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Youlen focused on bringing career jobs to Manassas

Manassas residents will head to the polls for the November 8, 2016 General Election to choose who should fill three open council seats, and a new mayor.

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We sent a questionnaire to Youlen, 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?

Youlen: Revenue Generation, Infrastructure, and Debt

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
Youlen: Quality of Life- Retain public employees through top tier benefit packages with a focus on police and fire. Enforce zoning ordinances, not just in Olde Town, but throughout the entire city.
 
Local Economy- Attract businesses through local revitalization projects with a goal of attracting companies that provide career type jobs for people. Stop offering incentive packages to “fly by night” businesses that last six months and disappear just to fill vacant commercial space in Old Town. Bring in businesses that people like and want such as eateries, coffee shops, bars, live events ect.
 
*Editors note: Youlen cited the recently closed Center Street Gourmet as a business that received tax incentives to open in Downtown Manassas. The city refunded the business’ occupancy permit fees after it opened but did not provide a cash grant, said Manassas Economic Development Director Patrick Small.
 
Vacancy- The city continues to build at record paces without any regard for the capacity it has to deal with the trickle down effect in schools and on roads. We should be filling the massive amount of commercial and residential neighborhoods before building more of the same.
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Youlen: City Councilman- Representative of the people of the city of Manassas. I don’t think this question is geared for some boring technical answer so I think a politician should be someone who connects with the people. Not his or her inner circle of politicos and media types, but can relate to people without regard to political party affiliation or what neighborhood they live in. Someone who has compassion for public service, and the dedication to make his or her community a better place.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Youlen: I have a background in law enforcement, and in today’s political climate I think it can be a much-needed asset to the council. None of the other members or candidates can say this. I’m younger than the average candidate, and I think that makes a huge difference in getting younger voters involved and understanding the political process about our government.

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? 
Youlen: No, the vast majority of people from my perspective have very little interest in local politics. A lot could not even name one council member. Social media is an obvious choice when it comes to connecting to the community especially with younger members of the community. I think attending community events such as HOA meetings and community days are advantageous to improving communication.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they effected you?
 
Youlen: Never held public office.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
 
Youlen: Quite frankly I’m not more of the same. I’m not part of the political club. I offer a fresh perspective on numerous things, not more of the same old business as usual approach to everything. I think people are clamoring for change on both sides, and I am their avenue for that change.

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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