Ruth Anderson is running for re-election as the Occoquan District Supervisor for the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. She has held the office for four years.

Name: Ruth Anderson

Party: Republican

Town: Woodbridge

Running for: Occoquan District Supervisor, Prince William Board of County Supervisors

Website: ruth4supervisor.com, Facebook

Work: Supervisor, BOCS; Retired USAF Nurse Corps

Education: BSN, U of Minnesota
MSN, U of Kansas
USAF Squadron Officer School, Air Command & Staff College and Air War College

Community Involvement: Chair, Potomac Rappahannock Transportation Commission; BOD, Virginia Association of Counties; BOD, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments; Outreach Council, Lake Ridge Baptist Church; Member, Society of Air Force Nurses; Member, American Legion Post 364, Woodbridge; Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7916 in Town of Occoquan

Questions and Answers

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

Anderson:  Economic Development: We need to increase our commercial tax base and increase the number of jobs. Transportation: Funding for traffic mitigation, new infrastructure and public transit.
Land-use decisions: Updating the Comprehensive Plan including small area plans, rural area.
Housing attainability for various income levels (per MWCOG Regional Initiative).
Public Schools: Funding for operations and capital needs along with school site-planning.
Public Safety/Health Needs: Keeping up with level of service needs in a growing county.

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

Anderson: We’ve built a great foundation for economic development over the past four years to include the hiring of a new economic development director, restructuring the economic development department, initiating a new small business resource center, and streamlining the permitting process. With this improved foundation, I will focus on helping to recruit targeted industries which can bring jobs to PWC.

For transportation infrastructure, three newly funded road projects will begin the design/construction phase. I will also lobby for more fixes to I-95, Route 28, and Old Bridge Road. In addition, I will continue to work toward improving the public transit commuter experience with enhanced VRE and bus service and improved commuter lots.

The Comprehensive Plan is undergoing major updates and will require several small area plan approvals and some major land-use decisions. I will work toward growth and development along public transit corridors and work to align our county plans for housing with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments regional plan.

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

Anderson: To represent the Occoquan District residents on the Board; supervise and direct county staff toward realizing the PWC strategic plan objectives; set state and federal legislative priorities; approve the county budget along with various tax rates; work with other elected officials locally and regionally to accomplish major economic development, transportation, housing, public safety, workforce development, human services and environmental goals.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Anderson: Leadership, problem-solving skills, passion for the mission, and the ability to pull people and groups together to accomplish goals. As the incumbent to this position, I now have four years of experience as a Supervisor and have built relationships with many elected officials and regional/local government leaders.

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

Anderson: Only a small percentage of residents are well-informed about local government issues. During my first term, my office sent two postal newsletters per year to all District residences and monthly email newsletters to thousands of residents. We also held three town halls in the spring and three in the fall in different locations across the District. The newsletters and town halls included updates on many county issues. I also coordinated a robust constituent tracker to ensure all residents requesting help were provided resources, solutions, etc. along with follow-up. We also used social media to get information quickly to followers.

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

Anderson: I always learn from situations that don’t go as well as planned or lead to unexpected negative consequences. But, I always keep my eye on the overall goals and constantly work toward them. Honestly, my only real regret is that there is not more time in each day to help make good things happen for and with the people of the Occoquan District.

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

Anderson: I have a record of transportation, economic development, human services, public safety and environmental accomplishments. I’d love to continue serving, continue to improve communication with residents and continue to Bring Prince William Home. Bring jobs home, bring commuters home safely, bring attainable housing home and bring quality of life home for all residents.

Paul Waldowski is running for Commissioner of the Revenue for Stafford. The position is currently held by Scott Mayausky.

