In Episode 236 of District of Conservation, Gabriella speaks with Fairfax City Councilman Sang Yi about yesterday's City Council vote to institute a stormwater utility fee, a.k.a. rain tax, by a 4-2 vote. The proposal will cost city taxpayers $4.48 million in 2022. Yi was one of two council members to oppose it. 

Councilman Sang Yi was first elected to office in May 2018. He was the top vote-getter of any city council candidate in his first race and his 2020 re-election bid. On the Council, Sang is a strong advocate for the most efficient use of our taxpayer dollars, and is a leading voice for the preservation of the City’s character and family-friendly environment. He understands that as a Councilman, he represents the residents to City Hall, and not the other way around.

Sang has a deep gratitude and respect for the American Dream, which motivated him to dedicate his life to public service in pursuit of growing opportunities for others. An experienced government professional, Sang currently serves as a senior congressional aide focused on oversight of our U.S. government at the highest levels to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse.

As immigrants from Seoul, South Korea, Sang and his parents moved to the Washington metropolitan area in the 1980s. Sang and his wife, Sarah, moved to the City of Fairfax to find a home where they could raise their children, enjoy a sense of community, and still be within a reasonable distance to work. They are blessed to be the parents of two young children, both of whom were born as City residents.

Gabriella and the two-term lawmaker discuss his background, what led him to run for office, the proposed Fairfax City rain tax, the rain tax vote and how it won't help Chesapeake Bay conservation efforts. Tune in! 

SHOW NOTES

Read Councilman Yi's Washington Examiner column

ATR: City of Fairfax Wants to Tax the Rain

Tax Foundation: Maryland’s Rain Tax Mandate Washed Away

Chesapeake Bay Foundation doesn't tax stormwater utility fees

President Biden signed infrastructure bill including historic Bay funding budget ($238M across five years) into law

Learn more about Councilman Yi here and connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.