Manassas Park residents will head to the polls for the November 8, 2016, General Election to choose who should fill three open council seats, and a vote for a new mayor.
Richard R. Schubert Jr. bills himself as a community activist and familiar face at Governing Body meetings. He is runing as a write-in candidate to fill one of two open seats on the Governing Body.
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We sent a questionnaire to Schubert, and all other candidates seeking office for the Manassas Park Governing Body. His responses are below:
PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas Park residents?
Schubert: City debt and expenses, school and services funding, lack of cultural events.
PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
Schubert: City debt and expenses- I would like to see a Solar Power Study done and implementation of Solar Power to the Community Center to start. Their utilities in the budget last year were $200,000 and that does not include water use. Over five years we could see savings of close to $1 million from my first look at the budget and data by trying this approach if the study shows we can bank enough power to meet the needs of the facility.
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Office equipment is currently a $50,000 budget line item and I would change that for the next two years to by special request and approval only. We had many upgrades recently and should be fine without upgrades the next two years in my opinion.
Refinancing current debt is the biggest saving for the stability of Manassas Park and if this is not already done by the time I take office I will push forward to see what can be done with the existing rate we currently pay. I also want to go to all business and create a common media site FB/Twitter to get special events that any local businesses can use to get announcements out to the community.
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Mehtab Singh Kahlon is running as a write-in candidate for one of two open seats on the Manassas Park Governing Body.
The Independent is a first-time candidate.
We sent a questionnaire to Kahlon, and all other candidates seeking office for the Manassas Park Governing Body. His responses are below:
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PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas Park residents?
Kahlon: More Businesses, Better Schools, Reduce Taxes
PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
Kahlon: Bring More Businesses Into the City. More jobs. More tax revenue. Better city image. Reduce water bills. Reduce real estate taxes. Invest more money into schools. Higher teacher salaries. More school buses. Get rid of auto decals.
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?
Kahlon: Serve the community and people you represent.
PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?
Kahlon: I been a well-respected member of the Manassas Park Community for over 16 years. I have over 10 years of experience working with government agencies including the Federal Labor Relations Authority, Department of Transportation, and Department of Treasury and has worked closely with Congress for four years.
After earning his MBA degree, I pursued further education in engineering and worked in the software industry for 17 years. I am also a successful small business owner, but my true pride rests in my family that I have encouraged to work hard in all that they do and to be involved in the community.
My wife Karamjit Kahlon has served Manassas Park as a Deputy Treasurer for over 11 years. Additionally, I have raised two children Amolak Singh Kahlon (MPHS Class of 2012-Valedictorian) and Navroop Kahlon (MPHS Class of 2014) who received the entirety of their K-12 educations through the Manassas Park City Schools System.
My vision for Manassas Park is to collaborate with residents in a grassroots capacity to develop solutions for our community’s most pressing issues.
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?
Kahlon: I feel average citizen is informed about and understands the working of local government, but I am planning to increase communication and improve the quality of information shared.
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
Kahlon: We all make mistakes in our life learning experiences, but I can not remember one now.
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
Kahlon: I am a local resident for almost 16 years.
Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.
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Mike Rogers during a recent candidates forum called Manassas Park one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Originally from Philadelphia, the pastor is making his first bid in a write-in campaign for a seat on the Manassas Park Governing Body.
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Manassas Park residents will head to the polls for the November 8, 2016 General Election to choose two people to fill two open council seats, and a new mayor.
We sent a questionnaire to Rogers, and all other candidates seeking office for the Manassas Park Governing Body. His responses are below:
PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas Park residents?
Rogers: Revenue Generation, Infrastructure, and Debt
PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
Rogers: 1) Attract large businesses to come to Manassas Park. 2) Review and identify all City Contract in order to identify which (if any) can be renegotiated and do so. 3) Reduce the number of suppliers and identify cost efficiencies that may be available and develop strategic relationships 4) Roadways must be developed, expanded, or manipulated to foment the persistent traffic along Manassas Drive from the City Center through Route 28. 5) Manassas City, Prince William County and Fairfax County must be convinced to take their proper part in re-engineering traffic 6) We attack the debt issue by increasing revenues not by increasing taxes.
Editor's note: Rogers says he'll increase revenue by working to lure large corporations to the city.From Rogers:To clarify, by increasing the revenue base using smart development (as an example encouraging large employers to open locations in Manassas Park and negotiating more with the City Center Developer to build-out the spaces that are in the City Center) we can attack the debt issue. I am opposed to increasing the amount of taxes that individuals already pay.
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?
