Potomac Mills has announced a major renovation to its Food Pavilion, timed with the mall’s upcoming 40th anniversary in 2025. The remodel, set to begin this winter and expected to be completed by early 2025, will transform the dining space with a modernized look, new seating options, energy-efficient lighting, and enhanced areas for socializing, all designed to elevate visitors' experience.

According to Potomac Mills’ press release, the upgraded Food Pavilion will feature contemporary flooring, stylish lighting, and a refreshed color palette to create a more inviting atmosphere. New seating arrangements, including elevated banquet tables, intimate conversation spots, and flexible benches, will offer comfortable spaces for groups of all sizes. The renovation, which incorporates energy-efficient LED lighting throughout, aligns with the mall’s commitment to sustainability.

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The 2024 election results for Manassas signal a shift in the city’s political landscape.

While Democratic Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger retained her seat with a notable 56.91% of the vote, Republicans have made meaningful inroads, building on a newfound organizational strength seen across the state as conservatives embraced Virginia’s early voting system in record numbers. In what has become one of the city’s most contentious elections in recent memory, conservatives leveraged social media and new voices, such as the “Until They Kick Us Out” podcast, to rally supporters and draw attention to their causes. The Republican Party’s increased cohesion and visibility hint at a changing dynamic in a city once considered solidly Democratic.

This year’s council race underscores this shift. In 2020, Democratic incumbents Pamela Sebesky and Mark Wolfe received strong backing, with Sebesky leading with 20.7% (8,532 votes) and Wolfe close behind.

This year’s City Council results paint a different picture: not a single candidate reached the high vote totals of 2020. With Democratic candidates Ashley R. Hutson, Tom C. Osina, and Wolfe each earning lower percentages than before, it’s clear that voter support has become more dispersed. Sebesky did not seek re-election. This suggests a competitive landscape where no candidate has a guaranteed stronghold, pointing to an increasingly divided electorate.

In a shift for the Manassas City School Board, Republican-backed candidate Dayna-Marie Miles will now join conservative board member Sara Brescia, who has been a vocal presence since her election in 2022. Miles’ election signals a potential shift in policy focus and priorities on the school board as it navigates pressing challenges of accreditation, truancy, failing test scores, and teacher retention.

This election cycle wasn’t just competitive; it was particularly nasty. In the heat of the campaign, text messages allegedly exchanged between former Manassas Regional Airport Commission Chairman Ross Snare, Mayor Davis-Younger, and a city employee were publicly shared, with disparaging remarks directed at a council member. This so-called “text-gate” led to Snare’s resignation and fueled the polarized political atmosphere, where even those not running for office felt the repercussions.

The controversy around “text-gate” highlights a broader issue in Manassas politics: a hyper-partisan environment that has emerged since 2020. Democrats in city leadership have largely appointed like-minded individuals to board and commission positions and fill vacant council seats. For some residents, this has led to feelings of alienation. Many have chastised Mayor Davis-Younger for seeming to dismiss or avoid engaging with perspectives that don’t align with her own, creating an atmosphere where dissenting voices feel marginalized.

We at Potomac Local News have criticized the mayor for personalizing politics, valuing positive press, and maintaining control over her narrative. While Mayor Davis-Younger frequently uses the phrase “Our Manassas” to promote unity, that unity often seems conditional—extended only to those who support her leadership.

Her continued reluctance to grant a sit-down interview to Potomac Local News, despite our repeated requests since 2019, is a testament to her aversion to critical coverage. However, she recently promised to give us her first interview post-reelection. If she honors this commitment, it could signal a readiness to engage more openly with the press and residents with differing viewpoints.

The inroads Republicans have made this election should be a wake-up call for Manassas Democrats. With conservatives gaining ground across the city and state, it’s clear that the electorate has been evolving since President Donald Trump’s first term when Democrats posted significant gains in local and state-level offices.

For those in power, governing solely for a base of loyal supporters may no longer be sufficient—or sustainable. As seen in the City Council race, no single candidate can now assume widespread support and future victories will likely depend on a broader coalition.

Democrats in Manassas must recognize the changing political landscape and adapt by genuinely embracing diverse perspectives and governing the entire community. In Virginia’s annual election cycle, political tides can shift quickly, and the lessons of 2024 should serve as a reminder that leadership, inclusivity, and responsiveness to all constituents—not just loyalists—are essential in a city as dynamic as Manassas.

