FAIRFAX  – (Press Release) Rolling lane closures are planned to occur in both directions on I-66 between Route 29 in Gainesville and Sudley Road (Route 234 Business) during daytime hours tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 7 and Thursday, Nov. 8. Crews will be refreshing lane stripes and pavement markings that were installed as part of lane shifts needed for the I-66 Outside the Beltway project.

Lane closures will take place between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Closures will begin in the morning on westbound I-66 and will switch in the afternoon to eastbound I-66.

Drivers are advised to use caution and expect potential travel delays.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY — Stanley Bender, who has his name on the ballot to be the next Prince William County School Board Chairman, At-large, has been largely absent from the campaign trail.

He’s raised zero dollars and failed to show up to debates between his fellow candidates Alyson Satterwhite, who is endorsed by Republicans, and Babur Lateef, endorsed by Democrats.

Bender’s name, however, showed up on Election Day on multiple red signs planted at polling places, many in the western side of the county stating “Republicans for Stanley Bender.”

Ask any Republican in the county’s GOP and they’ll tell you Bender is not their candidate. But calls started pouring into to the county’s GOP headquarters on Prince William Parkway early Tuesday morning from confused voters asking if Bender was their candidate.

“This is the most vicious attempt to deceive voters that I have ever seen,” said Prince William County Republican Committee Chairman Bill Card.

Republicans chalk up the move to voter suppression and maintain their support for Satterwhite.

While all school board candidates run as independents, it’s common for parties to endorse candidates as they’ve done in this race.

Records from the Virginia Department of Elections Show former Prince William County Democratic Committee Chairman Harry Wiggins filed for the creation of a “Republicans for Bender” political action committee on Oct. 24. Wiggins is listed at the PAC’s treasurer, and his Woodbridge area address as the PAC’s headquarters.

Wiggins could not be reached for comment.

“This is just someone taking advantage of a race where candidates don’t have Rs or Ds beside ther names on the ballot,” said Card.

Card urged for Democrats to denounce he move, and said it would cheapen the win for their candidate, Lateef.

Prince William County Democratic Committee Chairman Don Shaw referred us to a prepared statement posted to social media.

“Dirty tricks and deception are just as bad as fake robocalls and providing an insufficient number of voting machines at polling places. Voter suppression, regardless of its source or form cuts against everything we stand for. Anyone who participates in such reprehensible behavior does not share our values,” the statement read.

WOODBRIDGE — Residents on Tuesday night attended the first of three open house events focused on drafting the next Prince William County Comprehensive Plan.

Officials are seeking input from residents about its 2040 comprehensive plan which is the “long-term” vision for the county that lays out the levels of services.

Rebecca Horner, Prince William’s Planning Director, said the comprehensive plan is a 20-year document updated every 10 years. When the plan is updated, it is a way for the county to “make sure we’re staying in line” with what Prince William residents want.

Multifaceted plan 

The sparsely-attended event that was advertised on the county’s website was held in the Development Services Building at 5 County Complex off Prince William Woodbridge from 6 to 8 p.m. Stations were set up around the Development Services building that housed booths which were manned by staff from sections of facilities that are part of the comprehensive plan, such as mobility, libraries, technology and connectivity, and parks, recreation, and tourism, among others.

Horner explained that the comprehensive plan looks at facilities needed for the county – things like how many police officers, fire and rescue staff, response time, and parks per person. The plan will deal with how many police officers Prince William County will need, and then how to house them.

“It’s very map based,” Horner said.

She said that the plan is formulated by using “smart growth” principles, land use knowledge, and engaging the public.

The comprehensive plan is different from the strategic plan- which is updated by the Board of County Supervisors every five years. The strategic plan is more “short-term,” Horner explained, and the comprehensive plan is long-term.

The county’s population is nearing half a million people, and last year surpassed Virginia Beach to become the second-most populated locality in Virginia behind Fairfax County.

For those not able to attend the events, or who wish to add more comments or get updates about the plan, the County developed an app which it hopes residents will use to get real updates about the plan and to submit feedback during the process. Instructions on how to download the app are on the county’s website.

Horner says the app can help implement the idea of a “smart community” where the county can deliver services through technology. She says the app can be a “model for the county” – such as providing a way to give residents real-live data from commuter parking lots.

This is linked to the “Technology and Connectivity” section of the comprehensive plan, which used to be called Telecommunications, but has been renamed due to the current technological climate.

“This is more aspirational,” Horner said.

