Happy Friday, Manassas!
Welcome to another City Council preview, this time for the Oct. 21 work session. This week’s meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at 9027 Center St. City Council will also be meeting on Tuesday to discuss applicants for the city manager position.
Make sure to check out Potomac Local's recent forum on the state of Manassas City Public Schools, which was held Thursday night with a School Board member and several candidates.
Sign up for our FREE news email and never hesitate to email me at [email protected] with comments, questions and/or news tips.
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.
In a ceremony filled with camaraderie and nostalgia, former Mayor Hal Parrish was celebrated at the City Council chambers with the unveiling of his portrait. This event gathered community members and local dignitaries to honor his decades of service. The picture, a creation by Mary Reilly of Creative Brush Studios, captures Parrish’s dedication and service to the city he loves.
Reflecting on his extensive service, Hal Parrish shared, “I’ve had the privilege of serving in this very room, and while much has changed, my commitment to Manassas has only grown. It’s about service—to our country, our community, and the wonderful people who make up this city.”
Parrish’s tenure as mayor saw significant developments, including the revitalization of Old Town and the construction of the Hylton Performing Arts Center, which has become a cultural beacon in the region. “The transformation of Old Town into a bustling district for dining and shopping and the establishment of the Hylton Performing Arts Center are among the accomplishments I cherish most,” said Parrish. “These projects weren’t just about building structures, but fostering community and culture.”
During the ceremony, Delegate Ian Lovejoy (R), a former Manassas City Councilman who served with Parrish, presented a proclamation from the Virginia General Assembly commending Parrish for his “integrity and commitment to civic leadership.” In a touching moment, Parrish was also presented with a Virginia flag that had flown over the Capitol, symbolizing the widespread appreciation for his public service efforts.
The portrait reveal was a moment of pride for Parrish and the community. “Seeing the portrait for the first time, I was reminded of every wrinkle, every laugh, every challenge we’ve faced together. Mary captured not just my likeness but the essence of what we’ve accomplished together in Manassas,” Parrish commented.
As family, friends, and colleagues gathered for photographs, the warmth and affection for the former mayor were palpable. The evening concluded with Parrish inviting the Monassas Cattlemen’s Association, a group he humorously noted would have their fun with his ‘angelic face’ comment, to join him for a memorable photo.
Hal Parrish’s portrait will hang in the City Council chambers, serving as a lasting tribute to a leader who shaped the city with vision and relentless dedication. As Parrish himself put it, “This portrait is not just of me, but of all of us who believe in the power of community service.”
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 sixth one, which ran on Sept. 9, focused on parking.
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: Power outages and the electrical grid.
The candidates were asked: How do you plan to address the ongoing power outages in Manassas, and what measures would you support to improve the city’s electrical grid reliability??
Mayoral candidates
Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom (R)
Sporadic power outages, which peaked last summer,
Byrom
have highlighted the consequences of leaving critical utility positions unfilled. The mayor and City Council members seeking reelection owe it to residents — particularly the elderly, at-risk, and vulnerable populations — to address outages swiftly. We have to be able to attract top talent to the city and keep them here.
Interim City Manager Doug Keen played a pivotal role in bringing Steve Burke back as assistant city manager of operations, responsible for electric service. After meeting with Steve personally, I’m confident we have the right leadership in place to minimize further disruptions. The next Council and mayor will need to ensure Burke remains with the city and has the resources his department needs to provide residents with a stable and reliable power supply.
As the city grows, new demands on the grid will continue to increase. My focus will be squarely on hiring and retaining exceptional staff like Steve Burke, who can anticipate future needs and offer effective solutions.
Michelle Davis Younger (D-Incumbent)
NO RESPONSE
Davis Younger
Davis-Younger is seeking a second term as mayor, after being elected in 2020. She owns and operates a Human Resources Consulting firm located in Historic Downtown Manassas called The1ForHR, LLC, which focuses on career coaching and resume writing.
City Council candidates
Lynn Forkell Greene (R)
It’s clear that the recent historic outages underscored the
Forkell Greene
need for robust leadership and effective succession planning within our utility leadership team. Additionally, our city lacked the necessary information to swiftly address the challenges posed by aging substations.
