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?

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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?

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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?

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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. 

This post is part of our Project:Election series, our annual look at candidates running for local office. 

• Election Day is November 5. 
• Find your polling place. 

Doug Taggart, an engineer and small business owner, is running to become the Potomac District Supervisor for Prince William County. His focuses include transportation and improved business development in the county.

Name: Doug Taggart

Party: Republican

Town: Dumfries

Running for: Supervisor Potomac District

Website: dtaggartforsupervisor.com

Work: President of a Small Business

Education: US Coast Guard Academy (BSEE) & Purdue University (MSEE)

Community Involvement: Board Member Montclair Property Owners Association (1997-present)
President & CEO Azalea Charities, Inc. (1999-present)
Montclair Lions Club (1995 – present)
Hylton Crew Boosters President (1996-2000)
PWC Industry Development Authority (Jan 2019 – present)

Questions and Answers

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

Taggart: Transportation, Schools, Jobs

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

Taggart: I will take good ideas from wherever they originate, listen with an open mind to opposing views, and work cooperatively with other members of the Board of Supervisors to advance smart and judicious ideas that will benefit all of us.

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

Taggart: Represent constituents at the local government level in the development and approval of annual budgets; conduct legislative activities impacting the county; (ordinances, tax rates, appointments); manage the development of land use plans, coordinate with other governmental activities impacting Prince William County.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Taggart: As an engineer I appreciate the complexity of issues. I enjoy the challenge of thinking of ways to make things work better and paying attention to detail. I bring to the job 22 years of serving as a Board member on the Montclair Property Owners Association. In addition I have 20+ years serving as a U.S. Coast Guard officer and an additional 10+ years serving as the President & CEO of a small business providing professional engineering and technical services to the Department of Defense. These management duties have prepared me well for the challenges of working with a broad spectrum of issues as a member of the Board of County Supervisors for Prince William County.

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

Taggart: From August 2005 to August 2006, I applied for and was accepted as a Congressional Science and Engineering fellow serving on the staff of a member of Congress during the second session of the 109th Congress. The fellowship program (I was 1 of 30 total fellows selected that year) was coordinated by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). One of the key takeaways I had from that experience was that when constituents speak, you need to listen as those that take the time to make an inquiry know the issues and have strong feelings on those issues.

If I am afforded the opportunity to serve as a member of the PWC Board of Supervisors I will dedicate myself to keeping constituents informed through a wide and diverse collection of communication technologies, e.g., newsletters, social media venues, interviews, townhalls, etc…

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

Taggart: I have not made any mistakes in my public life but rather I would suggest that I have been very fortunate in my life experiences and believe that my educational background, my community service activities, and the support of my family have prepared me well to continue to serve as a member of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors.

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

Taggart: My leadership experiences are founded on my years as a Coast Guard Officer, a Small Business President and CEO, the President & CEO of a non-profit organization (Azalea Charities, Inc.) that raises funds to support a dual mission (Aid for Wounded Warriors and youth and special needs projects in our local Northern Virginia area). I ask people to consider voting for me because I will promise to listen with an open mind to the advice and ideas of the business leaders, parents, students, teachers, first responders, and all those who comprise the backbone of our community to make Prince William County an even greater place to live, work, and do business.

Jacqueline Gaston wants to bring her more than 25 years of educational experience to the School Board Coles District. She wants to improve teacher retention and educational equity.

Name: Jacqueline Gaston

Party: Independent

Town: Manassas

Running for: Prince William County School Board — Coles District

Website: jg4pwcsboard.org, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Work: Career and Transition Teacher

Education: University of Connecticut B.S. in Human Development and Family Relations, Central Connecticut State University Special Education Teaching Certificate Post Graduate, George Mason University Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.

Community Involvement: For the last 10 years, Jacqueline Gaston has worked to protect public values, foster change and make a difference in the community.  She strongly believes that civic engagement is critical to strengthening our public education system. At Yorkshire Elementary, a very diverse Title 1 school, she served on the Parent Teacher Organization for 7 years, 3 of those years as their PTO President, as well as on the School Advisory Council, School Counselling Committee and as a parent volunteer.  They worked to develop strong relationships with students, families and staff in order to create a safe and enjoyable academic environment where all students are supported academically, emotionally, and culturally.

Gaston served on the PWCS Principal’s Interview Panel for the Yorkshire Elementary School Principal selection. During this time she also worked closely with Marty Nohe, Coles District Supervisor, to create the Yorkshire Civic Association with the goal of bringing together residents, community businesses, schools and local government officials interested in neighborhood improvement.

