Toney supports zoning charges to improve Dumfries

Tayah Frye May 1, 2016 at 5:14pm

Willie J. Toney is running to keep his seat on the Dumfries Town Council.

Toney serves as the town's Vice Mayor and says he is in support of zoning charges to improve and further Dumfries.

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Dumfries residents will head to the polls May 3, 2016 to elect new members to the Town Council.

We sent a questionnaire to Toney, and all other candidates seeking office in Dumfries. His responses are below:

PL: Why should Dumfries residents be excited to vote for you?

Toney: I have unselfishly, and consistently represented the best interest of the citizens of Dumfries. I am here to serve the people, all of the people. I have advocate when needed, educated when needed and compromised as needed. I have been productive as a member of Dumfries Town Council.

PL: In your own words, what is the job description of a Town Council member? What expertise will you bring to the position?

Toney: The Job description, as I see it, is to work in the best interest of ALL the citizens...establish a fair tax rate, ensure safety via a well trained and equipped police force, and set goals and policies for the Town Manager. I understand this process and recognize the importance of working together with other members of the Council to achieve this end.

PL: What are the biggest issues and needs residents of the Town of Dumfries? What will you do to address those needs?

Toney: I see three looming matters that will have a tremendous impact on Dumfries future. We all recognize the transportation nightmare, there also some pending development projects that will reshape the town,and there is a possible pending danger that the citizens MUST be educated about.

Much has been written and said about the need to widen route one in Dumfries and get relief from the bottleneck caused by highway improvements north and south of town. The collective Council has addressed The County Board of Supervisors and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) seeking relief from this traffic nightmare. The town has three major pending development projects that will reshape Dumfries. These projects will bring jobs, promote growth and increase the town's tax base. We have the Town Center project on main street, the Apartment Complex on north Fraley Boulevard and the planned neighborhood community (PNC) targeted for the land between Old Triangle Road and Route one (behind the 7-11). These are major projects that will change Dumfries and move us forward. As a council members I would support zoning changes, and advocate for community support for these projects.

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

Toney: We all make mistakes. I have reflected on the factors that influenced my actions resulting in the mistake. I understand my vulnerabilities...I believe in the intrinsic good of my fellow man... Yet I try not to be overtly easy to influence.

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

Toney: I do not feel that the majority of citizens of the town understand that the Town Manager runs the day to day operations. They must be educated on the role of the mayor, in relationship to the council members, and the town manager and the general public.. He has one vote as a member of council and moderate council meetings. He is also leading spokesperson for the town and council.

It is learning how to work with other council members through controversy, and chaos, then recognizing that compromise is essential in getting things done.

To improve communication with constituents, I strongly advocate attending Town Council meetings, or viewing the telecast of meetings, visiting online sites and reaching out to the council members. We all are eager for constituency input or comments. Invite us to your event.