Name: Paul Waldowski

Party: Independent

Town: Stafford

Running for: Commissioner of the Revenue

Website: Facebook

Work: Retired

Education: M.S. Computer Science Emphasis in Operations Research
University of Missouri-Rolla, 1987
B.S. Computing and Information Sciences
Oklahoma State University, 1981
A.A.S. Electronic Computer Systems Technology
Community College of the Air Force, 1979

Community Involvement: Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
Life Member of the United States Chess Federation (USCF)
Life member of the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association
Member of the American Legion
Member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 4488
Fought for Stafford County Ordinance 13-19 – trash removal for condominiums
USCF master level achievement plus two (2) state championships, MS and NE
Former youth basketball coach while on active duty with the USAF
Former certified Class B Stafford County youth soccer and T-ball coach
Former Widewater Elementary School and H.H. Poole Middle School chess coach
Former member of the Optimist Club of Rolla, Missouri
Former Boy Scout with the rank of Life and thirty one (31) merit badges

Questions and Answers

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

Waldowski:  First and foremost, I am running for the office of Stafford County Commissioner of the Revenue to “stop opinionated real estate appraisals from becoming your tax assessment.”

I will provide an open-minded mathematical based methodology that will assess the value of a property based on individuality. Unlike the opinionated 20-year appraisal practice in place comparing properties without regard for discrete property ID characteristics like acreage and easements.

That’s why many property owners choose to contest their assessed values to the Board Of Equalization made up of citizens in the real estate profession selected by the incumbent Commissioner of the Revenue. If elected, I will select impartial citizens who are Americans, not just Republicans and provide two full scholarships to OSU, one for Academics and the other for Athletics based on criteria to be determined.

Secondly, I will professionally update the current website restoring Value History information removed during an election year that clearly shows especially in the year 2006 and again in 2018 that the practices in place set property assessments at market value! Enhancing the web site so all property has recorded acreage and easements plus any other discrete property ID characteristics.

Finally, the mathematical definition of market value is “the most likely price that a given property will bring in an open-minded market transaction.” In plain English, “It is the price that a buyer is willing to pay for a property, and that a seller is willing to accept at the time the property is FOR SALE without regard of its tax assessment history.” God is not making any more land.

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

Waldowski: I will provide an open-minded mathematical based methodology that will assess the value of property on individuality. Unlike the opinionated twenty (20) year appraisal practice in place comparing properties without regard for discrete property ID characteristics like acreage and easements. That’s why many property owners choose to contest their assessed values to the Board Of Equalization (BOE) made up of citizens in the real estate profession selected by the incumbent Commissioner of the Revenue. If elected, I will select impartial citizens who are AMERICANS not just REPUBLICANS and provide two full scholarships to OSU, one for Academics and the other for Athletics based on criteria to be determined.

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

Waldowski: The Commissioner of the Revenue is the chief tax-assessing official of Stafford County. The responsibilities of Commissioners vary and I can address each one on an individual case by case basis. I will also assist taxpayers in completing all state tax returns and filing forms.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Waldowski: M.S. Computer Science Emphasis in Operations Research
University of Missouri-Rolla, 1987

Technical Lead – U.S. Senate Financial Management Information Systems (FMIS)

Project Manager at many Fortune 500 companies especially during Y2K

U.S. Air Force (USAF) Officer:
August 28, 1981 – February 1, 1994

U.S. Air Force (USAF) Enlisted Airman:
January 16, 1974 – August 27, 1981

U.S. Air Force (USAF) Reserves:
December 3, 1973 – January 15, 1974

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

Waldowski: No. By having town halls and workshops to educate my constituents.

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

Waldowski: No.

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

Waldowski: I want the job, whereas my opponents need it to maintain their careers. 1,461 days is four years and I will clean up the swamp that exists in this county where only three commissioners of the revenue have been in office during the past one hundred (100) years. Change is what needs to be returned to the taxpayers.

Scott Mayausky is running for re-election as Commissioner of the Revenue for Stafford. He has served as Commissioner of the Revenue since 2000 and wants to continue incorporating innovative technology in the County.