Families gathered at Potomac Mills mall on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, for a unique opportunity to meet and greet with Prince William County Police officers. The event, held in collaboration with Potomac Mills, aimed to foster positive connections between police officers and the local community. As part of the event, the mall provided free Build-A-Bear stuffed animals, all of which sported a police uniform, to the first 30 young visitors, creating a warm, friendly atmosphere for children and parents alike.

Jennifer Snitselaar, General Manager of Potomac Mills, emphasized the mall’s commitment to being a “center of community” in Woodbridge. “We are a very large tourist destination, and we aim to be a reflection of our community within our doors,” said Snitselaar. “Collaborating with Prince William Police to create a safe and welcoming environment is part of that mission.” The mall’s police substation, a permanent fixture, is another example of the ongoing partnership designed to enhance safety and build community connections.

Parent Lauren Lumley, who lives in Woodbridge with her 13-month-old son, Sawyer, said the event provided an invaluable experience for her child. “I thought it was really important for Sawyer to get to see police officers, so the first time he either needs one or sees one out in the world, it’s not so scary,” Lumley explained.

For Lumley and other local families, Potomac Mills has become more than a shopping destination—it’s a central community hub. “We come to the mall many times a week,” she said. “They offer so much for kids, from play areas to events like this. It’s a place where the community comes together.”

The meet-and-greet event exemplifies Potomac Mills’ role as a gathering place for the local community, offering not only shopping but also family-friendly activities that promote safety and engagement. The partnership with Prince William Police aims to build lasting bonds and a welcoming environment where children and families feel at home with their local law enforcement officers.

@ShoPotomacMills gives children Build-A-Bear dolls to children at today’s meet-and-greet with @PWCPolice. There were lots of smiles in the room. pic.twitter.com/lzaADepQ8p

— Potomac Local News (@PotomacLocal) November 5, 2024

 

In this episode of the Potomac Local News podcast, host Uriah Kiser interviews Ashlee Waldbauer, Kadejah Onè, and Sarah Andersen, three lead performers in Riverside Center for the Performing Arts production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Story.”

The trio shares their experiences portraying iconic figures, their challenges, and the timeless music shaping this beloved musical.

Here’s what listeners can expect:

Host Uriah Kiser introduces the three talented actresses from Beautiful, setting the stage for an engaging conversation about their roles and the production.

1:00 – Ashlee Waldbauer on Playing Carole King
Ashlee, who plays Carole King, discusses how stepping into the shoes of such a well-known figure came with its own set of challenges. She opens up about battling imposter syndrome during rehearsals and how she ultimately found confidence through her connection to the role.

4:00 – Sarah Andersen on Playing Cynthia Weil
Sarah talks about her portrayal of Cynthia Weil, a dynamic woman with a powerful presence. She explains how she developed her character, the chemistry between Cynthia and Barry Mann, and how both onstage and offstage friendships helped her bring authenticity to the role.

6:00 – Kadejah Onè on Her Powerful Character
Kadejah shares insights into her character, part of a Black girl group trying to navigate the segregated music industry of the time. She talks about how her character’s assertiveness and courage were critical in achieving a Billboard hit, especially during the civil rights movement.

8:00 – The Energy of the Production
The cast reflects on the fast-paced, high-energy nature of the show. Ashlee notes the constant costume and set changes, while Sarah highlights the joy of being part of a production where there is always something happening on stage—even during scene transitions.

10:00 – The Evolution of Music
Uriah and Kadejah discuss the shifting landscape of the music industry in the 1960s, when artists like Carole King began to take creative control. They reflect on how the music of that time had a lasting impact and continues to resonate with audiences today.

12:00 – Why This Show Matters
The actresses express their belief in the emotional depth of the show. Kadejah speaks about the power of the story and its ability to inspire hope, while Ashlee and Sarah emphasize the importance of showcasing female empowerment through music and storytelling.

14:00 – Final Thoughts
The episode wraps up with the cast sharing what they hope audiences take away from Beautiful. Ashlee highlights Carole King’s journey to creative self-discovery, while Sarah reflects on the rare chance female composers had in the music industry and the importance of this story.

