Julia Dillon, a Stafford County resident and attorney, is running for Commonwealth’s Attorney with a focus on tackling the area’s opioid epidemic.

Name: Julia B. Dillon

Party: Democrat

Town: Stafford

Running for: Commonwealth’s Attorney

Website: www.julia4stafford.com, Facebook

Work: Attorney

Education: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law — JD with a Certificate in Dispute Resolution. Allegheny College — B.A. with a double major in Philosophy and Economics, minor in Political Science.

Community Involvement: Dillon is an active member of Summit Presbyterian Church where she completed a three year term as an elder. She is a wife and mother of two boys who attend Stafford County Public schools.

Questions and Answers

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

Dillon: The position I am seeking is for all of Stafford County. There is one overarching issue that prompted me to run: Justice. The current prosecutorial system is effective at processing felony convictions, but it is not focused on Justice. My campaign is focused on four areas of Justice: the public, law enforcement, accused and victims. Issues that impact all of these areas include 1) the current opioid epidemic, 2) mass incarceration, including pretrial, 3) safety.

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

Dillon: I will make certain that in all offenses of violence that come to my office the victim has the opportunity to meet with a prosecutor who is handling the case before the day of court and that the victim’s thoughts are taken into account at every stage of the proceedings.

I will recognize that drug addiction is a disease and work to increase incentives for rehabilitation while working with law enforcement to address the supply side of the issue.

I will be fair in the discovery process. I will make certain defense attorneys have access to the information they need to represent their clients and evaluate plea offers. I will make sure certain offers are extended in a timely manner before court and will make every effort to determine in advance of court whether witnesses will be needed. This will reduce victim and lay witness stress as well as the time of law enforcement officers who should not be forced to come to court if their testimony is not needed.

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

Dillon: Overseeing justice is the job of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Working with law enforcement, protecting the public, protecting victims, and protecting the rights of the accused.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Dillon: More than seven years of adult felony prosecution experience from initial charges all the way up to the final appeal. As an Assistant County Prosecutor in Fairfield County in Ohio, I worked with drug task forces, multiple law enforcement agencies, and crime victims. I was part of establishing a Child Advocacy Center. I have handled more than 20 jury trials in a jurisdiction where the right to a jury trial was an advantage only to the accused and not the State.

I have broad based experience with various prosecutors offices. I worked as a Mediator in Columbus Ohio’s Night Prosecution Mediation Program. As a current defense attorney and juvenile guardian ad litem I have seen varying methods of prosecution throughout Virginia.

Finally, the proposed new discovery rules that were supposed to go into effect this past July and that may go into effect next year were modeled largely after the discovery rules in Ohio. Therefore I have the unique experience of being familiar with the practical application of the new rules that should take effect.

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

Dillon: I do not feel that the average citizen is well informed about the Prosecutor’s office until directly impacted by crime. I will not try cases in the press, but I will be straight forward regarding policies and decisions.

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

Dillon: None that I can think of at this time.

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

Dillon: I have a strong desire for hustice for everyone and will work diligently to protect the public through smart and fair prosecutions. As the mother of two, I need Stafford to be safer. It can’t be truly safe with the serious drug epidemic.

Jack Cavalier, a retired defense department engineer and long-time resident of Stafford County, is running for re-election to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors to represent the Griffis-Widewater District. Cavalier was first elected to the Board in 1999 and has served as Chairman and Vice Chairman in the past.

Name: Jack Cavalier

Party: Republican

Town: Stafford

Running for: Stafford County Board of Supervisors – Griffis-Widewater District

Website: Facebook

Work: Retired Defense Department Engineer

Education: B.S. Engineering of Mines, West Virginia University

Community Involvement: Cavalier has served 4 terms as the Griffis-Widewater District Supervisor, Chairman 3 times, Vice-Chairman 2 times, Finance and Budget Committee, Public Safety Committee, Infrastructure Committee, Community and Economic Development Committee, Joint Schools Committee, Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Committee,Parks and Recreation Committee, Rappahannock Regional Jail Authority, Aquia Harbour Host Lions Club member, Youth Sports Coach, Aquia Harbour Board of Directors, Ebenezer United Methodist Church member, Brooke Point PTSO member and volunteer.

