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Decatur wants cash capital fund for Stafford schools, more resource officers

Jamie Decatur is running to for a seat on the Stafford County School Board.

She and her opponent Dana Rienboldt aim to replace Emily Fallon who is sentenced to serve one year in prison after she stole more than $23,000 from the Anne E. Moncure Elementary School PTO, while she was the president of the organization. 

The Stafford County School Board appointed Melissa Ayres to fill the seat in June on a temporary basis. Ayres chose not to seek election to the seat on a permanent basis, said Stafford County General Registrar Greg Riddlemoser.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Decatur and her responses are below: 

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PL: What are the top three major issues facing parents and students in the Griffis-Widewater District?

Decatur: Responsible Fiscal Management, School Safety, Competitive Pay Scale for all employees

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Decatur: We will reevaluate the budget development practices and ensure that the process for budget creation is realistic and efficient. I will ensure that the school board puts in place a system of checks and balances to eliminate wasteful and inappropriate spending of the school’s budget.
I’d like to discuss the possibility of a cash capital fund for our schools, which will help eliminate overestimating of budgetary needs, and greedy spending practices. We will develop a hierarchy of needs and direct funds toward the most necessary and appropriate matters annually.

First and foremost, ensuring that Stafford County is compensating our teachers and staff members appropriately as planned for in the market-based compensation plan. We need to develop replacement cycles for updating equipment including school buses and technology.

And finally, we need to continue and further develop sharing resources within the county which will improve our spending practices and reduce waste countywide. I’d like to add a resource officer in each middle and high school to improve relations and increase security as well as add a resource officer in each elementary school, as our county does not currently have one at any elementary school.

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

Decatur: The role of a school board member is to be the voice for the residents in their community. When brought together as a unified whole, the school board cohesively serves the county, helping the school system to operate efficiently and provide students with the best education possible for the taxpayers’ dollar. I believe each member should each bring unique experience and expertise along with a creative approach, and the wishes of the members of the community we represent to create and uphold a school system that stands out in the Commonwealth.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Decatur: I have 10 years of experience in managing schools, creating and balancing the schools’ budget, working with the accreditation process, school meals programs, hiring and training teachers and ancillary staff members, and building successful relationships with parents, students, and school systems throughout Virginia.

I also have the interpersonal skills necessary to facilitate an open dialogue that will begin to repair the relationship between the school board, board of supervisors and residents of our county. We simply must work together cohesively and responsibly to ensure that we make decisions for our county that will benefit all of us for many generations to come.

 
PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of the School Board If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency? 
 
Decatur: As an average citizen, I believe that local government could do more to inform citizens of decisions that will impact their lives, including infrastructure, fiscal management, policies, etc. I believe that many decisions are not made easily accessible to the general public because doing so would cause “unnecessary” challenges in the process. However, I also believe that elected officials must understand that the process of creating a community in which everyone can prosper and thrive will not be easy and that making our community aware, despite the challenges that could arise, is an important and necessary part of the process. Communication cannot be limited to those who have the time to come to board meetings or watch them on TV. Many people do not make the time in their day to day schedules and it does not mean that they care any less about the happenings in our community. Whether we like it or not, social media is the one place that most people dedicate time to daily because it is quick and easily accessible by hand-held devices and I think we could start there as a means of improving communications with our community.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
 
Decatur: No one is perfect, however, I believe that any choices I’ve made have been vital in preparing me for each new phase of my life. I believe that my choices have made me the person I am, capable of understanding and empathizing with people from many walks of life, and I try to teach all of my students that each day is a new beginning for them to create a life that they are proud of. When a person is capable of analyzing their decisions and learning from them, I believe that is key to setting them on the path to success.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
 
Decatur: I want the absolute best for our community. I want our taxpayers to feel that their interest is being managed responsibly and respectfully and I want our children to receive an education that will set them on their individual pathways to success in their lives.

If I felt that those interests were being handled properly within our district, I wouldn’t be here asking for your vote. When irresponsible decisions are made in local government, they will directly affect our lives and when we’re talking about the school board, those decisions will directly affect my child’s education.

The mismanagement of millions of our tax dollars may not have affected the student’s in our county during the years in which it happened, however when we failed to give raises because that money was missing from the county’s budget, many wonderful teachers began leaving Stafford County and taking jobs elsewhere.