Tune in to this insightful podcast for a behind-the-scenes look at “Beautiful: The Carole King Story, and hear more about how these actresses bring the legend of Carole King to life on stage.

Prince William County is gearing up to address the increasing panhandling issue in its streets.

Coles District Supervisor has urged fellow Board of Supervisors members to pass a resolution to regulate panhandling as the county grapples with public safety concerns and the need for social services. The resolution, listed as item 8A on the agenda, will be discussed during the board’s meeting at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

The proposed resolution includes allocating $550,000 from the county’s contingency fund to implement a multifaceted strategy to curb panhandling through public safety, social services, and employment programs. This initiative follows the board’s directive earlier this year to explore legal options and policy recommendations to address panhandling.

A Comprehensive Approach

In response to the board’s directive issued in February 2024, the county’s Process Action Team (PAT) was formed to develop various strategies to reduce panhandling. The team, consisting of representatives from multiple county agencies, identified three critical areas of concern: public safety, the need for social services, and the impact on the community’s image.

According to the county’s staff report, these concerns will be tackled through the implementation of three specific strategies:

1. Coordinated Community Safety Response (CCSR) – This approach will address traffic safety issues, aggressive behavior, and loitering associated with panhandling. It also includes targeted outreach to panhandlers, offering housing and employment assistance services.

2. Public Engagement and Communication – A public awareness campaign called #GiveLocalPWC will encourage residents to donate to local homeless service providers rather than giving directly to panhandlers.

3. Pilot Employment Program—In partnership with Keep Prince William Beautiful, this program will offer panhandlers employment opportunities through litter control services, providing them with an alternative source of income.

Fiscal Impact

The initiative will cost $550,000, including $324,000 for the Coordinated Community Safety Response program, $16,000 for public engagement, and $210,000 for the pilot employment program. The employment program will offer panhandlers opportunities to work in litter control across the county, following a model similar to Fairfax County’s Operation Stream Shield.

The board is expected to vote on the resolution during the upcoming meeting. If approved, it will mark a significant step in the county’s efforts to address the complex issue of panhandling through a mix of enforcement, public education, and support services.

Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega emailed constituents to express concerns about the county’s approach, urging the board to prioritize a traffic safety ordinance alongside the financial allocation.

“Despite my proactive efforts, I have encountered substantial resistance in advancing this initiative, even after I proposed a draft ordinance in June to serve as a foundation for our discussions,” Vega stated. “In August, Supervisor (Bob) Weir shared a similar ordinance, with the hope of finding common ground, to facilitate dialogue with the board on this issue. Instead, the county has chosen to allocate $550,000 of your hard-earned tax dollars without making any progress on a county traffic safety ordinance.”

Early voting is open in Virginia! Starting on Sept. 20, Virginians can begin voting in the Nov. 5 general election and local election. Potomac Local News is dedicated to informing the community about candidates vying for one of three open seats on the Manassas City Council and the mayor’s seat.

To help voters make an informed decision, we are continuing a new feature series, “One-Question Manassas City Council Candidate Survey.” This series will run throughout the campaign season, offering insights into each candidate’s stand on key issues affecting our city. Our seventh one, which ran on Sept. 24, focused on power outages and the electrical grid.

The candidates are given 10 days to respond to a Google Form, and their answers will be compiled into a single post on PotomacLocalNews.com. This format lets voters quickly compare the candidates’ views on critical issues, helping them make an informed choice come Election Day.

Today’s topic: Schools.

The candidates were asked: Public school performance is a critical issue for many families in Manassas. With the School Board controlling school management but the City Council being a chief funding source, how do you plan to address the challenges our public schools face, such as lagging Standards of Learning (SOL) scores, provisional accreditation for Osbourn High and Metz Middle and the need for equal resources across all schools? Specifically, would you support setting benchmarks when the school board comes asking for funding during the upcoming budget cycle? Additionally, how do you propose to ensure transparency in the use of public funds, and how would you approach the ongoing discussions about funding and constructing new school facilities to accommodate growing student populations?

Mayoral candidates

Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom (R)

Improving our schools is near and dear to my heart and will be a key priority if I am

honored to be your next mayor. Our schools are underperforming, and this creates a ripple effect that impacts everything — public safety, economic development, property values and overall quality of life.