Name: Scott Mayausky 

Party: Republican

Town: Stafford

Running for: Commissioner of the Revenue

Website: scott4us.com, Facebook

Work: Retired Research Scientist

Education: North Stafford High School, 1990
West Virginia University, B.A. 1995
Johns Hopkins University, M.A. 2011

Community Involvement: Mayausky serves as President of the Stafford Museum and Cultural Center. In that capacity, he is leading efforts to build a community facility that will enable Stafford to share its diverse and rich history. In addition, he volunteers for several organizations throughout the region and serves them in various capacities.

Questions and Answers

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

Mayausky:  1) Continue to expand the award winning MyStafford Citizen Portal to include online business filings and account maintenance. This will allow greater access to services for our customers while limiting the need for manual processing by staff.

2) Technology is changing the assessment profession. I want to keep Stafford County at the forefront of innovation by utilizing the latest in software innovations. By employing the newest mobile technologies and optical character recognition we are able to cut down on human error and keep staff sizes at the same levels as 1999.

3) Customer Service is always one of my top issues. I will continue to find the best ways to serve and engage our growing and diverse community.

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

Mayausky: 1) We have worked to maintain a strong partnership with the Stafford County Treasurer’s Office and will continue working with them to develop new filing and payment methods. This includes expanding online services and increasing accessibility through user friendly mobile apps.

2) We continue to partner with leading software development companies to create and implement new software and technologies. This includes utilizing GIS (Geographic Information System) and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology. These technologies will allow us to better analyze data, eliminate human error and improve efficiency. It is this approach that has enabled us to operate with the same number of employees we have had since 1999.

3) In order to provide great customer service we must first understand the needs of the community we serve. Through public outreach and an office culture that celebrates public service, we pride ourselves in meeting the needs of our diverse and changing community. Whether it’s through social media, new technologies or a simple act of compassion we aspire to help, educate and serve.

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

Mayausky: As chief assessing officer for Stafford County, the Commissioner is responsible for discovering and valuing $18 billion of real estate and $2 billion in personal property. The office generates 70% of all local revenue which amounts to more than $220 million. This revenue funds every local service Stafford County provides its citizens.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Mayausky: I have served as Commissioner since 2000. In that time the office has become a leader in Virginia for tax policy and innovation. I have developed and instructed courses for the Commissioner’s Association and currently serve as the Chair of the Career Development Committee. In addition I have hosted several international delegations and lead discussions regarding international tax policies in developing nations.

In 2010 I became the first Commissioner appointed as a licensed member of the Commonwealth’s Real Estate Appraisal Board by Governor McDonnell. I am an Accredited Member of the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) and recently won the coveted Public Sector Champion award from the Thomson Reuters Corporation.

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

Mayausky: Given the complexity of tax law it is difficult for the public to fully understand the intricacies and how it impacts them and their families. I have always been a proponent of transparency and education. From attending neighborhood HOA meetings to recording videos for social media, I try to meet citizens where they are and provide information in a simple yet comprehensive manner. I will continue to leverage technology as a tool to communicate and educate.

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

Mayausky: Yes! In my 20-year career I have had to change my management style from a top down micro-manager to one that is able to recognize the strengths of each employee and empowers them to affect change.

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

Mayausky: I have demonstrated a lifetime of commitment to Stafford County and a 20-year record of success. In that time I have not been afraid to tackle difficult issues and discuss them publicly. From controversial tax policy proposals to assessment issues I have always fought for the best interests of Stafford’s citizens.

On October 21 at 6:00 p.m., officers were called to investigate an assault that was reported at the Prince William Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) located at 14873 Dumfries Road.

• The investigation revealed that the victim, a 17-year-old male juvenile inmate, was in a common area within the facility when another inmate, identified as the accused, began assaulting him.
• During the encounter, the victim was struck several times in the head and face. The parties were eventually separated by staff. The victim was transported to an area hospital with significant injuries.
• Following the investigation, the accused, identified as a 15-year-old male juvenile, was charged.