You will hear that the School Board was not given accurate information, however, I believe that it was the job of the School Board to cross check any reports they received to ensure all information was accurate and valid. When that failed to happen, repercussions became imminent for future students in our county, including my son and his peers.

I will not focus on the problems but rather the solutions that will set our school system back on the right path. I have the experience necessary to do so as well as an open mind and a fresh approach that will not only set us on the right path but will move our district ahead of all others in our educational practices.

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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Kiefer: Student achievement is about rigor, innovation, not just tests

Kristen Michelle Kiefer has spent a year and a half on the Manassas City School Board. 
 
The Board appointed her in February 2015 after Ilka Chavez stepped down. She is runing to keep her seat on the Board, and city voters will head to the polls on November 8.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Keifer and call candidates seeking a seat on the Manassas City School Board. Her responses are below: 

Find your polling place 

PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas residents?

Kiefer: Envisioning and shaping the future for student achievement, ensuring safe, nurturing learning environments and workplace, and communicating with key stakeholders.

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Kiefer: Envision & Shape the Future for Student Achievement
• Make every school a strong center of learning for students to reach their full potential
• Fight to make sure achievement is about rigor, innovation & hands-on experiences, not just tests
• Equip students with real world skills and critical thinking needed to thrive ensure safe, nurturing learning

Environment & Workplace
• Continue positive changes in class structure to provide more supervision during class transitions

• Promote Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) to ‘course correct’ early on
• Ensure re-entry plans are constructive for the student but also demands accountability on their part
 
Communicate with Key Stakeholders
• Connect with parents, teachers & community members through open, courageous conversations
• Increase awareness of the multiple mechanisms to stay informed and become involved in the division
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Kiefer: “At the center of the universe is a loving heart that continues to beat and that wants the best for every person. Anything we can do to help foster the intellect and spirit and emotional growth of our fellow human beings…that is our job. Those of us who have this particular vision must continue against all odds. Life is for service.” – Fred Rogers

For me, this quotation resonates as I think about the attributes I feel a School Board member needs to possess: selflessness in thinking about all students, passion for the mission of the improvement of our children holistically, and commitment to be in the service of others. For me, the job description is NOT a politician (even though it’s an elected office). Instead, I view it as being a public servant committed to the mission of preparing our children for their futures through good governance, sound stewardship of resources and strong, cascading leadership at all levels of the division.


PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Kiefer: Being raised by a mother who was both an educator and an administrator, I have an appreciation for the value of a good education and its importance to being the foundation for children as they look to build their futures. I watched how much time and energy my mother poured into each and every child, day in and day out. I saw her struggle for and with them…..they were all her children. She is an inspiration to me, and has instilled in me that education is a gift and that everyone deserves to have an equal opportunity to have that gift in their own lives. And she is the one who encouraged me to go for the school board appointment last year.as it helped me determine the course I would take in my own educational journey.
Through dedication, loans and working while in school, I went on to earn my Bachelor in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Health and a Master of Public Policy. Additionally, my husband and I are now helping our own children on their own MCPS educational journey and trying to make them the best students and citizens they can be and instilling the importance of being committed to, and personal responsibility to their own educational and life’s journey.
 
With the solid basis provided through this education, I have developed a knowledge base that enhances what I am able to do in my professional life. As Chief of Staff at a national organization, I am a change agent both internally and externally, am in charge of ensuring strategic alignment across all aspects of the organization as we try to achieve lofty 2020 goals, and oversee our external affairs, community network development, Board governance and customer relationship management functions.
 
I have to be a good listener, a strong executive manager, an example to staff members and a representative of the organization and its mission – all skills that I believe, parallel those needed to be a School Board member. As I think about my childhood roots, my educational background and my professional life, I understand how fortunate I am for the opportunities I have been afforded and believe that I have an even bigger societal contribution to make.
 
My involvement in the Manassas City community has included a PTO Presidency at Baldwin Elementary School, Committee Chair for the Mayfield Intermediate and Metz Middle Schools’ PTA, membership on the Superintendent’s Parent & Community Leadership Academy and Key Communicators Group, representative on the Gifted & Talented Program Advisory Committee, and leadership roles in the Greater Manassas Baseball League (GMBL), Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. I am ready, able and willing to serve the City of Manassas if re-elected to the School Board.
 
PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of city government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency? 
 
Kiefer: Now that I have been in public office for about a year and a half, I can say that I don’t believe that many citizens understand the “ins” and “outs” of local government. In terms of the school division, I think that understanding the distinction between what the School Board is and is not responsible for is something that is difficult to understand. Similarly, I think we have work to do to talk about how the School Board and City Council are or are not interrelated. I am proud of the efforts that the Manassas City Public Schools division has put into place to increase communication and it is something that the School Board, superintendent and staff talk about a lot. And, we know there is room for improvement and will continue to strive to better tell the “story of our schools”, communicate even more effectively with parents, teachers and the community by listening to how they best receive information and with other local community leaders and citizens.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
 
Kiefer: Everyone has things in their lives which they wish they had done differently, and I am no exception. The one thing that I will always be cognizant of is whether I am following my gut and my heart in the questions I ask and the decisions I make when we talk about our children. Many tough decisions come before the School Board and it is my duty to be fully informed, process all information and make the decision that I believe is best. I have had my first year and a half to observe how things work and am now more comfortable with the work at hand.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
 
Kiefer: If you speak with anyone who knows me or works with me, they will tell you that I am a very mission-oriented and focused person. I am behind-the-scenes in the impact I make and do not look to be in the limelight. Being a public servant is not about ME, it’s how we find ways to collectively co-create the community we ALL want to live in. I am sincere and believe in our children as the future of our community and of our country. Relationships are everything and, if we can’t collaborate and work together for the greater good, then we are nothing.

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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O’Hanlon: Vocational, tech courses must be offered in Manassas schools

Peter O’Hanlon is running for a seat on the Manassas City School Board.
 
We sent a questionnaire to O’Hanlon and all candidates running for Manassas City School Board. His responses are below: 

Find your polling place 

PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas residents?

O’Hanlon: Communications, safety, and curriculum.

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
O’Hanlon: First, I want to work to improve communications. While the schools work very hard to reach out to and involve parents, we still have some improvements to make. I have often observed parents pour out their hearts to the school board, advocating for their children, without receiving a response. Items brought to the board must be responded to, preferably, publicly at the next meeting.  Additionally, we have to ensure we have a means to communicate to all of our families. When disseminating information, we must keep in mind that everyone does not have access to the same resources.
 
Second, we need to ensure the safety, both physically and mentally, of all of our students and staff. The schools have made great advances in improving safety such as increased background checks of employees, scanning the identification of all school visitors, and more in-depth checks for volunteers. However, the schools need to be more transparent about safety incidents at the schools. Both the schools and the police have an obligation to report, for the public record, all serious incidents where students or faculty were at risk. Additionally, we need to continue the task of eliminating bullying at all levels of the system. Everyone should feel the same level of comfort they would in their own home.
 
Third, we need to continue evaluating the course selections and career paths available for the students. We hear quite a bit about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), but as everyone here can attest to, not everyone goes into these fields. The humanities are imperative as we head down a slope where there is increasing the loss of quality written and verbal communication. Additionally, we too often ask our students to make choices of paths at earlier and earlier ages, often to the detriment of providing a more rounded education. We also tend to over-emphasize that college is the only path.
 
According to Forbes, six of the twenty fastest, growing jobs do not require four-year college degrees. We need to take a greater look at the needs locally, and ensure the schools are meeting these needs, where possible. The trades always need attention, as we always have a need for electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Vocational and Technical Education courses must be offered, if for no other reason than to provide life skills, in addition to career exploration. We must prepare well-rounded students for the community and the world we live in.
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

O’Hanlon: As a school board member you represent the community in advocating for the best educational opportunities for our children.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

O’Hanlon: I am the parent of five children who have all gone through the Manassas City Schools, the youngest currently a senior. I have been an active volunteer in the schools for 25 years. Additionally, as a retired senior auditor, I have the ability to work for solutions in areas of underachievement. I can ensure the resident’s investments are properly utilized.
 
PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of city government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency? 
 
