Chapman will seek exception to use smaller sites to build schools, more gas tax funding for region

The Woodbridge District in Prince William County is one that is undergoing massive redevelopment.

Once one of the first major areas in the county to grow, new developments, and redevelopment along the Route 1 corridor are bringing in not only new residents, but new businesses like the Apple Store that are locating to the region for the first time. 

Steve Chapman won a June Republican Primary Election, and was selected by his party to face incumbent Democrat Frank Principi.

Potomac Local sent a questionnaire to Chapman and he sent us the responses below:

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PL: What are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent?

Chapman: Traffic, overcrowding in schools/failing test scores, customer/constituent services

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?

Chapman: Traffic- 1. Better timing of lights

2. Stronger voice to get Woodbridge our fair share of the new gas tax

3. Improved communication- Regular progress updates- town hall, email and web

4. Champion- Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances-better roads, schools and ball fields before approval of new housing developments Over Crowding- Woodbridge is two elementary schools behind. Currently, the school board requires 20-acre site for an elementary school to be built.

Woodbridge does not have the sites this size available but there is several 15 acre sites. I would ask the school board to make exceptions in order to use the smaller site. Currently Belmont, Potomac View and Featherstone are on similar smaller size sites.

Further, I would work with local community groups and churches to solicit volunteers and mentors to help children with their school work to raise test scores. Little things mean a lot.

As I’ve knocked on over 4,000 doors neighborhood by neighborhood I have heard concerns and frustrations about the little things that negatively affect Woodbridge’s quality of life and diminish our property values. Taking care of the little things like finish walking and bike paths that have been promised and not completed, more policing in hot spots, add speed bumps and stop signs where there is excessive speeding. enforce spot blight laws, increase funding for neighborhood services will establish trust, pride and make our community stronger, safer and more prosperous.

PL: From your prospective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Chapman: I see it as an opportunity to build and shape a community to positively impact the lives of my neighbors. I see the Supervisor job as chief cheerleader for everything good; chief communicator for news, updates, and events; chief helper, vision caster, and advocate for hard-working people.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Chapman: My passion and heart is for improving the lives and perception of Woodbridge. As a small business owner for 21 years I know service, I know listening to customers, I know working together and collaborating to get things done.

As a communications major in college I know the importance of regular, active communication with all stakeholder. Woodbridge is blessed to have many cultures but it lacks a sense of community. Ive helped create community with my Rotary Club and with my annual community easter egg hunt, we want to bring Woodbridge together.

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency?

Chapman: I will have regular open office hours, monthly newsletters, quarterly town hall meetings, attend HOA meetings, website with a work in progress status update so citizens can see where we are in the progress on specific projects. This will bring accountability and also show our achievements. My intention is to engage the community more so they will be more involved in our progress.

PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they effected you?

Chapman: I have not been elected so I don’t have public life, that said, I admire public officials that know they are not the smartest guy/girl in the room, work with others to get the best ideas, and are hard, focused workers to get things done.

PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?

Chapman: I agree people are tired of politics and tired of politicians. Their is no place for partisanship when it comes to local office. Partisans divide, they choose winners and losers, haves and have nots.

We look at small, petty bickering and the lack of progress in D.C. and Richmond. People want leaders, they want someone who cares. I have fresh ideas and lots of energy to improve my hometown. My view of leadership as I am the chief servant.

I am the type of leader who has always challenged status quo, a tireless worker who has brought people together, listened to them, built consensus and utilized their God given gifts to unleash their potential. If people want the opportunity to create a community, get involved and make a difference then they would want to vote for me.