Questions and Answers

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

Cavalier: Transportation, Education, Economic Development

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

Cavalier: For transportation, the Board of Supervisors has completed a Comprehensive Road Study this year to address traffic and safety issues in Stafford County. As a result, there will be a Road Bond Referendum on the November 5 ballot to help fund secondary roads throughout the County. The roads being addressed in the Griffis-Widewater District include: Decatur Road (scheduled for 2020), Brent Point Road, Telegraph Road, Woodstock Lane, Onville Road, Barrett Heights Road, and Garrisonville Road. I also recently had VDOT install a new traffic signal at the Intersection of Route 1 and Telegraph Road at the Crucifix so that vehicles, including school buses, could safety turn onto Route 1 from Telegraph Road.

For education, I strongly supported and worked with the Stafford Education Association (I am endorsed by the SEA) on the 5% raise for teachers, as well as all School and County employees this year. I will continue to support pay increases to get Stafford County above the national average for teacher pay. I also worked with the Sheriff to start the School Safety Task Force to place deputies in Elementary Schools for the first time. The pilot program, which included Moncure Elementary School, has been well received and I plan to expand the program to cover all schools. We already have deputies in all of our high schools and middle schools There is also a need to build a new high school and a new elementary school, which I support.

For economic development, I want to continue to attract more high tech jobs to Stafford County, with a focus on the defense industry to add to the over 44,000 jobs currently in Stafford. I want to continue to expand the Quantico Corporate Center, to include making it a Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. I am also working to bring in Data Centers. I am working now to bring broadband into rural areas of the County that are underserved or unserved presently. A grant to bring high speed internet to Widewater has been submitted.

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

Cavalier: First and foremost, constituent service is the most important aspect of the office of Board of Supervisors. I have helped countless citizens with a variety of issues over the years. I personally visit areas where concerns are raised and work with county, state, and federal agencies to solve problems for residents. I am also continually out in the district and county, going to events and functions, all the time meeting with and listening to concerns, following up to ensure everything that can be done is done. Having been a Stafford County resident for 35 years gives me great insight into issues. My experience provides me with an excellent knowledge base of the county and the region.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Cavalier: I have served 16 years on the Board of Supervisors, serving on many county and regional committees, many noted above. My many years of public service is an asset that cannot be understated. I know far more after these years of service than when I first started. The network I have helps me help my constituents. My connections to the right people at the right agencies solve problems faster.

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

Cavalier: People are very busy in this area. No one knows every issue, but it is my job to know as much as possible. I interact with citizens of many issues, both learning from them and helping to educate them when I can. Those interactions provide a basis for my decisions on issues. I go to many HOA, community meetings and events, and school functions to get a better perspective on what people want. The process of communication is a continual one.

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

Cavalier: Everyone makes mistakes. All you can ever do is learn from them.

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

Cavalier: I am the most qualified person for the position. 35 years in Stafford County, raising a family here, and many years as a public servant, has given me the knowledge, insight, and perceptive necessary to be a fair and effective Supervisor.

Darrell H. Jordan — or D.J. Jordan — a public relations executive with experience as a Capitol Hill staffer, is running for the House of Delegates, to represent District 31.

Democrat Elizabeth Guzman currently holds the seat.

Name: Darrell H. “DJ” Jordan

Party: Republican

Town: Woodbridge

Running for: House of Delegates, District 31

Website: VoteDJ.com, Facebook, Twitter

Work: Public Relations Executive

Education: Liberty University, Bachelors, Broadcast Journalism
The Johns Hopkins University, Masters, Public Management

Community Involvement: In 2017, Darrell completed a four-year term on the Virginia State Board of Social Services, which oversees the foster care system and welfare programs in Virginia. During the last year of the four-year term, he was unanimously voted to serve as its Chairman.

Darrell currently serves with the Prince William County Fatherhood Initiative, and as an Alternate Commissioner on the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), a transit agency that runs the OmniRide bus system. Over the last several years, he has been an assistant coach with the American Pride Youth Football League (APYFL), and he was a TV broadcast commentator for college football games. He is also a member of the 20/20 Bipartisan Justice Center, a national justice reform organization, and serves on the Board of Directors for Virginia’s Kids Belong, a nonprofit that helps foster children.

