Machado wants to give residents options to spend money where they live

Potomac Local News October 17, 2016 at 8:12am

Miriam Paula Machado is running as a write-in candidate for the Manassas Park City Governing Body.

She hopes to fill one of two open council seats on the board.

She told attendees at a recent voter forum she is running, in part, to inspire young women to aspire to higher goals.

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We sent a questionnaire to Machado, and all other candidates seeking office for the Manassas Park Governing Body. His responses are below:

PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas Park residents?

Machado: The most pressing issues our city faces in our local economic development, education, and transportation.

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

Machado: Economic development. Refinance current debt so the percentage of our budget gets reduced and we have a much higher percentage to invest in our schools. Attract high-tech companies to come to the city and to hire high-tech professionals, in high number in the City of Manassas Park. Make this city more attractive so the residents spend their money in local restaurants, local attractions for all age groups. Support small businesses in our local community.

Education: I want to draw attention to issues raised by all members of our community, provide resources for families with children, and ensure education is highlighted as a priority. Education is the foundation for every opportunity. I want to see each child develop into their full potential, I want to see more after school activities, I want to see more incentives for our teachers, I want to see more school counselors in each [Manassas Park] school, I want to see our kids SOL (Standards Of Learning) scores go up. I do not want any kid to be left behind; parents, families, communities, and schools must work together to raise the academic standards in the city of Manassas Park.

Transportation: We need to work together with Manassas, Prince William County, Fairfax County to bring a group solution to the transportation nightmare that all we experience going to work every morning. We need improvements in Route 28, bring Metro services to this area of Manassas, Manassas Park, Prince William County, bring more bus services to Manassas Park, make VRE fares more accessible.

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

Machado: The City of Manassas Park operates under the Council-Manager form of government. Legislative powers are vested in the mayor and five city council members who are elected at-large for four-year terms. They establish City policy, Pass resolutions and ordinances (laws) Approve the City budget Set tax rates Approve land use plans Make appointments such as selecting the city manager, city clerk, city attorney and members of various boards and commissions.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Machado: I hold a Master of Science degree in Management Information Systems. I have worked in the area of Information Systems for the past 24years. As a contractor, I proudly provided my services to the US Army, and to the Food And Drug Administration, and as a professional woman I am excited and motivated to use my skills and experience to provide a fundamental public service to my community. I would like to voice all of your concerns and work hard to bring solutions to our community.

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

Machado: There are programs for senior citizens and for different age groups in our new recreation center, I would like to reach out to all our citizens, we could use more efficient technologies, like apps, so the residents who travel to work towards the Washington, D.C. downtown area and surrounding areas know what is going on in real time in the City of Manassas Park. Parents know what educational programs are offered after school, what programs directed to senior citizens exist, what fun and entertainment is happening locally, so we all spend locally, at the same time supporting our local small businesses in the different trades.

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

Machado: I have made mistakes, but no major mistakes, mistakes that I learned from and that served to improve to have a more balanced life.

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

Machado: I am a Mother of three children who studied in the Manassas Park City School System: Luis is now a working professional, Michael is an undergraduate at Yale University, MPHS Class of 2015, Valedictorian, and Mark is a senior at Manassas Park High School.

I want to be a role model to every woman and girl. My long record of consistency allowed me to achieve a balanced life as a mother, professional worker, wife, daughter, and sister. I would like everyone to have a sense of belonging in this community, we all have to be inclusive and know our neighbors, and we need to celebrate diversity and we need to bring all the community together.

I would like to voice all of your concerns and work hard to bring solutions to our community. We need to have a vision, an audacity for hope, hope for a better future for our kids, hope for good schools, and a safe community to live in, hope senior citizens may maintain a life of tranquility.

We need to work for a more sustainable future, yet have major ambitions, and know how to balance these goals in order to focus our efforts. I would like to pursue the hope I always have to have a better opportunity for personal development, which I am still achieving I hope to help all achieve personal development And I plan to do so as I am running to be a member of your City Council.