Illegal Aliens
This is an urgent issue for all citizens. I believe we must address the true criminal element first and with the highest priority. ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) training for jail officers and for police officers involved in detective and anti-gang task forces is a major first step and it is well underway. Since last July, over 430 immigration detainers have been filed by Prince William jail officers and over 300 area criminals have been deported by ICE. This is real progress.
Residential Overcrowding
Residential overcrowding poses health and safety issues as well as quality of life issues. We must enforce our zoning and fire code ordinances and must do so while protecting the constitutional rights of our citizens. This is a delicate balance. Council’s recent re-emphasis of neighborhood services and blight abatement, which involves citizen participation as well as city government enforcement, is a significant step forward in controlling the negative impacts, and will continue in 2008.
Economic Development
Manassas is surrounded by major economic development. While we have little open land, we do have the capability and the need for balanced infill development which brings both commercial and residential modernization and economic strength. I support the city’s Comprehensive Plan and the Mathis Ave Sector Plan, both of which I had a significant hand in developing. I also support the new Downtown Sector plan’s vision. These plans do not endorse growth for growth’s sake, but rather encourage balanced, attractive projects using progressive zoning concepts which I also had a significant hand in developing.
Tax Rates and Services
I have never met a candidate who openly supported higher taxes. On the other hand, if you don’t pay for a service you can’t have the service. I believe the services provided by Manassas are excellent and would not want to see major curtailments. As a Councilman, I do work to adjust some programs and encourage efficiencies in government departments by restricting manpower and budget growth to inflation and population impacts, and new initiatives endorsed by the citizenry, such as the city's 287(G) illegal alien control program.
Family & Family Values
Shirley and I have been happily married 41 years, which speaks to our strong family values. These values have been tested in economic downturns, in the first Arabian Gulf War while we were living in Saudi Arabia, in countless job-related moves and in integrating into new communities. Our two daughters are productive, hard-working adults and we are closely tied to them. One is an attorney after having earned degrees in urban planning and policy analysis. The other is a veterinary practice consultant after having completed 6 years in the Navy and earning her BA degree from George Mason University. Our son-in-law is a Virginia native who has made a true success of his previously small business. We also have a really cool grandson, but he is only two years old, so his contributions are yet to be measured.
