The Manassas community is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, September 9, at 4:30 p.m. to celebrate the completion of the extensive renovations to the City Hall at 9027 Center Street. The event will also mark the dedication of the newly named Edgar Rohr City Council Chambers, honoring a pivotal figure in the city’s history.

Departments returned to City Hall in June after a two-year renovation phase, and the first City Council meeting in the renovated building will take place immediately after the ceremony at 5:30 p.m.

A Legacy Honored
The decision to rename the council chambers recognizes Edgar Rohr’s contributions during his 32-year tenure as mayor and council member. Rohr was instrumental in several key developments, including establishing Lake Manassas reservoir and acquiring land for the Manassas Regional Airport and Liberia House Historic Site. He is remembered for starting the beloved Rohr 5¢ to $1 store in 1934, a community staple for decades.

Soaring Costs
Originally projected at $9 million, the renovation costs surged by over 40% during construction, topping an estimated at $13 million. The project faced unexpected delays and increased costs due to various circumstances.

Community Invitation
The city encourages all residents and friends to attend the ribbon cutting, chamber dedication, and reception. The event promises to celebrate the architectural enhancements and reflect on Manassas’s civic legacy and continued growth.

As early voting for the fall 2024 election approaches, 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 third one, which ran on Aug. 16, focused on commercial airline services.

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: Data centers.

The candidates were asked: The recent approval of data centers near the Manassas National Battlefield Park has sparked significant debate regarding their impact on the environment, local infrastructure, and property values. What is your position on the development of data centers in Manassas City, and how do you plan to address the concerns related to environmental impact, increased utility rates, and the overall strain on city resources? How would you ensure that the economic benefits promised by these projects are realized while mitigating negative impacts on the community?

Mayoral candidates

Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom (R)

I wasn’t involved in the decision-making process for the current data centers, so it wouldn’t be fair for me to question those decisions. However, I have thoroughly researched their impact on the city and our residents and am confident that the city staff have addressed all the relevant concerns. From what I understand, there will be no increase in utility rates, and there may even be a small savings. The data centers will receive their power directly from Dominion, so they won’t be connected to our city’s electric grid.

Byrom, the owner of Tang’s Bridal and Alterations in the Canterbury Village shopping center at 8675 Sudley Road, opened her Manassas store as an alteration shop in 1999. She eventually expanded her business to include bridal and formal wear. Her business employs 17 people.

Michelle Davis Younger (D-Incumbent)

NO RESPONSE

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)

My approach to data centers in Manassas City is grounded in careful evaluation and strategic oversight. While I acknowledge the potential economic benefits, such as increased tax revenue, I am equally committed to addressing the associated concerns, including environmental impacts and the strain on city resources and infrastructure. Additionally, we need to be mindful of the potential for job losses, as data centers may not offer many local employment opportunities once they are operational.

To ensure that our residents fully benefit from any economic gains, I propose implementing a transparent plan that outlines when and how tax breaks will be delivered. This way, our community can see clear and timely benefits from these developments.

Community engagement remains a top priority for me. I advocate for a policy requiring all data center proposals to be reviewed by City Council rather than being handled through a by right process that might sideline resident input.

In summary, while I see the potential advantages of data centers for Manassas City, a balanced and responsible approach is crucial. We already have four approved. By prioritizing environmental stewardship, protecting and investing in infrastructure, while ensuring transparent economic benefits, we can foster both economic growth and community well-being.

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 re-election bid, Forkell Green was a freelance reporter covering city issues for Potomac Local News.

Ashley Hutson (D)

While I was not involved in past decision-making on data center location and development in the City of Manassas, I support our Council in their decision to place data centers on land zoned for industrial use because I recognize the impact of new development on existing neighborhoods.

Through my work at the Heavy Construction Contractors Association, I have had the opportunity to learn about the positive impacts of data center development such as significant tax revenue and support of local community organizations and charities, which Manassas will benefit from as our planned data centers go live.

I have also learned there are a variety of data centers and their designs can impact sound levels. In recent years, there have been concerns about noise emitted from data centers located near residential areas. Regulations now require noise barriers such as berms and buffer walls when they are built. Further, manufacturers of chilling systems, which are the main cause of noise emission, are exploring changes in technology and design to decrease the potential for sound issues.

