Letter to the editorÂ
I am writing to express our support for Mike May for Commonwealth Attorney.
I believe it is time for Prince William to change leadership and move forward. In the past two years we have had the unfortunate need to deal with Paul Ebert’s office. The experience was extremely upsetting to the children (victims) and my entire family for the lack of support for them and us during this horrible time.
In order for victims to receive victims assistance there have to be charges pressed on the abuser. We have fought for going on two years with no answers as to why this abuse is not considered enough for prosecution and requested information as to why the one case that was charged was not processed correctly and the abuser walked out a free woman due to a technicality.
The entire case felt like a comedy of errors including the warrants for the abuser’s arrest being posted to the victim’s front door. We fought for six months to get charges pressed and it took another two for the arrest warrants to get to the proper location.
All the while the children are being harassed in multiple Medias because they felt no need to issue a protective order for a minor child who was sexually assaulted. I still have no words for the disrespect and just plain horrible treatment of this child at the hands of Ebert’s office.
We continue to request answers, request an phone call from Ebert himself as to why the other child is not worthy of facing their abuser, why these children had to get unplugged from everything in order for us to protect them, and most of all how do I explain to these kids that police are on their side when they feel betrayed by the system that was supposed to protect them.
The abuser still lives in this area and worked in a private daycare. We inquired to the county and since they were not convicted and the other charges have not been filed we are not able to stop this issue. Yet another failure to the children of Woodbridge.
It is time for a change, time to elect someone who has a fresh pair of eyes and is willing to listen to our concerns and protect our children. Our children are our future and this kind of law enforcement is leaving our children vulnerable to abusers and allowing the abusers to walk the street. Our family will be voting for change. I hope you all do too.
Aubrey McNiff lives in Woodbridge.
Recent Stories
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.
Arctic high pressure continues to grip the region, keeping dangerously cold temperatures and bitter wind chills in place through Thursday morning. The National Weather Service warns that these frigid conditions will persist, with temperatures struggling to climb above freezing during the day and plummeting overnight.
Temperatures on Wednesday will remain well below freezing, with daytime highs only reaching the teens and lower 20s. Wind chills will remain a significant concern, with values ranging from -10°F to -25°F in many areas.
By Wednesday night, winds will ease slightly as high pressure drifts overhead, but temperatures will still drop to the single digits in many areas, with subzero readings likely in higher elevations.
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.
