Eric Olsen is running for Stafford Commonwealth’s Attorney. He has held the position since 2011 and has prosecuted crime in Stafford since 1989.

Name: Eric Olsen

Party: Republican

Town: Stafford

Running for: Stafford Commonwealth’s Attorney

Website: VoteEricOlsen.com, Facebook

Work: Pastor and Administrative Assistant

Education: Ferry Farm Elementary
Montfort Academy
James Monroe High School
Mary Washington College

Community Involvement: I have been in the Stafford Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for 30 years.

Questions and Answers

PL: What are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent? 

Olsen: Gun Violence
Impact that growth has on the criminal justice system
Victims rights.

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

Olsen: By holding offenders accountable; by using diversion programs, drug court and probation for first offenders; and by tenaciously prosecuting violent and recidivist offenders with my 30 years of prosecution experience. I have been able to meet the challenges that come with a complex criminal justice system in a fair and balanced manner, protecting the rights of the accused and the rights of victims. This is what law-abiding citizens expect from the public prosecutor.

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

Olsen: To be a minister of justice.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Olsen: 30 years as a prosecutor here in Stafford. Virginia’s Prosecutor of the year in 2008. My expertise in the area of child abuse led to me being asked to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the hearings held on the USA Gymnastics scandal in 2017.

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government?

Olsen: Most citizens know that the District Attorney is the public prosecutor for their county.

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

Olsen: We all make mistakes. The key is to learn from them.

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

Olsen: I am a leader in my community as the public prosecutor, in the Commonwealth of Virginia as past president of the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys and on the national level as vice president of the National District Attorney’s Association. A vote for me is a vote for the experienced prosecutor that I have been since first being elected in 2011.

Jess Foster, a criminal defense attorney from Remington, is running to represent District 88 in the House of Delegates. Mark Cole currently holds the seat.

Name: Jess Foster

Party: Democrat

Town: Remington

Running for: House of Delegates – District 88

Website: JessFoster.org, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Work: Criminal Defense Attorney

Education: High school in Belgium, then 3 years of law school in Belgium at Université Catholique de Louvain Northern VA Community College (Associates Degree in Criminal Justice)
George Mason (Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice)
Law school in Lansing, MI at Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Finally finished college in 2009.

Community Involvement: Active member of the Prince William County Bar Association for ten years. Participated in a number of community events organized through the bar association such as the Beat the Odds Banquet which provides scholarships to college for children who have come through the court system and have overcome adversity. I help with middle school tours of the court house. Providing pro-bono assistance to victims of domestic violence. Judging student-led mock trial competitions. Overall using my experience as a lawyer to give back to the community.

Questions and Answers

PL: What are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent? 

Foster: Education and transportation funding, affordable and accessible healthcare, over-development

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

Foster: Fully fund education, change some of the smart scale parameters to affect prioritization for the Fredericksburg region, build upon Medicaid expansion, review regulations on proffers

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

Foster: To represent the best interests of the residents of the 88th house district of Virginia. This requires hard work, transparency, and a willingness to set aside my own personal agenda.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Foster: I am a litigation attorney skilled in negotiation and advocacy. The key is to reach a common agreement by forming relationships and being a steadfast advocate.

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government?

Foster: No. Social media outreach and continued voter contact through emails, town halls, etc.

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

Foster: In public life, no — but only because my public life has been short. I have made mistakes in my professional career. I’ve taken those experiences, learned from them, and taught others not to make those same mistakes. What is most important is to recognize we are all human, we all make mistakes, and it is always best to own those mistakes and learn from them, no matter how painful that can be.

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

Foster: I have been making sure everyday people get a fair shake for 10 years. I have made sure they were well represented and I make client communication a priority in my law firm. I believe in a transparent and accessible government that works for the people (not corporate or self interests). I have the will and desire to work hard, just as I do in my law practice, to make sure the needs of the residents of my district are well represented in the General Assembly. By contrast, my opponent who has served for nearly two decades is anti-transparency, funded primarily by corporate interests, and puts his personal agenda ahead of the will (and the needs) of the people. He is inaccessible, unresponsive, and tows the party line.

Gwen Bell is running to represent Rock Hill District for the Stafford County Board of Supervisors with a platform of improving education and county pay parity. The position is currently held by Wendy Maurer.