Manassas residents should not expect increased utility rates or a strain on our electric grid due to data center construction because each data center in the City of Manassas has its own electrical substations, which are paid for by the data centers. Transmission lines directly from Dominion Energy power those Substations.

I look forward to being part of the budget-planning process that will allocate new funds coming in from the data centers. Funding for schools, enhancing our greenspaces, and investing in the Marstellar property for the use of our future community are some of my priorities for the new funds.

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)

Manassas must approach all data center projects with one core principle in mind: Tangible benefit to the citizens of Manassas. An increased standard of living is a tangible benefit. That can come in the form of tax revenue collected on these centers, currently $2.15 per $100 of assessed value on their equipment, directed toward infrastructure and public building updates. I do not think Manassas residents should be seeing higher annual property tax bills, which they currently are, while data centers are moving into city limits. Manassas has already increased the tax rate on data centers significantly, and I’m open to going higher if that’s what residents want done in the future. I’m not anti-data centers, but I get the sense that these tech firms need us more than we need them.

Data centers are not getting their energy from the city grid, so I’m not particularly concerned about electric. We have an effective team of city managers are have updated our utility equipment, and they are prepared for the impact of data centers on our power grid if Dominion fails. Water is of more concern, and the city has work to do and tough questions to ask of these tech firms moving in, as to how they’ll partner with the city to address concerns over resources.

At the end of the day, what residents tell us about their concerns around data centers should be taken seriously. Manassas can get this balance right.

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)

There are four locations for data centers in the City of Manassas. Three of them are being built by right, which refers to projects that are permitted under their current zoning and do not require any legislative action by City Council. City staff oversees these projects to make sure that they follow appropriate site development, construction and occupancy requirements.

The fourth location is land the City sold that was primarily a vegetation dumping site for the Airport. I voted for the sale of that property.

The City has taken several key steps to mitigate negative impacts on the community. One has to do with increased utility rates.

Each data center will have its own dedicated substation which will deliver electricity directly from Dominion Energy. It has no effect on the electricity produced and purchased from Dominion Energy which is transmitted to Manassas residents and businesses nor the rates charged. Unfortunately, the wording of this question continues the myth that these data centers will increase utility rates for city residents and strain city resources which it does not.

Another is noise. The building boom of data centers in nearby Prince William County has demonstrated that the noise produced by heating/cooling equipment has a negative impact on nearby residents and neighborhoods. Toward that end, I voted for a revised Noise Ordinance to give city staff tools to deal with this problem. City staff is requiring data centers in Manassas to install noise baffling on their heating/cooling equipment.

Since taking office, I have been interested in reducing the reliance on taxes collected from residents for operating city government. But to do that, there has to be an increase in the amount of taxes collected from commercial businesses.

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)

As technology advances rapidly, data centers have become an essential part of our digital infrastructure. According to the International Energy Agency, energy consumption by data centers is expected to double by 2030, accounting for 4% of global electricity demand. This growth is largely driven by the rapid expansion of AI, with AI-related data centers outpacing non-AI ones. With the City of Manassas likely to see four new data centers come online, it is crucial to address the environmental impact they may bring.

While digital connectivity is vital in nearly every aspect of our lives, it comes with significant costs, much of which is attributable to data centers consuming substantial energy. A key concern is their reliance on fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide and contribute to a growing carbon footprint. Additionally, data centers place a heavy strain on local infrastructure, stressing utility and grid capacity. Although Manassas sources electricity from several providers, including Dominion and NOVEC, the region’s grid faces considerable challenges that can impact our city, potentially leading to increased utility costs for residents as generator capacity is expanded.

Concerns have also been raised by homeowners about potential impacts on property values, though there is currently no evidence suggesting that data centers negatively affect home prices in this market.

Manassas City is set to bring two additional data centers online, with one currently navigating the approval process and Amazon acquiring land near the airport for a potential fourth center. These data centers are projected to generate significant revenue for the City. However, whether this revenue will effectively reduce the tax and utility burdens on residents depends largely on the decisions made by the City Council once these facilities become operational. As a member of the Council, I would prioritize ensuring that this revenue is used to alleviate the financial strain on our community, providing tangible benefits for all residents.

