This post is part of our Project:Election series, our annual look at candidates running for local office.Â
- Election Day is November 5.Â
- Find your polling place.Â
Doug Taggart, an engineer and small business owner, is running to become the Potomac District Supervisor for Prince William County. His focuses include transportation and improved business development in the county.
Name: Doug Taggart
Party: Republican
Town: Dumfries
Running for: Supervisor Potomac District
Website: dtaggartforsupervisor.com
Work: President of a Small Business
Education: US Coast Guard Academy (BSEE) & Purdue University (MSEE)
Community Involvement:Â Board Member Montclair Property Owners Association (1997-present)
President & CEO Azalea Charities, Inc. (1999-present)
Montclair Lions Club (1995 – present)
Hylton Crew Boosters President (1996-2000)
PWC Industry Development Authority (Jan 2019 – present)
Questions and Answers
PL:Â What are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent?Â
Taggart: Transportation, Schools, Jobs
PL:Â What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
Taggart: I will take good ideas from wherever they originate, listen with an open mind to opposing views, and work cooperatively with other members of the Board of Supervisors to advance smart and judicious ideas that will benefit all of us.
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?
Taggart: Represent constituents at the local government level in the development and approval of annual budgets; conduct legislative activities impacting the county; (ordinances, tax rates, appointments); manage the development of land use plans, coordinate with other governmental activities impacting Prince William County.
PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?
Taggart: As an engineer I appreciate the complexity of issues. I enjoy the challenge of thinking of ways to make things work better and paying attention to detail. I bring to the job 22 years of serving as a Board member on the Montclair Property Owners Association. In addition I have 20+ years serving as a U.S. Coast Guard officer and an additional 10+ years serving as the President & CEO of a small business providing professional engineering and technical services to the Department of Defense. These management duties have prepared me well for the challenges of working with a broad spectrum of issues as a member of the Board of County Supervisors for Prince William County.
PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government?
Taggart: From August 2005 to August 2006, I applied for and was accepted as a Congressional Science and Engineering fellow serving on the staff of a member of Congress during the second session of the 109th Congress. The fellowship program (I was 1 of 30 total fellows selected that year) was coordinated by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). One of the key takeaways I had from that experience was that when constituents speak, you need to listen as those that take the time to make an inquiry know the issues and have strong feelings on those issues.
If I am afforded the opportunity to serve as a member of the PWC Board of Supervisors I will dedicate myself to keeping constituents informed through a wide and diverse collection of communication technologies, e.g., newsletters, social media venues, interviews, townhalls, etc…
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
Taggart: I have not made any mistakes in my public life but rather I would suggest that I have been very fortunate in my life experiences and believe that my educational background, my community service activities, and the support of my family have prepared me well to continue to serve as a member of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors.
PL:Â Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
Taggart: My leadership experiences are founded on my years as a Coast Guard Officer, a Small Business President and CEO, the President & CEO of a non-profit organization (Azalea Charities, Inc.) that raises funds to support a dual mission (Aid for Wounded Warriors and youth and special needs projects in our local Northern Virginia area). I ask people to consider voting for me because I will promise to listen with an open mind to the advice and ideas of the business leaders, parents, students, teachers, first responders, and all those who comprise the backbone of our community to make Prince William County an even greater place to live, work, and do business.
Recent Stories
If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, look no further than Aria Mia, a sweet little kitten currently up for adoption at Prince William County Animal Services. This brave little one arrived as a stray with injuries to both of her eyes. Aria Mia has already undergone surgery on one eye and will need follow-up treatment for the other. Despite her challenges, she’s shown incredible resilience and is ready to start a new chapter with a loving family.
Aria Mia has already proven that she’s not just a cat lover but a dog lover too! During her recovery at Caring Hands Veterinary Clinic, she showed how well she gets along with dogs. So, if you’re looking for a kitten who can coexist with your furry canine companions, Aria Mia might just be the perfect fit for you.
Come meet Aria Mia today and see for yourself what a sweet, loving companion she can be. She’s eager to find her forever home and start the next phase of her life in a caring and compassionate environment.
Deuntay Diggs, Chair of Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors, indicated Tuesday evening that he is prepared to take legal action should some of his colleagues continue to ask for an amendment to the Code of Performance that “adversely affects my career, my calling,” reports the FXBG Advance.Â
A report from the Federal Railroad Administration requested by Fredericksburg City Council and Mayor Kerry Devine on this past summer’s freight car derailment blames human error for the mishap, reports the FXBG Advance.Â
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is progressing toward finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Department of Economic Development.
The draft MOU aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both entities in promoting economic growth and business attraction within the county. However, concerns raised by some Board members suggest that the document may need further refinement before it can be adopted.
During a work session on January 28, 2025, Liz Barber, the county’s Director of Economic Development, presented the draft MOU, highlighting the extensive process that led to its creation. The document was developed over the past year, with input from both county administration and EDA members. Its goal is to establish clear guidelines and expectations for the EDA and the Department of Economic Development, particularly regarding the administrative processes, division of duties, and collaboration between the two bodies.
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.