Name: Gwen Bell

Party: Democrat

Town: Stafford

Running for: Stafford County Board of Supervisors, Rock Hill District

Website: gwenbellva.com, Facebook, Twitter

Work: Co-Owner of Beltway Commuter Service

Education: Master of Science: Business Administration May 2008, National Louis University Bachelor of Science: Criminal Law May 2005, Saint Leo University

Community Involvement: Have served as a community volunteer with the church for over 15 years as a marriage mentor to the community, Bag of Hope to those in need of food, Back to School Giveaway and Christmas events. My most memorable community service was a volunteer with the Sheriff’s office for 20 years, Shop with the Sheriff-Back to School events each year. The latest community involvement was 2019 Summer School lunch Program for kids in Stafford County.

Questions and Answers

PL: What are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent? 

Bell: Education system.
Lack of Pay parity and benefits with surrounding jurisdictions for county employees. Recruiting and retaining employees.
Congested and dangerous roadways.

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

Bell: My plan for improving the education system: As supervisor of the Rock Hill District, I will ensure that our neighborhood public schools are provided with all the necessary resources to ensure that every student have equal access to the best educational programs to prepare them for our 21st century.

• I will ensure that all funds state funding allocated for education will be strictly used for education purposes.
• Ensure funding the STEM/STEAM educational and school programs because these opportunities are critical to our children’s future.
• I will ensure that developers invest in Stafford County by requiring road and school proffers prior to building.

My plan for road improvements: Virginia Department of Transportation is a state agency and therefore we should be advocating for improved roadways throughout the county. I will work with our local delegates to ensure that we utilize state resources for road improvements, to include solution for our current congested and dangerous roadways. In addition, I would strongly recommend that we utilize our Sheriff’s Office to regulate the rural roadways.

My plan to improve pay and benefits as well retaining employees: We have phenomenal educators throughout our districts. Our educators, administrators, first responders, public servants and all county employees serve the local residence of Stafford. As supervisor of the Rock Hill District, I will ensure that our county infrastructure progresses with the 21st century.

• I will implement the DROP Program for all Stafford County employees. The DROP is a benefit for employees as well as the county. It provides the county the opportunity to retain some of the most experience employees for an additional three years. DROP provides the ability for an employee to retire for purposes of the pension plan, while continuing to work and receive a salary for a period of up to three years. During the DROP period, the pension plan accumulates the monthly benefit in an account balance identified as payable to the member only at the end of the DROP period. Similar plans have been successfully implemented across many other States (e.g. Columbia South Carolina) and what it basically does is help with cessation planning for our more experienced educators to mentor new teachers and reduce the high turnover rate throughout our educational system.
• I will recommend the ROP Program to the School Board as a solution to attrition and benefits for school officials. ROP is the acronym for the Retirement Opportunity Program. ROP provides additional income for employees eligible for VRS retirement but not yet eligible to collect Social Security. ROP also utilizes the valuable experience of retirees in continued employment in work assignments compatible with the retiree’s training experience, and qualifications.
• I will implement a Compensation Pay Scale for county employees.
• I will work to ensure that county employees pay adjust to the current market rate.
• I will work with our state delegates to develop state codes that will afford Stafford County mixed-use development with a range of affordable housing choices to retain our local workforce of first responders, law enforcement officers, teachers, and social workers. Let us make Stafford our home-at-large for us all to work, learn and play in our community.

We need thriving shopping and entertainment multi-centers for our family-oriented communities and neighboring military-based families. Economic development is sorely lacking throughout the county.

• I will work to recruit business that the citizens of Stafford so desperately desire. Local businesses will provide more local job opportunities, in addition to citizens spending their money in Stafford County, which increases revenue and allows Stafford to remain competitive with the surrounding jurisdictions. Let us begin to invest more of our citizen’s money here in Stafford so that our assets are used to develop world-class public-school system.

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

Bell: The job description for this highly respected office rests on the attributes and values that I hold myself to the highest esteem. Stafford County residents demand these attributes of their elected officials. Each and every Stafford County Supervisor is a public servant not just within the constituent but that they serve but at large.

This is not merely a “job”, the qualities that I bring to this highly esteemed office should be the focus.