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. He 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)

NO RESPONSE

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 starts  Sept. 21, and Election Day is Nov. 5.

Be sure to subscribe to our FREE news email. Each week, we will pose a single question to all candidates running for the Manassas City Council.

As early voting for the fall 2024 election approaches, 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 third one, which ran on Aug. 6, focused on city management and staff retention.

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: Commercial airline services.

The candidates were asked: What is your position on bringing commercial airline services to Manassas Regional Airport? How do you plan to address both the potential benefits and the concerns of local residents regarding this initiative?

Mayoral candidates

Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom (R)

I recently had an opportunity to listen to an update on the wonderful things happening at the Airport.

Few city services generate a positive cash flow for the city but through the outstanding leadership of Airport Manager Juan Rivera, his team and so many outstanding volunteers on the Airport Commission this is a reality.

In my opinion, a robust airport is essential to a successful city. The benefits to our citizens far outweigh the downside. We are fortunate to be able to use the experience of so many who helped us to minimize the negative impacts on our citizens.

Our city will want to open all possible channels to allow the private sector to fill in all the opportunities that arise from this project. I see this as an incredible incentive for attracting businesses to the area and our community.

Byrom, the owner of Tang’s Bridal and Alterations in the Canterbury Village shopping center at 8675 Sudley Road, opened her Manassas store as an alteration shop in 1999. She eventually expanded her business to include bridal and formal wear. Her business employs 17 people.

Michelle Davis Younger (D-Incumbent)

NO RESPONSE

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)

As a candidate for Manassas City Council, I’m optimistic about the potential benefits that bringing commercial airline services

to Manassas Regional Airport could offer, including enhanced connectivity and economic growth for our community. However, it is essential that we address community concerns in a thorough and thoughtful manner.

I understand that there are valid worries about environmental impacts and noise, and it’s important that we move beyond generic responses and not rely solely on external processes. We must ensure that any development at the airport includes a comprehensive plan to address these issues. This includes a robust security strategy and enhanced fire and rescue services. Additionally, I am committed to prioritizing professional development for our first responders, equipping them to handle the new challenges and demands that increased airport activity may bring.

I look forward to the airport’s next update to Council and the community. This will be an important opportunity to collaboratively address these concerns and make informed decisions that support both growth and the well-being of our residents.

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 re-election bid, Forkell Green was a freelance reporter covering city issues for Potomac Local News.

Ashley Hutson (D)

Bringing commercial airline service to the City of Manassas offers an abundance of opportunities for the city and the region. Given the growing populations along the Interstate 95 and I-66 corridors, the Manassas airport will allow families in the outer suburbs to bypass the headaches of Dulles/National Airports and look to Manassas for travel planning.

I attended the public hearing and town hall regarding commercial airline service in Manassas. Airplane noise/frequency and traffic impacts, especially at the Clover Hill/ Rt. 234 intersection, were expressed concerns. Regarding air noise – the presentation given at the July 24, 2023 Public Hearing had a slide depicting an Aircraft Noise Levels Comparison. The slide compared three current aircraft dB and 3 future dB and explained that a 1dB or less difference is “not readily perceptible.” None of the three future aircraft exceeds the dB of current aircraft. In regards to traffic impacts, I imagine the roadways surrounding the airport are being studied for future enhancements.

The announcement of the new Home2Suites by Hilton, situated less than two miles from the Manassas airport, will help businesses in Manassas and Western Prince William host larger-scale meetings and have a more broad range to seek new talent while reducing on-road travel time.

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)

The expansion of Manassas Regional Airport is an exciting development for this city and I commend everyone involved in making it happen. A city that is not growing and attracting business travelers, tourists and investment is a city in decline. For the the time being, we should stick to commercial flights and hold on any discussions of cargo plans until the new commercial activity is stable and running smoothly. Concerns around this plan are valid, including traffic increases and noise. However, roads can be widened and intersections can be revamped to run more smoothly. We can solve these kinds of problems as they naturally occur. Added noise will be a factor, but this is a thriving suburban area and that’s part of living here. Our airport is a hidden gem, a huge asset and one we’re finally about to leverage in a big way for the city’s benefit.

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.