As your next Manassas City Councilor, I will prioritize modernizing our electrical grid with a responsible and proactive approach. This involves investing in new equipment, enhancing power lines, and continuing to integrate smart technology for improved monitoring. Starting this process now is essential to effectively manage our financial commitments and prevent future issues, particularly with the anticipated demand from the four approved data centers.
So, how will we achieve this?
First, we must conduct a thorough infrastructure assessment to ensure transparency and effective planning. By evaluating our current capabilities, including the condition of our substations and other critical equipment, we can make informed decisions that benefit our community and prepare us for the increased demands on our grid.
Community engagement is vital to our success. I envision open communication and collaboration that reaches every household, allowing our taxpayers to see the benefits of these developments without sacrificing our quality of life. Together, we can tackle the challenges that come with this growth.
We also need to strengthen our emergency response plans, ensuring clear communication during outages and reliable backup power for critical facilities. Sharing these plans with every household is key to fostering preparedness in our community.
I will work closely with city staff to create a comprehensive revenue plan from the data centers, aligning it with our infrastructure forecast. This will ensure our community is well-equipped to handle increased demands while maximizing the benefits of new developments.
By coming together, we can enhance the reliability of our electrical grid and improve the quality of life for all residents in Manassas. Let’s be proactive, stay informed, and take action for a brighter, more dependable future! Together, we can prosper.
Lynn Forkell Greene is seeking to regain a seat on City Council, where she served for 14 months, from fall 2021 to December 2022. Forkell Green served the remainder of Davis-Younger’s term, a seat vacated when Davis-Younger was elected mayor.
She is an administrative director for a nonprofit. Forkell Greene and her husband share four adult children and three grandchildren. Before announcing her reelection bid, Forkell Green was a freelance reporter covering city issues for Potomac Local News.
Ashley Hutson (D)
The City of Manassas offers excellent utility service.
Hutson
Electrical outages are rare, not ongoing.
In 2023 there were several outages, some due to forces of nature outside of our control, such as extremely hot temperatures and squirrels chewing through power lines. Some neighborhoods experienced more outages than others, such as Battery Heights. At the time of their outages, there was electrical equipment that was due for replacement. Like all electronics, technology gets out-dated and worn out.
When the sub-station that serves Battery Heights was having issues, the city acted swiftly to bring in another sub-station to revive power while thorough inspections and upgrades were completed. The city purchased the additional sub-station so there is backup power, ensuring reliable electricity to its residents and businesses now and into the future.
One of the ways the city is working to enhance the appearance of our neighborhoods is by putting utility lines underground. Burying existing lines, while costly and often complicated, will reduce or eliminate accidental outages like cars hitting power poles and wear-and-tear from weather. I support the city’s efforts to put power lines underground wherever possible.
Hutson is seeking her first term on City Council. She is the director of Member Engagement of the Heavy Construction Contractors Association in Manassas. Hutson has served on the Manassas Board of Building Code Appeals, Washington Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board and Community Advisory Committee. She graduated from Osbourn Park High School and Christopher Newport University.
Stephen Kent (R)
NO RESPONSE
Kent
Kent is seeking his first term on City Council. He is an author and public relations professional. He and his wife, Melony “Mel” Kent, share a child. Mel Kent ran for the city school board in 2022.
Tom Osina (D-Incumbent)
The premise of this question is false.
Osina
There have been NO ongoing or lengthy power outages in Manassas. In fact, when almost 100-degree weather arrived on June 22nd and then stayed, there were no electricity outages for Manassas residents.
Now, in summer of 2023, there were several outages which were extensive in the time it took to find the problem and repair it. But city government took immediate action such as filling a few key electric department positions by increasing the salary because they did not have many applicants.
Last year, the Battery Heights substation experienced a number of outages so the city brought in and later purchased a backup substation. This allowed electric power to be reliably restored while a thorough analysis of the old substation was conducted, parts replaced and additional squirrel guards, owl decoys and lightning shields added.
With the hiring of a new Electric Utilities Director, a revamped inspection program has been put in place to check electric lines and substations. This has led to an uneventful summer and city residents and businesses continue to receive dependable electric power.
Osina is seeking his second term on City Council. He and his husband have lived in the Georgetown South community for more than 20 years. He is the father of two grown children.
