Katie Sheldon Hammler Seeks Lower Tax Rates, Homeowner Affordability

For the first time ever, the Leesburg Town Council elections will be held on Nov. 6. The change comes after  passed a referendum to change town elections from May to November, in even-numbered years.

 on the ballot this year, four of whom will be returning members. Among them is Katie Hammler, who has served on the Town Council for eight years.

Hammler said she decided to run for a third term 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.

“I am fiscally conservative and will vote against adding any major new capital expenditures,” Hammler said. “A majority of council must also be willing to reduce operational expenses to meet the budget gap anticipated by our town manager. I have a proven record of saying no to major projects we can not afford, such as the $10 million town hall expansion and the $7.6 million SW Connector.”

Hammler said that an important issue that she’d like to focus on is homeowner affordability.

“I have already mentioned the importance of the discipline to say “no” to any new major spending initiatives,” she said. “The other side of that equation is working to increase the town’s commercial revenues, through economic development, in order to reduce the tax burden from our residential homeowners.”

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

Currently, Hammler serves on, or is 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).

Hammler said she really enjoys meeting with Leesburg residents and business owners, listening to what’s important to them, and bringing those ideas to council.

“This election year, I will have the opportunity to introduce myself to registered voters who may never have voted in a Leesburg election, although they vote in national elections,” Hammler said. “I am looking forward to meeting a lot of new Leesburg neighbors, as I'm out knocking on doors, and hearing how best to represent them.”