Mark Wolfe (D-Incumbent)

There are two important items to remember before getting into the nuts a bolts of this decision.

First, is that the marketplace (not the city) will ultimately determine if commercial air service is viable or not. No amount of wanting and wishing will cause this to happen if the vendor and airlines can not make a business case.

Second, this opportunity again points out the legacy of those who went before us. Without the city having expanded the terminal building in the 1990s, this proposed service would not be an option. Those City Councils and staff planted a tree, knowing that they would most likely never enjoy its shade. And it cost money, an investment that may well now pay huge dividends for Manassas and the region.

Concerns about the project are generally regarding extra noise and pollution that will come from the extra flights. There will absolutely be some. We will have to wait for the FAA-mandated environmental impact study to see what the quantifiable effects are and what mitigation is possible. I do not want to pre-judge that study.

But I also recognize that the airport is a vital and growing part of our economy. Over time there will be more aircraft and more impacts. This process gives our community a great opportunity to be a part of whatever solution comes out.

The process has been and will continue to be public, with many input opportunities. Not everyone will agree with whatever the final answers are. But they will be heard.

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.

Tom Osina (D-Incumbent)

I voted for the proposal by AVports to bring commercial airline services to Manassas Regional

Airport last summer. I was pleased to see that the vote was both bipartisan and unanimous by City Council.

As I explained prior to my vote, I spent time doing my due diligence into matters that had been raised during the public hearing and/or from emails as well as those which I had. I spoke with the chief elected official of East Hartford, Conn., to learn how the experience and relationship with AVports has been since it was engaged to bring commercial air service there.

I spent time with Juan Rivera, airport director, to review traffic and noise concerns. I examined the 20 areas the Federal Aviation Authority investigates when it does its environmental impact studies.

These all left me assured that this decision will be appropriately and thoroughly critiqued to identify any areas of deficiency. This will insure a smooth roll out as this effort continues.

This decision is a logical next step for our city’s airport. When successfully implemented, it will provide economic benefits towards the city’s revenues, increase in jobs both directly and indirectly, high school students training-to-career opportunities, attract new businesses and save time and travel to residents and non-residents alike.

I invite city residents to attend or watch the work session in City Hall on Sept. 16 to hear an update from the Airport Commission about this project.

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)

Expanding Manassas Regional Airport to include commercial airline services offers a unique opportunity to further enhance the city’s economic growth and regional significance which I support. As the largest and busiest general aviation airport in Virginia, Manassas Regional already plays a critical role in our local economy, generating over $375 million annually and providing over a thousand local jobs. Introducing commercial flights would amplify these benefits by attracting new businesses, boosting tourism, and increasing local spending. The convenience of commercial flights would also be a significant draw for both residents and businesses, making Manassas an even more desirable location for families and enterprises seeking efficient travel options.

Expanding the Manassas Airport to include commercial services creates a unique opportunity to enhance our career and technical education programs by integrating aviation-focused courses. This expansion would prepare students for stable, high-paying jobs in the aviation industry, offering pathways to careers that align with the region’s growing economic needs. By connecting our students to this thriving sector, we invest in their futures and contribute to the long-term prosperity of our community.

However, it’s understandable that residents may have concerns about noise, traffic, and potential environmental impacts. As a city council member, I would ensure these concerns are addressed through transparent communication and thoughtful planning. For noise and environmental concerns, the city can invest in sound mitigation measures and green technologies that minimize the impact of increased air traffic. Additionally, the city can work with transportation agencies to improve road infrastructure and public transit options, alleviating potential congestion. Comprehensive impact studies would be conducted to anticipate and address challenges before they arise, ensuring a balance between growth and quality of life.

Lastly, engaging with the community throughout the decision-making process is essential. I would prioritize holding town halls, gathering resident feedback, and ensuring that any expansion plans include input from those who would be most affected. By committing to a development plan that carefully weighs both economic benefits and resident concerns, we can move forward with a project that enhances the prosperity of Manassas while safeguarding the well-being of our community.

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. He 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.

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 starts  Sept. 21, and Election Day is Nov. 5.

Be sure to subscribe to our FREE news email. Each week, we will pose a single question to all candidates running for the Manassas City Council.