Robyn Williams (R)
Manassas has long provided reliable power to its
Williams
residents and businesses, but over the past year, a series of power outages exposed the vulnerabilities of the city’s aging power station and substations, which now require replacement. In response, I would begin by conducting an infrastructure audit and demand assessment. Engaging stakeholders — including utility companies, public works, transportation and emergency services — would help us fully understand the impact of prolonged outages. Additionally, I would involve the community to gauge how these outages have affected residents and businesses.
Although immediate repairs and upgrades have been made to stabilize substations and implement backup systems, it’s clear that we must now prioritize a comprehensive upgrade plan. This plan would focus on modernizing the infrastructure, investing in energy storage solutions, and exploring microgrids for critical areas such as hospitals and emergency services.
As demand for power continues to rise, it will be essential to diversify the city’s electric grid by investing in renewable energy sources and collaborating with state initiatives. A public awareness and education campaign would also play a key role in this effort.
By combining these short-term fixes with long-term investments in infrastructure modernization, renewable energy and effective demand management, we can ensure a more resilient and reliable power grid for the future.
Williams is seeking her first term on City Council. She has served two terms on the Manassas City School Board. Williams holds a bachelor’s of science in economics from George Mason University. She found her background in finance and economics valuable on the MCPS School Board, in addition to her more than 10 years as a broker/owner of Redstone Realty, specializing in residential real estate.
Williams’ public service in Manassas began with the Beautification Committee, where she served as a member and eventually chairperson. She also volunteered as a teacher assistant at Haydon Elementary for several years and taught modules in schools through the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation Department.
Mark Wolfe (D-Incumbent)
The premise of this question is incorrect. Manassas has
Wolfe
not and does not have “ongoing power outages.” To say so is a slander on the men and women from the City of Manassas who work very hard (and at some risk) to ensure that our electric system delivers to all of us.
Before the incident last summer, Manassas enjoyed world-class reliability from its electric grid, typically 99.99% service. Last summer an unforeseen event happened with TWO lightning strikes on the Battery Heights substation. Sometimes, bad things do happen. This had the effect of reducing the capacity of our electrical system at the same time we experienced peak summer demand. That stressed the system and led to outages. I experienced those outages at my home and businesses. All of Council and staff understand how this impacted residents and businesses.
Since then, the City has repaired the Battery Heights substation and our electrical system has returned to its typical world-class reliability. Through August this year, our reliability is at 99.9961%. Unfortunately, the occasional squirrel finds its way into a transformer or someone crashes a car into a power pole. Otherwise, we would be at 100% reliability. A testament to the hard work of the City of Manassas staff.
Wolfe is seeking a fourth term on City Council. He has lived in the City of Manassas since 1990. Wolfe has executive leadership experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors and is currently the chief operating officer of MovieComm. Amy, his wife of 36 years, is the artistic director and CEO of Manassas Ballet Theatre. They have two children, both of whom graduated from Osbourn High School.
Stay tuned as we continue this series with topics such as power outages, parking issues, city management and staff retention, budget and taxes, public school performance, and data centers. We aim to provide a comprehensive look at each candidate’s platform, ensuring voters have all the information they need to make a thoughtful decision.
We hope this series will engage the community and foster a more informed electorate. Check back for new insights and updates from your Manassas City Council candidates. Early voting started Sept. 20, and Election Day is Nov. 5.
Potomac Local News continues our mission to bring you the most critical information about the candidates running to lead our city. Our latest exclusive interview features Ashley Hutson, a first-time candidate for the Manassas City Council.
In this conversation, we ask the questions that matter most to Manassas residents, and Ashley doesn’t hold back.
How will she address rising taxes in Manassas?
What’s her plan for affordable housing at the Manassas Shopping Center?
Does she support the city’s expanding data centers, and what are her thoughts on environmental impacts?
What qualities is she looking for in the next city manager?
How does she feel about the state of the city’s schools and their latest performance metrics?
Early voting has begun, and this is one more way Potomac Local News is working to keep you informed. Tune in to
hear the full interview and get answers to these pressing questions as we continue to bring you exclusive interviews with those who want to shape the future of Manassas.
In her first interview with Potomac Local News since being elected four years ago, Mayor Michelle Davis Younger (D) shared her vision and priorities for her November 2024 re-election campaign.
Davis Younger emphasized the importance of voter participation, urging residents to exercise their right to vote. “It’s so important to get out and vote,” she stated. “No matter what, we all want what’s best for our community.” Davis Younger is vying for a second term as mayor and is challenged by longtime city businesswoman  Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom (R).