Osbourn and Metz have now failed to gain accreditation for the third year in a row. If our water supply were contaminated, we’d all act quickly to fix it. Our schools need the same urgency — they’re at a critical point, and it’s time to stop placing blame and start working together to find solutions.

Every day, voters tell me we need to fix our schools. I won’t rest until this decline is reversed. Despite having one of the highest tax rates in Northern Virginia, we’re not seeing results. During the 2022-2023 school year, we invested between $15,000 and $16,000 per student. We need to make sure this money is being spent effectively, ensuring students have the necessary tools and resources to succeed.

As your next mayor, I will unite students, parents, teachers, the School Board, Council and the community to address these challenges and aim for excellence. We need to identify the resources our students need to reach their full potential. No more excuses. Let’s focus on discipline, respect and responsibility, and give our kids the opportunity to achieve their dreams. It’s time for us to come together and take action.

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)

Manassas City stands at a pivotal moment in our journey. Our community is calling for our public

schools to fulfill their mission of providing a quality education for every student. With lagging SOL scores and provisional accreditation for Osbourn High and Metz Middle, we must embrace a proactive and collaborative approach to set us on a path to success because right now, we are falling short.

The city’s current plan to replace aging schools every ten years was an important first step, but true transformation requires a stronger partnership between the City Council and the School Board. In our compact 10-square-mile city, sharing resources, such as land and building, is essential. Together, we can tackle challenges and create a sustainable vision for our current students and future generations.

Effective communication is key. We need a comprehensive strategy that addresses our current student population while anticipating future growth. Although projections suggest enrollment won’t exceed our existing capacity, we must remain innovative to ensure every school is equipped for excellence.

The lessons learned from the new Jennie Dean project highlight the importance of collaboration. We cannot afford to repeat past missteps; both the City Council and School Board must engage actively in long-term strategic planning. Embracing the spirit of #OneManassas means working together as a unified community.

While I do not support tying funding directly to performance benchmarks, I believe in establishing measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) to track educational outcomes. These KPIs serve as tools for accountability and transparency, demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement without directly affecting funding decisions. Just as city departments are held accountable for measurable results, our schools can benefit from this culture of growth and evaluation. Public officials have a crucial responsibility to meet community expectations by providing the high-quality services residents deserve and pay for.

Investing in our educators and their resources is essential. We can achieve better results by combining accountability with robust support for our schools. Cutting support for struggling schools is not the solution; instead, we must empower them to ensure every child receives the quality education they deserve. Additionally, we must be open to evolving our strategies, recognizing when something isn’t working and embracing innovative approaches. This commitment to adaptation will help us create a stronger educational system for everyone.

By fostering collaboration, prioritizing equitable resources, and ensuring accountability, we can significantly enhance the educational experience for every student in Manassas. Education is the cornerstone of our community and deserves our unwavering investment and attention.

We are fortunate to have dedicated teachers, exceptional students and supportive families. Let’s acknowledge our challenges while celebrating our successes. Together, we can build a future where every student has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Let’s unite in this vision and illuminate the path to success for all.

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)

Through my work at the Heavy Construction Contractors Association, particularly

through our “Women in Construction” group, I have had the pleasure of participating in several career fairs and ‘women in the trades’ events at Osbourn High School. I have spoken to engaging and ready-to-work students at these events, and I am constantly impressed by the efforts of the Career and Technical Education department at MCPS.

Recognizing that SOL scores and accreditation are at top of mind for many MCPS families, I have spoken to School Board members to hear their perspective on the work being done to address these concerns. I learned about the “by name, by need” initiative in which teachers are actively assessing every student’s progress in key areas, like literacy and math, every day. Through their active assessments, teachers can consider the individual needs of each student and help them learn on a forward-moving path. This level of dedication to individual needs is only possible in a school system the size of MCPS.

Regarding funding, I want to ensure teachers and school staff are being paid competitive wages and our schools have the resources needed for every student to thrive. As more and more residents come forward with concerns about school quality and resources, I think increased school funding in the next budget cycle is highly likely, but there must be a clear and wise plan for spending. I expect budgets from both City Council and the School Board to address the concerns and needs of the community — if a particular service is commonly requested, then the City Council and School Board should strive to fund a solution in their respective arenas. In efforts to maximize transparency, there will be continued opportunities for public comment, and I plan to make myself accessible for conversation once elected to Council.

The city’s Comprehensive Plan sets a goal of providing state-of-the-art education facilities promote high quality learning. As such, Jennie Dean, a facility where the infrastructure and style is far outdated, is set to be replaced by a modernized school that will serve the community long into the future. Four years ago, our City Council and School Board worked together to set an increasing amount of funds aside each year to prepare for future school renovations and re-builds. When I am on Council, I will support the continuation of forward-thinking budgeting and smart spending to enhance Manassas City Public Schools.

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 situation with low academic performance from Manassas City Public Schools is a

crisis for this city. Poorly rated schools are one of the first things a prospective homebuyer will see when they research and consider moving to Manassas. As a commuter town with an amazing VRE commuter rail system for Washington, D.C. area professionals, we should be a top destination for families taking jobs in this area and looking for a place to settle outside the city. But we aren’t, and education quality is why. Underperforming schools are deterring would-be taxpayers who could come here and add to the local economy, and it’s driving away longtime residents who can see there are better rated schools just twenty minutes west in the county. Poor school ratings are greatly suppressing home values and local investments. If I haven’t been clear enough, this is an emergency for Manassas. First, it is absolutely the case that our educators and teachers are working overtime against a rising tide of stressors on their job, and I commend any teacher for their work in our schools. Second, city officials are not doing everything that can be done to set up teachers and students for success.

My primary concern with this as a candidate for Council is that our current leadership rejects responsibility for public education outcomes when it is convenient for them. If you point out the failing schools in Manassas, they point the finger at School Board. If you point out that almost 50 cents of every dollar Manassas spends is on public education and ask why our investment is not producing an above 60% pass rates in writing, they point to the School Board and say this is none of Council’s business. It is very much Council’s business. You can see that in how current council members seeking reelection change their tune very quickly if anything is working well in the schools, such as the CTE program within Osbourn High School.

The root issues are not a mystery. InsideNova reported accurately in 2023 that Manassas has the highest percentage of English language learners in the state of Virginia. This is a challenge, and those kids need our help. The pass rates for that cohort is 41% in reading, 38% in math and 28% in science.

We have a School Board that sets voluntarily low standards in the classroom such as 50% grade floor. Kids can’t make a 0 on their work. The low standards on behavior and academics diminish the authority teachers in the classroom, both to set expectations on assignments and also to enforce codes of conduct. City Council has a role to play in communicating these views to School Board and using whatever influence available to compel them to do the right thing for the city.

City Council, instead of having a worthwhile debate with the School Board about academic standards in the schools they help fund, chooses to fight with them over land and the use of buildings such as the old Jennie Dean Elementary School. Manassas City Public Schools owns that property and should make a determination about the future of that asset themselves.

I do not support benchmarks for the School Board’s funding requests. That’s an inappropriate carrot-stick approach to funding public education. You can always look for areas of wasteful spending and suggest changes be made. After all, the School Board did sign a four year contract with Evolv for a weapons detection system in Osbourn that costs $104,000 annually, and the company is now under federal investigation by the SEC and FTC for fraud and misleading buyers about the tech’s capabilities. But you don’t do funding cuts to attack low academic performance.

I like the idea of having new educational facilities for our steadily growing net population. I’m enthusiastic about the idea of using the now city owned land at Marsteller on Sudley for a trade school focused on providing high school students in Manassas a whole facility dedicated to skills training in high-demand trade jobs. We could also work with the School Board to use the Jennie Dean property for such a facility and vastly expand the CTE program for Osbourn to include more trades such as cooking and hospitality.

Manassas has a growing need for this, not a community center on Sudley. We also have to consider the need for an alternative school in Manassas to provide a different track for kids who decline to stay at school during the day. Truant teenagers skipping class are everywhere in Manassas, and our police department needs help in order to manage that problem. That will require investments in a facility those kids can go to until parents pick them up, and staff to manage it. This will free up teachers and students in Metz and Osborn who want to focus on education, to do so.

