Opinion
While Supervisors are nominated by a political party, there is no place for partisanship in local politics, speed bumps, pot holes, traffic, sidewalks and bike trails are neither republican nor democrat.
Partisanship divides, segregates,  chooses winners and losers. Woodbridge residents I’ve talked to, over 3,500 so far, look to their supervisor to work hard in their best interest, and get things done, not play small, petty partisan politics.
Woodbridge has many beautiful cultures but lacks a sense of community. The current supervisor is not engaged, involved with people, so largely we are not that engaged with each other. If the supervisor doesn’t lead the effort to care for and remove trash in the streets and blighted buildings that should be torn down, who will?
Our hometown has atrophied the last decade with increased traffic and poor planning, the residents have lost confidence and believe, sadly, what we have is status quo.
The election is less than two months away, right now voters have their interest piqued and are wanting to make an educated decision on who will best represent their interests. Debates and communication are an important function of this process, as a candidate for Woodbridge Supervisor I’ve looked forward to debates. I’ve looked forward to asking the questions the voters have not got answers to.
While other races have received invites up to six debates, I have been invited to 1 debate hosted and by the NAACP yesterday at Garfield Senior High School. Woodbridge deserves more opportunity to meet and see their next Supervisor.
Every election year (yes, Virginia has an election every year) the Committee of 100 hosts debates. While their members have their own political bias, they come together and host debates in a bipartisan manner. The organization is truly a treasure to our county.
Earlier this year their current President Jim Young made several insensitive, offensive comments on his private Facebook account, no one is disagreeing with that. The comments were offensive to all political stripes.Â
Sadly, the local democrats are using his offensive remarks as an opportunity to keep the community in the dark by refusing to attend the Committee of !00 debates.
I for one am someone who works to bring the community together, I look for cooperation and look for solutions, to me, voter involvement and education is more important than small, divisive partisan politics. As a concerned citizen, voter, father, Rotarian, business owner, sport coach, ESOLÂ teacher and a candidate for Woodbridge Supervisor, I ask Democrats to reconsider their partisan position do what is best for all citizens and participate in the Committee of 100 debates.
Editor’s note: Steve Chapman is running on the Republican ticket to unseat Frank Principi as Woodbridge District Supervisor.
Recent Stories
(AP) — Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Sunday and predicted six more weeks of wintry weather, his top-hatted handlers announced to a raucus, record-sized crowd at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania.
Phil was welcomed with chants of “Phil, Phil, Phil,” and pulled from a hatch on his tree stump shortly after sunrise before a member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club read from a scroll in which he boasted: “Only I know — you can’t trust A.I.”
At approximately 2:45 P.M. on Saturday, February 1st, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) responded to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of Aquia Creek Road, near Aquia Creek. Callers reported a neighboring residence on fire, and first arriving units marked the scene less than 10 minutes later and confirmed fire and smoke coming from the rear and roof of a single-family residence.
Due to a lack of hydrants in the area, crews had to utilize rural water operations to shuttle water to the scene. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and bring it under control in approximately an hour, despite the roof collapsing.
The residence was not occupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The fire is under routine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office. SCFR units were assisted on scene by Quantico Fire and Emergency Services.
(AP) — Preliminary data from the deadliest U.S. aviation accident in nearly 25 years showed conflicting readings about the altitudes of an airliner and Army helicopter when they collided near Reagan National Airport in Washington, killing everyone aboard both aircraft, investigators said Saturday.
ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.
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.