• Transparency and accountability for the decisions that are made in the management and uses of our finite resources (i.e. taxpayer’s dollars).
• This job requires frequent and consistent community engagement to get feedback from our residents on our long-term vision.
• Highest level of competency is required in getting this job done. We can no longer be mired in mediocrity and incompetency because we are competing with surrounding jurisdictions
• Creative innovation because not every problem that we face can be fixed by more taxes or more finances.
• Drive and determination…. these are perhaps the two qualities which I assure you that I bring to the table putting the interest of Stafford County is my No. 1 PRIORITY.

Ultimately, I am working to fulfill the mandate that our Stafford County residents demand; improved transportation options; fixing the infrastructure woes; better living wages for our public servants; and of course a world-class educational system.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Bell: I have firsthand knowledge the challenges we face in Stafford County in relations to transportation issues, attrition rate of county employees, and economic development in Stafford. My experience as a successful business owner of a transportation business has provided me with experience in procurement process to secure government contracts, leveraging funding sources, holding performance measures, developing strategic plans, hosting listening session to gain community input so as to ensure that our residents’ concerns are vetted and considered as part of the decision-making process.

I have been a public servant for over 20 years and have firsthand knowledge of what our law enforcement handles daily, the effects of the prescription drug crisis. My experience provides me the opportunity to forge a relationship with our Sheriff and support him in his efforts in fighting the drug issues in Stafford County.
As a mother of two sons, my husband and I understand that it takes a village to raise a child. Stafford teachers and administrators invested so much more than a good education in my children. I will support our public-school system and educators ensuring that we are schools are equipped to meet the 21st century, highest caliber of educational opportunities.

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government?

Bell: I do believe the average citizen needs clarity of the functions and responsibilities of the office based upon my interaction with my constituents. I’ve had the pleasure of communicating so many citizens throughout Stafford during this election cycle. Many are not aware of the particular district they reside. I’ve been utilizing this opportunity to explain the make up of Stafford County and the duties and responsibilities of the board of Supervisors.

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

Bell: None that I’m aware of.

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

Bell: The reason I decided to run for public office is because I believe that I, as well as the citizens of Stafford, are stakeholders of this county. We are the glue that holds this county together. The basis of decisions that are made should reflect what’s in the best interest of the residence of Stafford and that can only be accomplished when we are included in the conversations and in the meetings.

Additionally, there should be an equal representation on our current Board of Supervisors that reflects the make up and desires of the people. Stafford is changing and our local government must be progressing with the times. Our differences are one of the things that makes our country and county so great.

I believe I have a proven record of 20 plus years as a public servant; a record of integrity, respect and honor. One who cares about our community and has dedicated my life to public service. People matter to me and will do my best to represent our community.

In 2004 my husband and I founded a transportation business in Stafford County. Our services contribute to decreased traffic (the removal of 1 lane of traffic from I-95 each day) and pollution. Our initial goal was to contribute to the solution of resolving the communities traffic congestion issues in Stafford County. I have experience in problem-solving as well as a commitment to overcome by maximizing our resources. I believe there our opportunities in Stafford that have not be explored. I’m ready to get to get to work.

Ronnie Ross is seeking the office of State Senate for District 27 with a focus on healthcare, schools, and the rural economy.

Name: Ronnie Ross

Party: Democrat

Town: Middleburg

Running for: State Senate District 27

Website: RonnieRoss.com, Facebook, Twitter

Work: I teach high school English and coach high school soccer.

Education: I have a B.A. from Wittenberg University and an M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Community Involvement: Besides teaching and coaching during the school year, I also offer summer school and tutoring. I have volunteered with Boys & Girls Club, the Middleburg Humane Foundation, and the Goose Creek Association, among other organizations. I am also an active member of Holy Trinity Church. Finally, I am a member of the NAACP, the Arbor Day Foundation, and Phi Beta Kappa, among others.

Questions and Answers

PL: What are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent? 

Ross: Our healthcare, our schools, and our rural economy.

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

Ross: In terms of healthcare, we first must work to protect the advances that we have already made. Then, the next step is to work to bring down the costs of prescription drugs, similar to what Maryland has already done.

In terms of schools, we need to fully fund them, to pay our teachers appropriately, and to increase mental health services. All of them are currently at pre-recession levels.

Finally, in terms of our rural economy, we need to expand broadband to our rural houses. Then, we need to be sure that we are appropriately investing in agri-tourism and direct to consumer programs. We also need to provide funding for Ag BMP’s.

