James Hurysz

James Hurysz decided to run for the Arlington Board of Supervisors in the Democratic primary because he wanted to help improve the quality of life in the city. In 2004 and 2006, he ran as an Independent candidate for the House of Representatives in the United States (there is no party registration required in the Commonwealth of Virginia and it is common for candidates to run for political office as Independents).

James Hurysz grew more worried about local quality of life being degraded as a result of rising urbanization after standing for Congress. Because of this, Jim backed politicians that cared about quality of life concerns in local, state, and national politics. "Jim continued to push for social, economic, and environmental sustainability over growth-for-the-sake-of-growth" in the latter years of his life.