On November 20, 2018, during its work session, the Dumfries Town Council became the first town in Prince William County to adopt a Resolution in support of ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment.
In sharp contrast to the Prince William County Board of Supervisors Meeting where the Resolution was rejected, our Town Council adopted the Resolution in a 7-0 vote.
Prior to making the motion, I was able to provide some background on the history of the Equal Rights Amendment, “The Equal Rights Amendment specifies that you cannot discriminate on the basis of gender.
Congress passed the Equal Rights Amendment back in 1972 and it takes 38 states to ratify. We are currently at 37 and Virginia is in the process of becoming the 38th state. The General Assembly will be taking this up in their upcoming session and I would like to pass this Resolution in support of this effort.
The motion was seconded and received the full support of the Dumfries Town Council.
In a short period of time, the Town of Dumfries has cemented its place as a leader in the fight for equality. The town made history in August by becoming the first locality within Prince William County to include sexual orientation and gender identity in its nondiscrimination policy.
Additionally, the Town Council has voted to move local elections to November in order to eliminate the unintentional voter disenfranchisement that sometimes takes place with May elections.
While I was running for my position, I was often asked to explain my slogan #DumfriesFirst. My answer was always that it meant that Dumfries sets the example for the way in which a town in the Commonwealth should operate.
Through its commitment to inclusion and putting the needs of citizens first the Dumfries Town Council has done just that.
Recent Stories
The Haymarket Town Council approved a budget amendment on February 3, 2025, increasing the fiscal year 2024-25 budget by $111,749 to fund the demolition of the former Haymarket Food Pantry building at Haymarket Community Park. The funds will come from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which the council says was designated for infrastructure improvements.
The decision has sparked debate among council members and residents, with some questioning the public benefit of demolishing the building instead of repurposing it. During the public hearing, resident Marshawn Schneider raised concerns over long-term financial impacts, particularly regarding the cost of future public restrooms at the park.
The Occoquan Town Council is advancing key initiatives, including the integration of the town’s police department with Prince William County’s computer-assisted dispatch system, improving emergency response. A public hearing is set to discuss a new cigarette sales tax ordinance, aligning with neighboring jurisdictions. Meanwhile, the 2025 events calendar has been approved, featuring Riverfest, the Arts and Crafts Show, trivia nights, and the return of the Holiday Artisan Market with Santa’s arrival by boat. Stay informed on these developments and upcoming town events by visiting the official town website.
As more federal employees return to in-person work, commuting interest in the George Washington Region is surging. GWRideConnect, the commuter assistance program of the George Washington Regional Commission, reports a sharp increase in inquiries about ridesharing options. “We’ve been steadily seeing an increase of people going back to the office, and then it just jumped,” said Kerry McKenney of GWRC. Expanded transit options, including new vanpools and OmniRide services, are helping meet demand.
Public safety officials recently gathered at Dunkin’ Donuts locations from Stafford County to Manassas to meet with community members in two separate events fostering engagement and conversation.
In Stafford County, Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins celebrated the grand reopening of their Next Generation restaurant on Warrenton Road with a unique community event on Saturday, February 8. Customers enjoyed free medium hot or iced coffee while participating in fun activities, including a prize wheel, face painting, and a visit from Dunkin’s mascot, Cuppy. As part of the event, local franchisee Pravina Bhalani hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and presented a $500 donation to the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Charitable Foundation.
Stafford County Fire and Rescue expressed their appreciation, stating, “Thank you to Dunkin’ (Warrenton Road) for the invite to their reopening and thank you for the generous $500 contribution to the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Charitable Foundation.”
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
