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Focus on debt, need for more businesses in Manassas Park top Rishell’s list

Jeanette M. Rishell is running for Mayor of Manassas Park. She currently serves as a council member on the city's Governing Body.
 
Rishell looks to unseat longtime incumbent Mayor Frank Jones.

We sent a questionnaire to Rishell and Jones. Rishell's responses are below: 

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

Rishell: City debt service will spike by almost $2 million for the fiscal year 2018. The need for commercial business development. Adequately funding the City’s core services.
 

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

Rishell: There have been, and will continue to be, ongoing efforts to refinance the City’s debt. This will cover a portion of the debt spike in 2018 and 2019 and is an important part of the effort because the debt service will level off for several years before dropping.

I have thoroughly analyzed each budget so far and will continue to do so, because we must determine the difference between our wants and our needs.

Also, I will emphasize commercial business development. When I first came onto council, I was surprised that the City did not have an economic development brochure to promote the City’s assets across all of Northern Virginia. We have a brochure now, and we also have an Economic Development Manager whose primary responsibility is to try to bring business into the City. I will encourage all Governing Body members to work in cooperation with our new Economic Development Manager. I will work to create a more formal outreach plan consisting of more active participation in Chamber of Commerce events, visitation to local businesses to receive their input and ideas, and of course contact and visitation to new businesses who may wish to locate into Manassas Park. If this is not sufficient, we will try additional measures TBD.

It’s important that we begin to be more proactive to bring in the revenue that is needed to support our schools and other core services. Currently, the City is heavily dependent upon residential taxation, so business revenue will help make a living in our City more affordable.

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Sebesky: ‘We must start with a strategic plan that involves everyone’

Pamela J. Sebesky is one of three Democrats vying for three open seats on the Manassas City Council. After serving two terms on the city School Board, Sebesky seeks a seat on the city's governing body.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Sebeskyand all other candidates seeking a seat on the Manassas City Council. Her responses are below: 

Find your polling place 

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

Sebesky: Economic development, public safety, and high-performing schools.

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Sebesky: All of these needs are interconnected. In order to work one of them is to work on all of them. We must start with a strategic plan that involves a broad cross-section of everyone in the community. You must have citizens that represent all areas of our city, along with representation from all levels of our business community, as well as the city staff. When you have that kind of input you will then develop the needed plan that will allow for success in all these areas.
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Sebesky: A Council Member must listen to all constituents and do thorough research when making all decisions, as the decision will affect everyone in the community. You must be able to be fiscally responsible with tax payer dollars and demand transparency in how funds will be spent. You must comprehend and put into action a comprehensive strategic plan that will address citizen needs, help sustain and expand local businesses and set a course for the entire city. A Council Member alone does not decide anything, its takes someone who can and will work collaboratively in good transparent decision making. We all have to get back to the basics - of the people, by the people and for the people.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Sebesky: I will bring to the office a wide variety of experience from a number of areas, as I have previously already outlined. Having been elected to the Manassas City School Board twice, I have a comprehensive understanding of the needs of the schools and the children that attend them. This has provided me the opportunity to work with and volunteer with many different organizations and businesses across the whole region. I understand our economic challenges and have a record of working hard and collaboratively to improve long-term outcomes.
 
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? 
 
Sebesky: Most citizens are not likely to be well informed or have the extensive knowledge needed of the workings of local government. In order to understand the complex process you must have the time to be involved at many levels. The best way to improve communication is with relationship building, in order to build trust. The city already has many ways it communicates with its citizens, but if there is not trust people will not believe what they read or take time to participate in the community or government operations. In the community I am known for taking the time to listen and for caring about the whole community. I take the needed time not just to return calls or emails, but to do the hard work to get needed change to come about through policy and procedure development.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
 
Sebesky: Everyone makes mistakes, as no one is perfect. The hardest part of being on the school board is when you have to decide whether to expel a child from the school system. You know that will be a life-altering decision for that young person. Some parents are able to afford to put their student into a private school or home school their child, where others may be left on their own. This has made me work even harder to make sure that all children are truly being given the opportunity to be as successful as they can so they can be productive members of our community.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
 
Sebesky: I am a person of high integrity and someone who is known to work hard to make sure that things get done with all citizens, communities, and businesses in mind. I ask questions, do my research, collaborate, and demand transparency. I do not allow my personal views to influence my decision making, as you must be able to separate your personal bias from what is best for the city.

