PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY – (Press Release) Amy Ashworth announces her candidacy for the office of Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney represents you, the people, in the criminal cases before the courts and oversees a staff of 24 prosecutors.
Ashworth has lived in and practiced law in Manassas City and Prince William County for over 23 years. For 11 of those years, she worked as a prosecutor in the Prince William County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, assigned to the Special Victim’s Unit, where she handled cases involving child sexual and physical abuse, homicide, adult rape and sexual assault allegations. She successfully took many of those cases to jury trial where she secured convictions and lengthy prison sentences for many offenders.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney is a very powerful position. Some of the responsibilities of the office include advising the police departments of Prince William County, Manassas City, Manassas Park, the Towns of Haymarket, Quantico, Occoquan and Dumfries, as well as deciding whether or not to charge someone with a crime, the nature and number of charges to bring, whether or not to take the case to trial or to negotiate a plea deal.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney also recommends an appropriate punishment such as asking a judge to take away someone’s liberty, suspend a driver’s license, impose a fine or require someone to be listed on the Sex Offender Registry. The Commonwealth’s Attorney can even ask a jury to impose the ultimate punishment – death.
Ashworth states “Make no mistake, there are absolutely cases in which the full power of the state should be brought down upon an offender to ensure that justice is done. But there are many cases in which that power should be tempered with compassion. Compassion for those who have served our country, those who are addicted to substances, the mentally ill and those who have made a mistake and are truly remorseful.”
Ashworth adds that “Under her administration, the office will operate with guiding principles set forth in her mission statement. There will be no more deals made with defendants without consulting with the victim of a crime and there will be no more “good old boy” network for the recruitment and hiring of prosecutors.
The budget, under her administration, will be transparent so that resources will not be wasted and pay scales cannot be adjusted to pay men more than women for equal work.”
Since 1995, Ashworth has successfully managed two law offices in private practice and worked as a prosecutor in Prince William County. As a mother, a wife and an active member of this community, she has the insight and experience to handle the office beginning on day one. She will continue to hold herself and those who work for her to the highest ethical standards of honesty and fairness when dealing with law enforcement, victims and witnesses of crimes, defense attorneys and the public.
Amy is looking forward to this campaign and serving this community as Commonwealth’s Attorney. For more information, visit her website at voteashworth.com.
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Join the adventure and solve clues, unravel mysteries, and dive into the captivating stories that make Manassas unique. It’s a perfect outing for friends, families, or anyone looking for a fun and engaging way to explore this vibrant city.
Ready to embark on this unforgettable journey? Visit Manassas Scavenger Hunt for tickets and details.
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The Manassas City Council began its three-day retreat on Thursday at James Madison’s historic Montpelier, located over 80 miles south of the city. The event quickly raised concerns about public access after members of the public who traveled to attend the meeting discovered the venue was locked and inaccessible.
Virginia law mandates that government meetings remain open to the public unless they are specifically classified as legal closed-door sessions. According to Virginia’s open meetings laws, the Council’s work session and retreat did not qualify as a closed-door meeting, raising questions about compliance.
Former Councilwoman Lynn Forkell Green attended the event and confirmed the gate to the complex was locked. “I couldn’t get in. Had I not had the cell numbers of council members, I would not have gained access because the meeting space was more than a mile past the gate, and the complex was closed,” Forkell Green said. While she was able to contact a council member who provided the entry code, she noted that most members of the public would not have such relationships or access.
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.