O’Hanlon: I believe they understand how it works, however, they don’t always like how it works. I would improve communications by providing feedback to parents who bring issues before the school board. These issues would be addressed at the following meeting. Additionally, I would suggest forums, both public and for educators, to discuss educational issues. The parents need to have more dialog with the schools, not just the one way communication we currently have.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
 
O’Hanlon: Not that I consider it a major mistake, just a learning experience. I wish I had completed a college education when I was younger. My mistake was to leave college after two years (for several reasons) and not return full time.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
 
O’Hanlon: I have taken on leadership roles in both my former work life and in all the volunteer positions I have held. I give tirelessly of myself trying to improve people’s situations in life. I believe my running for the school board is just taking all my other efforts to the next level.

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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Richie-Folks: More online services need to make paying Manassas taxes simple

Manassas residents will head to the polls November 8, 2016, to vote for a new City Treasurer.
 
Current City Treasurer Robin Perkins served in the position for the past 18 years and decided not to seek reelection.
 
Patricia Richie-Folks is the Democrat on the ballot, and Russell T. Harrison is her Republican opponent. 
 
We sent a questionnaire to Richie-Folks and Harrison. Richie-Folks’ responses are below: 

Find your polling place 

PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas residents?

Richie-Folks: N/A

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Richie-Folks: I am running for City Treasurer, and there are no issues that I will be addressing if elected. The City Treasurer is a Constitutional Elected Office and follows the rules and regulations of the State of Virginia for the Treasurer and the City of Manassas Charter.
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Richie-Folks: I will be responsible for collecting the taxes for the city and making sure that they are deposited in the designated financial institutions. I will also be responsible for operating the city treasurer’s office and managing the staff.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Richie-Folks: I have 35 years of experience in finance, accounting, managing over 30 employees, managing multi-million dollar budgets, investing $100,000 for [American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)], owned my own construction company, I also developed procedures to bring delinquent accounts current, and I have received awards for providing excellent customer service. I was promoted to General Manager for a worldwide corporation [Sodexo] where I was responsible for managing the division’s budget of $5 million.
 
PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of city government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency? 
 
Richie-Folks: I feel that the citizens should be well-informed on what is going on in the treasurer’s office. I will improve the communication to our constituency by updating the treasure’s Office web page and always have pertinent information that is current with a FAQ section that will answer frequently asked questions and give this information out not only in English but in Spanish as well. I would also like to send a newsletter out to all citizens with their utility bills.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
 
Richie-Folks: Yes, I have made mistakes in my public life, and I learned from these mistakes. By making these mistakes, I began to grow and became a better person for it. This helped me to be more observant and to realize that no one is perfect and I am always open to learning and trying out new innovative ideas and most importantly listening.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
 
Richie-Folks: The reason the citizens of Manassas should vote for me is I will make sure that the City Treasurer’s office operates effectively with efficiency, accuracy, excellent customer service and most importantly transparency. I will make sure that the City treasurer’s office is in compliance with state laws and regulations and adheres to Manassas City codes and ordinances.

I have done research and spoke with other City Treasurer’s around the Northern Virginia areas, and I have some innovative ideas that I would like to bring to the Manassas City Treasure’s office. I would like to make it more accessible and have more online services to help make the process of paying taxes simple.

I know that there is a new system that is being installed and will become operational in January. If I am elected, I will be a part of the installation of this system and will be able to make sure that these services will be looked into and if cost-effective put in place.

I would also like to accommodate our senior citizens and make paying taxes easier and accessible for them and the disabled. We live in a world of technology, and everything can be done online, and I want our citizens to be able to take advantage of that when paying their taxes.

I will have an open door policy to my internal as well as external customers and the most important responsibility I will have will be to collect the city’s taxes on time and make sure that they are deposited promptly. The staff that is in place now are very experienced and doing an excellent job and giving excellent customer service and this will continue if I am elected to be your City Treasurer. 

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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Focus on debt, need for more businesses in Manassas Park top Rishell’s list

Jeanette M. Rishell is running for Mayor of Manassas Park. She currently serves as a council member on the city’s Governing Body.
 
Rishell looks to unseat longtime incumbent Mayor Frank Jones.

We sent a questionnaire to Rishell and Jones. Rishell’s responses are below: 

Find your polling place 

PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas Park residents?

