Jonathan Way supports structured tax incentives for city businesses

Jonathan L. Way seeks a new term as a Manassas City Council member.

He’s been a City Councilman for nine years and currently serves as the Vice Mayor. Not to mention, Way has been a city representative on three regional government boards and on the Virginia Railway Express and Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission bus system.

He is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with a Bachelors of Science  in Marine Transportation and has a Masters in Science in Industrial Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Way is also a member of the NRA, the Grace United Methodist Church, and was previously a Rotary Club officer for 5 years.

Way is on the ballot for the Republican Primary Election on May 21 at Metz Middle School in Manassas.

Potomac Local sent a questionnaire to Way and he sent us the responses below:

PL: What are the top three major issues facing the city?

Stated Way:

1. Balance economic development against impacts on our citizens, schools and infrastructure.

2. School system must become a magnet to attract and retain families

3. Balance taxes against the need to restore important services which were curtailed during the last recession

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?

Stated Way:

1. Critically review new development proposals, particularly residential by character and location of the proposal.  Encourage businesses to come and remain through structured incentives consistent with their taxes.

2. The School Board, with Council help, now has an adequate and stable revenue commitment from the city to facilitate multi-year planning and support progressive teaching approaches.

3. During the recession we severely curtailed the museum, and shut the  office of economic development.  While necessary at the time to be able to cut taxes, we are now restoring these services which define the character of our city and provide an active economic development function.

PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Stated Way:

First, a Councilman must represent the interests of all the citizens.  We are  elected “at large” and do not have particular constituencies. The council must and does work together for the common benefit.

Secondly, a Councilman must have vision to see what the city can become and strive to attain that vision over time, consistent with our resources.

Third, a Councilman must provide a measure of reality in controlling plans and aspirations.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Stated Way:

1. Thirty seven years of international business professional and management experience in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East.

2.  14 years of government service to Manassas and the Northern Virginia region.
3.  A strong analytical background and understanding of economics

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency?

Stated Way:

I believe our citizens are better informed than most about the workings of local government.  Your city government regularly reaches out to the public with our website broadcasts, email communications, reverse 911 alarm system, fire exhibitions, police neighborhood meetings, utility brochures, and others.  Communication is a priority of the City Council and the staff.  We regularly receive citizen inputs on many subjects through our email system and citizen speaking time at Council meetings.  Not only do we receive information, we act on it whenever possible.

PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?

Stated Way:

Yes. Brought me to realize that balance and compromise are the essence of good government.  If you follow a “my way or the highway” approach you will probably get the highway.

PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?

Stated Way:

I work well with all the members of Council, city staff and regional government transportation bodies.

Manassas is respected and listened to in regional bodies because of my businesslike, balanced and participative approach.   

Just ask Del. Jackson Miller, Mayor Hal Parrish, former mayors Doug Waldron and John Weber, and Councilman Marc Aveni all of whom have endorsed my candidacy.