Manassas City Police Chief turned Interim City Manager Douglas Keen is nearing the one-year mark as the city’s government’s chief employee. He stepped into the role following the resignation of former City Manager W. Patrick Pate. Despite the extended tenure, Keen has clarified that he does not wish to assume the position permanently.

Keen began serving as Interim City Manager in November 2023, after Pate left to become the City Manager of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. After conducting interviews for the role, the Manassas City Council selected Keen for the interim position during a September 18, 2023, meeting.

The city manager receives direction from elected city council members and then directs the employees in all city government departments.

Since Keen’s appointment, the City Council has been engaged in finding a permanent replacement. Keen has expressed his support for the Council’s thorough approach, emphasizing the importance of hiring the right person for the job.

“Remember the Mayor and Council are the ones who hire the City Manager, so I am not subject to whom they may or may not have interviewed in the first go around,” Keen said. “However, I believe they have been clear; and I agree, hiring the right person who is a good fit for Manassas is better than simply hiring someone quickly.”

Keen also highlighted the open communication between the Manager’s Office and the City Council, noting that it has been key to maintaining stability in the city’s administration during the transition period.

“I believe we have been successful due to the pointed efforts of open communication between the Manager’s Office and the Elected Body. We try to listen to each other and plan out what needs to be done,” Keen added.

Keen’s tenure as Interim City Manager has seen the continuation and closure of several ongoing projects in Manassas, including the presentation and eventual passage of the city’s 2025 budget and overseeing the completion of multiple capital improvement projects totaling $60 million—a new police station, a city hall renovation, and renovations at the Manassas Museum.

“The Council has been very supportive of my initiatives and my leadership style; along with encouraging me to pursue the full-time position,” Keen said. “Manassas has been very good to me for over 35 years, I enjoy serving our community in whatever capacity that may be as Chief of Police and/or Interim City Manager.”

Candidates for the upcoming City Council election shared their perspectives on his performance and the implications of the extended interim period. The responses reveal a range of opinions on Keen’s leadership and the process of appointing a permanent city manager.

Tom Osina, who is seeking re-election to the city council in November 2024, praised Doug Keen for providing a seamless transition as Interim City Manager. Osina highlighted Keen’s extensive experience as Police Chief and Assistant City Manager, which he believes has been instrumental in maintaining stability during the transition. “My focus is to find the best applicant for our next City Manager. Mr. Keen’s work as [Interim City Manager] allows city council the opportunity to do this search so it is not rushed into a hiring decision for city manager. I am appreciative of his work in this area,” Osina stated.

On the issue of the length of the interim role, Osina noted that there is no rigid template for how long an interim period should last, emphasizing the importance of finding the right candidate over adhering to a specific timeline.

Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom (R), who is running for mayor, commended Keen’s dedication and service, describing him as “a shining star and an unselfish, dedicated public servant.” Byrom acknowledged the potential strain of having someone in an acting capacity for an extended period but expressed confidence in Keen’s ability to manage the city’s needs during this time. “When elected, I will not rest until we get a full-time city manager hired, and I fully expect Mr. Keen to be instrumental in that process,” Byrom asserted.

Ashley Hutson (D), a city council candidate, strongly approved Keen’s performance, citing his excellent communication and conflict resolution skills. Hutson remarked that the lengthy hiring process reflects national workforce challenges, not necessarily a failure by the City Council. “The length of the hiring process is reflective of national workforce challenges – hiring is hard, right now. Our City Council has done all the necessary steps – hiring a recruiter and holding interviews – and in an effort to select a City Manager that will serve Manassas long into the future, they have not found the right person yet,” said Hutson.

Despite recognizing Keen’s strong leadership, Robyn Williams (R), a city council candidate, voiced concern over the extended interim period. She pointed to the urgency of appointing a permanent City Manager, questioning why the recruitment process has taken so long. “The fact that a full year has passed without this Mayor and Council hiring a permanent City Manager is deeply concerning,” Williams commented. She emphasized that, if elected, she would make hiring a permanent City Manager a top priority and seek to ensure that the recruitment process is thorough and timely.