Horner said that she would like to see open data for the county one day, where the landing page would be the county website – primarily in under-served areas. This way, people can get information from the county about the services they need.

At the Technology and Connectivity booth, Rob Mancini, the county’s chief information officer, said about open data for the county, that “it’s not a question of if, [it’s] a question of when” it will happen. The county is working on capabilities now and is working on moving the county to the cloud.

Scott Meyer, from the planning office, said the night was “successful.” He said a lot of people have been stopping by and understanding the “value and importance” of their contributions to the comprehensive plan.

Tom Garrity, Deputy District Commander for the Prince William County police, was at the Safe, Secure Communities booth along with Tom Pulaski, Division Commander for Financial and Technical Services for the police.

Garrity said that “it’s always great to have someone involved in the community.”

He mentioned that citizen feedback is appreciated for things such as the expanding police training facility and the animal shelter.

“We’ve always worked with the community,” Garrity said. “It’s a partnership.”

Prince William resident Kim Hosen, Executive Director of the Prince William Conservation Alliance, was one of the citizens who attended the event.

“This provided a good opportunity to learn about the current comprehensive plan, and to interact with the planners,” Hosen said.

Horner adds the comprehensive plan is the “primary policy document” that the planning commission uses when deciding zoning cases for new construction and development.

She emphasized the importance of community participation.

“I would hope that more people would come out and participate,” said Horner.

The Board of County Supervisors has the final say 

The plan is in the early public feedback stage. Afterward, a draft of the new plan will go to a work session in the planning department, then a planning session, where they will put the draft on the county website and the app so the public can continue to comment.

Ultimately, the Board of County supervisors has the final say on the comprehensive plan.

As for costs, Horner explained the comprehensive plan has all been done in-house so far. The one exception is that they have been hiring consultants to work on the small area plans, which Horner explained are “specific ideas for how an area will develop” in which they want a “higher level of planning” because those are “areas where the board wants to direct” growth. Those cost figures were not immediately provided.

The last comprehensive plan was made in 2008, which Horner said is this year’s “baseline” they are working from. Most of the 2008 plan will carry over to this next one.

“It’s a good plan,” Horner said.

She added many points of the 2008 plan might carry over to the new one.

“I’m hoping by end of next year we will have completed all the chapters,” Horner said.

If you are interested in attending one of the open houses, there are two more events.

These are:
• Tuesday, November 13, George Mason University: Science and Technology Campus – Beacon Hall, 10945 George Mason Circle, Manassas, Virginia 20109

• Wednesday, November 14, NVCC Regional Center for Workforce Education and Training, 2675 College Drive, Woodbridge, Virginia 22191

For those who cannot attend, the app is free and easy to use.

In 2028, the county will develop its 2050 plan.

Alyson Satterwhite believes, “A School Board that is constantly distracted by politics is not able to focus.” A long-time school board member in Prince William County, she was the first to file candidacy for Chairman of the Prince Willam County School Board for the upcoming November 2018 Special Election. Satterwhite is duking it out with Interim School Board Chairman Dr. Babur Lateef and retired Woodbridge resident Stanley Bender, who are also on the ballot.

Below, find Satterwhite’s responses to our Project: Election questionnaire.

Find your polling place

PL: What are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent?

Satterwhite: Students, Wages, Safety & Mental Health

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?

Satterwhite: We must focus on putting our students first, competitive wages for our teachers and bus drivers, and reducing classroom sizes while also continuing to improve school safety and mental health.

We have to focus on our students. Parents are concerned about the education that their children are receiving. A School Board that is constantly distracted by politics is not able to focus on the work that our citizens elect us to carry out. The School Board must put students first.

Competitive wages for teachers and bus drivers must be a priority and we have to work to retain our employees. We are losing teachers to neighboring counties that offer higher wages, counties that are able to do so because their commercial and business tax base is much larger than that of Prince William County. More business growth in Prince William County will provide a better balance of the residential and business tax base, allowing us to spend more money on education. I voted for pay raises for our teachers and staff members in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. I want our teachers and staff members to feel valued and respected.

Reducing class sizes helps our students academically, reduces the workload on our teachers, and on average leads to fewer behavior and discipline problems. Last year the Superintendent gave the School Board a five year supplemental plan in the FY18 budget that would move students out of trailers and reduce class sizes. Once the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) numbers are updated, we need to revisit this plan. Working together with the Board of County Supervisors and our tax payers, we can make this a reality for our students. Reducing class sizes gives our teachers the opportunity that they need to check in with our students daily to assess academic growth as well as social and emotional well being.