The most significant decrease was in history, from 62% in the 2022-2023 school year to 58% in 2023-24. That should be a concern for every leader,” she said, pointing to efforts to provide additional funding, including $1.5 million for teacher pay to attract and retain quality educators. Davis Younger highlighted the need for support for students learning English as a second language and stressed collaboration between the city council and the school board.
“We have been putting money aside… so that we can build a school every 10 years,” she noted, clarifying the city’s approach to funding education.
In almost every subject, the city schools lag more than 20% behind state averages. While the city school board manages the school division, Incumbent Democrats Mark Wolfe, Tom Osina, and newcomer Ashley Hutson, all running for city council on the Democratic slate with Davis Younger, told Potomac Local News they would not be open to discussing school improvement benchmarks when the city council decides on how much funding it will provide the school system during Spring 2025 budget deliberations.
“Spending more money is not necessarily a guarantee of improved performance. Less funding will almost guarantee less performance. What’s going to happen if less funding is the people who make a difference? Your high-quality teachers are going to bail, and it becomes a race for the exits,” Wolfe told Potomac Local News.
Economic development, data centers, rising tax billsÂ
Regarding downtown development, Davis Younger is credited with brokering the nearly $6 million deal for the city to purchase and demolish the Old Towne Inn, a 1960s-era motel in the heart of downtown. She expressed optimism about a potential new hotel on the city’s vacant footprint, stating, “We had community meetings, and that’s what the community said they want.”
The hotel property is one of several that the city has bought and sold under Davis-Younger, including the Manassas Shopping Center, which the city aims to sell to its preferred buyer for use as a mixed-use development with affordable housing, and the Marsteller Middle School property on Sudley Road, which will be used to build a new fire station and convert the old school into a community center.
Discussing Manassas’s growth, the mayor acknowledged the addition of data centers, of which the city has four so far. “We’ve been very thoughtful about where we place them,” she remarked, emphasizing that the developments would bring economic benefits and jobs, which are crucial for the city’s growth.
The mayor explained that the city’s approach to handling these new funds would depend on various factors, including the timeline for when all the data centers are fully operational. “It’ll happen, but it’s several years from now when they’re all in place,” she noted.
Over her four years as Mayor, both residential and non-residential properties have faced rising tax assessments, resulting in larger tax bills for homeowners and businesses alike. The average residential bill increased by $878 between fiscal years 2021 and 2025, while the average commercial bill grew by $2,393 during the same period.
Mayor Davis-Younger acknowledged the significant financial impact data center projects could have, potentially generating millions in annual revenue for the city. However, she was cautious in discussing any direct plans for tax cuts.
“I didn’t say that,” Davis-Younger emphasized when asked if she planned to reduce taxes. “I’m just saying when those revenues come in, those are things that we have to look at.”
The server farms are located on or being built on Godwin and Dean drives and at the city’s regional airport. The number of server farms in the 10-square-mile city pales compared to the number of data centers in neighboring Prince William County, which has seen a proliferation of server farms over the past 10 years and will soon have more than anywhere else in the world.
The mayor pointed out that while data centers often face criticism for their limited job creation, they offer substantial economic benefits, including revenue generation for the city. “These developments can bring in three to $6 million annually,” she explained, indicating that such income could eventually contribute to potential tax adjustments or other community improvements.
Davis Younger emphasized the importance of balancing economic growth with community needs. “We know the concerns of people with noise and different things like that,” she stated, noting that the city is committed to addressing these issues as development progresses.
Vacancies
Under Davis Younger, several city department leaders have left the city, including longtime City Manager Patrick Pate, who served for an unprecedented decade. Mayor Davis Younger acknowledged that high turnover can challenge effective governance and service delivery. “It’s a concern for us, as continuity in staffing is vital for maintaining quality services,” she stated.
She explained that the city has focused on retention strategies to improve employee stability. These include competitive compensation packages, professional development opportunities, and fostering a positive work environment. “We want to ensure our staff feels valued and invested in, which ultimately benefits our community,” said Davis Younger.