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

Ross: The General Assembly represents the bridge between our federal government and our local governments. Whether it is health, education, and economic policy, state legislators have to work with all stakeholders, including and most importantly the people of the district, as the they forge solutions to our problems.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Ross: I grew up in Appalachia, and so I bring a practical, pragmatic, common sense approach to governing, one that is focused on results and not partisan gridlock. Moreover, I am a teacher, and we need more educators making our education policy.

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government?

Ross: The average citizen does the best they can to be informed given the stresses of day-to-day life. It is the representative’s job to make it easier for people to participate in the political process. While, yes, it is important to hold frequent town halls and office hours, newer technology allows for virtual town halls and even more access to our elected representatives.

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

Ross: All of us have made mistakes in our lives. What is important is that we learn from them and continue to grow. This is exactly what I tell my students.

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

Ross: Our politics have become mired in partisan gridlock. We need leaders and voices who present common sense, pragmatic solutions. Politics should not be about scoring points or “got ya’s.” People’s lives are at stake. I take that seriously and will bring that perspective with me. As the Constitution tells us, our democracy should be about “We the People.”

Ruth Anderson is running for re-election as the Occoquan District Supervisor for the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. She has held the office for four years.

Name: Ruth Anderson

Party: Republican

Town: Woodbridge

Running for: Occoquan District Supervisor, Prince William Board of County Supervisors

Website: ruth4supervisor.com, Facebook

Work: Supervisor, BOCS; Retired USAF Nurse Corps

Education: BSN, U of Minnesota
MSN, U of Kansas
USAF Squadron Officer School, Air Command & Staff College and Air War College

Community Involvement: Chair, Potomac Rappahannock Transportation Commission; BOD, Virginia Association of Counties; BOD, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments; Outreach Council, Lake Ridge Baptist Church; Member, Society of Air Force Nurses; Member, American Legion Post 364, Woodbridge; Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7916 in Town of Occoquan

Questions and Answers

PL: What are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent? 

Anderson:  Economic Development: We need to increase our commercial tax base and increase the number of jobs. Transportation: Funding for traffic mitigation, new infrastructure and public transit.
Land-use decisions: Updating the Comprehensive Plan including small area plans, rural area.
Housing attainability for various income levels (per MWCOG Regional Initiative).
Public Schools: Funding for operations and capital needs along with school site-planning.
Public Safety/Health Needs: Keeping up with level of service needs in a growing county.

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

Anderson: We’ve built a great foundation for economic development over the past four years to include the hiring of a new economic development director, restructuring the economic development department, initiating a new small business resource center, and streamlining the permitting process. With this improved foundation, I will focus on helping to recruit targeted industries which can bring jobs to PWC.

For transportation infrastructure, three newly funded road projects will begin the design/construction phase. I will also lobby for more fixes to I-95, Route 28, and Old Bridge Road. In addition, I will continue to work toward improving the public transit commuter experience with enhanced VRE and bus service and improved commuter lots.

The Comprehensive Plan is undergoing major updates and will require several small area plan approvals and some major land-use decisions. I will work toward growth and development along public transit corridors and work to align our county plans for housing with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments regional plan.

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

Anderson: To represent the Occoquan District residents on the Board; supervise and direct county staff toward realizing the PWC strategic plan objectives; set state and federal legislative priorities; approve the county budget along with various tax rates; work with other elected officials locally and regionally to accomplish major economic development, transportation, housing, public safety, workforce development, human services and environmental goals.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Anderson: Leadership, problem-solving skills, passion for the mission, and the ability to pull people and groups together to accomplish goals. As the incumbent to this position, I now have four years of experience as a Supervisor and have built relationships with many elected officials and regional/local government leaders.

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government?

Anderson: Only a small percentage of residents are well-informed about local government issues. During my first term, my office sent two postal newsletters per year to all District residences and monthly email newsletters to thousands of residents. We also held three town halls in the spring and three in the fall in different locations across the District. The newsletters and town halls included updates on many county issues. I also coordinated a robust constituent tracker to ensure all residents requesting help were provided resources, solutions, etc. along with follow-up. We also used social media to get information quickly to followers.

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

Anderson: I always learn from situations that don’t go as well as planned or lead to unexpected negative consequences. But, I always keep my eye on the overall goals and constantly work toward them. Honestly, my only real regret is that there is not more time in each day to help make good things happen for and with the people of the Occoquan District.