While at Parkside Middle School, she served as the School Advisory Committee (SAC) Secretary for 4 years and currently as their President for the 2018-2019 academic year.  Their goal is to promote communication between PKMS staff and the community in order to work together for instructional program planning purposes and strategic planning.  Gaston participated in the Comprehensive Review of PWCS Special Education Pre-K – Grade 12 programs in 2018, as well as attended the Superintendents Advisory Council on Instruction Best Practices Conference at Ashland Elementary School for the 2016-2017 school year and again on February 14, 2019 at Forest Park High School.

At PKMS her children participated in the Cambridge Program, World Language Program, Global Perspectives, the Music Program, Athletics, Special Education Program and their award winning VEX Robotics and Botball Program. During these elementary school and middle school years, Gaston taught Religious Education for All Saints Catholic Church and coached soccer for Northern Virginia Soccer Association.

Since Fall 2017, she has served on the Principal’s Advisory Council at Osbourn Park High School. The Principal’s Advisory Council (PAC) involves open chair time where topics and questions can be discussed directly with the Principal. Agenda items are also discussed as part of the school’s strategic plan. She and her family continue to support the OPHS BioTechnology Program, OPHS Music Boosters, OPHS Athletic Boosters, OPHS PTSO and as of next year the NJROTC Program.  All three boys will be at OPHS as of Fall 2019.

In the Fall 2018, she attended the Superintendent’s Business Breakfast hosted by Dr. Walts and attended the CTE Career Connections Event at the Edward Kelly Center. She was invited to the PWCS 2019 Outstanding Educators Reception at Colgan HS and the PWCS Best Practices Conference at Forest Park High School on February 14th.

Questions and Answers

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

Gaston: Advocating for more educational resources, educational equity and opportunity, and closing achievement gaps.

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

Gaston: Improving teacher retention in particular in under performing schools, enhancing educational resources to close the achievement gaps, and promoting equity for the entire school system so all students can achieve and have the same opportunities.

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

Gaston: A school board member is a leader and champion for education in their community. Together the school board should establish a community of lifelong learners, responsible citizens and create champions of global success. They should promote a sense of community with high expectations and high academic achievements for all students.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Gaston: Twenty five years of educational experience and training, community advocacy and understanding of the educational community.

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

Gaston: My goal is transparency with my constituents through communicating with the Coles Community about their specific needs. I want them to be comfortable coming to me with questions and concerns, and not worry that I am pushing some hidden political agenda. I want to be their voice on the school board who represents our community’s diverse needs in PWCS decisions.

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

Gaston: No.

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

Gaston: I have worked in education for twenty five years with a boots on the ground approach. I want to bring my extensive school system experience and education to PWCS. I am the change we need in the Coles District and the voice we deserve. I am passionate and committed to working hard for PWCS.  I am not a career politician by any means, but I do believe wholeheartedly in the sanctity of public education and providing a world class education for all students. I am dedicated to learning all aspects of PWCS to better serve our community. You can look forward to my continued work PWCS. The best is yet to come.

Andrea Bailey, a local small business owner, is running for the Prince William Board of County Supervisors for the Potomac District. She brings more than 17 years of community involvement and a strong focus on mental health services.

Name: Andrea Bailey

Party: Democrat

Town: Dumfries

Running for: Prince William County Board of Supervisors — Potomac District

Website: voteandreabailey.com, Twitter, Facebook

Work: Small Business Owner, Affairs Remembered LLC

Education: Bachelor of Science in Media Studies from Webster University Masters of Science in Human Resource Management and Development from National-Louis University

Community Involvement: Andrea Bailey has been involved in the community for more than 17 years and has gained extensive experience serving the citizens of the Commonwealth as a member of the Governor’s transition team (2018), and a member of the Virginia Board of Psychology.

Bailey has worked to protect Prince William County’s environment as a member of the Wetlands Commission and by registering more than 10,000 voters as a member of the League of Conservation Voters.

She serves the community as a board member of the non-partisan Committee of 100, the Prince William County Boys and Girls Club, and Project Mend-A-House. She is also a recipient of the professional Leaders Award from Dale City Christian Church.

Questions and Answers

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

Bailey: Transportation, Economic Development, and Mental Health

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

Bailey: Transportation – I will collaborate with our State representatives, Fairfax County, and other stakeholders to extend metro rail services to Prince William County.

Economic Development – I will collaborate with the County Board of Supervisors and the Chamber of Commerce to focus on job training programs in Prince William County to ensure initiatives align. We must work with local community colleges to create programs that will produce the skills needed to satisfy the workforce demands of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Northern Virginia. I will lobby for providing start-up incentives to aspiring small business owners such as providing business owners counseling, and access to small business grants and other financial resources.

