DUMFRIES, Va. — From a doughnut shop in Dumfries, Mark Gibson explains why he’s getting into the race to become the next congressman for the Potomac Communities.
“As a small business owner I have to keep low overhead costs, and I don’t think the federal government is doing that,” said Gibson.
The 51-year-old Independent from Fairfax is collecting signatures to get his name on the ballot for the November General Election. He needs 1,500 before June to be considered in the race.
His opponent is two-term Democratic Congressman Gerry Connolly, a man Gibson described as having a good knowledge of how the government works, but also has too many years in office touting the same party line.
“Mr. Connolly is a good foot solider for the party but we don’t need foot soldiers, we need innovation,” said Gibson.
A native of the Washington area, Gibson, 51, lives with his wife, daughter and son – both who are in elementary school in Fairfax County. He’s the chief operating officer of a 15-employee IT firm that does database work for small business.
While the 11th Congressional District he wants to represent had portions of western Fairfax and Prince William counties redistricted away from it, the district still includes much of the Potomac Communities of Dumfries, Lake Ridge, Occoquan and Woodbridge. It’s an area of economic good fortune, he said, with federal jobs aplenty. Gibson said he doesn’t believe in a federal hiring freeze, and added downsizing government would ultimately lead to the loss of federal workers — but it doesn’t all have to happen at once.
“You can lose positions from attrition, and that will lead to more government savings, and over time that means we can pass along pay raises to federal employees,” said Gibson. “The people who come for work for me have gumption. They come in and want to be promoted, and federal workers are no different.”
On Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, Gibson says those who were promised a return on their investments into those systems should be rewarded, but added that those who have not yet reached retirement age will most likely have to wait longer to receive benefits.
A one-time Democrat, Gibson said he attended a meeting of Dems in Fairfax County but later felt the caucus was more about business as usual than bringing about change, which is why he said he’s running as an Independent.
Aside from Connolly, he faces proclaimed fiscal conservative Ken Vaughn and likely Republican nominee Chris Perkins.
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Welcome to another City Council preview, this time for the Jan. 27 regular meeting. This week’s meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at 9027 Center St. The Department of Economic Development, led by Director Patrick Small, will present its fiscal year 2024 report to City Council.
Fiscal year 2024 — from July 2023 to July 2024 — showed an increase in industrial and retail vacancies in the last two quarters of the fiscal year. However, office space vacancies increased slightly over the fiscal year to just over 3.5%.
The city generated $12.9 million in sales taxes and $6.25 million in meal taxes, both increases from fiscal year 2023, the department’s presentation states. The department estimates nearly 340,000 people visited Manassas in fiscal year 2024, generating $60.5 million in spending in the city.
Inspired by the devastating wildfires in California that have affected over 38,600 acres and led to evacuation orders for 88,000 residents as of Jan. 15, we reached out to Stafford County’s Fire and Rescue team to explore how they get ready for wildfires in this area.
A wildfire outbreak began in California on January 7, 2025 and continues as of Jan., 23. Over 47,000 acres have burned, with a new fire starting yesterday in Hughes County. Over 16,000 structures have burned due to wildfires in 2025.
Katie Brady, county fire department spokeswoman and Fire Life Safety Manager, clarified that “wildfire” is a broad blanket term. Stafford is likelier to experience “brush fires” than quick-moving wildfires that cause widespread destruction like California’s. Brushfires can range in size from a few feet to several acres and can be precursors to a larger wildfire capable of causing significant damage. Brushfires are more common when the area experiences drought conditions, like in 2024.
The disciplinary action taken against Patriot High School Principal Michael Bishop earlier this month is the latest chapter in a turbulent tenure at the school, Insidenova.com reports.
Bishop was placed on involuntary leave, the school announced Jan. 9.
The school division did not provide further details upon request from InsideNoVa because it is a “personnel matter,” said Diana Gulotta, the school system’s director of communications.
Fredericksburg police arrested Daquan Warren, 24, for a December 2024 shooting and investigated a January 20 shots fired and burglary incident on Townsend Boulevard. Stafford County saw assaults at Chatham Heights Road and North Stafford High School, a break-in on Ripley Road, and larcenies at Walmart, Buffalo Wild Wings, and an ABC store. In Prince William County, a strong-arm robbery on Balls Ford Road resulted in the arrest of Jose Fernando Martinez-Gonzalez. Authorities urge public assistance with investigations and provide tips hotlines for each jurisdiction.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