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

Anderson: I have a record of transportation, economic development, human services, public safety and environmental accomplishments. I’d love to continue serving, continue to improve communication with residents and continue to Bring Prince William Home. Bring jobs home, bring commuters home safely, bring attainable housing home and bring quality of life home for all residents.

Paul Waldowski is running for Commissioner of the Revenue for Stafford. The position is currently held by Scott Mayausky.

Name: Paul Waldowski

Party: Independent

Town: Stafford

Running for: Commissioner of the Revenue

Website: Facebook

Work: Retired

Education: M.S. Computer Science Emphasis in Operations Research
University of Missouri-Rolla, 1987
B.S. Computing and Information Sciences
Oklahoma State University, 1981
A.A.S. Electronic Computer Systems Technology
Community College of the Air Force, 1979

Community Involvement: Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
Life Member of the United States Chess Federation (USCF)
Life member of the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association
Member of the American Legion
Member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 4488
Fought for Stafford County Ordinance 13-19 – trash removal for condominiums
USCF master level achievement plus two (2) state championships, MS and NE
Former youth basketball coach while on active duty with the USAF
Former certified Class B Stafford County youth soccer and T-ball coach
Former Widewater Elementary School and H.H. Poole Middle School chess coach
Former member of the Optimist Club of Rolla, Missouri
Former Boy Scout with the rank of Life and thirty one (31) merit badges

Questions and Answers

PL: What are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent? 

Waldowski:  First and foremost, I am running for the office of Stafford County Commissioner of the Revenue to “stop opinionated real estate appraisals from becoming your tax assessment.”

I will provide an open-minded mathematical based methodology that will assess the value of a property based on individuality. Unlike the opinionated 20-year appraisal practice in place comparing properties without regard for discrete property ID characteristics like acreage and easements.

That’s why many property owners choose to contest their assessed values to the Board Of Equalization made up of citizens in the real estate profession selected by the incumbent Commissioner of the Revenue. If elected, I will select impartial citizens who are Americans, not just Republicans and provide two full scholarships to OSU, one for Academics and the other for Athletics based on criteria to be determined.

Secondly, I will professionally update the current website restoring Value History information removed during an election year that clearly shows especially in the year 2006 and again in 2018 that the practices in place set property assessments at market value! Enhancing the web site so all property has recorded acreage and easements plus any other discrete property ID characteristics.

Finally, the mathematical definition of market value is “the most likely price that a given property will bring in an open-minded market transaction.” In plain English, “It is the price that a buyer is willing to pay for a property, and that a seller is willing to accept at the time the property is FOR SALE without regard of its tax assessment history.” God is not making any more land.

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

Waldowski: I will provide an open-minded mathematical based methodology that will assess the value of property on individuality. Unlike the opinionated twenty (20) year appraisal practice in place comparing properties without regard for discrete property ID characteristics like acreage and easements. That’s why many property owners choose to contest their assessed values to the Board Of Equalization (BOE) made up of citizens in the real estate profession selected by the incumbent Commissioner of the Revenue. If elected, I will select impartial citizens who are AMERICANS not just REPUBLICANS and provide two full scholarships to OSU, one for Academics and the other for Athletics based on criteria to be determined.

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

Waldowski: The Commissioner of the Revenue is the chief tax-assessing official of Stafford County. The responsibilities of Commissioners vary and I can address each one on an individual case by case basis. I will also assist taxpayers in completing all state tax returns and filing forms.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Waldowski: M.S. Computer Science Emphasis in Operations Research
University of Missouri-Rolla, 1987

Technical Lead – U.S. Senate Financial Management Information Systems (FMIS)

Project Manager at many Fortune 500 companies especially during Y2K

U.S. Air Force (USAF) Officer:
August 28, 1981 – February 1, 1994

U.S. Air Force (USAF) Enlisted Airman:
January 16, 1974 – August 27, 1981

U.S. Air Force (USAF) Reserves:
December 3, 1973 – January 15, 1974

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government?

Waldowski: No. By having town halls and workshops to educate my constituents.

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

Waldowski: No.

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

Waldowski: I want the job, whereas my opponents need it to maintain their careers. 1,461 days is four years and I will clean up the swamp that exists in this county where only three commissioners of the revenue have been in office during the past one hundred (100) years. Change is what needs to be returned to the taxpayers.

