Opinion
Western Prince William County is a wonderful place to live. We chose to live here because we love the sense of community and the cost of living is lower.
Many other families chose this area for similar reasons. When we moved to Gainesville over a decade ago, traffic was challenging, but not impossible.
Over the years, it has continued to get worse and the commute gradually takes more time from our families. Now VDOT is discussing the possibility of tolls on I-66, removing the exemption for HOV-2, and retiring the Clean Special Fuel plate exemption.
Many working-class families who live here left the inside-the-beltway world of higher taxes and cost of living and we can’t afford an extra $85 a week just to get to work. I oppose any effort to toll the lanes on I-66, to remove the exemption for HOV-2, or to retire the Clean Special Fuel plate exemption.
I encourage you to join me and the 66 Alliance, of which I’ve been a member since the second week of its existence, and stand for the tens of thousands of commuters who use I-66 each week.
There are better ways to reduce congestion and improve our commutes. In 2013, the General Assembly passed a bipartisan transportation bill that was intended to address some of the costs of transportation in Northern VA.
Let’s push for full implementation of the bill rather than jumping to implement an onerous toll that will take even more money out of commuters’ pockets. Our solutions must be numerous; there is no one way to fix our traffic problem.
We must extend the VRE to Haymarket, explore bus rapid transit, and study metro extension to our area. But most importantly, we must create a business-friendly environment that brings high-paying jobs to Prince William County.
The fastest way to get cars off the road is to bring the jobs to where we live. Tolls are not the answer. Don Shaw is the Democratic nominee running for Delegate in the 13th House of Delegates District.
Don Shaw is a Democrat running for the 13th District Virginia House of Delegates seat.
Recent Stories
Prince William Times: Licensed wildlife rehabber Olivia LoBalbo can’t wait until the wild animals she treats are well enough to scurry off or fly away into the forest on their own. But while they’re in her care, they can now be safely transported in a fully equipped wildlife rescue van, dubbed “The PAW Express,” courtesy of the Prince William SPCA.
LoBalbo, 37, is a former veterinarian tech and the founder of AERO, which stands for Animal Education and Rescue Organization. For the last 10 years, she and her nonprofit have taken in thousands of injured, sick or orphaned wild animals that wouldn’t survive without human intervention. She runs the licensed wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility out of her Gainesville home.
Olivia LoBalbo’s Gainesville home is a refuge for more than 1,000 hurt, orphaned wild animals a year
Insidenova.com: County staff and leading park engineers outlined the design plan for the 308-acre Doves Landing Regional Park and its adjacent Sinclair mill site during a community meeting last week.
About 35 in-person residents, plus a handful of others online, turned out Jan. 8 at the Pat White Center at Ben Lomond near Manassas for a thorough, two-hour project update meeting. Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega also tuned in virtually.
During the event, Patti Pakkala, planning manager with the Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation, Ed Umbrell, senior project manager at Dewberry Engineers, and several of their colleagues led a presentation and Q&A, laying the foundation for the ongoing development of Doves Landing.
FXBG Advance: The public was first made aware of the possibility of data centers in Celebrate VA when Mayor Devine added the topic to the July 9, 2024 Council agenda, giving the public no prior notice that the topic was to be discussed. Well before that announcement, council members had toured data centers in February, two at a time, to avoid public notice.
Also, prior to the July 9th meeting the City Manager initiated discussion with a developer to provide land for data centers.
In September the City Council supported the expenditure of $200,000 to study the infrastructure needs to provide power for data centers in Celebrate VA. A cost that should not be the responsibility of the city but by either Dominion Power or the developer. When questioned about this City Manager Tim Baroody confirmed it was not the city’s responsibility but explained that it was being done at the direction of the City Council.
Looking for a hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology? Don’t miss the 3D Printing Workshop at the Manassas Park City Library on January 16th at 5:30 p.m. Open to teens and adults ages 12 and up, this free workshop will teach the basics of Tinkercad and give participants the opportunity to ask questions about 3D printing. Explore the possibilities and take the first step into the exciting world of 3D printing!
Do you have an event you’d like to share with the community? Submitting your event is FREE and easy! Simply fill out this form with your event details. It’s a great way to spread the word and engage with local residents. Don’t wait—get your event on the calendar today!
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
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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.
Featuring:
