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Jones running for Mayor on record of rebuilding Manassas Park schools, facilities

Frank Jones  is seeking another term as Mayor of Manassas Park. It's a seat he's held for the past 12 years. 
 
He's running against Jeanette Rishell, who has served on the Manassas Park Governing Body.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Jones and Rishell. Jones' responses are below: 
 

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PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas residents?

Jones: The city must diversify its tax base. This is the single biggest issue facing our city, as all we do is based upon available tax revenue. Our schools, police, fire, and public works department depend on city resources to accomplish their respective missions.

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

Jones: Smart development. The city should engage the business community to develop available real estate in the city in such a way that increases and diversifies our tax base, while not increasing demand for city services. This is action the city is already undertaking. The city has a great opportunity to work with private industry to develop the land into both commercial property and age-restricted housing, neither of which increase demand on our school system, our single biggest city expense, while both increase tax revenue.

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

Jones: The Mayor is first and foremost the city and all its departments' leadership in and out of Manassas Park. In addition to that, the Mayor is to be an advocate and ambassador for the city when working with other locales, state and federal officials.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Jones: I have over 25 years experience serving Manassas Park residents. In addition to my service in the U.S. Navy and as the current Mayor I have served in a variety of positions: Member and former Chairman of Manassas Park School Board Vice-Chairman of the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Committee Member of Flory Center Small Business Council Commissioner on Northern Virginia Regional Commission Human Resources and Facilities Director for a Defense Agency with offices across the nation.
 
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? 
 
Jones: I think most citizens Local government affects our daily lives more than any other level of government. I think it crucial citizens take an active interest in what local government is doing. We have made the business of the Governing Body, as well as our school system, public works, and public safety as accessible as possible via the internet, cable TV, and social media. In addition to this, I have recently tried several telephone town halls, where citizens can get a brief city update from me, as well as ask questions and voice concerns. As we have seen a good response to these, I plan to hold more of these in the future.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
 
Jones: Yes, I have made mistakes. Each created a learning opportunity and an experience to improve personally moving forward.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
 
Jones: I have three things to offer Manassas Park: a record, a plan, and a vision for the city. During my tenure as Mayor, I led the city through the toughest economic period in the city's history. On my watch, the city's credit rating was upgraded from "BBB" to "A+" and city valuation has increased over $330 million in the last four years.
 
I led the efforts to rebuild our crumbling schools, community center, police and fire stations. Through our work, our city's first responders have some of the best facilities, vehicles, equipment, and training of any other jurisdiction in Northern Virginia; our state of the art police station is the envy of other departments in Virginia. Through all of this, we have made our city the 7th safest in the Commonwealth. We not only have a safe city to raise our children, but we have great schools to educate them. 
 
Now, I will tell you I didn't do any of this by myself, but rather by bringing people together to achieve a common goal. Leadership is the ability to work across political divides, personalities, and differing viewpoints to get the job done--this is the kind of leadership I offer Manassas Park.

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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Wolfe: Manassas needs a comprehensive plan for next 30 years

 

Mark Wolfe is running to keep his seat on the Manassas City Council. Spending eight years on the council as Republican. this is the first time he seeks office as a Democrat.

 
We sent a questionnaire to Wolfe and his responses are below: 

Find your polling place 

PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas residents?

Wolfe: Improving our schools, enhanced economic development and involving our citizens in planning for the future of Manassas.

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Wolfe: First, we need to engage our citizens in a comprehensive, public, strategic planning exercise. We need to fully understand the goals, desires and vision of the citizens of Manassas as we plan for the next 30 years.

After gaining citizen input, we can begin implementing programs and budgetary choices consistent with the vision expressed by the citizens.

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Decatur wants cash capital fund for Stafford schools, more resource officers

Jamie Decatur is running to for a seat on the Stafford County School Board.

She and her opponent Dana Rienboldt aim to replace Emily Fallon who is sentenced to serve one year in prison after she stole more than $23,000 from the Anne E. Moncure Elementary School PTO, while she was the president of the organization. 

The Stafford County School Board appointed Melissa Ayres to fill the seat in June on a temporary basis. Ayres chose not to seek election to the seat on a permanent basis, said Stafford County General Registrar Greg Riddlemoser.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Decatur and her responses are below: 

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PL: What are the top three major issues facing parents and students in the Griffis-Widewater District?

Decatur: Responsible Fiscal Management, School Safety, Competitive Pay Scale for all employees

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Decatur: We will reevaluate the budget development practices and ensure that the process for budget creation is realistic and efficient. I will ensure that the school board puts in place a system of checks and balances to eliminate wasteful and inappropriate spending of the school's budget.

I'd like to discuss the possibility of a cash capital fund for our schools, which will help eliminate overestimating of budgetary needs, and greedy spending practices. We will develop a hierarchy of needs and direct funds toward the most necessary and appropriate matters annually.

First and foremost, ensuring that Stafford County is compensating our teachers and staff members appropriately as planned for in the market-based compensation plan. We need to develop replacement cycles for updating equipment including school buses and technology.

And finally, we need to continue and further develop sharing resources within the county which will improve our spending practices and reduce waste countywide. I’d like to add a resource officer in each middle and high school to improve relations and increase security as well as add a resource officer in each elementary school, as our county does not currently have one at any elementary school.
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Decatur: The role of a school board member is to be the voice for the residents in their community. When brought together as a unified whole, the school board cohesively serves the county, helping the school system to operate efficiently and provide students with the best education possible for the taxpayers’ dollar. I believe each member should each bring unique experience and expertise along with a creative approach, and the wishes of the members of the community we represent to create and uphold a school system that stands out in the Commonwealth.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Decatur: I have 10 years of experience in managing schools, creating and balancing the schools’ budget, working with the accreditation process, school meals programs, hiring and training teachers and ancillary staff members, and building successful relationships with parents, students, and school systems throughout Virginia.

I also have the interpersonal skills necessary to facilitate an open dialogue that will begin to repair the relationship between the school board, board of supervisors and residents of our county. We simply must work together cohesively and responsibly to ensure that we make decisions for our county that will benefit all of us for many generations to come.
 
PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of the School Board If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency? 
 
Decatur: As an average citizen, I believe that local government could do more to inform citizens of decisions that will impact their lives, including infrastructure, fiscal management, policies, etc. I believe that many decisions are not made easily accessible to the general public because doing so would cause “unnecessary” challenges in the process. However, I also believe that elected officials must understand that the process of creating a community in which everyone can prosper and thrive will not be easy and that making our community aware, despite the challenges that could arise, is an important and necessary part of the process. Communication cannot be limited to those who have the time to come to board meetings or watch them on TV. Many people do not make the time in their day to day schedules and it does not mean that they care any less about the happenings in our community. Whether we like it or not, social media is the one place that most people dedicate time to daily because it is quick and easily accessible by hand-held devices and I think we could start there as a means of improving communications with our community.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
 
Decatur: No one is perfect, however, I believe that any choices I’ve made have been vital in preparing me for each new phase of my life. I believe that my choices have made me the person I am, capable of understanding and empathizing with people from many walks of life, and I try to teach all of my students that each day is a new beginning for them to create a life that they are proud of. When a person is capable of analyzing their decisions and learning from them, I believe that is key to setting them on the path to success.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
 
Decatur: I want the absolute best for our community. I want our taxpayers to feel that their interest is being managed responsibly and respectfully and I want our children to receive an education that will set them on their individual pathways to success in their lives.

If I felt that those interests were being handled properly within our district, I wouldn’t be here asking for your vote. When irresponsible decisions are made in local government, they will directly affect our lives and when we’re talking about the school board, those decisions will directly affect my child’s education.

The mismanagement of millions of our tax dollars may not have affected the student’s in our county during the years in which it happened, however when we failed to give raises because that money was missing from the county’s budget, many wonderful teachers began leaving Stafford County and taking jobs elsewhere.

You will hear that the School Board was not given accurate information, however, I believe that it was the job of the School Board to cross check any reports they received to ensure all information was accurate and valid. When that failed to happen, repercussions became imminent for future students in our county, including my son and his peers.

I will not focus on the problems but rather the solutions that will set our school system back on the right path. I have the experience necessary to do so as well as an open mind and a fresh approach that will not only set us on the right path but will move our district ahead of all others in our educational practices.

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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Kiefer: Student achievement is about rigor, innovation, not just tests

Kristen Michelle Kiefer has spent a year and a half on the Manassas City School Board. 
 
The Board appointed her in February 2015 after Ilka Chavez stepped down. She is runing to keep her seat on the Board, and city voters will head to the polls on November 8.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Keifer and call candidates seeking a seat on the Manassas City School Board. Her responses are below: 

Find your polling place 

PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas residents?

Kiefer: Envisioning and shaping the future for student achievement, ensuring safe, nurturing learning environments and workplace, and communicating with key stakeholders.

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Kiefer: Envision & Shape the Future for Student Achievement
• Make every school a strong center of learning for students to reach their full potential
• Fight to make sure achievement is about rigor, innovation & hands-on experiences, not just tests
• Equip students with real world skills and critical thinking needed to thrive ensure safe, nurturing learning

Environment & Workplace
• Continue positive changes in class structure to provide more supervision during class transitions

• Promote Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) to 'course correct' early on
• Ensure re-entry plans are constructive for the student but also demands accountability on their part
 
Communicate with Key Stakeholders
• Connect with parents, teachers & community members through open, courageous conversations
• Increase awareness of the multiple mechanisms to stay informed and become involved in the division
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Kiefer: "At the center of the universe is a loving heart that continues to beat and that wants the best for every person. Anything we can do to help foster the intellect and spirit and emotional growth of our fellow human beings…that is our job. Those of us who have this particular vision must continue against all odds. Life is for service." - Fred Rogers

For me, this quotation resonates as I think about the attributes I feel a School Board member needs to possess: selflessness in thinking about all students, passion for the mission of the improvement of our children holistically, and commitment to be in the service of others. For me, the job description is NOT a politician (even though it's an elected office). Instead, I view it as being a public servant committed to the mission of preparing our children for their futures through good governance, sound stewardship of resources and strong, cascading leadership at all levels of the division.

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O’Hanlon: Vocational, tech courses must be offered in Manassas schools

Peter O'Hanlon is running for a seat on the Manassas City School Board.
 
We sent a questionnaire to O'Hanlon and all candidates running for Manassas City School Board. His responses are below: 

Find your polling place 

PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas residents?

O'Hanlon: Communications, safety, and curriculum.

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
O'Hanlon: First, I want to work to improve communications. While the schools work very hard to reach out to and involve parents, we still have some improvements to make. I have often observed parents pour out their hearts to the school board, advocating for their children, without receiving a response. Items brought to the board must be responded to, preferably, publicly at the next meeting.  Additionally, we have to ensure we have a means to communicate to all of our families. When disseminating information, we must keep in mind that everyone does not have access to the same resources.
 
Second, we need to ensure the safety, both physically and mentally, of all of our students and staff. The schools have made great advances in improving safety such as increased background checks of employees, scanning the identification of all school visitors, and more in-depth checks for volunteers. However, the schools need to be more transparent about safety incidents at the schools. Both the schools and the police have an obligation to report, for the public record, all serious incidents where students or faculty were at risk. Additionally, we need to continue the task of eliminating bullying at all levels of the system. Everyone should feel the same level of comfort they would in their own home.
 
Third, we need to continue evaluating the course selections and career paths available for the students. We hear quite a bit about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), but as everyone here can attest to, not everyone goes into these fields. The humanities are imperative as we head down a slope where there is increasing the loss of quality written and verbal communication. Additionally, we too often ask our students to make choices of paths at earlier and earlier ages, often to the detriment of providing a more rounded education. We also tend to over-emphasize that college is the only path.
 