Rishell: City debt service will spike by almost $2 million for the fiscal year 2018. The need for commercial business development. Adequately funding the City’s core services.
 

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

Rishell: There have been, and will continue to be, ongoing efforts to refinance the City’s debt. This will cover a portion of the debt spike in 2018 and 2019 and is an important part of the effort because the debt service will level off for several years before dropping.

I have thoroughly analyzed each budget so far and will continue to do so, because we must determine the difference between our wants and our needs.

Also, I will emphasize commercial business development. When I first came onto council, I was surprised that the City did not have an economic development brochure to promote the City’s assets across all of Northern Virginia. We have a brochure now, and we also have an Economic Development Manager whose primary responsibility is to try to bring business into the City. I will encourage all Governing Body members to work in cooperation with our new Economic Development Manager. I will work to create a more formal outreach plan consisting of more active participation in Chamber of Commerce events, visitation to local businesses to receive their input and ideas, and of course contact and visitation to new businesses who may wish to locate into Manassas Park. If this is not sufficient, we will try additional measures TBD.

It’s important that we begin to be more proactive to bring in the revenue that is needed to support our schools and other core services. Currently, the City is heavily dependent upon residential taxation, so business revenue will help make a living in our City more affordable.

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

Rishell: According to the Charter of the City, the Mayor serves as the CEO of the City, and also represents the City in a variety of venues. It is important for the Mayor to provide leadership through action, by example, and with decorum.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Rishell: In addition to my life and career experiences, I have the experience of being a councilmember for the last four years. I have performed my council duties in a comprehensive and detailed manner.

Beyond my responsibilities as a council member, I serve the City in the following capacities:

*Serve on the Upper Occoquan Service Authority (UOSA) Board of Directors since 2010

*Member Representative to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA)

*Vice Chair of the Finance Committee of the NVTA

*Member of the Planning and Programming Committee of the NVTA

*City Representative on the Route 28 Steering Committee

*Member of the Manassas Park Department of Social Services Board

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

Rishell: When I knocked doors and campaigned for my council seat in 2012, I heard from residents across the City that they wanted to know more about what their local government was doing. City staff has been making great use of social media to promote the City and its events.

In addition, I have made a personal effort since my election to council in 2012 to inform residents by regularly sending out a constituent mailer in order to let people know important issues and items of general interest.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
 
Rishell: Everyone makes mistakes in all facets of their lives, and they can learn from them and move forward in a more productive manner.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
 
Rishell: I have the judgment, the common sense, and the ability to balance the competing needs of the City. The next several years will be challenging, and I will be a hands-on and proactive Mayor.

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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Sebesky: ‘We must start with a strategic plan that involves everyone’

Pamela J. Sebesky is one of three Democrats vying for three open seats on the Manassas City Council. After serving two terms on the city School Board, Sebesky seeks a seat on the city’s governing body.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Sebeskyand all other candidates seeking a seat on the Manassas City Council. Her responses are below: 

Find your polling place 

PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas residents?

Sebesky: Economic development, public safety, and high-performing schools.

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Sebesky: All of these needs are interconnected. In order to work one of them is to work on all of them. We must start with a strategic plan that involves a broad cross-section of everyone in the community. You must have citizens that represent all areas of our city, along with representation from all levels of our business community, as well as the city staff. When you have that kind of input you will then develop the needed plan that will allow for success in all these areas.
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Sebesky: A Council Member must listen to all constituents and do thorough research when making all decisions, as the decision will affect everyone in the community. You must be able to be fiscally responsible with tax payer dollars and demand transparency in how funds will be spent. You must comprehend and put into action a comprehensive strategic plan that will address citizen needs, help sustain and expand local businesses and set a course for the entire city. A Council Member alone does not decide anything, its takes someone who can and will work collaboratively in good transparent decision making. We all have to get back to the basics – of the people, by the people and for the people.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Sebesky: I will bring to the office a wide variety of experience from a number of areas, as I have previously already outlined. Having been elected to the Manassas City School Board twice, I have a comprehensive understanding of the needs of the schools and the children that attend them. This has provided me the opportunity to work with and volunteer with many different organizations and businesses across the whole region. I understand our economic challenges and have a record of working hard and collaboratively to improve long-term outcomes.
 
PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of city government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency? 
 
Sebesky: Most citizens are not likely to be well informed or have the extensive knowledge needed of the workings of local government. In order to understand the complex process you must have the time to be involved at many levels. The best way to improve communication is with relationship building, in order to build trust. The city already has many ways it communicates with its citizens, but if there is not trust people will not believe what they read or take time to participate in the community or government operations. In the community I am known for taking the time to listen and for caring about the whole community. I take the needed time not just to return calls or emails, but to do the hard work to get needed change to come about through policy and procedure development.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
 
Sebesky: Everyone makes mistakes, as no one is perfect. The hardest part of being on the school board is when you have to decide whether to expel a child from the school system. You know that will be a life-altering decision for that young person. Some parents are able to afford to put their student into a private school or home school their child, where others may be left on their own. This has made me work even harder to make sure that all children are truly being given the opportunity to be as successful as they can so they can be productive members of our community.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
 
Sebesky: I am a person of high integrity and someone who is known to work hard to make sure that things get done with all citizens, communities, and businesses in mind. I ask questions, do my research, collaborate, and demand transparency. I do not allow my personal views to influence my decision making, as you must be able to separate your personal bias from what is best for the city.

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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Jenkins-Bailey wants to address needs of students who make up Manassas’ changing demographics

Kim M. Jenkins-Bailey seeks a seat on the Manassas City School Board.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Kim M. Jenkins-Bailey, and all other candidates for Manassas City School Board. Her responses are below: 

Find your polling place

We sent a questionnaire to Harrison. His responses are below: 
 
PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas residents?

Jenkins-Bailey: Division, Calibration. 
In respect to division, there appears to be detachment from the essence of practical application to the needs of our students. There is also an unspoken separation on rendering each student the proper tools needed to succeed.

Moreover, there is currently not enough representation to address the variation of needs for our diverse demographics which is causing a slit discord amongst communities and educators. 

Calibration is a need in order to concentrate on outlined goals for success. If officials are not willing to view the actual problems and concerns of those who we serve, inevitably there will be more detachment from those who attempt to remain involved because they feel their voice is unheard. 

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

Jenkins-Bailey: Acknowledge the similarity within the diversity, and draw a concise consensus in ideologies to move forward as a unit to aid students and communities.
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Jenkins-Bailey: It is perceived as a School Board representative, the responsibilities are to serve the Manassas City School system by addressing the challenges, and obstacle with sound resolve for the improvement and productivity of institution fitness, Additional, provide a high level of integrity as a representative in each matter, duty, and task which governs the office by policy and procedure. Moreover, present facts and accuracy to the functions of the educational system of K-12 for the continuous progression. Furthermore, to present students with optimum opportunities of transition preparedness of personal and professional existence.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Jenkins-Bailey: I bring a high level of proficiency background in sociology, education, business, government and public relations. I have over 10 years of higher education and 20 years of work experience. I have worked in team organizations, low to high-level management, and provide sustainable projects and programs. I am also proficient in inner office affairs from the smallest of detail to the largest of execution. I make sound decisions, judgment calls and perform with detail-oriented precision.

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of city government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency? 
 
Jenkins-Bailey: Sometimes. It really depends on the concern or the priority. In order to engage more constituents, there has to be personal involvement. In goes to the area of diverse relations. If each person recognizes their personal duty and responsibility to remain informed, then communication would improve. A way to get people involved is speaking to their concerns, expressing clearly the needs, and acknowledging their support and involvement.

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

Jenkins-Bailey: An error is a happenstance which should teach and help a person to improve and possibly prevent other mistakes. I aim to learn from happenstances as I acknowledge they will occur. It is a wise and mature person who grows from their mistakes.

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

Jenkins-Bailey: I am a leader who is dedicated to helping our education system reflect wholeness, confidence, and approval. Moreover, to provide each child with an educational experience capable of producing qualified and desired residents and employees. A vote for me is a vote for you.

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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Parr: Manassas residents will have say on new public safety facilities, pay

Rex Par is one of three Democrats vying for three open seats on the Manassas City Council.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Parr and all other candidates seeking a seat on the Manassas City Council. Parr’s responses are below: 

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PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas residents?

