Focus on debt, need for more businesses in Manassas Park top Rishell’s list

Potomac Local News October 21, 2016 at 11:03am

Jeanette M. Rishell is running for Mayor of Manassas Park. She currently serves as a council member on the city’s Governing Body.

Rishell looks to unseat longtime incumbent Mayor Frank Jones.

We sent a questionnaire to Rishell and Jones. Rishell’s responses are below:

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

Rishell: City debt service will spike by almost $2 million for the fiscal year 2018. The need for commercial business development. Adequately funding the City’s core services.

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

Rishell: There have been, and will continue to be, ongoing efforts to refinance the City’s debt. This will cover a portion of the debt spike in 2018 and 2019 and is an important part of the effort because the debt service will level off for several years before dropping.

I have thoroughly analyzed each budget so far and will continue to do so, because we must determine the difference between our wants and our needs.

Also, I will emphasize commercial business development. When I first came onto council, I was surprised that the City did not have an economic development brochure to promote the City’s assets across all of Northern Virginia. We have a brochure now, and we also have an Economic Development Manager whose primary responsibility is to try to bring business into the City. I will encourage all Governing Body members to work in cooperation with our new Economic Development Manager. I will work to create a more formal outreach plan consisting of more active participation in Chamber of Commerce events, visitation to local businesses to receive their input and ideas, and of course contact and visitation to new businesses who may wish to locate into Manassas Park. If this is not sufficient, we will try additional measures TBD.

It’s important that we begin to be more proactive to bring in the revenue that is needed to support our schools and other core services. Currently, the City is heavily dependent upon residential taxation, so business revenue will help make a living in our City more affordable.

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

Rishell: According to the Charter of the City, the Mayor serves as the CEO of the City, and also represents the City in a variety of venues. It is important for the Mayor to provide leadership through action, by example, and with decorum.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Rishell: In addition to my life and career experiences, I have the experience of being a councilmember for the last four years. I have performed my council duties in a comprehensive and detailed manner.

Beyond my responsibilities as a council member, I serve the City in the following capacities:

*Serve on the Upper Occoquan Service Authority (UOSA) Board of Directors since 2010

*Member Representative to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA)

*Vice Chair of the Finance Committee of the NVTA

*Member of the Planning and Programming Committee of the NVTA

*City Representative on the Route 28 Steering Committee

*Member of the Manassas Park Department of Social Services Board

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?

Rishell: When I knocked doors and campaigned for my council seat in 2012, I heard from residents across the City that they wanted to know more about what their local government was doing. City staff has been making great use of social media to promote the City and its events.

In addition, I have made a personal effort since my election to council in 2012 to inform residents by regularly sending out a constituent mailer in order to let people know important issues and items of general interest.

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

Rishell: Everyone makes mistakes in all facets of their lives, and they can learn from them and move forward in a more productive manner.

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

Rishell: I have the judgment, the common sense, and the ability to balance the competing needs of the City. The next several years will be challenging, and I will be a hands-on and proactive Mayor.