If you aren’t familiar with Prince William County Government’s logo selection issue, you might as well move on. The details have been well covered on this website.
I’m not going to rehash the details of “logo gate” other than to summarize that, in many people’s opinion, there were problems with the process from sole source selection of an out of state vendor that created the logo, the lack of citizen or elected officials involvement, disinformation about its intended use, money perhaps 
spent and wasted, and actual costs. I could go on.
Neabsco District Supervisor John Jenkins, the old dog, and Gainesville District Supervisor Peter Candland, the young pup, came well armed to Tuesday’s Prince William County Board of County Supervisor’s Meeting when the logo was discussed. They came prepared to deconstruct what many in Prince William County considered to be an egregious overreach of power by County Executive Melissa Peacor and her staff, and problems with the process used to create the proposed logo.
Jenkins took a page from General Colin Powell’s Overwhelming Force Doctrine. He came well armed.
Jenkins took staff down one notch at a time for a poor logo, poor vendor selection process, quibbling over the actual costs, and overstepping its authority, He went on to remind staff and the public just how hard the Board had worked on the last budget, bringing up its efforts to find $30,000 to pay for Bluebird bus tours.
After much discussion this spring during the annual county budget process, Jenkins pointed out that money for this logo project was nowhere to be found in that same budget.
You might think this battle would be over, but then Candland started laying down suppressive fire to make sure there were no survivors. He quite deliberately helped county staff build the rather sharp petard upon which he deftly hoisted them with facts to discredit the story he was told.
You may watch the show here. The silence among the rest of the board was deafening during this dialog. I believe the winner in this battle was never in question.
In case there were any survivors, Jenkins presented the results of a Washington Post on-line poll indicating 70% of the poll participants think Prince William County should start over.
Jenkins delivered the Coup de grâce when he changed the proposed motion to a directive for county staff to discontinue further expenditures on this logo, and requested that a work session be established to resolve the issue. I give Chairman Corey Stewart credit for quickly picking up on Jenkins’ theme, recognizing the need for a public process, and community input. The work session is scheduled for July 16.
Local small businesses should take Candland to lunch for exploring the issue of giving Prince William County businesses every opportunity to compete for government work.
I suspect Prince William County staff perhaps learned from this experience. There are only two counties in the Commonwealth with the County Executive form of Government. Exactly what that means, and just how powerful the County Executive and his or her staff is fuzzy line.
I think perhaps the most important outcome of this Board Meeting was to help define that line a bit more sharply. I suspect County Staff will endeavor to make sure there are no more “surprises” like this in the future.
The outcome was sheer poetry. Jenkins and Candland, unlikely allies poles apart on the political continuum, teamed up to bring accountability to Prince William County Government. The idea of the Senior, most liberal member of the Board teaming with the junior, most conservative member “shakes up” the status quo.
This kind of inquiry and questioning is what I expect of those who we elect to act as stewards of our tax dollars.
I hope this is the start of a beautiful friendship.
Recent Stories
February will be a busy and love-filled month around Prince William County and Manassas with several events and activities scheduled. Take a look at some highlighted events and meetings. Wednesday…
Icy Conditions Possible Wednesday Night – A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Prince William County from 9 p.m. Wednesday to Noon Thursday, with freezing rain and sleet expected. VDOT crews are treating roads, but travel may be hazardous. Limit travel, prepare for icy spots, and stay updated on changing conditions.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted Tuesday to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass Project, ending years of planning and millions of dollars in studies and design work. The decision, which passed with a 5-3 vote, came after a contentious debate over the feasibility and cost of the project.
Initially estimated to cost more than $200 million, the road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County. The plan to build the road, Alternative 2B, was the top recommendation from the 2017 Route 28 Corridor Feasibility Study. The project had received $89 million in funding from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) as part of a broader effort to improve the county’s transportation infrastructure.
County transportation director Rick Canizales confirmed that the estimated cost had grown beyond available funding, requiring an additional $80–$100 million to proceed. “After taking all this into consideration and doing all the design work that we’ve done at this point, we come to the board and let you know that as staff, we believe that alternative 2B is not viable because we don’t have enough money and we don’t have enough support in some of the challenges we’re facing,” Canizales said.
For the first time, Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger sat down for an exclusive interview with Potomac Local News as she begins her second term. In a candid conversation, she addressed the city’s stance on immigration enforcement, the future of development in downtown Manassas, the impact of potential state and federal funding cuts, and her vision for the next four years.
What’s next for Manassas? Will taxes go up? How will the city navigate potential financial challenges? And what’s her take on the now-canceled Route 28 Bypass project?
Get the full story in tomorrow’s edition—only on Potomac Local News. Stay tuned!
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.
