
From Lynn Forkell Greene, Manassas City Council candidate:
Three years ago, I joined a grassroots movement to save the Greater Manassas Baseball League (GMBL), an organization that serves as the heart and soul of our local sports community. Today, GMBL stands on the precipice of an uncertain future. The crucial question now is: Will Micron move forward with its option to purchase the E.G. Smith Baseball Complex, or will they stand down? Why have the current Council and Interim City Manager been so silent toward the GMBL Board?
For me, preserving GMBL isnât just about baseballâitâs about standing up for transparency, integrity, and authentic representation in Manassas.
When GMBL was threatened by a public sale, I mobilized parents, players, and local supporters, making it clear that youth sports are integral to our communityâs identity and the development of our children. Thanks to these efforts, GMBLâs advocates managed to secure renewed Council commitment to preserving our fields and youth sports. But now, more than ever, we must continue the fight.
This moment represents more than the future of GMBL; itâs a choice for Manassas residents. Will we elect leaders who genuinely reflect our values, or allow those in power to prioritize hidden agendas? The Micron deal with the city expires this week, and yet City Hall has maintained years of silence despite public assurances of a new home for GMBL. Micron now waits on a city response, and the stakes have never been higher.
Micronâs decision looms: will they prioritize corporate interests over their promises, or honor their commitments until we have leaders who represent us effectively? GMBLâs fateâand by extension, our communityâs futureârests on who we elect in this coming election. If Micron proceeds with the purchase, GMBL will need a new home, and current city leaders will have failed to keep their word.
The ongoing issues surrounding GMBL and Micronâs role highlight the power of democracy rooted in accountability. My advocacy has shown that as constituents, we must demand transparency and genuine representation. Election day is our opportunity to ensure our voices are heard.
This movement is bigger than one baseball league; itâs about preserving democracy and reinforcing community values. By casting your vote, you uphold these principles and demand leadership that works for all of us.
Manassas City voters can cast their ballots early through Saturday at the Registrarâs office at 9025 Center Street or at their regular polling places on election day, Tuesday, November 5.
Letâs make the right choice for our cityâs future.
Forkell Greene, a Republican, is seeking her first full term on the council after she won a special election in November 2021 to complete the term of then-council member Michelle Davis Younger, who was elected city mayor in 2020. Forkell Greeneâs term expired in December 2022.

During the October 28, 2024, Manassas City Council meeting, Patrick Small, the cityâs economic development director, provided a long-awaited update on the upcoming downtown hotel project.
The project, which aims to bring a Hilton Tapestry hotel to a prime location in downtown Manassas, is expected to bolster local business, attract tourism, and add significant tax revenue despite ongoing challenges related to parking solutions.
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Keen said city staff has been discussing the strain hosting several events has on the city's infrastructure and their workload.
"We have been a victim of our own successes," Keen said. "All of our events, when we first started [First Friday], we were just hopeful to get a few people to come to Old Town. ... We're so crowded. But what that has caused ... is the strain on our infrastructure for some of the locations, the strain on our staff and the strain on our community as a whole."
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The City of Manassas is facing a potential threat to its future water supply, as the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has initiated a review of the cityâs water withdrawal permits from Lake Manassas. The DEQ is evaluating whether to rescind the cityâs grandfathered rights, which have long allowed Manassas to withdraw water under older, less restrictive conditions.
A change in the cityâs withdrawal permit could significantly impact its ability to meet future water needs. City officials, during a recent council meeting, expressed concerns about the DEQâs review and stressed the urgent need for action.
The council urged staff to engage with the DEQ and state legislators to prevent any changes to the withdrawal rights that could negatively affect the cityâs water supply. Losing or reducing the cityâs withdrawal capacity would have âa dramatic negative impactâ on the cityâs ability to provide for its residents in the future, said Interim City Manager Doug Keen.
Although no specific timeline has been provided, the city is working to advocate its position ahead of any final decision from the DEQ. Officials hope that communicating the potential consequences can ensure that Manassasâ interests are considered during the review process.
Depending on the complexity of the environmental assessments and legislative input, the DEQâs decision could take several months or longer.