Questions and Answers

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

Jordan: 1. Traffic congestion
2. Education
3. Healthcare

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

Jordan: In regards to transportation, we should be forward-thinking and comprehensive in how we address our traffic congestion. We must move beyond partisan finger-pointing and work together on solutions that involve enhanced bus transit, rail, road construction, more tele-working options, and even the relocation of federal offices.

For education, Virginia must ensure that taxpayer money is spent on the classroom and paying our hardworking teachers, and less on bureaucracy.

In regards to healthcare, we need reforms that improve physician and facility connectivity, streamlines care delivery, incentivizes wellness and prevention, and reforms drug pricing regulations. Virginia should also be at the forefront of breakthrough research and innovation to find cures for disease and illness.

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

Jordan: The job description of this office is to represent the people of the 31st District in the state legislature in Richmond, Virginia. This position makes state laws that improve the lives of Prince William and Fauquier Counties.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Jordan: I have years of experience in the U.S. Congress as a Capitol Hill staffer. I can use my experience in the federal legislature to interpret and advocate for policy in the state legislature. My experience with the Virginia State Board of Social Services, foster care, and the PRTC Bus Transit system is also valuable experience to bring to the state legislature.

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

Jordan: I will regularly send information to constituents, and I will share my contact information with the citizens.

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

Jordan: I have definitely made many mistakes in my life. They have humbled me, and made me have more understanding and compassionate for people.

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

Jordan: Potomac Local readers should vote for me to represent them in the state legislature because I will focus on local problems, like traffic congestion. I want to serve in this role and concentrate on this position, not to use it as a stepping stone to higher office.

Peter O’Hanlon is running for re-election to the Manassas City School Board. He has been on the Board since 2017. His focuses include student success and teacher retention.

Name: Peter B. O’Hanlon

Party: Independent

Town: Manassas

Running for: Manassas City School Board

Website: Facebook

Work: Retired federal auditor

Education: I have completed approximately three years of college. Additionally, I have received extensive Government Audit training.

Community Involvement: O’Hanlon has been involved throughout the Manassas community since moving here 35 years ago. During the 10 years he lived in Point of Woods, he was an active board member and co-editor of the community newsletter. During the 26 years he had children in Manassas City Schools, he was active in PTAs, a school volunteer, an active band and orchestra parent and supported the many sports his children participated in.

He is an active member of All Saints Church serving on the Parish Council and assisting with other ministries. He also volunteers his time to serve local service organizations.

Questions and Answers

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

O’Hanlon: The three major issues facing Manassas City Schools are student behavior, teacher retention, and ensuring all students graduate with knowledge, skills, and abilities to allow them to succeed in the college, trade or career of their choice.

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

O’Hanlon: We started the year sharing a video at all back to school nights stressing to parents the importance of good behavior by students. We will follow this up throughout the year by holding students accountable for their behavior. The first step in teacher retention was my proposal to ensure the compensation offered was comparable with other local jurisdictions. Next, the board hired a new superintendent and several new principals who have been charged with, among other things, making the workplace more welcoming. Also, we have worked hard to increase the diversity of our staff and attempt to hire our graduates first. And finally, as the board representative to the Career and Technical Advisory Committee, I have worked to expand the program to help ensure that not only do our students have future career and education abilities, but that they can also find that career in our community.

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

O’Hanlon: A school board member has three primary responsibilities. They hire the Superintendent, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the schools; they set school policies (which are largely based on State and Federal regulations); and the approve the budget.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

O’Hanlon: I am currently in my third year serving as a school board member. As a parent of five who graduated from our school system, I have 26 years experience as a very involved parent. Additionally, as a retired auditor, I enjoy reviewing and analyzing the budget and the many programs going on within the schools. Being retired also allows me the flexibility to visit the schools and attend daytime programs and events that many cannot.

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

O’Hanlon: Unfortunately, with our close proximity to Washington DC, national politics often overshadows all we have going on locally. The campaign itself helps improve citizen understanding of what we do. As I campaign door to door, I answer questions and talk about the position of school board member and how the schools affect everyone’s lives. My primary communication to a larger audience is through social media, where I have been sharing my answers to frequently asked questions.