Lynn Forkell Greene (R), a city council candidate, praised Keen’s commitment and experience, noting that he has provided stability during a challenging time for the city. However, Greene echoed that a year is a considerable time for an acting role, emphasizing the need for permanent leadership. “If I were in a position to influence this decision, I would advocate for a thorough and timely search for a permanent City Manager,” Greene stated, stressing the importance of stability and continuity for the city’s future,” she said.

Keen began his career with the city in 1987, rising as a police officer, lieutenant, captain, and Assistant Chief of Police. He was appointed Chief of Police in 2010 and helped the department achieve a Gold Standard of Excellence Award from The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., which rewards best practices related to life, health, and safety procedures. He serves as the Chiefs/Sheriffs Chair for the Northern Virginia Gang Task Force, Vice Chair of the Prince William County/Manassas Jail Board, Board member of the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy and Washington Council of Governments, and served on the City’s Equity and Inclusion Task Force.”

After being appointed assistant city manager in 2021, Keen has focused on special projects, Human Resources, Public Works, Social Services, the Fire and Rescue Department, and city-wide employee leadership development. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor’s degree in the Administration of Justice from George Mason University.

The Manassas Republican Party has issued a statement following criticism from Democrats directed at mayoral candidate Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom regarding her campaign colors and clothing choices.

The Republican statement reads: “Our Mayor and the city’s elected leaders have their priorities misplaced. Instead of focusing on schools failing our children, limited to no parking that hurts small businesses, safe neighborhoods, limited housing to combat overcrowding, and no tax relief for our citizens – they are instead focused on campaign colors. This is a prime example of why the City of Manassas needs new leadership and a new direction that works for everyone.”

Byrom engaged with voters on Sunday, August 4, 2024, knocking on doors and discussing her campaign. She posted a photo on Facebook, displaying her campaign colors, pink and green.

Byrom, a tailor, bridal consultant, and owner of Tang’s Alterations selected pink and green instead of the traditional red and blue for her campaign. The Manassas and Manassas Park Cities Democratic Committee responded to Byrom’s post, criticizing her choice.

The committee posted on Facebook: “We are wondering over here: did you purposely choose AKA colors? To be honest, it feels disrespectful and disingenuous.” The comment references the pink and green colors of the AKA sorority, to which Presidential nominee Kamala Harris belongs.

According to Ross Snare, chairman of the Manassas airport authority, the Manassas Regional Airport is poised to update the city council and community on its ongoing efforts to introduce commercial passenger flights at a town hall meeting in September.

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Editor’s note: We have corrected this post, as some responses were attributed to the wrong candidate.

As early voting for the fall 2024 election approaches, 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 second one, which ran on July 17, focused on the budget and taxes.

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: City management and staff. The candidates were asked:

Given the recent resignations of key city officials, including the city manager and utilities director, what steps would you take to ensure stability and improve employee retention within the city government?

Mayoral candidates

Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom (R)

Anytime our city starts to lose key personnel and struggles to get qualified applicants for

critical positions a real self-evaluation is required. My time as Mayor will be marked by setting standards that attract and retain the “best qualified” individuals into our critical positions to ensure the most efficient and effective services to our citizens.

Hiring city staff is a lot like hiring for the private sector. We are both here to serve our customers which in this case are our citizens. I have been hiring for over 25 years and have found some important keys to attracting and retaining great staff.

1. Make sure your staff has core values that align with the mission statement of the organization.
2. Pay them well and develop pathways for them to grow.
3. Listen to your staff and make sure their opinions matter in the decisions made to improve efficiencies and serve the citizens.

I welcome the opportunity to bring top-notch talent to the city staff.

Byrom, the owner of Tang’s Bridal and Alterations in the Canterbury Village shopping center at 8675 Sudley Road, opened her Manassas store as an alteration shop in 1999. She eventually expanded her business to include bridal and formal wear. Her business employs 17 people.

Michelle Davis Younger (D-Incumbent)

NO RESPONSE

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)

Having served on the Manassas City Council, I deeply

understand the critical importance of maintaining stability and retaining employees within our city government. This will help with providing efficient and effective services to our residents. Below, I have outlined the steps that I would take to address these pressing issues:

Exit Interviews: Implement thorough exit interviews to identify the root causes of recent resignations and uncover any systemic issues needing attention.