Arrested on October 23: [Juvenile]

• A 15-year-old male juvenile of Woodbridge
• Charged with malicious wounding
• Court Date: Pending | Status: Remains incarcerated at the JDC

Thomas Q. Miller, Jr., an avid fisherman, and outdoor enthusiast, died on October 19, he was 60.

Tommy recently retired from the DEA after 22 years of service. He previously held various other positions around the Northern Virginia area. He also worked for Woodward & Lothrop for 17 years.

In addition to fishing, Tommy loved the outdoors. He would spend many hours hiking in Prince William Forest Park.

He also spent many enjoyable days at the beach with family and friends. Easter was an especially fond time as he would gather with family and friends at his home. He loved all animals but especially treasured time with his dogs, Nellie and Buddy.

Preceded in death by his brother Hans and father Thomas, Tommy is survived by his loving wife Karen Sue of Midland, his Mother Inge Wertz from Germany, Step-Father Bernie Wertz from Pennsylvania, Sisters Susan Kearney and Sandra Lee LaBanca as well as several nephews and nieces. He left a legacy of lifetime friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the SPCA or Prince William Forest Park.

A celebration of Tommy’s life will be held at a future date

It’s arguably one of the most important transportation projects in our region — rebuilding Long Bridge.

• It carries rail traffic over the Potomac River, bridging Virginia and Washington, D.C.
• The new $1.9 billion bridge would serve to increase Virginia Railway Express and Amtrak capacity, potentially allowing for a one-seat VRE ride from Fredericksburg/Manassas to commuter rail stations in Maryland.
• It’s the largest rail bottleneck in the region.
• Virginia’s Department of Rail and Public Transit has pledged $250 million as as down payment for the new bridge.

Here are the details about Tuesday’s public hearing in Washington, D.C.

• Open House format: 4 to 7 p.m.
• Formal presentations followed by public comment: 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. (same presentation at both times)
• DCRA Building, Room E200 1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
  Purpose of the Meeting
• The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invite the public to a public hearing for the Long Bridge Project Draft
• Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation, and Draft Section 106 Programmatic Agreement (PA). Publication of the DEIS is a milestone in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) processes.
• Through the DEIS, DDOT and FRA provide an in-depth analysis of the Project’s potential impacts and benefits to environmental and cultural resources.

This public hearing is also part of the concurrent consultation for Section 4(f) of the United States Department of Transportation Act of 1966 and Section 106 of the NHPA. The DEIS is available on the

Directions and location details: Room E200 is located on the second floor of the DCRA building adjacent to the elevators.

• Bring an ID to show at the entrance in order to access the building. Please be sure to allow an additional 15 minutes to go through security.

Getting to the Meeting: Metrorail: Waterfront Station (Green Line) Bus: Metrobus routes 74, A9, P6, and V1; Circulator Eastern Market-L’Enfant Plaza route

• Be sure to check out goDCgo.com to learn about transportation options for getting to the meeting.
• Directions from Waterfront Metro Station: A one-minute walk from the Metrorail Green line. Take the escalator/elevator to the ground level and walk straight, the building will be on your right.

Ann Wheeler, a former energy consultant with many years of experience as a financial manager, is running to be Chair of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors.

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

Name: Ann Wheeler

Party: Democrat

Town: Haymarket

Running for: Chair Prince William County Board of Supervisors

Website: wheelerforpwc.com, Facebook, Twitter

Work: Former Energy Consultant

Education: BSME Mechanical Engineering Tufts University MBA University of Chicago

Community Involvement: 14 years on the NOVEC Board, currently on the Hylton Performing Arts Center Board for the past two years, immediate past President of the Committee of 100, on the Board of Social Services for five years (2006-2011) Chairman the last two.

Less recent involvement includes Leadership Prince William, Alvey Boundary Committee, Stonewall Middle School Advisory Board, Gainesville Budget Committee, and Shelter Lakes HOA President.