We have a lot of work to do, and that starts with Council being honest about the existence of the problem. Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger was asked in the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce debate last week for the grade she would give the school system based on performance. She declined and said it couldn’t possibly be graded and that “children want to hear about how good they’re doing.” Well, we are not children, we are adults, and our role is to be truthful and put together a plan for progress based on the best data. I will be part of that change if elected to Manassas City Council.

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)

Should Benchmarks Be Set? I am on the record as not supporting benchmarks for

the Manassas City Public School Board because such an effort is not enforceable and it circumvents power rightly left to YOU, the voter!

For example, if City Council told the School Board that the graduation rate had to be 100% by the following year and it was not achieved, what happens then? The only power City Council has is to cut funding. How would that make schools better? The one thing it would do is put us out of compliance with the statutes of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Fundamentally, benchmarks skirt the power of voters to pick who they want leading the School Board every two years. Shouldn’t you and I be the ones deciding what we want in our schools when we vote? Beware of those who want such benchmarks as they threaten the choices we make in local elections. I have great faith in the decisions voters make. I will not be a party to any attempt to dilute the results of local elections.

Plans to Address Public School Challenges: If we are serious about improving education for our students, I believe a paradigm shift has to be made in our thinking. What if class size, especially for fundamental subjects, was reduced so that teachers could have more time to interact with learners? This would result in more individual attention and personal learning leading to better test scores and greater educational attainment. These are the very things that critics are saying are missing in Manassas City Public Schools. Just from my own personal experience as a teacher, I found working with smaller groups of students actually accelerates instruction especially with socioeconomically disadvantaged and culturally diverse kids. This would also benefit first generation learners who we have in our schools.

How to Ensure Transparency in Government? At the first meeting at which I was installed as a member of City Council, my proposal to have all Council agendas made public one week before a meeting was adopted — prior to my term, the practice was to issue it 2 work days before a meeting. This was then expanded to include any reports, documents, power points or videos that would be used at the actual meeting. That way, residents could see what would be discussed at a Council meeting at the same time as me. I pushed to have all City Council meetings and work sessions broadcast on a reliable network as well as recorded. I was successful and even Council’s annual retreats are recorded. Residents can watch our discussions in real time or later. This is a key and fundamental way that residents have transparency is our discussions, our funding decisions and our votes.

Approach to Future School Construction: I was part of the Democratic majority of City Council which developed a plan four years ago to have both the city and the schools set aside the same amount of money each year for the purposes of school repair and/or construction. Each budget cycle, both entities add an additional amount which is designed to pay for not only a replacement Dean Elementary School in this decade, but to be able to address future school construction needs in subsequent decades. As long as future City Councils and School Boards set aside money for this purpose, our residents and businesses will be saved any spikes in taxes for school construction.

Manassas is not perfect, but it has always been my goal to make it better. My motto is “Every day is a chance to make our city better.” I ask for your vote to another term on Manassas City Council. Thank you.

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)

In 2016, when I first ran for the School Board, both of my children were about to enter

Metz Middle School, which was not accredited at the time. Many families, including my neighbors, faced difficult decisions: should they keep their children in MCPS, move out of the city or invest in private schooling or homeschooling? For me, it was essential that my sons attend their local schools because schools are the heart of any strong community. That’s why I chose to run for the school board — to work towards making our schools better for everyone.

After I was elected, I’m proud to say that all of our schools achieved full accreditation! Unfortunately, Metz and Osbourn High School are no longer fully accredited. Metz faces academic challenges in subjects like math and science, while Osbourn struggles with both academics and chronic absenteeism. If elected to the City Council, I intend to improve coordination between the School Board and City Council to address these needs. It’s crucial that discussions about funding also include large capital improvement projects as student populations grow and instructional needs evolve. My experience as part of a compensation task force, which involved collaboration between selected School Board and City Council members, demonstrated that this type of partnership can be highly effective. School funding needs to focus on flexible, needs-based support. Setting benchmarks for school funding is counterproductive.

I also plan to increase transparency by involving all stakeholders in discussions about City Council’s school funding decisions. Open forums for feedback will ensure that community concerns are addressed and that resources are allocated to where they are most needed. By working together and maintaining open communication, we can strengthen our schools and provide every student in Manassas with the quality education they deserve. The future of our community depends on it.

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)

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.

We hope this series engaged the community and fostered a more informed electorate. Thanks for tuning in!

