If you’re hoping to win friends and influence people, standing before a group of politicians — Democrats and Republicans — who spent more than a year of their life, and tens of thousands of dollars to campaign and then be elected to serve the people, please take note: This is not the way to do it.
When it comes to the art of persuasion, this comment, too, can be written off as a failed tactic that won’t be remembered in the halls of great public speech.
Public comment time during the Prince William Board of County Supervisors meetings, which has been pushed later and later in recent months, preventing would-be speakers from being heard before critical votes are taken, has gotten more interesting, if not, sadly, more entertaining.
It’s been a place for young adults to come and act like children, exploding and cursing at elected officials telling them to “f_” off, to demean minorities — including Yesli Vega, the first Latina to be elected to the county’s Board of Supervisors —Â and to hurl faceless accusations of abuse of power at a police department that not only enjoys but had earned a 95% citizen satisfaction rating.
The vocal attacks on the county police continued this week, as school resource officers — those who protect children at school — the types of officers our community demanded after a string of mass school shootings two years ago — are now, apparently, frowned upon as part of the “prison industrial complex.”
And efforts to train officers on how to work with troubled youth, apparently, aren’t good enough either, as progressives continue to attack the Democrats who hold a majority on the Board of County Supervisors.
No police department or sheriff’s office is perfect. After covering public safety for nearly 15 years, I know officers are continually trained on new methods and best practices for keeping our community safe.
The response to riots in our community this past summer put a spotlight on the importance of police of having properly trained police officers, and we congratulate the Manassas City Police Department on its reaccreditation.
The majority of people like their police department. It’s what they call when their rights are being threatened.
It’s a comfort to know the police are there to protect our rights, as it would be left up to us to use any means necessary to defend them if a police officer could not be dispatched to help us.
That’s why we applaud Supervisor Peter Candland’s call to remove any mention of defunding or reallocating funding to the Prince William County Police Department, in the county’s upcoming strategic plan.
We hope his fellow Supervisors will heed this call and show support for a department that is, unquestionably respected, and very much needed in a growing, diverse community.
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Traffic disruptions and lane reductions are set to begin on northbound I-495 (Capital Beltway Inner Loop) near Tysons, Virginia, as part of the 495 NEXT project’s Big Beam Weekend. The impacts will start tonight, Friday, January 24, at 9 p.m., and continue through 5 a.m. Monday, January 27. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area and plan alternate routes, as significant delays and backups are anticipated.
Discover the hidden gems and rich history of Downtown Manassas on the thrilling Manassas Scavenger Hunt! This exciting walking tour will take you on a journey through the charming streets of Manassas, unlocking the secrets of its iconic landmarks and beloved attractions. From the historic Veterans Memorial to the majestic Water Tower and the Opera House, each location offers a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past.
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.
With contraception rights under scrutiny nationwide, Virginia Democrats are doubling down on efforts to safeguard access, even as they brace for potential pushback from Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the Virginia Mercury reports.
House Bill 1716, introduced by Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, passed the House of Delegates on Thursday, while a companion bill from Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, cleared the Senate Education and Health Committee.
Last year, similar bills passed both chambers with bipartisan support but were ultimately vetoed by Youngkin.
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.