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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Jenkins-Bailey wants to address needs of students who make up Manassas’ changing demographics

Kim M. Jenkins-Bailey seeks a seat on the Manassas City School Board.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Kim M. Jenkins-Bailey, and all other candidates for Manassas City School Board. Her responses are below: 

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We sent a questionnaire to Harrison. His responses are below: 
 
PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas residents?

Jenkins-Bailey: Division, Calibration. 

In respect to division, there appears to be detachment from the essence of practical application to the needs of our students. There is also an unspoken separation on rendering each student the proper tools needed to succeed.

Moreover, there is currently not enough representation to address the variation of needs for our diverse demographics which is causing a slit discord amongst communities and educators. 

Calibration is a need in order to concentrate on outlined goals for success. If officials are not willing to view the actual problems and concerns of those who we serve, inevitably there will be more detachment from those who attempt to remain involved because they feel their voice is unheard. 

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

Jenkins-Bailey: Acknowledge the similarity within the diversity, and draw a concise consensus in ideologies to move forward as a unit to aid students and communities.
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Jenkins-Bailey: It is perceived as a School Board representative, the responsibilities are to serve the Manassas City School system by addressing the challenges, and obstacle with sound resolve for the improvement and productivity of institution fitness, Additional, provide a high level of integrity as a representative in each matter, duty, and task which governs the office by policy and procedure. Moreover, present facts and accuracy to the functions of the educational system of K-12 for the continuous progression. Furthermore, to present students with optimum opportunities of transition preparedness of personal and professional existence.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Jenkins-Bailey: I bring a high level of proficiency background in sociology, education, business, government and public relations. I have over 10 years of higher education and 20 years of work experience. I have worked in team organizations, low to high-level management, and provide sustainable projects and programs. I am also proficient in inner office affairs from the smallest of detail to the largest of execution. I make sound decisions, judgment calls and perform with detail-oriented precision.

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? 
 
Jenkins-Bailey: Sometimes. It really depends on the concern or the priority. In order to engage more constituents, there has to be personal involvement. In goes to the area of diverse relations. If each person recognizes their personal duty and responsibility to remain informed, then communication would improve. A way to get people involved is speaking to their concerns, expressing clearly the needs, and acknowledging their support and involvement.

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

Jenkins-Bailey: An error is a happenstance which should teach and help a person to improve and possibly prevent other mistakes. I aim to learn from happenstances as I acknowledge they will occur. It is a wise and mature person who grows from their mistakes.

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

Jenkins-Bailey: I am a leader who is dedicated to helping our education system reflect wholeness, confidence, and approval. Moreover, to provide each child with an educational experience capable of producing qualified and desired residents and employees. A vote for me is a vote for you.

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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Parr: Manassas residents will have say on new public safety facilities, pay

Rex Par is one of three Democrats vying for three open seats on the Manassas City Council.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Parr and all other candidates seeking a seat on the Manassas City Council. Parr's responses are below: 

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

Parr: Schools, Public Safety, and Economic Development

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Parr: We need to engage a broad cross-section of our community in creating a new vision and strategic plan for Manassas, Citizens will weigh in on funding for schools, replacing Jennie Dean Elementary School, universal pre-K and Career and Technical Education. They will give us direction on new facilities and competitive pay for Public Safety. They will give opinions on the adequacy of our Economic Development efforts and our transportation network. Once they have spoken we can begin the process of moving Manassas forward, together.
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Parr: Do the right things, the right way, for the right reasons.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Parr: Business skills honed over years as CEO of a very successful company. Governance skills learned in service to important community institutions. Proven strategic planning skills that help move organizations forward. Good people skills and a penchant for collaboration.
 
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? 
 
Parr: I think the average citizen has so much on their plate that they don't typically make time to keep up-to-date on local government. I am committed to a new, citizen-driven strategic planning process. We will have to engage people in multiple ways at multiple times and places. Education will need to precede visioning and planning. With the help of the City's professional staff and skilled facilitators, we can get it done.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
 
Parr: Although I have been involved in governing, leading and managing several local institutions, I've not held elected public office. So my mistakes are still before me. I hope to learn from them and avoid repeating them.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
 
Parr: Leadership Prince William awarded me their inaugural 'Vision' award. The Prince William County Human Rights Commission named me a 'Humanitarian'. The Coalition for Human Services awarded me for lifetime achievement. I was Grand Marshall of the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade. The Chamber of Commerce awarded me their inaugural 'Sen. Charles J. Colgan Visionary Award'. Senator Charles J. Colgan and many others have endorsed me.

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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Lovejoy focused on promoting Manassas economy

Ian Lovejoy is running to keep his seat on the Manassas City Council. He is one of three Republicans vying for seats on the Council that is up for grabs.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Lovejoy and all other candidates seeking a seat on the Manassas City Council. Lovejoy's responses are below: 

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

Lovejoy: 1. Reconciling the opinions some in the region have about the city, with the more positive truth.
 
2. Deciding what kind of city we want to be: Fairfax/Arlington model vs. Winchester/Leesburg model
 
3. Improving quality of life for current residents: overcrowding, zoning issues, etc.

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Lovejoy: Our Economy-Playing to our Strengths.
*Fully revamp the city’s Economic Development website
*Launch SBA HUBzone marketing plan to attract high paying government contractors
*Work with regional partners to establish physical/virtual business incubator
*Work with local nonprofits to produce commercials featuring city businesses to air on city controlled stations and online
*Establish Entrepreneurship Academy in partnership with Chamber of Commerce and other community partners *Launch “Manassas is Open for Business” campaign
*Fight for the Taxpayer! Oppose raising taxes on businesses and citizens
*Expand membership in our Manassas Business Council to better advise council on economic matters and act as ambassadors to the broader business community
*Host semi-annual event with regional real-estate agents to communicate positive city information
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Lovejoy: To be the citizen’s voice. To aid residents in interfacing with the government (customer service). To recognize that being elected comes with the requirement to commit to a higher ideal, to recognize one is in the unique position to, ever so modestly, change our community for the better and attempt to rally others to that cause.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Lovejoy: Individual citizens working together make a community strong– not the government. I’ve practiced what I preached and have served the community in many non-governmental roles including as President of the Manassas City Public Schools Education Foundation, as a volunteer for Historic Manassas, Inc., as Vice President of the Point of Woods HOA and currently as Chairman of the Tri-County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, in honor of my Grandfather, Clennie Lovejoy. I was recently named one of Northern Virginia’s “40 under 40”, recognized as one of the most “influential people in their professional industries and catalysts of community impact.”
 
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? 
 
Lovejoy: I think we have a very engaged citizenry, but there’s always room to improve. I’ve been at the forefront of communicating with residents and sharing information (newsletter, direct mail, social media). I’d redouble those efforts.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
 
Lovejoy: None that I'm aware of.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
Lovejoy: There isn’t a day that goes by that I do not feel blessed to serve the residents of the City of Manassas. More than going to ribbon cuttings or sitting behind the dais, I’ve worked with residents to improve our city and will continue to lead with clear principles, and innovative ideas.

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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Cendejas: Show Manassas Park residents where tax money is going, work to lower rate

Hector Cendejas is running as a write-in candidate for the Manassas Park Governing Body. 
 
He hopes to fill one of three open council seats.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Cendejas and all other candidates seeking a seat on the Governing Body. Cendejas' responses are below: 

Find your polling place 

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

Cendejas: While listening to hundreds of residents in our city, I've noted an underlying disconnect between city hall and residents. This disconnect translates into deeper frustration with other issues.
 
I am committed to making sure our residents are fully engaged, because we as residents deal with these issues every day and know the best solutions. City finances and the budget are also recurrent issues of importance for residents. We need to make sure our education system is properly funded, prioritize bringing commerce into our city, and prevent backwards development-planning which further exacerbates transportation issues for Manassas Park.
 
Cost of living is also a challenge for many, due to high taxes and water bills. We need to prevent any tax increases and find a solution to MP’s long-standing high water costs. This will allow us to maintain long-term residents in the city and attract more businesses.

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Cendejas: In order to empower and engage residents in local decision-making, we need to be creative in our approach. We need to be interactive with our community by having meetings in their neighborhoods and creating Neighborhood Advisory Teams (or Commissions) to maintain constant dialogue.
 
We also need to use our technology more effectively to engage everyone. For example, it’d be great to have a city app sometime in the future for regular updates and hear from residents more easily. We need to be transparent and accountable to residents.
 
We should explore options that may include refinancing our debt and developing a business plan. This business plan could include incentives for Manassas Park residents willing to invest in the city as business owners and working with corporations in neighboring cities to explore the potential of expansion into Manassas Park.
 
