Lynn Greene seeks Manassas City Council, says wasteful spending major issue

Lynn Greene is running for Manassas City Council with a goal to eliminate wasteful spending and lower taxes.

Name: Lynn Greene

Party: Republican

Town: Manassas

Running for: Manassas City Council

Website: lynnforcouncil.com, Facebook, Twitter

Work: I’m an accomplished C-Suite administrative professional with two decades of experience. Currently, I serve as Project Manager at Korn Ferry, providing project management, business administration, and research support to the Advancing Women team.

Education: Project Management Professional Certification (PMP)
In process [Through Project Management Institute (PMI)]

Fiduciary Administration Courses, Cannon Financial Institute, Florida
(Investment Fundamentals I, Fiduciary Administration I – III)

High School Diploma (General/Office Management Studies), Vicenza American High School, Italy

Community Involvement: For over 20 years, I have actively contributed to the City of Manassas in one way or another. I used to serve as team mom for all of my daughter’s activities to include dance team and step team or participate in school and community fundraisers. I continue to contribute to SERVE and provide backpacks/school supplies for Manassas City students annually. Currently, I serve as chair of the Keep Manassas Beautiful Advisory Committee and as a member of the Manassas City Parks, Culture & Recreation Committee. Last year, I participated in the Manassas City Leadership Academy, which allowed me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of public safety, public works, and economic development. I also gained valuable exposure to mock admin & budget exercises that the council regularly participates. Additionally, you will often find me at city council meetings or work sessions.

Questions and Answers

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

Greene: High Taxes, Wasteful Spending, & Lack of Transparency

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

Greene: The council needs to be more fiscally sensible while adopting policies to ensure responsible growth. Attracting high-quality small and medium-sized businesses to the area will help Manassas City trend towards a more robust, diversified commercial tax-base. Ultimately, this will lead to lower taxes while providing more opportunities to residents.

Regarding wasteful spending, we must incorporate additional town halls that focus on community engagement and approval of projects before they go on the comprehensive plan. Citizens agree some projects fall under “want” not “need.”

Closed-door meetings, especially ones where votes are taking place, should concern everyone. Residents deserve increased accountability and transparency. Besides, it will allow for greater understanding and encourage more community involvement.

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

Greene: City councils serve as the legislative branch of local government. They vote on laws, policies, and projects to manage the city’s goals. They are acting as a fiduciary over the city resources.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Greene: I bring a host of personal and professional experiences with me. As a long term resident and parent of an Osbourn High School graduate, I am very aware of just how much our schools & community have changed. From that, I offer a perspective which translates as a direct connection to the concerns & issues currently top of mind for our residents. Professionally speaking, I have a background of diverse project management experience in legal, finance, tax & accounting, and executive search. I also have the communication & interpersonal skills necessary to build positive relationships with my fellow council members, school board members, and administration. I believe my expertise correlates well with what I would need to be a successful council member.

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

Greene: Unfortunately, it is difficult for the average citizen to understand the inner workings of local government when so many topics are discussed behind closed doors. My goal is to increase transparency to foster a more open dialogue with our citizens. I will work hard to offer additional opportunities for the public to participate in decisions, including advocating for reoccurring quarterly town hall meetings. Also, I will work to ensure all communications are available in both English & Spanish.

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

Greene: Everyone makes mistakes. The challenge is learning the lesson from that experience and moving forward.

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

Greene: Manassas City residents should vote for me because I am the right candidate. I love my hometown, and I love the people here. We are a unique community. I do not want to see Manassas turned into Arlington. (No offense Arlington) My motive for running does not come from political aspirations. I consider myself a strong, influential leader. Influential leaders have visions and rally people behind that vision. My vision is one where Manassas City is a trendsetter. Let’s start the trend of maintaining our small-town feel. Let’s reject the idea that more equals progress. After all, our motto is Historic Heart Modern Beat. We could easily be more purposeful in the selection process when investing in projects. Resident input should be included not only at the beginning when identifying projects to go on the comprehensive plan but also sought throughout the entirety of the project. We should invest in our community and schools first. Making these small adjustments will shift the perception of our city. In doing so, we create a place where people desire to live & stay. If you feel like I do, I hope you will vote for me on Nov. 5th.