Our teachers focus daily on best practices for their students in the classroom. The focus should be on their students, they should not be be armed. I am in complete support of armed school security officers who are trained in best practices in school safety. Safe schools involves the physical security of our schools and also includes student mental health. I have been a strong advocate for student mental health and suicide awareness. Last year I proposed adding additional school nurses to the budget. This year I made the proposal to hire 13 additional social workers, including a human trafficking specialist. For several years I have advocated with members of the General Assembly and will continue to advocate to change our state Standards of Quality to reduce the student to counselor, nurse, social worker, and school psychologist ratios.    

PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Satterwhite: The School Board Chairman presides over School Board meetings, helps set the agenda of the meetings, and carries out such other duties as the Prince William County School Board may assign. As a member of the Prince William County School Board, you are an advocate and voice for your district, and in the case of the Chairman At Large, for all of Prince William County.

Attending School Board meetings, disciplinary hearings, professional development, responding to inquiries from constituents, attendance at school events, Back to School Nights, graduations, ribbon cuttings and school openings, and other special events are all part of the normal schedule. In addition preparation for one School Board meeting can take anywhere from 5 – 20 hours depending on the subjects being addressed.

The job is officially considered part time, but it often requires much more time and effort. This is why it is so important to have a School Board Chairman who has the time, energy, and experience to devote to the job.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Satterwhite: I bring seven years of experience and professionalism as a School Board member to the office. Through my availability and engagement with my community, I have a strong understanding of what constituents are concerned about and want to see addressed. As the mother of four children who are all graduates of PWCS, along with my bachelors degree in education, I bring practical experience and understanding of how children learn. Last year when my youngest child graduated, as a parent I completed 24 years of IEP meetings, 15 years in Prince William County Schools, and experience in three additional school systems during my husband’s active military service. I advocate for all of our students with the same passion with which I advocated for my own children.

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency?

Satterwhite: A large part of the job of Chairman, or a School Board Member, is helping constituents learn how to navigate through our school division in order to get the information they need. Being available in the community, listening to the concerns of parents, and meeting with stakeholders is key in outreach. Keeping open communication with constituents is essential because decisions made on the School Board impact the lives of our students and families on a personal level. 

PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?

Satterwhite: In my seven years of public service I have learned a tremendous amount. There is always more to learn, and in education, we are developing lifelong learners! You have to reflect and think about how you can do things better, how you can improve in your job. I have friends and constituents who hold me accountable, who give me feedback, give me their input on how they might have done something differently. I listen and learn from them. As a School Board Member, as Chairman, you are accountable to the people who elect you.

PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?

Satterwhite: Our School Board needs a dedicated leader with experience.

As a servant leader I realize that my job is not to make decisions for you, but to work with you to help find solutions for the problems that you might face.

As a fiscal conservative with experience with seven school budgets, I continue to work hard to see that your hard earned taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.

I will boldly stand for what is just and ethical, as I did when I led the successful censure against our former chairman after confidential documents were publicly released.

I will advocate for our students, as I did when I called a special meeting to accept over $20 million dollars for school construction.

Vote for Alyson Satterwhite, a dedicated and experienced leader who puts our students first.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY – (Press Release) On October 28 at 5:30AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 14800 block of Elmwood Dr in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a larceny of a firearm. The caller reported to police that he was attending a party at the residence when his firearm was stolen out of his holster while he was attempting to break up a fight. A short time later, a single round was fired inside of the residence. When officers arrived, they located the accused inside of the residence with the stolen firearm in his possession. After a search of the residence, officers determined that a single bullet was fired into a bathtub by the accused. No injuries were reported, and no other property damage was located or reported. Following the investigation, the accused was arrested.

                Arrested on October 28:

                Orlando Xabie AGUILAR CISNEROS, 26, of 1250 Columbia Rd in Woodbridge

Charged with discharging a firearm within a dwelling house and grand larceny

Court Date: November 29, 2018 | Bond: Held on a $7,500 secured bond

Felony Child Neglect – On October 27 at 4:51PM, officers responded to the Kensington Place Apartment complex located in the 2200 block of York Dr in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a suspicious person. When officers arrived, they located the suspect acting erratically and under the influence of an unknown narcotic. When officers attempted to detain the suspect, he attempted to flee on foot before being detained by officers after a brief foot pursuit. During the investigation, officers determined that the accused had been holding his 4-year-old child outside while he was intoxicated when he dropped the child causing a minor injury. The accused then left the child on the ground and walked away. A citizen found the child before an acquaintance of the accused responded to pick up the child. Following the investigation, the accused was arrested.