I would host a town hall focused on commerce to bring together residents and businesses to begin developing strong ties between potential consumers and vendors. We also need to prevent residential developments that would make transportation issues worse. This negatively affects workers in our city too.
 
I also want to get creative in finding funds to cover smaller projects. High taxes and water bills have been two of the most recurrent issues I've heard affecting cost of living for residents. We need to be transparent with residents about how we are using taxes in our city.
 
People want to see where their money is going to be sure their taxes are being used wisely and effectively. We also need to take steps to have a fair rate for the water bill. It is important to be transparent with residents about why the rate is higher than local jurisdictions and work toward a lower rate.
 
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Cendejas: As a council member, my job will be to be the voice of all residents in Manassas Park. A big part of this job will be listening and constantly working to find all options to address our issues. With all options on the table, I will work with residents to make the best decisions. I also believe the job description includes being transparent and being accountable to residents in the city.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Cendejas: My professional and academic training have given me the tools to be an effective council member. My masters in Social Work included preparation in Community Organization and Administration.
 
This preparation included training in planning and managing budgets. My time with MPCS also taught me a lot about the importance of strong collaboration with our schools. We can work with MPCS and local stakeholders to develop nontraditional and apprentice-style programs for youth, foster community engagement in local politics and become stronger.
 
I also have a lot of experience in promoting civic engagement. As a fellow for a member of Congress, I focused on bringing the community together to help address issues that directly affected the constituents. The member of Congress held quarterly town halls and also created a group of residents from different fields who would discuss what was important in the community. I plan to implement a similar structure with residents who will provide regular input to city officials.
 
PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of town government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency? 
 
Cendejas: I feel citizens in our city definitely know the issues affecting us; they face them every day. I also believe they know best what we should be doing about these issues. Where I think the disconnect exists is getting to the how they can make their voices heard. It’s up to city officials to seek voices and opinions beyond election time. My goal is to increase transparency and make sure residents are at the table.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
 

Cendejas: This is the first role I am seeking in public life. I know there will be a learning curve and I will have to adapt quickly, but I am more than capable of making this happen. If I make a mistake, I can promise to learn from my mistake and always work to be better.

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

Cendejas: Your readers should vote for me because my goal is to make sure our residents are part of the decision-making in our city. We are at a crossroads right now. We can either maintain the lack of communication between residents and leaders that is apparent in the city, or we can move forward with transparency, inclusion and decision-making by all, for all.

My experiences as a local employee have given me the opportunity to more deeply understand the issues in our city and develop relationships with people, who I know will be greats assets to help us moving forward. Now, as a social worker, I am empowering those I serve by working with them to understand problems affecting them, and together find the best solutions. I will also bring these skills to our city as council member.

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Harrison would rely on working experience to guide him as Manassas Treasurer

Manassas residents will head to the polls November 8, 2016, to vote for a new City Treasurer.
 
Current City Treasurer Robin Perkins served in the position for the past 18 years and decided not to seek reelection.
 
Russell T. Harrison is the Republican on the ballot, and Patricia Richie-Folks is his Democratic opponent. 
 
We sent a questionnaire to Harrison and Richie-Folks. Harrison's responses are below: 

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We sent a questionnaire to Harrison. His responses are below: 
 
PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas residents?

Harrison: The Top three challenges for our City Treasurer are: Maintaining a professional staff within the Treasurer's office, protecting the City's stellar reputation for fiscal competence, and making the office accessible to all citizens.

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Harrison: As treasurer, I will ensure that the treasurer’s office continues to be staffed by the most professional, well-trained and skilled people possible. Additionally, we will be utilizing the City’s new accounting system (which should be in place by early January) to make paying your bills easier, more secure and more transparent. Doing so will save the city money while improving the already high level of service provided by the Treasurer’s Office.
 
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Harrison: The City Treasurer is a full-time senior staff person within the City government. He/she is responsible for leading the Treasurer’s Office, overseeing the collection of almost all revenue owed to the city, ensuring that collected funds are accounted for properly, and then monitoring the City’s financial assets. It is one of the most difficult jobs in the Manassas government, requiring leadership, diplomacy, a mastery of financial law, discretion and hard work.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Harrison: In addition to the leadership role I have played in the City, I bring 20 years of experience working for nonprofits in Washington. Thirteen of those years have been spent working for the world’s largest technical society, the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). I currently run IEEE’s Government Relations office, supervise six professionals and directly control a $7 million budget.
 
