Katie Hammler has served on the Leesburg Town Council for the past eight years. She is currently seeking re-election during this year's campaign.

During her kickoff back on Sept. 9, Hammler shared some of the key priorities the town has to face within the next four years. Among them, homeowner affordability, job creation and economic development, as well as the quality of life.

"It’s clear we have accomplished a lot in the past eight years," Hammler said during her speech, such as improving the town's image through land development process and by branding Leesburg an entrepreneurial center with a vibrant Arts & Cultural district. 

"We have achieved major high quality economic development successes. We have achieved major transportation goals. We have improved our quality of life in concrete and measurable ways. Above all, we have stayed true to our goal of homeowner affordability," Hammler said. "And yet, we have some of the most challenging days ahead to ensure we maintain or increase homeowner affordability, while continuing to make improvements."

Back in June, Hammler said that she would also like to help ensure that the town’s tax rate does not go up significantly in 2017. Those elected later this year will determine that, she said.

The town also needs predictable expenses for essential and efficient town services. Without additional financial burdens, Hammler said more time can be spent with families while enjoying the hometown.

Currently, Hammler serves on, or is the Council's liaison, to the Leesburg Thomas Balch Library Commission, Leesburg Technology and Communication Commission, VML's Legislative Committee and National League of Cities, among other things.

A former Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves, she earned her B.A. in International Relations from Brown University and an MBA in Information Systems Management from The George Washington University, where she graduated Beta Gamma Sigma. Hammler is President & CEO of KSH Technology Solutions, LLC, a Woman-Owned/Veteran-Owned Small Business (WOSB/VOSB).

If re-elected, Hammler said she will continue to be a council member who listens to citizens, researches the issues, compromises with civility, and makes the tough decisions that benefit Leesburg residents.

"The individuals we elect to serve us on our Leesburg council make a huge difference and we need to elect experienced council members with proven records on Leesburg Priority issues," Hammler said.

"It is crucial that we re-elect council members with the budget and planning experience to achieve the crucial balance between enhancing necessary town services and maintaining an affordable tax rate," she continued. "I will continue to be a Council member who listens to citizens, researches the issues, compromises with civility, and makes the tough decisions that benefit Leesburg residents."

The Town Council elections will be held on Nov. 6. To learn more about Katie Hammler visit her campaign website online.