Mental Health – We must continue to sufficiently fund programs for our neighbors who are suffering from or are at risk of developmental delays, learning disabilities, substance abuse, and mental illness. Ensuring adequate special education teachers and school counselors are hired is critical to addressing this subject with our children. As our population grows, our need for mental health treatment facilities, homeless shelters, elder and childcare facilities, and family service centers must also grow at an equal rate.

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

Bailey: Beyond the technical responsibilities of development and approval of annual budgets, legislative activities, and managing the development of land use, the foremost responsibility of the Office of County Supervisor is to represent all people of the county; to hear and work tirelessly to address their needs and improve their quality of life. The office is also responsible for being good stewards of taxpayer dollars and to always operate with the utmost integrity, transparency, and professionalism.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Bailey: The experience I gained at Fortune 100 companies not only sharpened my business acumen, but also provided critical insights that have defined my vision for transportation initiatives to address regional congestion. As a small business owner I understand the challenges that small business owners face. My experience working with a lot of nonprofits showed me the importance of bringing awareness and attention to current community issues by engaging in non-partisan dialogue with elected officials.

As the primary caregiver for my mother, I am keenly aware of the demands of providing a safe, healthy and productive environment for aging seniors. My diverse background of experiences has taught me how to think strategically, and work with people of all backgrounds and views to find common purpose where we can work to improve our community together.

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

Bailey: Participation in the political process is a personal choice. Given the multiple mediums of communications like television, internet, and social media, access is plentiful. I’m available on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For those who prefer public engagements, I issue press releases to educate and inform the public of issues that impact our community, and hold town halls for community input on concerns facing the county.

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

Bailey: I’ve never made a public facing mistake. I’ve always strived to avoid mistakes of judgment, ethics, and morality. When I make mistakes, I’ve always used them as an opportunity to learn from them, and never repeat them.

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

Bailey: I am a community leader and I’ve been working to advance this community for the last 17 years. From my work on the Virginia Commonwealth Board of Psychology, to my work at Project Mend a House, or my committed involvement in my church, I have been leading and working at all levels of our community.

I’m asking the people to vote for me because my wealth of experience leading at all levels, and because of my many existing relationships with State and Local Officials, and community leaders that will help us address the challenges of transportation, economic development, and mental health that our country faces.

Rhonda Dickson, retired Prince William County Deputy, seeks the position of Prince William County Sheriff. Morale and officer safety are some of her top priorities.

Name: Rhonda Dickson

Party: Independent

Town: Woodbridge

Running for: Prince William County Sheriff

Website: rhondadicksonforsheriff.com, Facebook

Work: Retired Prince William County Deputy
Part time at Mission BBQ as the Community Ambassador

Education: Trinity Temple Academy

Community Involvement: Rhonda Dickson is an active member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Questions and Answers

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

Dickson: 1. Morale and manning 2. Officer safety 3. Building security

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

Dickson: 1. Ensure employees have a voice and their concerns are heard and addressed.
2. Equip all cruisers with spotlights for officer safety during night time traffic stops. Future cruisers will also have climate control in the rear of the vehicles for humane transport of inmates and mental health consumers.
3. Create a K-9 unit for drug and explosives detection. Since 1983, there have been no major security upgrades to the Judicial Center. There are items that need to be addressed ASAP, but I will not discuss in the open because it will put the employees and citizens that come and go on a daily basis at risk.

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

Dickson: The Sheriff’s Office has three primary functions: Courthouse Security, Transportation and Civil Process. The Sheriff must also uphold the Constitution of Virginia to the utmost of their ability and answer to the citizens of Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park who elected them.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Dickson: I have 15 and a half years of experience with Prince William County Police Department. There I was a patrol officer, Emergency Vehicle Operations Center instructor and a Motor Officer. I was with the Sheriff’s Office for more than six years assigned to the Mental Health Transportation Unit and Courtroom Security as a Bailiff.

I am retired from the D.C. Air National Guard where I was Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist and earned a Meritorious Service metal. I have a diverse background, which provides me the experience needed to the office.

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

Dickson: Overall I believe the average citizen understands local government. For those that don’t, I will ensure that I am out and about meeting and greeting as many citizens as I can and involving myself in as many Community events as I possible can.

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

Dickson: I certainly have. I learn from those mistakes and ensure I don’t make the same ones again. That’s how you grow as a person.

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

Boddye: I bring something that has been lacking in that office for too many years — empathy for our employees and the citizens of Prince William County. I will employee a diverse group of people, keeping their needs and the needs of the citizens in mind. I will listen to the concerns of the citizens and address them to the best of my ability.

I have committed my life to public service for more than 42 years combined, and I’m not ready to stop. My heart belongs to my native Prince William County and I am ready to take on the challenges that she has for me.