I am also a senior staff member within IEEE, helping to run the $450 million global corporation. As part of this work, I have had to build, maintain and lead a high-quality staff of professionals. Moreover, I have directed my department to set and accomplish our agendas, serve our members and promote the objectives of the IEEE.
 
I have developed and managed multi-million dollar budgets, been entrusted with significant financial authority, become an expert in budget policy, and demonstrated a mastery of accounting and financial management principles. I have, in short, the education, experience, and record Manassas needs from its Treasurer.

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? 
 
Harrison: The Treasurer’s Office, like most parts of our government, remains mostly invisible. To the few citizens give the office much thought beyond tax day. But in a Democracy, citizens should play an active role in their government and should be at least familiar with how it operates.
I intend, as Treasurer, to continue to be a vocal and visible leader in Manassas. It is important that our citizens know who I am, and feel comfortable speaking to me if there are problems. Our City has not grown so big that Citizens can’t feel comfortable speaking with their elected leaders.

By getting out of my office and engaging the community on your terms, I will give you every opportunity to get to know me, and by extension, my office. I have used this approach effectively at my current job, where I represent 200,000 technology professionals across the U.S.

Rather than just sit in my office blasting our emails, I have personally visited over 220 of our sections across the country for the purpose of ensuring that our member knows who is running their association. You just can’t establish the level of trust needed for a thriving organization without meeting face-to-face. I have enjoyed these meetings enormously, but am looking forward to my meetings as your Treasurer being much closer to home.

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Theresa Coates Ellis says Manassas needs to fight blight, better enforce rules and codes

Theresa Coates Ellis is running on the Republican ticket for a seat on the Manassas City Council. 
 
A longtime city resident, this his her first time seeking public office. 
 
We sent a questionnaire to Coates Ellis, and all other candidates seeking office for the Manassas City Council. Her responses are below: 

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Manassas Park residents will head to the polls on November 8, 2016, General Election to choose two people to fill two open council seats, and a new mayor.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Way, 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 residents?

Ellis: Strengthening schools. Create quality jobs and opportunities while supporting local businesses and advancing public image and communication. Keeping neighborhoods safe and clean.

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Ellis: Businesses and community members connecting with the schools will build relationships to improve the challenges that we face in educating our students to be career-ready and college-ready. Strong schools will motivate businesses to invest in the City of Manassas building a foundation for families, better housing, and an inviting living experience. A business-friendly community environment will also encourage the entrepreneurial spirit. Public image and communication are important to the City of Manassas and the areas beyond the city. The City of Manassas has many assets: the airport, the train, utilities, parks and fitness, Civil War history plus a vibrant old town.
 
Public image and communication are important to the City of Manassas and the areas beyond the city. The City of Manassas has many assets: the airport, the train, utilities, parks and fitness, Civil War history plus a vibrant old town. Curating content from community member's experiences with a new selected "Public Image Committee" will advance positive awareness.
 
User-friendly communication tools to improve the access of important community information and an outreach program is necessary.
 
Police, fire and rescue will be supported for community safety. We need to provide the necessary facilities, equipment, and manpower to continue their duties effectively.
 
Community members need to respect and be proud of their City of Manassas.
 
The City and community need to do a better job combatting litter and blight by enforcing laws, rules and codes. Community members can come together to volunteer their services and communicate with the city for action.
Fiscal responsibility will provide the community with the services they desire.
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Ellis: The Manassas City Council's job it to serve the community and provide the services that they desire.
 
PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Ellis: I am a mother with seven children in my blended family who attended public schools. Since 1988, I have owned a City of Manassas business and volunteered in the community. I built my company from a healthcare management business in 1988 to Tackle Management, PR and Marketing.
Because of my experiences as a mother, a community volunteer and a business owner in the City of Manassas, I can offer a new perspective to our community.

I have the education and professional skills in marketing, communication and public relations to engage citizens and bring them together to solve tough problems and move Manassas forward.

I will work with the City to form a Public Image Committee to increase positive awareness and focus on the assets in our City selecting citizens as ambassadors for the community to curate content for an online website to share information.

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Way wants to survey Manassas infrastructure for growth, expand Rt. 28

Jonathan Way seeks another term on the Manassas City Council.
 
Over the years, Way has focused on development issues in the city. He's also made the preservation of a now defunct water tower next to a city fire house a key pet project.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Way, and all other candidates seeking office for the Manassas Park Governing Body. His responses are below: 

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 Way, 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 residents?