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

O’Hanlon: I think we all make mistakes. I have at times spoken too quickly or rushed to judgment without knowing all the facts. Over time I have become more thoughtful about my responses. This does not mean I hold back or don’t ask questions. I just try to be better informed.

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

O’Hanlon: As an independent, I have the freedom to lead. Too often others are so tied to a political party, they have to follow an agenda, set by someone else. Every day, I work to ensure our school system is the best it can be for all our students. My record of improvements to our schools over the past three years is the primary reason I should be elected for three more years.

Crystal Vanuch, a lifelong Stafford resident and CEO of a Stafford company, is running for election as Stafford County Supervisor for the Rock Hill District. Road repairs and maintenance are crucial to her campaign goals.

Name: Crystal Vanuch

Party: Republican

Town: Stafford

Running for: Stafford County Supervisor, Rock Hill District

Website: votevanuch.com, Facebook, Twitter

Work: CEO of Stafford-based Public Affairs Company

Education: Stafford Elementary, Stafford Middle, Brooke Point High School
Graduated magna cum laude from Virginia Wesleyan University with a business degree

Community Involvement: Growing up here in Stafford I was always involved in the community, since my father was a police officer. I attended Saint Peters Lutheran Church and most recently I have been serving on the Stafford County Planning Commission for the last four years. I have been unanimously nominated to be the chair the last two years. This has given me the opportunity to meet so many of our wonderful businesses and residents in the Rock Hill district, helping many businesses expand or open up in Rock Hill and assisting in solving challenges or issues for our local neighborhoods.

I also take great pride in mentoring young teenage women and helping them plan a future to be successful leaders in the community.

Questions and Answers

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

Vanuch: 1. Managing Growth
2. Safer Roads
3. Improving schools

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

Vanuch: When it comes to managing growth we need to ensure that developers are paying for the impacts that their residential rezonings are creating. Far too often it falls on the backs of the taxpayers to offset these costs. I have a record on the planning commission of denying thousands of new homes because they didn’t offset the impacts to our community.

When it comes to safer roads we need to make sure that we are planning with VDOT road safety projects to garner smart scale matching funds for improvements, to improve roads like Stefaniga, and add wedge widening to many Rock Hill roads so when fire trucks pass drivers they don’t end up in ditches. We need to work with VDOT to ensure that our roads are getting the maintenance our residents deserve. I cannot tell you how many complaints I have worked on with neighbors for cutting trees back and filling pot holes. I will also carry on to ensure all the work will be completed and the Vista Woods subdivision will be paved by the summer of next year.

Improving schools is extremely important, making sure we are planning appropriately for capacity issues, keeping class sizes manageable to they don’t lead to additional retention issues with educators, which is another reason growth management is such a priority. We need to focus on teacher retention and recruitment by ensuring our teachers can afford to live, work, and raise a family in the community that they serve.

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

Vanuch: The Supervisor is the County legislator for your district, but I see this role as the leader in charge of ensuring that they are representing the taxpayers concerns and priorities and their votes should represent the desires of the majority within that district. It will be my job to represent Rock Hill among the 6 other peers of Supervisors, representing their districts, to work together in the best interests of our community.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Vanuch: Serving the last four years on the planning commission has given me so much insight into the real issues that our residents care about. I have been able to solve so many problems for different neighborhoods by working together with our community to help them achieve their desired results. I have been able to stop major housing developments that would have depreciated house values in Berkshire, Amyclae and Augustine. I have assisted Apple Grove in saving thousands in HOA fees by enabling them to relocate recreational amenities. I will carry on Wendy Maurer’s work on finishing the Dam improvements in Lake Arrowhead and ensuring that Vista Woods finally gets the road fixes required.

I grew up here and I have a family of public servants, so taking care of our community is in my blood. I will use my tenure and experience on the planning commission and my business and executive leadership to fight harder for Rock Hill than anyone.

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

Vanuch: We have some really awesome people in Rock Hill. A lot of my residents are very engaged. However, many don’t understand the different policies and procedures for the planning commission or the board of supervisors. Whenever we have a big issue in Rock Hill I extend the public hearings and increase the notices required by law to help increase the transparency and awareness that something is going on close to your home. I then follow up with many emails and phone calls to ensure that every resident interested has the opportunity to engage in the public process.

