By KJ Mushung
Dumfries, Va. – Dumfries Town Councilman Gerald Foreman II and Interim Mayor Nancy West are both running for mayor in a special election May 1 to determine who will serve the remaining two years of the term of the late Fred Yohey Jr.
Yohey was mayor at the time of his death on Nov. 6, 2011.
West discussed her reasons for running here.
Foreman said he’s running because the citizens and business owners of Dumfries are ready for new energy and new ideas.
“There is unlimited potential for our town, Quantico Creek and its waterfront, for our business owners and for our community in general. We are only limited by the current division within the town council and the lack of acceptance of new ideas,” said Foreman.
“We need to exchange ideas, listen to each other’s views, discuss all options and then vote for the betterment of the town,” said Foreman about how he’d see the council meetings operate.
Foreman would like to see the council address the town Business and Professional Licensing, or BPOL tax, reduce real estate taxes, approve an annual budget that both addresses operating costs and sets aside money to pay down debt.
In an interview, he said that if he doesn’t win the election for mayor, he will continue to serve the town as a councilmember. “I’m here to serve the town.”
Foreman noted that it’s important that good ideas expressed by a candidate during elections continue to go forward even if that person doesn’t get elected.
“Whether I win or lose this election, I know that I will make a difference on how the council operates, addresses citizens’ and business owners’ concerns and moves the town forward.”
