Some past and present members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors – including two former chairmen – share their thoughts following the death of former Sully District Supervisor Michael Frey.

* Sharon Bulova, former Board of Supervisors chairman: “Mike Frey was a wonderful friend and colleague on the Board and a huge animal lover. Whenever police came before the Board to be recognized for their contributions, their entourage often included a police dog. The dog always gravitated to Michael – actually, Michael’s pockets – where dog biscuits and treats could be found.

As chairman, during budget season I visited each of my colleagues to discuss the mark-up package. At the Sully District office, I was always greeted by a large German Shepherd, first Marley and later Boomer, who’d sit on my feet while I went over proposed amendments to the advertised budget with Michael. 

Before I left, he usually led me on a tour to see his other rescue critters – guinea pigs, ferrets, etc. And when it snowed and county facilities were closed, he undertook heroic efforts to get through snow-covered roads and parking lots to care for the pets in his office.
Michael was the best kind of Republican. Sometimes in the minority, sometimes in the majority on the BOS, he could always be counted on to know his stuff and support fiscal decisions best serving the community. He was a common-sense, caring, elected official. The county and his constituents were fortunate to be represented by him. And he was so sweet – just the nicest person. Michael was special, and I sure will miss him.”
* Kate Hanley, former Board of Supervisors chairman: “I sat next to Mike Frey when he first joined the Board and I was Providence Supervisor. He was always attentive to the issues citizens brought us.  I really appreciated his gentle, but wicked, wit during sometimes long, sometimes contentious, meetings.    

Later, while I was chairman, we had an extremely cooperative bipartisan relationship to get things done in Sully – particularly the first iteration of the Route 28/29 Interchange. As the first supervisor of the newest district in Fairfax County, he had lots to do. Mike understood what it meant to be a public servant and served his constituents and the county admirably. 

He also knew I wasn’t particularly fond of dogs then. When our VA Task Force 1 members returned from deployment, we always recognized them and their wonderful canines in the Board auditorium. But I could never figure out why these dogs were so fond of me. Then one day, walking behind Mike to go down to the floor for a photo, I caught him slipping dog treats into my jacket pocket. Apparently, he’d enjoyed the results several times previously – as did I from then on.”

* Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn: “I first met Mike Frey as a 20-year-old intern in 1987. He was chief of staff to Springfield Supervisor Elaine McConnell, and what struck me then was his kindness. It was a busy and politically charged time, and we worked for people who weren’t on the same side politically, yet he’d still talk with me and make me feel welcome. 

A couple years ago, I spoke with him at an event, and we talked about the elderly cat one of our children had adopted and was somehow now ours. Mike was well known for adopting pets no one else wanted, and we spoke about how to care for elderly cats and dogs, the extra work required and less time together – but also how important it was for someone to step up and care.  

One of his last adoptees was a dog both deaf and blind – a combination requiring Mike to carry him around. But to those of us who knew him, that wasn’t terribly remarkable, that was just Mike. There’s a special place in heaven for Mike Frey.”

* Pat Herrity, Springfield District supervisor: “Michael was a good friend and was my mentor when I joined the Board. He got his start in local politics working for my dad when he was Board of Supervisors chairman in 1978. Michael had a passion for animals; his advocacy was second to none and continued until he passed. I was happy to ask the Board to name the animal shelter after him. He’ll be sorely missed by Fairfax County residents and by me.”

* Jeff McKay, current Board of Supervisors chairman: “Michael Frey combined deep expertise with genuine kindness. Whether working through complex land-use issues, talking baseball or listening to a concerned resident, he treated everyone with respect, patience and good humor. He believed deeply in public service, working thoughtfully and leaving his community better than he found it. That generosity of spirit defined both his leadership and his life, and I was honored to have him as both a colleague and a good friend.”

* Kathy Smith, current Sully District supervisor: “It’s difficult to put into words the impact Michael Frey had on our community. As Sully’s first supervisor, he helped lay the foundation for the vibrant and thriving community we know today. I was fortunate to work alongside him when he was supervisor and I was on the School Board. 

His commitment to transportation, parks, youth services, animal welfare and the people he served set a high standard that continues to guide our work. All of us in Sully have benefited from Michael’s dedication, and he’ll be remembered as a leader who truly loved the community he served.”