                Arrested on October 27:

Donte Iraj HAWKINS, 29, of 14960 Potomac Heights Pl, Apt 213, in Woodbridge

Charged with felony child neglect and intoxication in public

                Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Hit & Run Investigation – On October 27 at 1:27AM, officers responded to the area of Rippon Blvd and Forest Grove Dr in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a two-vehicle crash. The investigation revealed that a black, 2015 Chrysler 200 was involved in a T-bone accident with a red, 2014 BMW 428i in the middle of the intersection. The Chrysler did not remain at the scene and fled the area. A responding officer located the suspect vehicle in the area of Blackburn Rd and Jefferson Davis Hwy and conducted a traffic stop. Upon further investigation, officers determined the driver of the Chrysler, identified as Danielle Jade BRUNSON, was intoxicated and arrested her. Two occupants of the BMW reported minor injuries.

Arrested on October 27:

                Danielle Jade BRUNSON, 22, of 3419 Bancroft Rd in Baltimore, Maryland

Charged with felony hit & run and driving while intoxicated

                Court Date: December 27, 2018 | Bond: Held on a $2,500 secured bond

 

Sexual Battery – On September 26, detectives with the Special Victims Unit began an investigation into an alleged sexual assault that was reported to have occurred at a residence located in the 8200 block of Plantation Ln in Manassas (20110). The victim, a 63-year-old woman, reported to police on September 26 that the accused, an acquaintance, inappropriately touched her on August 16. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as John Francis HERRLEIN II, was arrested.

                Arrested on October 27:

                John Francis HERRLEIN II, 56, of 8280 Plantation Ln in Manassas

                Charged with sexual battery

                Court Date: November 20, 2018 | Bond: Released on a $2,500 unsecured bond

 

 

Horrific headlines of devastating mass injuries seem to be commonplace these days. That’s why Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, along with the American College of Surgeons and Department of Homeland Security are teaming up to provide a program to make sure our communities are better prepared. It’s called, Stop the Bleed.

“Stop the Bleed is a program which was created to help teach community members to respond to emergent medical events like hemorrhage control,” explains Dynette Rombough, RN, BSN, CPEN, Trauma Program Manager at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center.

Motivated by the 2012 tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, organizations realized precious moments between the time a catastrophic event occurred and the time professional first responders arrived were being lost. The group soon surmised, empowering the civilian bystander with skills and basic tools to stop uncontrolled bleeding in an emergency situation, could save lives.

Over the last several months, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center has been hosting this free program in an effort to empower and educate the community. The hope is – if they come across an emergency situation they would be able to act and render aid until emergency personnel could arrive.

This one-time, 90-minute class is free and open to the public. Since there are some gory situations & mature subject matter, it may not ideal for children or young teens. Sessions are still available for November 1^st & 15^th and December 6^th & 20^th. They will be held at the Hylton Education Center at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center.

If you’d like to host a Stop the Bleed event for your organization (larger than 10 people), please submit a request, here.

Exclusive

WOODBRIDGE -- The numbers used to project how many children will fill Prince William County classroom seats in the coming years are inaccurate.

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Northern Virginia elections officials are seeing a significant increase in the number of voters casting absentee ballots, a trend they expect to continue as the Nov. 6 midterm election draws closer.

Officials in Prince William and Stafford counties, along with Manassas city, will have extended hours for absentee voting in the final two weeks before next month’s local and federal election.

With less than two weeks until Election Day, deadlines are quickly approaching. In all Virginia jurisdictions:

• The final day to request an absentee ballot by mail is Tuesday, Oct. 30, by 5 p.m. That can be done via the Virginia Department of Elections website.
• The final day for in-person absentee voting is Saturday, Nov. 3. To vote in person, you don’t need to request a ballot in advance. Simply appear at the voting location with photo identification.

Officials expect the number of absentee votes to continue at the above-average pace they’ve seen so far.

“It is like a presidential year, and I know it’s true across the commonwealth,” said Leslie O. Kostelecky, elections administrative specialist in the Prince William County elections office. Most days, more than 500 county voters have been casting absentee ballots.

In Stafford County, Registrar Greg Riddlemoser said absentee voting is “definitely up,” adding that “it’s nowhere near a presidential year, but it’s more than a gubernatorial year.”

As of Oct. 24, more than 126,000 people had cast absentee ballots statewide since voting began Sept. 15, according to an analysis of voting data by the nonprofit Virginia Public Access Project. That’s an increase of more than 115 percent from the same point in the 2017 election, which included the governor’s race.