Ross Snare has resigned as Chairman of the Manassas Regional Airport Commission, effective Monday, October 21, 2024. His departure comes amid unverified allegations involving disparaging remarks about a city council member, adding fuel to an already heated local election season.
Snare, a Prince William County resident, was appointed to the commission by the Manassas City Council in 2018 and reappointed in 2022. He made history in June 2023 by becoming the youngest and first county Prince William County resident to serve as Chairman. During his tenure, Snare played a pivotal role in the airportâs efforts to introduce commercial flights, a milestone now expected to be achieved in 2026, a year behind the initial schedule.
In his resignation letter to the city council, Snare cited personal matters and other commitments as his reasons for stepping down. âServing as chair during this transition over the past several years has been the honor of a lifetime,â Snare wrote. âI wish you all the best during this transition.â
The resignation followed a podcast episode of âUntil They Kick Us Out,â where hosts read aloud text messages they claimed were between Snare, Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, and a city employee, allegedly disparaging a sitting council member. Potomac Local News has not independently verified these messages.
This development occurs in the context of a contentious local election, where incumbent Mayor Michelle Davis Younger, a Democrat, faces challenger Xiao Yin âTangâ Byrom, a Republican and longtime city business owner. The podcast hosts have publicly endorsed Byrom for the upcoming November election. With three city council seats and four school board seats also in contention, the campaign has been marked by polarizing debates over property taxes, public safety, capital projects, and school accreditation.
Snare, who currently serves as the Associate Chief of External Affairs for UVA Health, has a background in political affairs and community service, including his role as the Chief Operating Officer of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. He has been a vocal advocate for the airport, highlighting its economic impact, which includes $375 million in annual economic activity and over 1,350 jobs.
The Manassas Regional Airport, which covers 889 acres, is the busiest general aviation airport in Virginia, with plans to transform it into a hub for commercial passenger flights. The commissionâs recent approval of these plans is seen as a significant step toward achieving a vision that has been in the works since the mid-1990s.

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As Manassas prepares for Election Day on November 5, 2024, Mayor Michelle Davis Youngerâs 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 âOur Manassasâ over the past four years implies a sense of unity, but itâs a unity that seems conditionalâonly 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 wasnât a debate where she could directly challenge her opponent, Xiao Yin âTangâ Byrom. But beyond that, she made her distaste for Potomac Localâs presence known, stating, âThey invited a journalist that has never said anything nice about me.â This comment is baffling, given that we have written several positive articles about her, covering her community initiatives like âWalks with the Mayorâ and âFriday Lunch with the Mayor.â
However, it seems the mayorâs definition of âniceâ 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 statementâbut 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 âhateâ as the first Black woman to serve as Manassas mayor. While there is no denying the unfortunate reality of discrimination, the mayorâs 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 âUntil They Kick Us Outâ podcast, who recounted how Davis Younger refused to speak with her after a âLunch with the Mayorâ 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 âOur Manassasâ 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 Parrishâs dedication and service to the city he loves.
Reflecting on his extensive service, Hal Parrish shared, âIâve had the privilege of serving in this very room, and while much has changed, my commitment to Manassas has only grown. Itâs about serviceâto our country, our community, and the wonderful people who make up this city.â
Parrishâs 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. âThe 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,â said Parrish. âThese projects werenât just about building structures, but fostering community and culture.â
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 âintegrity and commitment to civic leadership.â 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. âSeeing the portrait for the first time, I was reminded of every wrinkle, every laugh, every challenge weâve faced together. Mary captured not just my likeness but the essence of what weâve accomplished together in Manassas,â 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 Cattlemenâs Association, a group he humorously noted would have their fun with his âangelic faceâ comment, to join him for a memorable photo.
Hal Parrishâs 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, âThis portrait is not just of me, but of all of us who believe in the power of community service.â