I have even hosted community forums to explain the process throughout the planning commission and board and garner input from the community to help better understand the needs of our residents. I fully intend to keep doing this as the Supervisor.

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

Vanuch: I am not a perfect individual, and I am sure I have made mistakes in the public. Often times I look back and think I wish I would have said this, or done that but I try not to dwell on the past, because that doesn’t help move forward. I am always learning and trying to be the best I can to help our residents with the issues important to them.

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

Vanuch: I have proven over the last four years that I will always fight for Rock Hill. I am sure that we all won’t always agree on everything, but I will always be transparent, honest, and work as hard as I possibly can to make sure that I represent the Rock Hill district the way it deserves to be represented. Come January 1 there won’t need to be a learning curve for me, because I am already intimately involved in the issues before our community with my work on the planning commission.

I have been campaigning since January, I have knocked on thousands of doors, I am out everyday working with our community, I have shown our community that I won’t be outworked and that I have the leadership, the experience, and the passion to earn your vote on November 5th.

Laura Rudy, a Stafford County resident and bank management professional, is running for re-election as Stafford County Treasurer. She has held the position since 2008.

Name: Laura Rudy

Party: Republican

Town: Stafford

Running for: Stafford County Treasurer

Website: rudy4treasurer.com, Facebook, Twitter

Work: Stafford County Treasurer

Education: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business & Public Management – NVCC
Virginia School of Bank Management – UVA
Gar-Field Senior High School, Woodbridge, VA

She also holds certifications as a Master Governmental Treasurer (MGT), an Advanced Certified Public Finance Investment Manager (ACPFIM) and a Finance Professional Certification in Public Administration.

Community Involvement: Finance Council Member of the Saint William of York Catholic Church
Founding Member of the Stafford Education Foundation

Questions and Answers

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

Rudy: Experience, Leadership, Results

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

Rudy: FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE: I have the knowledge and experience to maintain sound internal controls, manage cash flows and ensure the collection of all local and state revenues are accounted for efficiently and accurately. I am proud of the Treasurer’s Office role in achieving the Triple-A bond rating for Stafford County, from three separate rating agencies.

TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN INITIATIVES: Through continuous analysis of identifying opportunities to implement technology solution initiatives, enhance collection productivity, improve internal processes and deliver efficient cost-effective services to the citizens continues to be my objective and priority.

SERVICE EXCELLENCE: The Treasurer’s Office provides the highest level of customer service excellence to all citizens of Stafford County. I will continue to improve payment options and services that save our citizens time and money.

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

Rudy: The Treasurer is the custodian of all public monies and is responsible for ensuring that all Local and State funds are collected, received, invested, safeguarded and properly disbursed. The Treasurer is a constitutional officer who reports directly to the citizens.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Rudy: As Stafford County Treasurer since 2008, I have successfully implemented several technology-driven initiatives to increase revenue collections and deliver a high level of service excellence, including the award-winning “myStafford” online payment portal. Prior to being elected as Treasurer, I had a 28-year career in Banking and Investment Management.

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

Rudy: The Stafford County Treasurer’s Office provides several delivery channels to communicate with our citizens, including office hours, by phone, email, live chat and through our “myStafford” portal.

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

Rudy: My first reaction to this question was “no, of course, I haven’t made a mistake.” A wrong decision, a wrong choice, maybe. However, as I thought on this more, I have always been of the mindset to FAIL FORWARD. I have certainly tried something new or different that didn’t go as well as planned or wasn’t the right choice to resolve an issue. I have been told on more than one occasion that everyone makes mistakes. So yes, I am not perfect, I have certainly made mistakes. While it is so much better to learn from others’ mistakes, I have had my share. The key is to learn from them.

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

Rudy: I have been honored to serve and provide leadership in times of change and growth to the citizens of Stafford County as their Treasurer since 2008. Under my tenure, I have improved efficiencies within the Treasurer’s Office and in other County departments and agencies. I want to continue bringing new initiatives to the Treasurer’s Office that will streamline internal processes, increase efficiencies and enhance cost-effectiveness to support and improve the citizens’ quality of life in Stafford County.

Thomas Coen, a former Stafford County high school teacher, is running for re-election as George Washington District Supervisor. He is focusing on controlling development and growth in the county, preserving rural space while encouraging modern businesses to open up shop.

