Join

Rogers says drive from Manassas Park City Center along Route 28 must be improved

Mike Rogers during a recent candidates forum called Manassas Park one of the best places to live in the U.S. 

Originally from Philadelphia, the pastor is making his first bid in a write-in campaign for a seat on the Manassas Park Governing Body.

Find your polling place

Manassas Park residents will head to the polls for the November 8, 2016 General Election to choose two people to fill two open council seats, and a new mayor.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Rogers, and all other candidates seeking office for the Manassas Park Governing Body. His responses are below: 
 
PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas Park residents?

Rogers:
Revenue Generation, Infrastructure, and Debt

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Rogers: 1) Attract large businesses to come to Manassas Park. 2) Review and identify all City Contract in order to identify which (if any) can be renegotiated and do so. 3) Reduce the number of suppliers and identify cost efficiencies that may be available and develop strategic relationships 4) Roadways must be developed, expanded, or manipulated to foment the persistent traffic along Manassas Drive from the City Center through Route 28. 5) Manassas City, Prince William County and Fairfax County must be convinced to take their proper part in re-engineering traffic 6) We attack the debt issue by increasing revenues not by increasing taxes.
 
Editor's note: Rogers says he'll increase revenue by working to lure large corporations to the city. 
From Rogers: 
 
To clarify, by increasing the revenue base using smart development (as an example encouraging large employers to open locations in Manassas Park and negotiating more with the City Center Developer to build-out the spaces that are in the City Center) we can attack the debt issue. I am opposed to increasing the amount of taxes that individuals already pay.

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

Rogers:
From my perspective, the City Council is an advocate for the people - own who has the chance to interact with people on a regular basis and one that has the duty of communicating their concerns. But, the City Council also has the duty of protecting the City, foreseeing issues, and being a stabilizing force. Lastly, I would say that the person on City Council has the duty of not going it alone , but of being a team player.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Rogers:
Accountant, contract manager, counselor, teacher

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of city government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency? 
 
Rogers: I feel that the average citizen is uninformed and does not understand the workings of local government. But, that is sad. I intend on being a change agent. I'll offer time in my office to school students, mom's, and businessmen. I'll conduct regular sessions with other members of the Governing Body focused on gaining understanding and finding ways to communicate with the citizens of Manassas Park in the way that they communicate.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
 
Rogers: I'm a pastor and a business leader. I make mistakes pretty regularly. But, I approach them by trying to be open and by asking for help to make things better.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
 
Rogers: Hopefully, the readers will see that I have been a leader throughout my professional life. I believe that when they see my willingness to listen to them and to drive their issues, they'll put their trust in me as a leader. The readers should vote for me because, regardless of whether or not I am elected as councilman, I am a leader in Manassas Park and have been one since I arrived.
 

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

Recent Stories

Prince William County Supervisors on Tuesday night approved a plan to rezone more than 60 acres of the Manassas Mall property, clearing the way for more than 1,000 new apartments, commercial storefronts, and pedestrian promenades to replace large areas of underused parking lots.

Stafford County supports Option C, a proposed new Rappahannock River crossing that promises to reduce traffic and connect Stafford with Fredericksburg, without relying on I-95.

A fake water advisory notice found on residents’ doors in North Stafford has prompted concern and an investigation by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.

With its pastel earrings, woodland-themed accessories, and shelves full of colorful handmade creations, To Bee is more than just Occoquan’s new gift shop — it’s a deeply personal tribute to love, loss, and artistic resilience.

The most anticipated night of the year is almost here! This Saturday, May 31, step into the romance, elegance, and charm of Paris—without ever leaving Washington, DC.

Join us for An Evening in Paris, an unforgettable soirĂ©e celebrating the best of French culture. Experience an immersive evening filled with gourmet French cuisine, refined wines, captivating live music, and the irresistible ambiance of the City of Light. Whether you’re a lifelong Francophile or simply love a night of sophistication, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss.

✨ Highlights of the evening include:

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Your Weight Matters National Convention

Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.

This unique Convention truly has something

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has

Ă—

Subscribe to our mailing list