural Review Board through a series of meetings discussing how to update the town’s sign ordinance to reflect current needs. I am confident that great ideas will rise up through this community process. This is an important issue to the town and we will craft a balanced solution.

What other issue is important to residents of the Town of Clifton, and what solutions would you propose to address it?

It is important that we have an elementary school in the Clifton community. Area schools are becoming even more crowded and enrollment is growing. There is a site in Clifton where a school could be constructed or renovated. I will continue to work positively and proactively with the School Board and stakeholder groups to develop and implement solutions to alleviate school overcrowding and bring an elementary school back to Clifton. 

Editor's note: The above questions and answers were also submitted to the League of Women Voters for their voters' guide.