Theresa Coates Ellis says Manassas needs to fight blight, better enforce rules and codes

Potomac Local News October 17, 2016 at 8:50am

Theresa Coates Ellis is running on the Republican ticket for a seat on the Manassas City Council.

A longtime city resident, this his her first time seeking public office.

We sent a questionnaire to Coates Ellis, and all other candidates seeking office for the Manassas City Council. Her responses are below:

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Manassas Park residents will head to the polls on November 8, 2016, General Election to choose two people to fill two open council seats, and a new mayor.

We sent a questionnaire to Way, 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 residents?

Ellis: Strengthening schools. Create quality jobs and opportunities while supporting local businesses and advancing public image and communication. Keeping neighborhoods safe and clean.

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

Ellis: Businesses and community members connecting with the schools will build relationships to improve the challenges that we face in educating our students to be career-ready and college-ready. Strong schools will motivate businesses to invest in the City of Manassas building a foundation for families, better housing, and an inviting living experience. A business-friendly community environment will also encourage the entrepreneurial spirit. Public image and communication are important to the City of Manassas and the areas beyond the city. The City of Manassas has many assets: the airport, the train, utilities, parks and fitness, Civil War history plus a vibrant old town.

Public image and communication are important to the City of Manassas and the areas beyond the city. The City of Manassas has many assets: the airport, the train, utilities, parks and fitness, Civil War history plus a vibrant old town. Curating content from community member’s experiences with a new selected “Public Image Committee” will advance positive awareness.

User-friendly communication tools to improve the access of important community information and an outreach program is necessary.

Police, fire and rescue will be supported for community safety. We need to provide the necessary facilities, equipment, and manpower to continue their duties effectively.

Community members need to respect and be proud of their City of Manassas.

The City and community need to do a better job combatting litter and blight by enforcing laws, rules and codes. Community members can come together to volunteer their services and communicate with the city for action.

Fiscal responsibility will provide the community with the services they desire.

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

Ellis: The Manassas City Council’s job it to serve the community and provide the services that they desire.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Ellis: I am a mother with seven children in my blended family who attended public schools. Since 1988, I have owned a City of Manassas business and volunteered in the community. I built my company from a healthcare management business in 1988 to Tackle Management, PR and Marketing.

Because of my experiences as a mother, a community volunteer and a business owner in the City of Manassas, I can offer a new perspective to our community.

I have the education and professional skills in marketing, communication and public relations to engage citizens and bring them together to solve tough problems and move Manassas forward.

I will work with the City to form a Public Image Committee to increase positive awareness and focus on the assets in our City selecting citizens as ambassadors for the community to curate content for an online website to share information.

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?

Ellis: The average citizen is very busy, but some members of the community are active in local government. Increasing communication channels with more face to face interaction and online tools will improve awareness. A scheduled City audio podcast, video podcast, or live feed and a news blog with City updates are tools that would be beneficial.

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

Ellis: I finished my degree at George Mason University a few years ago when I had children in college. I regret not completing my degree at an earlier time in my life.

However, it was worth it in the long run. My degree in Business Communication provided me with updated skills to market and communicate during the era of the new rules of online marketing and public relations that some business owners find challenging.

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

Ellis: As a mother, experienced business owner and community leader, I have the family, professional and leadership experience necessary to bring our community together for a stronger Manassas.

We have a wonderful City of Manassas with treasures such as our old town charm, top Public Safety teams (Police, Fire and Rescue), a growing Airport, Lake Manassas and more. Our challenges include our schools, traffic, and communication. It will take a united City to solve these problems. Our citizens deserve strong leadership with integrity and vision. I am a fresh perspective who works hard, listens and cares deeply about our community. I have lived and worked in the community for more than 25 years.

I am dedicated, focused and ready to serve as Manassas City Council.