Name: Thomas “Tom” Coen

Party: Independent

Town: Stafford

Running for: George Washington District Supervisor

Website: Facebook

Work: Educator

Education: BS in Government from Suffolk University
Masters in Education from George Mason University
Masters in Political Science from American Military University

Community Involvement: Currently serving as George Washington District Supervisor. Served on the Planning Commission for four years, two years as Chair. Served on and chaired the Stafford County Public Schools Citizen Advisory Committee on the Capital Improvement Plan. Sings in the choir and is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Questions and Answers

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

Coen: 1. Plan for growth while preserving our rural character and protecting property rights.
2. Supporting our Public Service employees — first responders, education and government services — to stop the hemorrhaging of employees to other counties.
3. Expand and diversify our economic development, particularly 21st-century businesses.

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

Coen: 1. Develop and implement plans to encourage growth in the desired areas — the Targeted Growth Areas — and continue to fund voluntary programs for land preservation.
2. Continue to implement programs to retain employees and attract new employees. We have listened to our first responders and have developed a compensation plan. This needs to be implemented.
3. Since serving on the planning commission I have worked towards attracting new, cutting-edge industries to come to Stafford. We have made progress, especially in our district. We need to be creative and continue reaching out to 21st century businesses.

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

Coen: First, to meet the needs of the citizens in dealing with immediate concerns and in looking into the future and planning ahead.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Coen: With my years of experience in local government — particularly in Stafford — I have knowledge of the issues, the system, and importantly the people involved. Additionally, my abilities to listen, think outside the box and bring people together help get things accomplished.

In the short time I have been on the board we have worked together on getting the Potomack Tribal Center established, the fire training class instituted into the school system, addressed growth, transportation and the hemorrhaging of employees to other counties. There is more to do.

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

Coen: Our citizens are very well-informed and care deeply about our county. I will continue to put forth information and gather opinions to post on my Facebook page and hold town halls on specific issues.

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

Coen: All people, including myself, make mistakes — whether in a vote, responding to a person, or sending an email. It is important to learn from the mistake and make better choices in the future.

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

Coen: The commitment to public service runs deeply in me, starting in high school. It is important that people know that their representatives care and listen to them. Equally important, they must work with others to achieve results that improve people’s lives. The great strides we have taken are a result of bringing people together. I am proud of my role in that and would be honored to have their vote.

Don Scoggins, a retired Woodbridge resident with many years of experience in government and business, is running to be Chairman for the Prince William County Board of Supervisors.

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

Name: Donald Ellison Scoggins

Party: Independent

Town: Woodbridge

Running for: Chairman, Prince William County Board of Supervisors

Website: scoggins4chairman.com, Facebook

Work: Retired

Education: Hampton University, B. Arch.
University of Pittsburgh, Masters Urban and Regional Planning

Community Involvement: Don is a member of numerous groups created to examine and educate the citizens about local concerns. These include: Prince William Committee of 100, Mid-County Civic Association, Lake Ridge Occoquan Coles Civic Association, Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association and Dale City Civic Association.

Don also has broad and engaging record of community leadership and service with variety of other organizations and non-profit. Prince William National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), former executive committee member; Prince William County Human Rights Commission, commissioner; American Legion Post 114 (Manassas), immediate past commander; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1503, member; First Home Alliance, board chairperson; Frederick Douglass Housing Corporation, co-founder; and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (life member).

Questions and Answers

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

Scoggins: Economic development; Improve inter-county transportation network; and Education system serving all students.

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

Scoggins: 1. Create more robust economic development process.
2. Experiment with various transportation modules.
3. Task the school system with totally reviewing its curriculum.

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

Scoggins: The county chairman shall be the chairman of the board and preside at the meetings thereof. The chairman shall represent the county at official functions and ceremonial events; and shall have all rights, privileges, and duties of other members of the board and such others, not in conflict with this article, as the board may prescribe. In addition, the chairman shall have the power to call special meetings of the board in accordance with the procedures and restrictions of Code of Virginia § 15.2-1418, mutatis mutandis; set the agenda for board meetings; however, any such agenda may be modified by an affirmative vote of the board; appoint county representatives to regional boards, authorities and commissions authorized in advance by the board.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Scoggins: With years of employment experiences involving government and the private sector, I am accustomed to working under pressure and will bring innovative, non-ideological thinking to this office.