Rogers: From my perspective, the City Council is an advocate for the people - own who has the chance to interact with people on a regular basis and one that has the duty of communicating their concerns. But, the City Council also has the duty of protecting the City, foreseeing issues, and being a stabilizing force. Lastly, I would say that the person on City Council has the duty of not going it alone , but of being a team player.
PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?
Rogers: Accountant, contract manager, counselor, teacher
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?
Rogers: I feel that the average citizen is uninformed and does not understand the workings of local government. But, that is sad. I intend on being a change agent. I'll offer time in my office to school students, mom's, and businessmen. I'll conduct regular sessions with other members of the Governing Body focused on gaining understanding and finding ways to communicate with the citizens of Manassas Park in the way that they communicate.
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
Rogers: I'm a pastor and a business leader. I make mistakes pretty regularly. But, I approach them by trying to be open and by asking for help to make things better.
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
Rogers: Hopefully, the readers will see that I have been a leader throughout my professional life. I believe that when they see my willingness to listen to them and to drive their issues, they'll put their trust in me as a leader. The readers should vote for me because, regardless of whether or not I am elected as councilman, I am a leader in Manassas Park and have been one since I arrived.
Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.
Miriam Paula Machado is running as a write-in candidate for the Manassas Park City Governing Body.
She hopes to fill one of two open council seats on the board.
She told attendees at a recent voter forum she is running, in part, to inspire young women to aspire to higher goals.
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We sent a questionnaire to Machado, and all other candidates seeking office for the Manassas Park Governing Body. His responses are below:
PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas Park residents?
Machado: The most pressing issues our city faces in our local economic development, education, and transportation.
PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
Machado: Economic development. Refinance current debt so the percentage of our budget gets reduced and we have a much higher percentage to invest in our schools. Attract high-tech companies to come to the city and to hire high-tech professionals, in high number in the City of Manassas Park. Make this city more attractive so the residents spend their money in local restaurants, local attractions for all age groups. Support small businesses in our local community.
Education: I want to draw attention to issues raised by all members of our community, provide resources for families with children, and ensure education is highlighted as a priority. Education is the foundation for every opportunity. I want to see each child develop into their full potential, I want to see more after school activities, I want to see more incentives for our teachers, I want to see more school counselors in each [Manassas Park] school, I want to see our kids SOL (Standards Of Learning) scores go up. I do not want any kid to be left behind; parents, families, communities, and schools must work together to raise the academic standards in the city of Manassas Park.
Transportation: We need to work together with Manassas, Prince William County, Fairfax County to bring a group solution to the transportation nightmare that all we experience going to work every morning. We need improvements in Route 28, bring Metro services to this area of Manassas, Manassas Park, Prince William County, bring more bus services to Manassas Park, make VRE fares more accessible.
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?
Machado: The City of Manassas Park operates under the Council-Manager form of government. Legislative powers are vested in the mayor and five city council members who are elected at-large for four-year terms. They establish City policy, Pass resolutions and ordinances (laws) Approve the City budget Set tax rates Approve land use plans Make appointments such as selecting the city manager, city clerk, city attorney and members of various boards and commissions.
PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?
Machado: I hold a Master of Science degree in Management Information Systems. I have worked in the area of Information Systems for the past 24years. As a contractor, I proudly provided my services to the US Army, and to the Food And Drug Administration, and as a professional woman I am excited and motivated to use my skills and experience to provide a fundamental public service to my community. I would like to voice all of your concerns and work hard to bring solutions to our community.
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?
Machado: There are programs for senior citizens and for different age groups in our new recreation center, I would like to reach out to all our citizens, we could use more efficient technologies, like apps, so the residents who travel to work towards the Washington, D.C. downtown area and surrounding areas know what is going on in real time in the City of Manassas Park. Parents know what educational programs are offered after school, what programs directed to senior citizens exist, what fun and entertainment is happening locally, so we all spend locally, at the same time supporting our local small businesses in the different trades.
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
Machado: I have made mistakes, but no major mistakes, mistakes that I learned from and that served to improve to have a more balanced life.
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
Machado: I am a Mother of three children who studied in the Manassas Park City School System: Luis is now a working professional, Michael is an undergraduate at Yale University, MPHS Class of 2015, Valedictorian, and Mark is a senior at Manassas Park High School.
I want to be a role model to every woman and girl. My long record of consistency allowed me to achieve a balanced life as a mother, professional worker, wife, daughter, and sister. I would like everyone to have a sense of belonging in this community, we all have to be inclusive and know our neighbors, and we need to celebrate diversity and we need to bring all the community together.
I would like to voice all of your concerns and work hard to bring solutions to our community. We need to have a vision, an audacity for hope, hope for a better future for our kids, hope for good schools, and a safe community to live in, hope senior citizens may maintain a life of tranquility.