Way: 1. Balanced economic development. 2. Transportation improvement 3. Schools must become a magnet to attract and retain population

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Way: 1. Evaluate the city infrastructure's ability to absorb projected growth. (water, electricity, sewer) without becoming over-extended. Tailor growth prospects, of which we have many, to infrastructure capability.
 
2. Advocate in regional bodies for Route 28 expansion and bypass from Godwin Drive to Interstate 66 to help our commuters. Support pending state-sponsored enhanced commuter bus links on I-66. Focus residential development in areas conveniently served by VRE and PRTC.
 
3. Council fully funds school needs at a per capita level 10-15% higher than neighboring jurisdictions. Operations are controlled by an independently elected School Board. We need to encourage and support them in their mission
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Way: Council members are elected to serve the entire city so members must have a balanced perspective. Members must be fiscally prudent and socially inclusive of all citizens. Members should have the ability to evaluate ideas, understand cost control, and manage the "business" of being a city.
 
PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Way: Thirty-seven years with one international oil company in a wide variety of managerial and professional positions in the USA and four overseas countries. I understand economics, budgeting, prioritization, and handling conflicting pressures. 15 years serving Manassas in the Planning Commission and City Council. No other candidate even approaches this level of experience.

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? 
 
Way: I believe the average citizen does understand the workings of government, even if he/she doesn't always agree with the actions. The city has an extensive outreach throughout every department to acquaint citizens with issues and seek their input in the decision process so as to provide fullest practical transparency. Council is looking at expanding real time TV coverage of meetings beyond the Council and the School Board. All meetings are "open" except personnel and business negotiation.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
 
Way: Yes. I have learned that those who do not agree with me still have valid positions and ideas which should be considered in reaching decisions. The "my way or the highway" approach should be minimized.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
 
Way: I bring long experience, strong commitment, enthusiasm and a proven record of accomplishments whcih benefit the city and all its citizens.
 

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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Youlen focused on bringing career jobs to Manassas

Manassas residents will head to the polls for the November 8, 2016 General Election to choose who should fill three open council seats, and a new mayor.

Find your polling place

We sent a questionnaire to Youlen, 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 residents?

Youlen: Revenue Generation, Infrastructure, and Debt

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
Youlen: Quality of Life- Retain public employees through top tier benefit packages with a focus on police and fire. Enforce zoning ordinances, not just in Olde Town, but throughout the entire city.
 
Local Economy- Attract businesses through local revitalization projects with a goal of attracting companies that provide career type jobs for people. Stop offering incentive packages to "fly by night" businesses that last six months and disappear just to fill vacant commercial space in Old Town. Bring in businesses that people like and want such as eateries, coffee shops, bars, live events ect.
 
*Editors note: Youlen cited the recently closed Center Street Gourmet as a business that received tax incentives to open in Downtown Manassas. The city refunded the business' occupancy permit fees after it opened but did not provide a cash grant, said Manassas Economic Development Director Patrick Small.
 
Vacancy- The city continues to build at record paces without any regard for the capacity it has to deal with the trickle down effect in schools and on roads. We should be filling the massive amount of commercial and residential neighborhoods before building more of the same.
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Youlen: City Councilman- Representative of the people of the city of Manassas. I don't think this question is geared for some boring technical answer so I think a politician should be someone who connects with the people. Not his or her inner circle of politicos and media types, but can relate to people without regard to political party affiliation or what neighborhood they live in. Someone who has compassion for public service, and the dedication to make his or her community a better place.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Youlen: I have a background in law enforcement, and in today's political climate I think it can be a much-needed asset to the council. None of the other members or candidates can say this. I'm younger than the average candidate, and I think that makes a huge difference in getting younger voters involved and understanding the political process about our government.

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? 
Youlen: No, the vast majority of people from my perspective have very little interest in local politics. A lot could not even name one council member. Social media is an obvious choice when it comes to connecting to the community especially with younger members of the community. I think attending community events such as HOA meetings and community days are advantageous to improving communication.
 
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they effected you?
 
Youlen: Never held public office.
 
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
 
Youlen: Quite frankly I'm not more of the same. I'm not part of the political club. I offer a fresh perspective on numerous things, not more of the same old business as usual approach to everything. I think people are clamoring for change on both sides, and I am their avenue for that change.

Read more Project: Election 2016 candidate profiles.

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