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

Scoggins: In my opinion, the average citizen is not very informed about local government. I propose creating monthly newsletters and convening semi-annual public meetings and establish and publish weekly open office hours.

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

Scoggins: With interests in a broad range of activities, I’ve learned after many years juggling various volunteer assignments to prioritize my time and focus on important matters and not become too over committed.

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

Scoggins: I feel very qualified to occupy a leadership role within Prince William County, given my well prepared education and having a very diverse professional career involving military experience, local and federal government employment, 25 years of private business ownership, and many years of committed community service.

Muneer Baig, a small business owner from Manassas, is running to be Chairman for the Prince William County Board of Supervisors.

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

Name: Muneer Baig

Party: Independent

Town: Manassas

Running for: Chairman, Prince William County Board of Supervisors

Website: muneerbaig.com, Facebook

Work: Small Business Owner

Education: Kashmir, Bachelors

Community Involvement: Muneer has 21 years of community involvement. He currently serves as:

• Member of Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) Northern Virginia Regional Node
• Vice-Chair of the American Public Transportation Association Communications and Controls Security Working Group
• Member of the American Public Transportation Association Enterprise Security Working Group
• Member of Prince William County Schools Career and Technology Education Board
• Member of NVRC (NOVA) Cyber Training & Education Roadmap Steering Committee
• Member George Mason University SciTech Advisory Board of Directors
• Member of Prince William County Chamber of Commerce
• Keystone Member
• Policy Committee Member
• Non-Profit Council Member
• Ambassador Committee Member
• Economic Development Committee Member
• Education and Innovation Committee Member
• Advisory Board member of C3 International

Questions and Answers

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

Baig: Education, Transportation, Development (Economic and Land)

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

Baig: Provide the school system the funds and resources necessary to prepare our kids for the 21st century with KPI that allow us to measure the Return on Investment by measuring the skills, knowledge and ability of our kids to excel in the world.

Create short-term alternate modes of transportation to address the commuter concerns while planning for the long term permanent fix to our traffic nightmares. This includes RT 28 bypass, direct bus services to Fairfax and connectors within the community. Long term plan to bring public transportation solutions like Metro and VRE to other parts of Prince William.

Plan for smart-managed growth that takes into account everything from the inception. Our county will grow, if we don’t manage it we will end up like some of our surrounding jurisdictions.

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

Baig: Enhancing the quality of life of our county resident and providing a healthy environment for our business to grow and flourish.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Baig: I bring 30 years of experience working in the private sector and 8+ years of small business expertise combined with 28 plus years of community service and serving on many boards and committees. My whole bio is available online at muneerbaig.com/meet-muneer/.

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

Baig: No, I intend to expand our communication capabilities by doing town halls across the county on a regular basis. I want to start with a monthly town hall schedule in each area poof the county and expand the schedule if needed to increase awareness and communication. I want to hear from people directly at a time that is convenient to them not at my convenience. I am running to serve the community and i want to make sure that i am serving not being served, which is the case today.

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

Baig: We all make mistakes. I have not made any in my public life. In my personal life i have seen them as opportunities for improvement and learned from them .

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

Baig: I am someone who understands what it takes to raise a family, succeed in a career, build a business and give back to the community.

I am also someone who knows what it takes to keep the family united regardless of our differences.

I am someone who knows how to get up back on your feet when you fall on your face. These life experiences of a common man make me a unique candidate for the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.

As your Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, I want to use my experience to enhance the greatness of Prince William County by cherishing its diversity and making it an inclusive county. I want to be the Chairman for all people regardless of where they came from, what they believe in or do not believe in, regardless of their affiliations and regardless of the color of their skin.

Human rights are universal. As your next Chairman I will make sure everyone’s rights in our county are protected. There will be no discrimination against anyone based on their beliefs, race, ethnicity, gender or affiliations. We will together put the building blocks for “One Prince William” – A Community where people can come together to Live, Work and Enjoy.

Editor’s note: This post has been corrected. An earlier version incorrectly labeled Baig as a Republican.