Scott Mayausky is running for re-election as Commissioner of the Revenue for Stafford. He has served as Commissioner of the Revenue since 2000 and wants to continue incorporating innovative technology in the County.

Name: Scott Mayausky 

Party: Republican

Town: Stafford

Running for: Commissioner of the Revenue

Website: scott4us.com, Facebook

Work: Retired Research Scientist

Education: North Stafford High School, 1990
West Virginia University, B.A. 1995
Johns Hopkins University, M.A. 2011

Community Involvement: Mayausky serves as President of the Stafford Museum and Cultural Center. In that capacity, he is leading efforts to build a community facility that will enable Stafford to share its diverse and rich history. In addition, he volunteers for several organizations throughout the region and serves them in various capacities.

Questions and Answers

PL: What are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent? 

Mayausky:  1) Continue to expand the award winning MyStafford Citizen Portal to include online business filings and account maintenance. This will allow greater access to services for our customers while limiting the need for manual processing by staff.

2) Technology is changing the assessment profession. I want to keep Stafford County at the forefront of innovation by utilizing the latest in software innovations. By employing the newest mobile technologies and optical character recognition we are able to cut down on human error and keep staff sizes at the same levels as 1999.

3) Customer Service is always one of my top issues. I will continue to find the best ways to serve and engage our growing and diverse community.

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

Mayausky: 1) We have worked to maintain a strong partnership with the Stafford County Treasurer’s Office and will continue working with them to develop new filing and payment methods. This includes expanding online services and increasing accessibility through user friendly mobile apps.

2) We continue to partner with leading software development companies to create and implement new software and technologies. This includes utilizing GIS (Geographic Information System) and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology. These technologies will allow us to better analyze data, eliminate human error and improve efficiency. It is this approach that has enabled us to operate with the same number of employees we have had since 1999.

3) In order to provide great customer service we must first understand the needs of the community we serve. Through public outreach and an office culture that celebrates public service, we pride ourselves in meeting the needs of our diverse and changing community. Whether it’s through social media, new technologies or a simple act of compassion we aspire to help, educate and serve.

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

Mayausky: As chief assessing officer for Stafford County, the Commissioner is responsible for discovering and valuing $18 billion of real estate and $2 billion in personal property. The office generates 70% of all local revenue which amounts to more than $220 million. This revenue funds every local service Stafford County provides its citizens.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Mayausky: I have served as Commissioner since 2000. In that time the office has become a leader in Virginia for tax policy and innovation. I have developed and instructed courses for the Commissioner’s Association and currently serve as the Chair of the Career Development Committee. In addition I have hosted several international delegations and lead discussions regarding international tax policies in developing nations.

In 2010 I became the first Commissioner appointed as a licensed member of the Commonwealth’s Real Estate Appraisal Board by Governor McDonnell. I am an Accredited Member of the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) and recently won the coveted Public Sector Champion award from the Thomson Reuters Corporation.

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government?

Mayausky: Given the complexity of tax law it is difficult for the public to fully understand the intricacies and how it impacts them and their families. I have always been a proponent of transparency and education. From attending neighborhood HOA meetings to recording videos for social media, I try to meet citizens where they are and provide information in a simple yet comprehensive manner. I will continue to leverage technology as a tool to communicate and educate.

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

Mayausky: Yes! In my 20-year career I have had to change my management style from a top down micro-manager to one that is able to recognize the strengths of each employee and empowers them to affect change.

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

Mayausky: I have demonstrated a lifetime of commitment to Stafford County and a 20-year record of success. In that time I have not been afraid to tackle difficult issues and discuss them publicly. From controversial tax policy proposals to assessment issues I have always fought for the best interests of Stafford’s citizens.

Ann Wheeler, a former energy consultant with many years of experience as a financial manager, is running to be Chair of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors.

Republican Corey Stewart currently holds the seat and is not seeking reelection.

Name: Ann Wheeler

Party: Democrat

Town: Haymarket

Running for: Chair Prince William County Board of Supervisors

Website: wheelerforpwc.com, Facebook, Twitter

Work: Former Energy Consultant

Education: BSME Mechanical Engineering Tufts University MBA University of Chicago

Community Involvement: 14 years on the NOVEC Board, currently on the Hylton Performing Arts Center Board for the past two years, immediate past President of the Committee of 100, on the Board of Social Services for five years (2006-2011) Chairman the last two.

