As Manassas prepares for Election Day on November 5, 2024, Mayor Michelle Davis Younger’s actions during her time in office have shown a concerning pattern: a tendency to make politics personal, holding grudges against those who disagree with her, and even daring to ask challenging questions.
Mayor Davis Younger has consistently demonstrated that she only values positive press and wants to control the narrative about her time in office. Her use of the phrase “Our Manassas” over the past four years implies a sense of unity, but it’s a unity that seems conditional—only extending to those who fully support her vision and leadership. Anyone who questions her motives or approach, whether political opponents or local journalists, finds themselves on the receiving end of her ire.
A striking example of this came during a voter forum organized by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce on October 1, 2024. Davis Younger expressed frustration that it wasn’t a debate where she could directly challenge her opponent, Xiao Yin “Tang” Byrom. But beyond that, she made her distaste for Potomac Local’s presence known, stating, “They invited a journalist that has never said anything nice about me.” This comment is baffling, given that we have written several positive articles about her, covering her community initiatives like “Walks with the Mayor” and “Friday Lunch with the Mayor.”
However, it seems the mayor’s definition of “nice” only applies to outlets that avoid asking critical questions. Despite our efforts to provide balanced coverage, including following up with direct questions and covering her public meetings, Davis Younger has refused to grant us an interview since announcing her candidacy for mayor in 2019.
It was only under pressure, during this election season, that she finally provided an exclusive statement—but only after being confronted by a freelance reporter at an early voting polling station. Her disdain for open dialogue and transparency with the press speaks volumes about how she views the role of media in politics.
Even more troubling, Mayor Davis Younger has played the victim card, lamenting to a majority Black congregation at First Baptist Church of Manassas that she has faced “hate” as the first Black woman to serve as Manassas mayor. While there is no denying the unfortunate reality of discrimination, the mayor’s reluctance to elaborate on these claims or provide specific examples raises questions about whether she is using identity as a shield from legitimate criticism.
This pattern of personalizing politics extends beyond the press. Stories have emerged from citizens like Simone Reddington, host of the “Until They Kick Us Out” podcast, who recounted how Davis Younger refused to speak with her after a “Lunch with the Mayor” event because she knew Reddington supported her opponent. Such behavior is not only unprofessional but undemocratic. A mayor should be willing to engage with all constituents, regardless of their political affiliations.
As voters in Manassas head to the polls, they should ask themselves: Do we want a mayor who makes politics personal and retaliates against those who question her, or do we want a leader who can handle dissent with grace and foster an open, inclusive environment for all? The future of “Our Manassas” depends on that answer.
The closure was caused by a pipe that became loose in the pump room located on the first floor of City Hall. The pump room is responsible for controlling the splash pad on the plaza, and the loose pipe resulted in water leaking into the library. Fortunately, staff noticed the leak, and a contractor was called to remove the water and set up fans and dehumidifiers to prevent further damage.
The repairs include inspecting electrical outlets that may have been exposed to water, replacing loose pipes, and installing a leak detector as a preventative measure. Minor repainting and reorganization of the library will also be necessary. Luck said the cost of the repairs is minimal, with most of it covered by the city’s insurance through VRSA.
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Early voting is open in Virginia! Starting on Sept. 20, Virginians can begin voting in the Nov. 5 general election and local election. Potomac Local News is dedicated to informing the community about candidates vying for one of three open seats on the Manassas City Council and the mayor’s seat.
To help voters make an informed decision, we are continuing a new feature series, “One-Question Manassas City Council Candidate Survey.” This series will run throughout the campaign season, offering insights into each candidate’s stand on key issues affecting our city. Our seventh one, which ran on Sept. 24, focused on power outages and the electrical grid.
The candidates are given 10 days to respond to a Google Form, and their answers will be compiled into a single post on PotomacLocalNews.com. This format lets voters quickly compare the candidates’ views on critical issues, helping them make an informed choice come Election Day.
Today’s topic: Schools.
The candidates were asked: Public school performance is a critical issue for many families in Manassas. With the School Board controlling school management but the City Council being a chief funding source, how do you plan to address the challenges our public schools face, such as lagging Standards of Learning (SOL) scores, provisional accreditation for Osbourn High and Metz Middle and the need for equal resources across all schools? Specifically, would you support setting benchmarks when the school board comes asking for funding during the upcoming budget cycle? Additionally, how do you propose to ensure transparency in the use of public funds, and how would you approach the ongoing discussions about funding and constructing new school facilities to accommodate growing student populations?
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The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will convene on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 7 p.m. to deliberate and vote on a proposed residential development in the Coles Magisterial District. The project, known as Bradley South, seeks to rezone approximately 10.15 acres of land from A-1 (Agricultural) to PMR (Planned Mixed Residential) to allow for the construction of 102 townhomes.
The site is on the east side of Dumfries Road (Route 234), about 115 feet northeast of the intersection with Godwin Drive, near Manassas, near a newly-opened interchange with Prince William Parkway.
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One of Sondheim's most popular musicals details the tale of the Baker and his wife, who in their quest to have a child, make a bargain with a vengeful witch. The couple finds themselves on a journey through the woods encountering familiar fairytale characters.
Performances will be held in the Wind River Theater at the ARTfactory from Oct. 11 to Oct. 20.
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Take a look at some highlighted events.
Saturday (Oct. 5)
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Mark your calendars for the 41st Annual Fall Jubilee in Historic Downtown Manassas on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free, family-friendly event promises a day of fun for all ages.
With over 100 craft and community booths, live music, and entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Attendees can enjoy games, shop for unique handmade items, and explore the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Manassas. Don’t miss this beloved community tradition, offering a perfect way to celebrate the fall season.
For more information, visit Historic Manassas online.
During the session, Roem expressed her ongoing efforts to collect community input to shape her legislative agenda effectively. "I am in my information gathering phase," Roem stated, explaining her approach to understanding the specific needs of the communities she represents, including Manassas Park, the City of Manassas, the town of Haymarket, and Prince William County.
Roem reassured the council of her support for local projects, such as the much-needed streetlight improvements along Manassas Drive. She asked for updates on federal grants applied for and the amount of city money already allocated to the project to determine how much state coverage is needed.
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In a recent session held on October 1, 2024, the Manassas Park Governing Body debated an amendment to the Park Center development contract, allowing the construction of 110 residential apartments before an initially planned office building. This decision represents a significant shift from the original development agreement, adapting to the altered landscape of office space demand due to increased remote work.
The original contract stipulated the construction of an office building before any residential developments could commence. However, citing financial and market constraints, including difficulties securing loans for office space development, the city is now poised to prioritize residential construction.