Questions and Answers

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

Wheeler: Overcrowded classrooms and below-average teacher pay, transit solutions to help alleviate road congestion, Economic Development

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

Wheeler: 1) Make schools a top budget priority, adjust the revenue sharing agreement and advocate for more state funding for our schools

2) Support fixing Route 28, studying the Metro Blue Line to Woodbridge, expansion of VRE service, development near transportation nodes and expanded commuter bus service

3) Target medical and biotech industries to build off the GMU campus, further support technology innovation companies that support data centers and be a small business incubator.

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

Wheeler: The Chair will have a vision for the county and work with the district supervisors to best serve each area. The chair will work collaboratively with all board members to set the agenda and focus priorities. The Chair will represent the county and set the tone for leading us into the next phase of change.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Wheeler: I managed multi-million dollar projects in my energy career. I have sat on the board of NOVEC, a very successful $500 million company. I have experience within the county budget from budget committee work as well as when Chair of the Board of Social Services and have a background in Finance. I have successfully lead various organizations I have been involved in and know how to get the best out of people I am working with.

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

Wheeler: I think the average citizen pays little attention to the workings of local government as they live their daily life. I would like to use more of today’s social media to reach our average citizen and inform them about county happenings that they may want to be involved in.

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

Wheeler: I have definitely made mistakes thorough out my pubic service career and have learned from each one how to be more effective.

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

Wheeler: They should vote for me because I know the county well and I know I can make improvements to enhance not only its reputation, but its operations. I am a proven leader who knows people throughout the county and works well with others.

I am a capable financial manager, as well as someone who can see the big picture and have a vision to lead us where we want to go. I love Prince William County and want to make it the best place to live in Northern Virginia for everyone who resides here.

Dr. Elizabeth Warner is running to represent the Griffis-Widewater District on the Stafford County School Board. Her focuses are on teacher recruitment and retention, offering better pay and benefits for area educators.

The position is currently held by Jamie Decatur, who is running for re-election.

Name: Elizabeth Warner

Party: Independent

Town: Stafford

Running for: Stafford County School Board – Griffis-Widewater District

Website: elizabethwarner4staffordschools.com, Facebook

Work: Retired Research Scientist

Education: PhD in Biology from University of North Carolina Charlotte

Community Involvement: Warner has worked on environmental issues related to the Potomac River. She also mentors and advises students seeking to go to medical school.

Questions and Answers

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

Warner: Recruitment and retention of qualified teachers. We are spending money to recruit teachers, only to lose them to surrounding communities.

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

Warner: We have to offer competitive pay, and benefits. In order to help them do their jobs, we need to make certain we have the support staff available so we are not burdening them with additional duties that distract from their teaching.

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

Warner: I believe the School Board must work hand in hand with the Board of Supervisors, the community and educators to ensure that we are meeting the educational needs of our students. That we are appropriating funds for the capital and operational budgets that meet our current and future needs. That our decisions should be based on evidence not political ideology.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Warner: As a research scientist, I worked and collaborated with a variety of people to establish and meet research goals within defined budgets and timelines. I have written and been awarded research grants, mentored students and resident physicians, hired and trained technicians and interns. Science is not just an academic endeavor, but a business.

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

Warner: I think most people trust their elected officials to make decisions based on the interests of the people they represent. I do not think most people understand the complexities and constraints that officials deal with. As an elected official it is your duty to make decisions no matter how controversial they may be, but if you do that based on facts, evidence and data, you should be able to explain it. I would like to have town hall sessions with my constituents at least quarterly in order to discuss their concerns and explain what issues are being addressed on the School Board.

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

Warner: I cannot think of an egregious mistakes, but we all make them. I think the key to that is what have I learned and how have I adjusted my life in response. I have never run for office before, so there are no public mistakes.

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

Warner: Education has been one of my core values. I am a lifelong learner, student, teacher, mentor and parent. I feel strongly that the key to our future is in educating our students and preparing them for life after graduation. I will work hard to do what I believe is right for our children, our schools, and our community. I think we need leaders who act on behalf of their community, not a political ideology.