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will convene on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 7 p.m. to deliberate and vote on a proposed residential development in the Coles Magisterial District. The project, known as Bradley South, seeks to rezone approximately 10.15 acres of land from A-1 (Agricultural) to PMR (Planned Mixed Residential) to allow for the construction of 102 townhomes.

The site is on the east side of Dumfries Road (Route 234), about 115 feet northeast of the intersection with Godwin Drive, near Manassas, near a newly-opened interchange with Prince William Parkway.

The rezoning application proposes a shift in land use for the property, which is currently designated as A-1, Agricultural, in the Comprehensive Plan. If approved, the property would be transformed into a residential neighborhood consistent with the RN-3 (Residential Neighborhood) designation in the county’s plan, which calls for mixed residential development.

The Prince William County Planning Commission previously reviewed the project and recommended approving the rezoning request on July 17, 2024. The Board of County Supervisors will now determine the project’s fate after hearing from interested citizens during the public hearing portion of Tuesday’s meeting.

Stanley Martin Homes, LLC, is the applicant behind the proposal, with plans to build single-family attached townhomes on the property. The development plan also includes various modifications and waivers for building configurations, landscape buffers, and transportation improvements to integrate with the surrounding area.

Residents and stakeholders have had the opportunity to review the plans over the past few months, with county staff ultimately recommending approval based on the project’s alignment with public necessity, general welfare, and zoning principles.

The meeting will occur at 1 County Complex in Woodbridge. Here’s the agenda, and information to view it online.

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is considering updates to its salary administration policy to tackle ongoing recruitment and retention challenges in specialized fields like law enforcement, engineering, and planning. The proposed changes come as the county struggles to fill key roles critical to maintaining effective public services.

During a board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, members deliberated on how best to proceed with the complex policy changes. One of the primary issues discussed was whether the board should hold a work session or proceed with two-on-two meetings to expedite decision-making. The county’s Human Resources Department has been working on these policy recommendations to ensure Stafford County remains competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.

Stafford County Administrator William Ashton emphasized the importance of addressing these staffing shortages swiftly. “We have significant gaps in staffing, particularly in specialized areas like engineers, planners, and law enforcement. Many of these roles require highly specialized skill, and we’ve implemented incentives to help address these staffing crises,” Ashton said. “As my predecessor pointed out, there’s a great opportunity here to build what he called ‘bench depth,’ meaning strengthening our team by filling those gaps. These policies we’re discussing aim to address that, giving us the flexibility to offer targeted incentives where they’re needed most, without applying the same measures across the board.”

The board members had differing views on how to approach the discussions. George Washington District Supervisor Deutay Supervisor Diggs, who is employed as a county sheriff’s deputy, and Griffis-Widewater Supervisor Tinesha Allen supported an entire board work session, allowing all members to hear the same information simultaneously and ask questions in a collaborative environment.

On the other hand, Aquia District Supervisor Gary and others advocated for more minor, two-on-two meetings to allow faster action and more focused discussions. “I think two-on-twos allow us to dive deeper into the policy recommendations and get answers to specific questions,” Gary said.

Ultimately, the board decided to move forward with two-on-two meetings to address the staffing issues more quickly. Ashton noted that while taking a bit more time to explore the policy fully is understandable, implementing the changes sooner would help resolve the staffing shortages sooner.

The county also plans to hold a public hearing on select policy recommendations, allowing residents to share their thoughts. The date for the hearing has not yet been set, but it is expected to take place later this year.

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is grappling with a proposed rent increase for the Stafford Gymnastics and Recreation Center at 500 Nelms Circle as part of an amended lease extension. The building’s owners, Thurman Campbell and Mark Osborn, have requested a rent increase of five percent, up from the two percent annual increase previously agreed upon. The growth is attributed to rising property values, higher insurance costs, and unexpected fire safety improvements.

During the Tuesday, Oct. 1, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, Parks, Recreation, Facilities, and Tourism Director Brian Southall, we provided details of the increase and the facility's current state. "We’ve been leasing parts of the facility since the mid-'90s. The entire lease for the year is $177,000," Southall said. He explained that the county’s gymnastics program, which serves over 600 children weekly, has outgrown the 25,600-square-foot space, noting, "We’ve outgrown it."

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