DUMFRIES, Va. — Dumfries residents will head to the polls Tuesday to elect new Town Council members as well as a new mayor. PotomacLocal.com has compiled our Dumfries’ voters guide to help you understand who are the candidates and link you to their respective webpages.
Mayoral candidates
Nancy West – (Interim mayor)
Age 74
Married, four children (1 deceased)
Retired school employee
Why she’s running: “Our 2020 Vision Statement talks about developing our old port area with restaurants, shopping and parks. The town is in negotiations to make that happen and, I hope that it isn’t too many years down the road before we see a wonderful development there.”
Gerald Foreman (Incumbent Councilman)
Age: 50
Married, one daughter
Aviation logistics consultant
Why he’s running: “The Mayor performing as a Leader, serving ‘all’ the Town citizens, Business Owners, Town Government and fellow Councilmembers. The number one issue is the way Council works with each other, communicates, and exchanges ideas.  We need to do a better job.”Â
Council candidates
Dorothea Barr (Incumbent)
Realtor
Age: Not provided
Why she’s running: Diversify town revenue streams, promote a better image of the town and ensure equal treatment of property owners and businesses regarding the application and enforcement of ordinances.
Willie J. Toney – (Incumbent, vice mayor)
Age: 61
Married, one stepson
Retired from Washington, D.C. government and youth services
Why he’s running: “I advocate for people too often overlooked and try to be a strong voice for baby boomers because this is an aging community.
Charles Brewer (former Dumfries Councilman)
Age: Not provided
Fire sprinkler services manager
Three children
Why he’s running: “I want to get the tax rate down, start a street light program and try to get the legislature to fund the Route 1 project.”
Helen Reynolds
Age: 53
Principal Systems Administrator BAE Systems
Married, two sons
Why she’s running: To bring integrity back to the council, and prosperity (bringing businesses to the town of Dumfries).
Derrick Wood
Age: 34
Married, three children
Personal chef
Why he’s running: Improve community involvement, use technology to promote the town
Recent Stories
A case of child abuse and neglect has led to the arrest of three family members following the death of a 4-year-old boy on January 19.
Officers responded to The Regency Apartments in the 9800 block of Shallow Creek Loop near Manassas at 7:36 p.m. January 19, to investigate reports of an unconscious child. When emergency responders arrived, they found the young victim, later identified as a 4-year-old boy, unresponsive.
Fire and Rescue personnel administered CPR before transporting the child to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
JoinPotomac Point Winery in Stafford from Saturday, February 1, for a sweet treat.
Enjoy Chocolate & Wine Flights from 5 to 10 p.m., offering pairings served on illuminated flight stands adorned with hearts.
At just $20, this enchanting experience is the perfect way to kick off the season and add a little Valentine’s magic to your evening. Available in both the Bistro and Wine Tents, this is a must-try for all chocolate and wine lovers!
Have an event you’d like to share? It’s free to submit! Just fill out the simple form at this link: https://form.jotform.com/221630757468058. Follow the instructions on the page to get your event featured!
For Virginians who spend hundreds of dollars on tolls each month, relief could be on the horizon — if lawmakers can stomach the price tag, reports the Virginia Mercury.
A proposal to ease toll burdens for frequent drivers and low-income residents cleared a key hurdle in the state legislature this week, as a House Transportation subcommittee advanced the measure for further review.Â
Prince William County Schools (PWCS) are embarking on an ambitious $1.098 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) aimed at alleviating overcrowding, modernizing aging school facilities, and preparing for future shifts in student enrollment. The plan, presented at the January 15, 2025, school board work session, includes new school constructions, significant renovations, and sustainability-focused upgrades.
To address overcrowding in high-growth areas, PWCS will build multiple new schools, including:
Occoquan Replacement School – Scheduled to open in December 2025, this school will add 226 seats and include specialized programs for students with special education and autism support needs.
Woodbridge Area Elementary School – Opening in the 2026-2027 school year, this school will provide a capacity of approximately 632 students and will serve the Cardinal and Neabsco Mills Districts, areas currently experiencing significant overcrowding.
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.