Communication: Advocate for regular town hall meetings for employees to provide updates, ensure open, transparent communication and make staff feel valued and informed.

Compensation: Continue to support competitive salary and benefits reviews to attract and retain top talent, ensuring our compensation packages meet or exceed industry standards.

Professional Development: Continue to promote ongoing training, career advancement, and leadership development, while fostering and implementing mentorship and sponsorship programs.

Work Environment: Continue to endorse initiatives to enhance workplace culture, including recognition programs and wellness initiatives to improve employee satisfaction.

Leadership: Focus on recruiting experienced, visionary leaders and begin looking for a new city manager if the interim does not commit full-time.

Charter Alignment: Restore alignment with our city charter, ensuring the mayor and Council focus on vision and priorities while keeping politics out of daily operations. By implementing these steps, I am confident we can create a more stable and supportive environment for our city employees, ultimately enhancing services for our community.

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 re-election bid, Forkell Green was a freelance reporter covering city issues for Potomac Local News.

Ashley Hutson (D)

Manassas, a locality with a far smaller population than our neighboring localities, has budgetary challenges different than our neighbors so we must seek strategic solutions to retain the best people working for our city. Through attending Council meetings over the past year and the Council retreat in February, I have been learning a lot about the city’s budget priorities and processes. To ensure the staff of the city are receiving competitive wages, our Council adopted a policy aiming to offer salaries within 95% of the regional average, which is important as Manassas is situated in the middle of one of the highest per-household income areas in the country.

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)

What I’ve learned throughout a decade of working in large nonprofits, lean startups and private sector businesses is that everything involving staff retention and morale flows downstream from Vision (or lack thereof). My role as a city councilman would be to help set the vision for the city and its staff. After that, it’s all about having the right people in the right roles and establishing clear Decision Rights for them to fulfill the responsibilities of their jobs. We have some incredibly bright folks working for Manassas City around the clock, and City Council members can make a big difference in knowing when to step back and let these professionals fulfill the city’s Comprehensive Plan. You get mass exoduses from organizations when staff feel micromanaged, pressured by politics or distrusted to execute. I plan to be a partner to city staff wherever I can by empowering them to act, holding them accountable when needed and making sure Manassas City government is an attractive place to work.

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.

Mark Wolfe (D-Incumbent)

This strikes me as a question in search of an issue. To my recollection, the City has two senior-level positions open. One is due to a retirement tied to a health issue and the other is our city manager who received an opportunity to return to his home area, for a larger jurisdiction, at more pay. This is hardly an exodus of staff.

The Council has been very deliberate in the search for a new city manager, wanting to find a candidate that is the best fit for Manassas. To me, that is the prudent choice. This choice is buttressed by the fact that Manassas is fortunate to have a cadre of experienced and talented senior leaders who have continued moving forward with our vision for the community. We haven’t lost a step while looking for a long-term answer at city manager.

Like any organization, much less one with 500+ employees, the city experiences staff turnover. This is monitored in detail by our HR team and reported to the Council. Our turnover rate hovers around 10%, the national norm for organizations of our size.

To keep turnover at a normal level, the city has been aggressive in having an ongoing review of compensation packages (pay AND benefits) to ensure that Manassas is competitive in the extremely aggressive NoVa marketplace. Our ability to keep the police department fully staffed and to increase staffing levels at the Fire/Rescue Department in the face of continual attempts to poach our people by other jurisdictions points to the success of our efforts.

I will close with this observation. Some candidates promise to lower our taxes. At the same time, they promise to increase pay for teachers, police and other staff. That combination may be good politics but it is disingenuous. People costs make up the vast bulk of the city budget, probably over 80% of the total. You simply can not balance the budget while paying people more and at the same time cutting revenues. But some politicians are not honest enough (or know enough) at say this simple truth about governance.

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.

Tom Osina (D-Incumbent)

In Manassas City Government, City Council has a keen interest in hiring and keeping good employees and engages the City Manager to actually implement and oversee those efforts. I have supported requests by the City Manager to increase pay and expand benefits to retain our workforce over the last 4 years. The Director of Human Resources, with Council input, has tailored outreach which plays to the City’s strengths.