We need to work for a more sustainable future, yet have major ambitions, and know how to balance these goals in order to focus our efforts. I would like to pursue the hope I always have to have a better opportunity for personal development, which I am still achieving I hope to help all achieve personal development And I plan to do so as I am running to be a member of your City Council.
Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.
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Dana Reinboldt is running to reclaim her seat on the Stafford County School Board.
Reinboldt: 1) Fiscal Management of Stafford County Public Schools, 2) Reducing Class Sizes, 3) Competitive salaries to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers and staff.
PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
Reinboldt: Representing the Griffis-Widewater District entails participating in school board meetings, work sessions, events at schools and other public events. Researching, voting on and adopting education policies, programs, rules and regulations which govern Board procedures and the administration of the school division. Examining and approving the school division budget, awarding contracts, setting salary schedules and wages.
PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?
Reinboldt: I bring experience to this position. I know what the problems are and I have clear ideas of what to do to fix them. I've brought many successful programs and policies to the schools that I am proud of, including security entrances to all the schools, before and after school child care, activity buses for high school students, bringing the IB program to Brooke Point High School, an Activities Code of Conduct for high school students, ParentVue and StudentVue, and increased parental participation on advisory committees including the Calendar Committee, the textbook advisory committee, and the Strategic Planning Committee.
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?
She lost it last November to 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.
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We sent a questionnaire to Reinboldt. Her responses are below:
PL: What are the top three major issues facing parents and students in the Griffis-Widewater District?
Reinboldt: 1) Fiscal Management of Stafford County Public Schools, 2) Reducing Class Sizes, 3) Competitive salaries to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers and staff.
PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
Reinboldt: 1) I want policy written that holds school division staff accountable for misrepresenting budget and spending to the School Board. 2) The School Division needs to keep closer track of enrollment data in order to hire enough teachers so that overcrowding in classrooms does not occur. 3) There needs to be better management of the School Division Budget to ensure the focus is on salaries and benefits.
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?
Reinboldt: Representing the Griffis-Widewater District entails participating in school board meetings, work sessions, events at schools and other public events. Researching, voting on and adopting education policies, programs, rules and regulations which govern Board procedures and the administration of the school division. Examining and approving the school division budget, awarding contracts, setting salary schedules and wages.
On recommendation of the Superintendent employ teaches and staff. Maintaining and improving school facilities, presenting needs of the school to the appropriating body, representing the school division and education programs to the general public. Hear and act upon communications from citizens and organizations. Act as a court of appeals for staff, and conduct student discipline hearings.l
PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?
Reinboldt: I bring experience to this position. I know what the problems are and I have clear ideas of what to do to fix them. I've brought many successful programs and policies to the schools that I am proud of, including security entrances to all the schools, before and after school child care, activity buses for high school students, bringing the IB program to Brooke Point High School, an Activities Code of Conduct for high school students, ParentVue and StudentVue, and increased parental participation on advisory committees including the Calendar Committee, the textbook advisory committee, and the Strategic Planning Committee.
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?
Reinboldt: I do feel the average citizen is well-informed and understand the workings of local government. However, the school division has a responsibility to reach out and keep the community well informed.
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
Reinboldt: I'm very new to social media, and I think it was a mistake in my public life to not use it more as a means to communicate with my district. As a result I am learning the benefits of social media and the ease of communication that it brings.
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
Reinboldt: I have extensive experience and institutional knowledge. I have a strong record of accomplishments showing that I can get things done, and a proven record of success in enhancing education opportunities.
Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.
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Willie J. Toney is running to keep his seat on the Dumfries Town Council.
Toney serves as the town's Vice Mayor and says he is in support of zoning charges to improve and further Dumfries.
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Dumfries residents will head to the polls May 3, 2016 to elect new members to the Town Council.
We sent a questionnaire to Toney, and all other candidates seeking office in Dumfries. His responses are below:
PL: Why should Dumfries residents be excited to vote for you?
Toney: I have unselfishly, and consistently represented the best interest of the citizens of Dumfries. I am here to serve the people, all of the people. I have advocate when needed, educated when needed and compromised as needed. I have been productive as a member of Dumfries Town Council.
PL: In your own words, what is the job description of a Town Council member? What expertise will you bring to the position?
Toney: The Job description, as I see it, is to work in the best interest of ALL the citizens...establish a fair tax rate, ensure safety via a well trained and equipped police force, and set goals and policies for the Town Manager. I understand this process and recognize the importance of working together with other members of the Council to achieve this end.
