Opinion
To the Editor:
I’m voting for Jeremy McPike because I know he’s the strongest candidate, because I know he has the smartest policies, and because I know he’s the most effective leader running for State Senate. But that’s not the only reason I’m voting for Jeremy. I’m voting for Jeremy because I see in him the capability and passion necessary to protect and cultivate the community that I grew up in and the community that I love. Like Jeremy I was born and raised in Woodbridge and as a child of Ghanaian immigrants I was taught to realize how lucky I was to live in an area where I could grow and learn and dream far beyond what my parents could in their childhood.
In school I was able to comfortably explore topics at my pace and I was given a helping hand in my education by kind and well equipped teachers. The education I received fully prepared me for the challenges I now face in college and has put me on a path towards achievements and success that would have been unthinkable in my parents’ home country. The education I got in our public schools gave me the tools I needed not only to dream of success, but to strive towards it. I stand with Jeremy because as both a former student of Prince William public schools and now as a father of three, he not only embodies the strengths of our school system, but is also focused on the most pressing issues facing a system that I believe has lost its way in recent years: reforming our broken SOL testing system and fixing a school funding formula that puts us at a disadvantage.
However it wasn’t just a strong education that this community gave me. I was born four months prematurely which even today can be life-threatening. For months I had to undergo risky procedures and was under constant surveillance in the hospital in order to keep me alive. Thanks to the hardworking efforts of my doctors and the compassionate care I received at our local hospitals I was able to not only survive, but thrive. While the doctors and hospitals saved me, it was the insurance my parents had access to that saved them. Without insurance my parents may not have been able to pay for the critical care necessary in my time of need. I know Jeremy, as a first responder and the husband of a breast cancer survivor, shares my perspective and conviction that no family should have to tackle an outrageous hospital bill when they should be focused on simply getting a good bill of health.
This community not only saved me in my time of need but aided me throughout my life. I know just how good this community can be to its people, and I want to make sure that others in my community can get the quality healthcare and education that was critical to my success. In order to make that dream a reality we need to elect leaders who have share that vision. No other candidate has more love for this area or a stronger commitment to meaningful change than Jeremy McPike. I’m voting for Jeremy because a vote for him is a vote to give every dreamer like me a fighting chance.
Recent Stories
Students in Stafford and King George counties will start school later than usual today due to extreme cold weather conditions.
In Stafford County, all schools will open on a two-hour delay to ensure the safety of students and staff during the frigid morning temperatures.
Similarly, King George County Schools announced a two-hour delay due to cold and inclement weather.
Families are encouraged to monitor updates from their respective school systems for any further changes. Stay warm and safe.
Commuter traffic in the Washington, D.C. metro area is set to surge as President Donald Trump issues an executive order ending remote work for federal employees. The Center Square reports that Trump’s directive mandates federal workers return to their offices full-time, with limited exemptions determined by department heads. The move is welcomed by regional leaders like Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who have long urged a return to in-person work to bolster public transit ridership and address underused federal buildings. Federal employees, who constitute a significant portion of D.C.-area residents, are pivotal to the region’s economy.
Fire investigators are still searching for answers in two recent fires that caused significant damage in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge. The December 5 blaze at Eagle Village Shopping Center began in the warehouse of Play It Again Sports and quickly spread, destroying multiple businesses. Despite extensive efforts, investigators have been unable to determine the fire’s cause. Meanwhile, a January 21 townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced two residents after unattended cooking sparked flames. Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing them to escape safely. Both incidents highlight the importance of fire safety and preparedness as investigations into the causes continue.
In a pivotal discussion during the January 21, 2025, meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved funding measures for a new fire station in the Brentsville District, addressing a pressing need for expanded emergency services. The debate revolved around whether to utilize proffer funds—developer-contributed resources earmarked for public infrastructure—or tap into the county’s fire levy fund.
Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy initiated an amendment to the funding resolution, proposing the use of Brentsville District fire proffers “to the greatest extent possible” before considering the fire levy fund. With $3 million available in Brentsville fire proffers, Gordy emphasized aligning these restricted funds with their intended purpose: supporting fire and rescue services.
“This approach ensures that we prioritize restricted funds before relying on broader resources like the fire levy,” Gordy explained.
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.
