Education, Transportation Topics of Candidates Forum

Transportation and education were the main focuses of the candidate forum in Manassas Park on Tuesday night.

All candidates proposed major changes to transportation, especially along Route 28, and commented on improving the quality of education.

“I have lots of experience on the hill,” said Tom Gordy, Republican candidate for Virginia Senate. "I am ready for a change and I want my children to have the best education and future opportunities possible.”

Gordy spoke at length about his goals for Prince William County including bringing more high-paying jobs to Manassas and Manassas Park, working to better Route 28 and meeting the academic needs of area students.

“I will listen and be responsive to people in Prince William County,” Gordy said. “If you call or write to me, you will get an answer. I want to earn your respect.”

Current Sen. Charles Colgan pointed to his long record as a legislator for the past 26 years and cited the many bills he has pushed for during his tenure as proof of his future goals in Senate.

“I started the same year Manassas Park became a city—in 1975,” said Colgan. “I am the only senator who has ever come from the city of Manassas Park. I have looked out for Prince William County and will continue to meet the needs of the people here.”

Virginia House of Delegates candidate Carl Genthner is running against incumbent Del. Bob Marshall. Both men commented on the need for transportation improvements in Prince William County, but Genthner said that he did not support a new toll road that would run parallel to Route 28 as a solution to the traffic problem.

Genthner said he would like to see Route. 28 widened and traffic flow moved to encompass more lanes during peak hours. Drivers along Interstate 66 are allowed to use the break-down lane at certain times of day and Genthner said he would advocate that practice along the Route. 28 corridor.

“Roads are not a partisan issue, they are bad for everyone,” said Genthner.

Marshall said that there is already a statute on the books that would allow towns along Route 28 to build a toll road and the road would pay for itself within a few years based on toll collection.

Prince William Couny Sheriff Glen Hill is running against Mike Messier, who did not attend the candidate forum.

“I take my job as seriously today as I did eight years ago when I was elected into this position,” Hill said.  “I want to protect the community, enforce the law, focus on the mission of my office and stay within my budget.”