In Stafford County, the increase is 185 percent compared to last year, while in Prince William County it’s 135 percent.

The Virginia absentee numbers reflect the trend nationwide, where the number of people voting before Election Day is up considerably this year, according to a report in The New York Times.

“If these patterns persist, we could see a turnout rate at least equaling the turnout rate in 1966, which was 48 percent, and if we beat that then you have to go all the way back to 1914, when the turnout rate was 51 percent,” Michael McDonald, a professor of political science at the University of Florida who studies elections, told The Times. “We could be looking at a turnout rate that virtually no one has ever experienced.”

Virginia does not permit early voting, but voters who can’t make it to the polls on Election Day can qualify to vote absentee for a variety of reasons. Those include: commuting to work or being out of town on Election Day, attending college away from home, being a first responder or active military member, being pregnant, being ill or caring for someone who is ill.

A complete list of the qualifications for voting absentee can be found on the Virginia Department of Elections website.

What’s on the Ballot

This year is a midterm election, meaning it’s not a presidential election year. All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and one-third of the 100 U.S. senators are up for election.

This year, that includes a Virginia statewide U.S. Senate race between incumbent Democrat Tim Kaine, the former governor, who is facing Republican Corey Stewart, the chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, and Libertarian Matt J. Waters, a Northern Virginia political fundraiser.

In addition, there are three congressional races in Prince William, Stafford, and Manassas:

• 1st District: Republican Robert J. “Rob” Wittman vs. Democrat Vangie A. Williams.
• 10th District: Republican Barbara J. Comstock vs. Democrat Jennifer T. Wexton.
• 11th District: Republican Jeff A. Dove Jr. vs. Democrat Gerald Edward Connolly vs. Libertarian Stevan M. Porter.

There are several ways to find out which congressional district you’re in, including:

• Check your voter registration online, which lists your congressional district, via the Virginia Department of Elections.
• Check via the U.S. House of Representatives website.

You can find sample ballots for your specific locality — including two constitutional amendments plus local races — via the Virginia Department of Elections website.

Absentee Voting in Prince William County

Voters in Prince William County can cast absentee ballots in person at three vote center locations:

• Main Office of Elections
  at 9250 Lee Avenue, Suite 1, in Manassas.
• DMV Office of Elections
  at 2731 Caton Hill Road in Woodbridge.
• Haymarket Gainesville Community Library at 14870 Lightner Road in Haymarket.

All vote centers will be open Monday through Friday, until Nov. 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition, they will be open the two Saturdays before Election Day — Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 — from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Complete voting information can be found at the Prince William County Office of Elections website.

Absentee Voting in Stafford County

Voters in Stafford County can cast absentee ballots in person at the elections office at 1300 Courthouse Road in Stafford.

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition, the office will be open the two Saturdays before Election Day — Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 — from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information can be found at the Stafford County Voter Registration website.

Absentee Voting in Manassas

Voters in the city of Manassas can cast absentee ballots in person at the elections office at 9025 Center Street in Manassas.

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be extended evening hours Oct. 24-26 and Nov. 1-2, with voting available those days from 8:30 a.m. until 9 p.m.

In addition, the elections office will be open the two Saturdays before Election Day — Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 — from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information can be found at the Manassas Voter Registration and Elections website.

Absentee Voting in Manassas Park

Voters in Manassas Park can cast absentee ballots in person at the elections office at City Hall, One Park Center Court, in Manassas Park.

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition, the elections office will be open the two Saturdays before Election Day — Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 — from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information can be found at the Manassas Park Voter Registration website.

Absentee Voting by Mail

You also can vote absentee from home by having a ballot mailed to you. To get a ballot mailed, voters must submit an application, which can be found at the Virginia Department of Elections website .

The deadline for requesting to have an absentee ballot mailed is Tuesday, Oct. 30, by 5 p.m. Those completed ballots must then be returned to the elections office in your locality by the time the polls close at 7 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted.

Three Things to Know Before You Go

• Whether you’re voting absentee or on Election Day, make sure your voter registration is up to date. You can verify that online via the Virginia Department of Elections.

• On Election Day, you need to know where your polling place is. You also can find that information online via the Virginia Department of Elections.

• No matter which method you vote, you’ll need to bring photo identification with you. There are several forms you can use — including a Virginia driver’s license or DMV-issued photo ID, a U.S. passport, and an employer or student ID. You can find a complete list of the acceptable forms of valid identification online via the Virginia Department of Elections.