LORTON, Va. – Students heard from a rapping political hopeful, as well as another who accused his opponent of providing a “free lunch” when it comes to education funding.
A panel of Republican and Independent candidates seeking to unseat Democrats Gerry Connolly who serves Fairfax and Prince William counties in the 11th, and Jim Moran in the 8th District in Arlington and Fairfax counties, took questions on Friday from seniors at South County High School in Lorton.
Connolly Moran were both at prior engagement with Gov. Robert F. McDonnell and had representatives on stage. Connolly’s chief of staff James Walkinshaw took the first question on college affordability. He told students a Republican plan supported by Republican Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney would increase the cost of college for those reliant on student loans.
“It will double your student loan interest rate from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent costing you thousands of dollars, and it will slash funding for Pell Grants. And we have students in this school applying right now to get funding for Pell Grants,” said Walkinshaw.
Connolly’s Republican opponent Chris Perkins responded: “if you want a free lunch, [Connolly is] your man. If you want earn it, if you want to deserve it, we’re your guys.”
Perkins does not support federal Pell Grants which do not have to be repaid and wants more privatization of education at the state level. He liked the public school system to a monopoly.
“What I’ve always been taught is that a monopoly is an organization that tries to give the least product for the most cost…that’s what we’re getting in our education system,” Perkins told PotomacLocal.com.
Small business owner and Independent 11th congressional district Mark Gibson, who is also a Fairfax County business owner, said the country needs a more skilled workforce.
“As a small business owner I’m always looking for new people to do work. I’ve got a lot of high paying jobs and I can ‘t fill them because I don’t have people who know how to do the work,” said Gibson.
Gibson wants better communication between the U.S. Labor and Education departments to best determine what skill sets are needed in the workforce.
Gibson urged students to get involved and support his independent campaign in the days and weeks leading up to Election Day on Nov. 6.
Independent candidate and Fairfax County businessman Chris DeCarlo garnered attention and a few laughs when he held up a stuffed Yoda doll from Star Wars movies, and also rapped his responses to the questions. DeCarlo said his campaign is one that fights what he called overall corruption in congress.
The candidate has put several of his videos online as a means to reach voters because “no one listens to independent candidates,” he told the students.
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Manassas city officials are discussing major redevelopment projects, particularly in Old Town, Mathis Avenue, and Fairview Avenue. According to the city council, these discussions come as multiple developers have expressed interest in city-owned properties, prompting the council to consider issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to attract large-scale investment. A key focus of the meeting was the Old Town Inn site, where city officials debated whether to prioritize a new hotel or a mixed-use project. The lack of parking downtown remains a significant challenge, and council members acknowledged that constructing a 300-space parking deck is critical to enabling future development.
Step back in time and experience history firsthand at Ben Lomond Historic Site in Manassas, VA. Built in 1832, this remarkable home once served as a Confederate field hospital during the Battle of First Manassas. Today, visitors can explore its preserved rooms, complete with Civil War-era graffiti left by Union soldiers, as well as the original slave quarters, smokehouse, and dairy that tell the story of the people who lived and worked here.
Stroll Through History – Don’t miss the fragrant Rose Garden, featuring one of the largest collections of antique roses in the region.
Engaging Tours – Open Friday-Monday, 10 AM-4 PM, with guided tours at 11 AM and 2 PM. Admission: $5 per person, free for children under six.
Accessible Experiences – Enjoy 360° Virtual Tour tablets and foreign language guides in French, Italian, German, Chinese, and Spanish—available at no extra cost!
Volunteer With Us! – Love Civil War history or gardening? Join our team and help preserve this incredible piece of Prince William County’s past.
Visit us at 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA 20109
(703) 367-7872 | ? [email protected]
Plan your visit today and experience history like never before!
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Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega is pushing to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass project, a multi-year effort designed to alleviate congestion on Route 28 by extending Godwin Drive to connect Manassas with Dulles Airport. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is set to vote on her resolution during its meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The project, initially endorsed in September 2020, was meant to relieve congestion on Route 28 by constructing a four-lane divided bypass extending Godwin Drive across Sudley Road. The road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County.
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.