According to Forbes, six of the twenty fastest, growing jobs do not require four-year college degrees. We need to take a greater look at the needs locally, and ensure the schools are meeting these needs, where possible. The trades always need attention, as we always have a need for electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Vocational and Technical Education courses must be offered, if for no other reason than to provide life skills, in addition to career exploration. We must prepare well-rounded students for the community and the world we live in.
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

O'Hanlon: As a school board member you represent the community in advocating for the best educational opportunities for our children.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

O'Hanlon: I am the parent of five children who have all gone through the Manassas City Schools, the youngest currently a senior. I have been an active volunteer in the schools for 25 years. Additionally, as a retired senior auditor, I have the ability to work for solutions in areas of underachievement. I can ensure the resident's investments are properly utilized.
 
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? 
 
O'Hanlon: I believe they understand how it works, however, they don't always like how it works. I would improve communications by providing feedback to parents who bring issues before the school board. These issues would be addressed at the following meeting. Additionally, I would suggest forums, both public and for educators, to discuss educational issues. The parents need to have more dialog with the schools, not just the one way communication we currently have.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
 
O'Hanlon: Not that I consider it a major mistake, just a learning experience. I wish I had completed a college education when I was younger. My mistake was to leave college after two years (for several reasons) and not return full time.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
 
O'Hanlon: I have taken on leadership roles in both my former work life and in all the volunteer positions I have held. I give tirelessly of myself trying to improve people's situations in life. I believe my running for the school board is just taking all my other efforts to the next level.

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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Masked men rob Southbridge gas station

From Prince William police: 

Armed Robbery – On October 20 at 8:48PM, officers responded to the Shell service station located at 3186 River Heritage Blvd in Dumfries (22026) to investigate a robbery. Employees reported to police that two unknown, masked men entered the business and approached the counter. Once at the counter, one of the men brandished a firearm and demanded money. The men fled the store with an undisclosed amount of money. No injuries were reported. A police K-9 search the area for the suspects who were not located.

Suspect Descriptions:

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Maintenance crews turn attention to Dumfries sewer system

DUMFRIES, Va. -- Residents of the Williamstown neighborhood in Dumfries should expect to see maintenance work being performed on the sewer system.

Prince William County Service Authority press release: 

Expected to take approximately nine weeks to finish, the project entails lining sewer mains with Cured-In-Place-Pipe. The lining process is done in lieu of replacing the pipe itself, which is often a much more costly and disruptive measure for both customers and the utility.

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Sudley Manor water main section to be replaced

Press release: 

The Prince William County Service Authority will soon be replacing a small portion of water main underneath Sudley Manor Road near Manassas. Once completed, the new main will help reinforce service reliability to the area.

The project entails the installation of a 320-foot section of 16-inch pipe beneath Sudley Manor Road just southwest of where it intersects with Prince William Parkway and just east of Wellington Road. The project is scheduled to start in early November and should be completed by the end of the year.

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Potomac River Cleanup at Leesylvania State Park needs volunteers

Good morning Prince William - Happy Halloween! Historic Manassas is looking for volunteers to help with their Haunted Happenings event on Saturday, October 29th from 9am-12noon. Duties include helping with fun games for the children in costume. You don't want to miss the fun- please email [email protected] to learn more.

· SERVE is looking for youth groups to distribute flyers in their neighborhood about collecting TP when they trick or treat- yep you got it everybody could use a little extra TP especially families in need. Call Navara at 571-748-2536 to learn more.

· The Retired and senior Volunteer Program is looking for volunteers age 55+ to present the Safe at Home curriculum to 4th-grade students. Come be part of the team to teach cute kids critical life skills while they are home alone. Please call Jan at (571) 292-5307 for more info.

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Show’s over for Regal Aquia 10

STAFFORD, Va. -- There was no final evening showing on Thursday.

By 5 p.m., the sign that hung on the front of the building had been removed. The lights inside the theater were dark, and trash had been strewed across the floor.

The doors to the Regal Aquia Cinemas 10 -- the only movie theater in Stafford County, the place where for so many residents memories were made -- is closed forever.

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