However, departures do occur, just as they do in the private sector. I first learned that the City of Winston Salem, NC had made a job offer to our City Manager in July 2023. He gave notice last August saying he wanted to be closer to family in North Carolina after working in Manassas for 10 years. The position was a step up in pay and he would be working for a city 2 ½ times the population size of Manassas so his desire for advancement was understandable.

The city’s police chief has been appointed as Interim City Manager while City Council conducts its search for a permanent City Manager. At public works sessions this year, City Council and the Interim City Manager discussed a reorganization of senior managers to which Council agreed. Three city department heads have been appointed assistant city managers to build a bench, ensure stability and increase employee retention at the highest level of city government. Meanwhile, City Council is continuing the search for a City Manager as we want the right fit for this position.

Starting last summer, I, along with several members of City Council, requested the quarterly reporting of job vacancies to us. This way, I could see what positions were open, their status and for how long each had been vacant. This information led to efforts to increase pay to attract qualified applicants particularly in the Department of Public Utilities. A new Director of Public Works was hired this past winter due to retirement and the position of Electric Utilities Director was filled.

Overall, City Council has recognized that salaries and benefits have to remain competitive with our neighboring jurisdictions if Manassas is to recruit and retain good employees. That is why we have increased overall compensation from $59M in FY 2023 to $75M in FY 2025.

In an ideal environment, good employees never leave. In the real world, employees leave for lots of reasons: job advancement, family changes, moving out of the area, retirement to name a few. I am very cognizant that any kind of employee turnover can be challenging. I am pleased to be part of a City Council that is committed to retaining good employees while staying within our financial situation. We have and are well served by our city workforce and I am thankful to have them.

At any time, residents may visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/manassas and see the current list of vacancies in city government. That way they can determine for themselves what actually is taking place regarding job openings. In fact, they may want to apply for a position!

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)

The recent resignations of key officials, including the city manager, have undeniably led to a sense of instability within our city government. As a candidate for City Council, I am dedicated to implementing immediate and strategic measures to restore stability and enhance employee retention.

The prolonged interim appointment of the chief of police as the city manager has created a leadership void. I will prioritize conducting a swift yet thorough search for a qualified and experienced city manager who will develop a skilled workforce and invest in employee development, fostering a positive work environment for all Manassas City employees.

Moreover, I intend to cultivate a culture of respect, collaboration, and inclusivity within the city government. I will implement policies that encourage work-life balance, recognize and reward employee achievements, and provide support for mental health and well-being.

My experience on the school board has been invaluable in our efforts to attract and retain top teachers and staff. I am pleased to report that employee retention at MCPS has been stable for several years. This success is attributed to two pillars of our comprehensive plan: a Quality Workforce and a Culture of Caring.

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. He 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.

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 starts  Sept. 21, and Election Day is Nov. 5.

Be sure to subscribe to our FREE news email. Each week, we will pose a single question to all candidates running for the Manassas City Council.

Welcome to our latest recap of Potomac Local News. We’re excited to share some of the top stories that are gaining attention on our site. From political color controversies to rave reviews for a local BBQ joint, here’s what’s making headlines.

Political Color Controversy in Manassas:
One of the most talked-about stories involves a heated debate over campaign colors in the Manassas mayoral election. GOP candidate Xiao Yin “Tang” Byrom is challenging incumbent Michelle Davis Younger. A Facebook post showing Tang wearing pink and green, colors associated with Vice President Kamala Harris’s sorority, sparked criticism from the Manassas and Manassas Park Cities Democratic Committee. This story has become our most-read article of the day, highlighting the unexpected turns in local politics.

Wild Wayland’s BBQ:
More delicious news: Wild Wayland’s BBQ in Stafford is receiving rave reviews for its generous portions and tasty offerings, from brisket to smoked turkey. Posted by our Fredericksburg Regional Editor, Kelly Sienkowski, this story has garnered over 100 likes and shares on Facebook. If you’ve visited Wild Wayland’s BBQ, we encourage you to share your experiences.

Animal Shelter Overcrowding:
We also reported on the overcrowding issues at regional animal shelters. Captain Bice from the Stafford Animal Shelter discussed the challenges they face, including the financial strain on pet owners, which leads to more surrenders. The shelter is urgently seeking volunteers and new homes for the animals.

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