Lovejoy reelection bid focused on Manassas City’s economy

Ian Lovejoy was born to a working class family in rural Appalachia. He became one of the first members of his family to attend college, at Concord University in southern West Virginia, where he graduated summa cum laude.  

Lovejoy spent summers working as a camp counselor and youth mentor, invaluable experiences that helped shape his life forever.  Lovejoy became Concord University’s first Rhodes Scholar Nominee.  He later graduated from Virginia Tech Graduate School,, ultimately teaching at Radford University before entering the private sector.

While possessing a background in research and data analysis, Lovejoy found his true professional calling in positions of organizational leadership–in particular serving seniors.  Lovejoy was Director of Operations of WSR Solutions, a national medical equipment company.

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

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

IL: 1. Reconciling the opinions some in the region have about the city, with the more positive truth.
2. Deciding what kind of city we want to be: Fairfax/Arlington model vs. Winchester/Leesburg model
3. Improving quality of life for current residents: overcrowding, zoning issues, etc

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

IL: Our Economy-Playing to our Strengths.
*Fully revamp the city’s Economic Development website
*Launch SBA HUBzone marketing plan to attract high paying government contractors
*Work with regional partners to establish physical/virtual business incubator
*Work with local nonprofits to produce commercials featuring city businesses to air on city controlled stations and online
*Establish Entrepreneurship Academy in partnership with Chamber of Commerce and other community partners
*Launch “Manassas is Open for Business” campaign
*Fight for the Taxpayer! Oppose raising taxes on businesses and citizens
*Expand membership in our Manassas Business Council to better advise council on economic matters and act as ambassadors to the broader business community
*Host semi-annual event with regional real-estate agents to communicate positive city information

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

IL: To be the citizen’s voice.  To aid residents in interfacing with the government (customer service). To recognize that being elected comes with the requirement to commit to a higher ideal, to recognize one is in the unique position to, ever so modestly, change our community for the better and attempt to rally others to that cause.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

IL: Individual citizens working together make a community strong– not the government.  I’ve practiced what I preached and have served the community in many non-governmental roles including as President of the Manassas City Public Schools Education Foundation, as a volunteer for Historic Manassas, Inc., as Vice President of the Point of Woods HOA and currently as Chairman of the Tri-County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, in honor of my Grandfather, Clennie Lovejoy.

I was recently named one of Northern Virginia’s “40 under 40”, recognized as one of the most “influential people in their professional industries and catalysts of community impact.”

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?

IL: I think we have a very engaged citizenry, but there’s always room to improve.  I’ve been at the forefront of communicating with residents and sharing information (newsletter, direct mail, social media).  I’d redouble those efforts.

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

IL: None that I’m currently aware of.

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

IL: There isn’t a day that goes by that I do not feel blessed to serve the residents of the City of Manassas.  More than going to ribbon cuttings or sitting behind the dais, I’ve worked with residents to improve our city and will continue to lead with clear principles, and innovative ideas.