Less recent involvement includes Leadership Prince William, Alvey Boundary Committee, Stonewall Middle School Advisory Board, Gainesville Budget Committee, and Shelter Lakes HOA President.

Questions and Answers

PL: What are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent? 

Wheeler: Overcrowded classrooms and below-average teacher pay, transit solutions to help alleviate road congestion, Economic Development

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

Wheeler: 1) Make schools a top budget priority, adjust the revenue sharing agreement and advocate for more state funding for our schools

2) Support fixing Route 28, studying the Metro Blue Line to Woodbridge, expansion of VRE service, development near transportation nodes and expanded commuter bus service

3) Target medical and biotech industries to build off the GMU campus, further support technology innovation companies that support data centers and be a small business incubator.

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

Wheeler: The Chair will have a vision for the county and work with the district supervisors to best serve each area. The chair will work collaboratively with all board members to set the agenda and focus priorities. The Chair will represent the county and set the tone for leading us into the next phase of change.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Wheeler: I managed multi-million dollar projects in my energy career. I have sat on the board of NOVEC, a very successful $500 million company. I have experience within the county budget from budget committee work as well as when Chair of the Board of Social Services and have a background in Finance. I have successfully lead various organizations I have been involved in and know how to get the best out of people I am working with.

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government?

Wheeler: I think the average citizen pays little attention to the workings of local government as they live their daily life. I would like to use more of today’s social media to reach our average citizen and inform them about county happenings that they may want to be involved in.

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

Wheeler: I have definitely made mistakes thorough out my pubic service career and have learned from each one how to be more effective.

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

Wheeler: They should vote for me because I know the county well and I know I can make improvements to enhance not only its reputation, but its operations. I am a proven leader who knows people throughout the county and works well with others.

I am a capable financial manager, as well as someone who can see the big picture and have a vision to lead us where we want to go. I love Prince William County and want to make it the best place to live in Northern Virginia for everyone who resides here.

Dr. Elizabeth Warner is running to represent the Griffis-Widewater District on the Stafford County School Board. Her focuses are on teacher recruitment and retention, offering better pay and benefits for area educators.

The position is currently held by Jamie Decatur, who is running for re-election.

Name: Elizabeth Warner

Party: Independent

Town: Stafford

Running for: Stafford County School Board – Griffis-Widewater District

Website: elizabethwarner4staffordschools.com, Facebook

Work: Retired Research Scientist

Education: PhD in Biology from University of North Carolina Charlotte

Community Involvement: Warner has worked on environmental issues related to the Potomac River. She also mentors and advises students seeking to go to medical school.

Questions and Answers

PL: What are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent? 

Warner: Recruitment and retention of qualified teachers. We are spending money to recruit teachers, only to lose them to surrounding communities.

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

Warner: We have to offer competitive pay, and benefits. In order to help them do their jobs, we need to make certain we have the support staff available so we are not burdening them with additional duties that distract from their teaching.

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

Warner: I believe the School Board must work hand in hand with the Board of Supervisors, the community and educators to ensure that we are meeting the educational needs of our students. That we are appropriating funds for the capital and operational budgets that meet our current and future needs. That our decisions should be based on evidence not political ideology.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Warner: As a research scientist, I worked and collaborated with a variety of people to establish and meet research goals within defined budgets and timelines. I have written and been awarded research grants, mentored students and resident physicians, hired and trained technicians and interns. Science is not just an academic endeavor, but a business.

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government?

Warner: I think most people trust their elected officials to make decisions based on the interests of the people they represent. I do not think most people understand the complexities and constraints that officials deal with. As an elected official it is your duty to make decisions no matter how controversial they may be, but if you do that based on facts, evidence and data, you should be able to explain it. I would like to have town hall sessions with my constituents at least quarterly in order to discuss their concerns and explain what issues are being addressed on the School Board.

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

Warner: I cannot think of an egregious mistakes, but we all make them. I think the key to that is what have I learned and how have I adjusted my life in response. I have never run for office before, so there are no public mistakes.

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

Warner: Education has been one of my core values. I am a lifelong learner, student, teacher, mentor and parent. I feel strongly that the key to our future is in educating our students and preparing them for life after graduation. I will work hard to do what I believe is right for our children, our schools, and our community. I think we need leaders who act on behalf of their community, not a political ideology.