PL: What are the biggest issues and needs residents of the Town of Dumfries? What will you do to address those needs?
Toney: I see three looming matters that will have a tremendous impact on Dumfries future. We all recognize the transportation nightmare, there also some pending development projects that will reshape the town,and there is a possible pending danger that the citizens MUST be educated about.
Much has been written and said about the need to widen route one in Dumfries and get relief from the bottleneck caused by highway improvements north and south of town. The collective Council has addressed The County Board of Supervisors and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) seeking relief from this traffic nightmare. The town has three major pending development projects that will reshape Dumfries. These projects will bring jobs, promote growth and increase the town's tax base. We have the Town Center project on main street, the Apartment Complex on north Fraley Boulevard and the planned neighborhood community (PNC) targeted for the land between Old Triangle Road and Route one (behind the 7-11). These are major projects that will change Dumfries and move us forward. As a council members I would support zoning changes, and advocate for community support for these projects.
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
Toney: We all make mistakes. I have reflected on the factors that influenced my actions resulting in the mistake. I understand my vulnerabilities...I believe in the intrinsic good of my fellow man... Yet I try not to be overtly easy to influence.
PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of town government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency?
Toney: I do not feel that the majority of citizens of the town understand that the Town Manager runs the day to day operations. They must be educated on the role of the mayor, in relationship to the council members, and the town manager and the general public.. He has one vote as a member of council and moderate council meetings. He is also leading spokesperson for the town and council.
It is learning how to work with other council members through controversy, and chaos, then recognizing that compromise is essential in getting things done.
To improve communication with constituents, I strongly advocate attending Town Council meetings, or viewing the telecast of meetings, visiting online sites and reaching out to the council members. We all are eager for constituency input or comments. Invite us to your event.
Susan Edwards is running for a seat on the Haymarket Town Council.
Voters will head to the polls on May 3, 2016, for a General Election for Haymarket Town Council. Edwards is one of eight candidates seeking a seat on Town Council, including incumbent Mayor David Leake.
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We sent a candidate questionnaire to the incumbent Edwards and posted her responses below.
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Helen Reynolds is running to keep her seat on the Dumfries Town Council.
Reynolds says transportation is an important issue for the town.
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Dumfries residents will head to the polls May 3, 2016 to elect new members to the Town Council.
We sent a questionnaire to Reynolds, and all other candidates seeking office in Dumfries. Her responses are below:
PL: Why should Dumfries residents be excited to vote for you?
None provided.
PL: In your own words, what is the job description of a Town Council member? What expertise will you bring to the position?
None provided.
PL: What are the biggest issues and needs residents of the Town of Dumfries? What will you do to address those needs?
Reynolds: One of the top issues I see facing the Town of Dumfries is there is a proposal to raise our tax base on our citizens. Since I took office in 2012, I voted on lowering our citizen’s the tax rate every year. Every year since I been in office our tax rate has been lowed for our citizens. No town services have been affected by the lower tax rate. Another issue facing our Town is transportation. With Route 1 widening set for 2025 making congestion a big problem for our local citizens. We as a council have been collaborating with varies agencies to speed this process up.
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
None provided.
PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of town government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency?
None provided.
Earlene Clinton seeks to keep her seat on the Quantico Town Council.
She says the town needs more events, and is in need of a better communication system for the residents.
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Quantico residents will head to the polls May 3, 2016 to elect new members to the Town Council, and Mayor.
We sent a questionnaire to Clinton, and all other candidates seeking office in Quantico. Her responses are below:
PL: Why should Quantico residents be excited to vote for you?
Clinton: My purpose in desiring to be a Quantico Town council member is to do anything I can for the people of the town. Create activities and solve problems.
PL: In your own words, what is the job description of a Town Council member? What expertise will you bring to the position?
Clinton: I bring a heart for the town as my home and a willingness to do what ever I can to promote Quantico.
PL: What are the biggest issues and needs residents of the Town of Quantico? What will you do to address those needs?
Clinton: One of the biggest issues here is a lack of community which I try to address by promoting a Fall Festival and music concerts in the park.
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
Clinton: The only mistake I've made is thinking everyone who wants to be on the council is doing it for the people of the town.
PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of town government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency?
Clinton: There is no effective communication system here. We post flyers at certain locations but still not everyone sees them. I have a Facebook site called Good Q-Town were I post information but not everyone sees that either. I'm considering a centrally located bulletin board which would help.
Robin Langam is running for a seat on the Quantico Town Council.
Voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, May 3.
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We sent a survey to all candidates in the Town of Quantico. Langam replied, and her responses are posted below. Langam did not provide a photo.
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