How to Help Fired Federal Workers with County Supervisor James Walkinshaw

This week, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Fairfax County, VA, County Supervisor James Walkinshaw as he navigates the significant  impact of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency  on his community amid firings of federal employees who safeguard our national security, energy, social security, public health, and much more. Walkinshaw discusses how these cuts impact families, morale, and the politics of Virginia. He also talks about his path to public office, from his decade serving as Chief of Staff to Congressman Gerry Connolly to his transition to local office, worrying about sewer lines and trash, which he finds even more rewarding. Tune in to hear Walkinshaw’s outlook on Virginia’s elections later this year and what they might mean for the rest of the country in 2026 and 2028.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [01:04] Introducing County Supervisor James Walkinshaw and our conversation with him.

• [02:21] How the Federal workforce is responding to Elon Musk and DOGE.

• [04:29] Walkinshaw’s perspective on the Federal Government’s ability to respond to national need.

• [06:50] The shifting role of nonpartisan governance and the future of government careers.

• [09:03] Why Supervisor Walkinshaw likes to think of local government as the end of the line.

• [11:47] What local government focuses on and how this interacts with its other levels.

• [14:13] Addressing the changing needs of the fast-growing Fairfax County.

• [17:00] His journey to public service as a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

• [19:43] What keeps him motivated to stay in politics through difficult times.

• [21:56] Advice for anyone who wants to run for local office.

• [24:34] Navigating politics in the vast state of Virginia in 2025.

• [29:02] The political response to the shocking shifts that have recently occurred in the federal government.