Parr: Schools, Public Safety, and Economic Development

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Parr: We need to engage a broad cross-section of our community in creating a new vision and strategic plan for Manassas, Citizens will weigh in on funding for schools, replacing Jennie Dean Elementary School, universal pre-K and Career and Technical Education. They will give us direction on new facilities and competitive pay for Public Safety. They will give opinions on the adequacy of our Economic Development efforts and our transportation network. Once they have spoken we can begin the process of moving Manassas forward, together.
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Parr: Do the right things, the right way, for the right reasons.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Parr: Business skills honed over years as CEO of a very successful company. Governance skills learned in service to important community institutions. Proven strategic planning skills that help move organizations forward. Good people skills and a penchant for collaboration.
 
PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of city government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency? 
 
Parr: I think the average citizen has so much on their plate that they don’t typically make time to keep up-to-date on local government. I am committed to a new, citizen-driven strategic planning process. We will have to engage people in multiple ways at multiple times and places. Education will need to precede visioning and planning. With the help of the City’s professional staff and skilled facilitators, we can get it done.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
 
Parr: Although I have been involved in governing, leading and managing several local institutions, I’ve not held elected public office. So my mistakes are still before me. I hope to learn from them and avoid repeating them.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
 
Parr: Leadership Prince William awarded me their inaugural ‘Vision’ award. The Prince William County Human Rights Commission named me a ‘Humanitarian’. The Coalition for Human Services awarded me for lifetime achievement. I was Grand Marshall of the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade. The Chamber of Commerce awarded me their inaugural ‘Sen. Charles J. Colgan Visionary Award’. Senator Charles J. Colgan and many others have endorsed me.

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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Lovejoy focused on promoting Manassas economy

Ian Lovejoy is running to keep his seat on the Manassas City Council. He is one of three Republicans vying for seats on the Council that is up for grabs.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Lovejoy and all other candidates seeking a seat on the Manassas City Council. Lovejoy’s responses are below: 

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PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas residents?

Lovejoy: 1. Reconciling the opinions some in the region have about the city, with the more positive truth.
 
2. Deciding what kind of city we want to be: Fairfax/Arlington model vs. Winchester/Leesburg model
 
3. Improving quality of life for current residents: overcrowding, zoning issues, etc.

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Lovejoy: Our Economy-Playing to our Strengths.
*Fully revamp the city’s Economic Development website
*Launch SBA HUBzone marketing plan to attract high paying government contractors
*Work with regional partners to establish physical/virtual business incubator
*Work with local nonprofits to produce commercials featuring city businesses to air on city controlled stations and online
*Establish Entrepreneurship Academy in partnership with Chamber of Commerce and other community partners *Launch “Manassas is Open for Business” campaign
*Fight for the Taxpayer! Oppose raising taxes on businesses and citizens
*Expand membership in our Manassas Business Council to better advise council on economic matters and act as ambassadors to the broader business community
*Host semi-annual event with regional real-estate agents to communicate positive city information
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Lovejoy: To be the citizen’s voice. To aid residents in interfacing with the government (customer service). To recognize that being elected comes with the requirement to commit to a higher ideal, to recognize one is in the unique position to, ever so modestly, change our community for the better and attempt to rally others to that cause.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Lovejoy: Individual citizens working together make a community strong– not the government. I’ve practiced what I preached and have served the community in many non-governmental roles including as President of the Manassas City Public Schools Education Foundation, as a volunteer for Historic Manassas, Inc., as Vice President of the Point of Woods HOA and currently as Chairman of the Tri-County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, in honor of my Grandfather, Clennie Lovejoy. I was recently named one of Northern Virginia’s “40 under 40”, recognized as one of the most “influential people in their professional industries and catalysts of community impact.”
 
PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of city government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency? 
 
Lovejoy: I think we have a very engaged citizenry, but there’s always room to improve. I’ve been at the forefront of communicating with residents and sharing information (newsletter, direct mail, social media). I’d redouble those efforts.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
 
Lovejoy: None that I’m aware of.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
Lovejoy: There isn’t a day that goes by that I do not feel blessed to serve the residents of the City of Manassas. More than going to ribbon cuttings or sitting behind the dais, I’ve worked with residents to improve our city and will continue to lead with clear principles, and innovative ideas.

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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