Police Chief Douglass Keen has served as interim city manager for a year and told Potomac Local he wants to return to his role as police chief as soon as the council hires a permanent city manager. “I will be honest in my opinion, in retrospect, we probably dragged the process out a little bit more than we should have just because of where the calendar was and different things. However, as we went through the process, we had 50 or 60 people apply. So we had a large pool. But we didn’t find a good fit…” said Wolfe.
Davis Younger has received criticism for putting her political party above streetlight issues and shunning others who posted support for her political appointments on Facebook. She has become a fixture at the White House locally and took credit for luring the then-Biden-Harris campaign to the Hylton Performing Arts Center in January 2024 for the duo’s campaign kickoff.
Davis Younger is an entrepreneur who owns a human resources consulting firm, The1FORHR, LLC.
Concerns over underage drinking and people bringing outside alcohol into the First Friday event in Manassas have prompted city officials to reconsider how the popular downtown gathering is managed. Interim City Manager Doug Keen and Police Capt. Tara Petty exchanged text messages on September 6, 2024, discussing growing issues with public safety and communication during the event.
Petty
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Welcome to another City Council preview, this time for the Sept. 23 regular meeting. This week’s meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at 9027 Center St.
Sign up for our FREE news email and never hesitate to email me at [email protected] with comments, questions and/or news tips.
Appropriating $2.7 million from the airport fund for designing a runway/taxi bridge replacement
Manassas City Council will be making a decision on appropriating $2.7 million from the airport fund balance to design a runway and taxi bridge replacement.
In the staff report given to Council, it’s stated the original runway and taxi bridges were built in 1983 and are nearing the end of the life expectancy of structures of that same kind, which is around 55 years. Structural engineers said these bridges have 10 to 15 years left, but it may be less due to the level of flooding that has occurred and impacted the structures over the years.
The staff report suggested a total redesign of the structures that are expected to last 75 years. The new structures won’t be able to carry more weight, but the report did state that “aircraft anticipated for commercial service in the future may have a [maximum gross take-off weight] between 142,000 lbs. and 181,000 lbs.” Currently, the bridges can only support 113,700 pounds.
To be clear: these funds are only going to the design of the project. More funds are expected to be drawn from in order to build the new structures. As of June 30, 2023 — as the report states — the current fund balance is $14,97 million.
Issuance and sale of $85 million in general obligation bondsÂ
The city is expected to authorize the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds (GOs) — a type of municipal bond issued by state or local governments to raise funds for public projects — totaling $85 million. These types of bonds are backed by the government’s ability to tax its residents.
In the resolution, it is stated these bonds will finance the costs of capital improvement projects in Manassas.
“… Including (but not limited to) the acquisition, construction, extension, replacement, renovation and equipping of public school, public safety, parks, culture & recreation, transportation, utility and general governmental improvements,” the resolution states.
The bonds, once approved, will be sold to investors, then the city will receive the funds, which can be up to $85 million from bond purchasers. In exchange, the city is obligated to repay the bondholders the principal amount plus the interest — which the resolution states can not exceed 5.5% — that accrues over time. The city will be able to pay back these bonds with taxes.
The resolution also states the city’s bonds may mature or be subject to mandatory sinking fund redemption, or a way for the city to pay the debt over time. This mechanism is often used to allow for the issuer of the bond (the City of Manassas) to repay its debt instead of facing one large payment at the end of the bond term, which is Dec. 31, 2047.
Fees for EV charging stations
City Council is expected to approve the proposed fees for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the city. In a presentation at the last meeting on Sept. 9, Steve Burke, the director of public works, proposed a $2 per hour fee for users and a $2.50 idling fee.
Residents in several Manassas neighborhoods are raising concerns over the increasing presence of wild animals and unsafe conditions caused by neglected properties with overgrown yards. At a recent Town Hall meeting, citizens voiced frustration over the lack of enforcement regarding property maintenance, which they say has led to several health and safety risks.
Wildlife Invasion in Residential Areas
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Happy Friday, Manassas!
Welcome to another City Council preview, this time for the Oct. 21 work session. This week’s meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at 9027 Center St. City Council will also be meeting on Tuesday to discuss applicants for the city manager position.
Make sure to check out Potomac Local's recent forum on the state of Manassas City Public Schools, which was held Thursday night with a School Board member and several candidates.
Potomac Local News continues our mission to bring you the most critical information about the candidates running to lead our city. Our latest exclusive interview features Ashley Hutson, a first-time candidate for the Manassas City Council.
