2024 Candidate Profile: Ashley Hutson For Manassas City Council
MANASSAS, VA — Manassas will choose Democratic nominees for three City Council seats along with congressional primaries during the June 18, 2024 election.Democratic candidates who win in the primary will go on to the general election for the three City Council seats. Candidates are Ashley Hutson, Tom Osina, Mark Wolfe, Samantha Tungul and Anthony McGhee. Osina and Wolfe are running for re-election, while Hutson, Tungul and McGhee are seeking election as newcomers. Vice Mayor Pamela Sebesky is not running for another term. City of Manassas will have the Democratic City Council primary, along with Republican and Democratic primaries for the 10th congressional district and a Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Early voting for the general election began on May 3 and continues through June 15. More information on how to vote is available from the Manassas Voter Registration and Elections Office.Patch asked candidates for Manassas City Council to fill out a candidate questionnaire with the same questions. Here are Ashley Hutson's responses:NameAshley HutsonOffice SoughtCity Council, City of ManassasCampaign Websitewww.ashleyforva.comAge (As of June 18 election)32EducationBachelor of the Arts, Christopher Newport UniversityOccupationDirector of Member Engagement, Heavy Construction Contractors Association (HCCA)FamilyMy family is rooted in Prince William County & Greater Manassas.My parents and their many siblings graduated from Woodbridge High School. My parents purchased their home in Manassas in 1987, raised my brother and I, and continue to live in the same house where my niece and nephew now play.I graduated from Osbourn Park High School and my fiance, Courtney, graduated from Manassas Park High School. Courtney and I, with my 'bonus son,' Karson, were fortunate to purchase our home in the City of Manassas in 2020.Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? NoPrevious public office positions or appointmentsN/AWhy are you seeking this office?Working with HCCA has allowed me to meet with the Virginia General Assembly and Local Officials regarding transportation funding, environmental concerns, contract regulation, and even immigration policies. Working with people in public office inspired me to run for public office. I expressed interest in serving on Council by applying and interviewing to fill a vacant seat at the end of 2020. Since then, I have served on local and regional committees and attended many Council meetings to learn more about planning processes and budgeting procedures to prepare myself to serve on Council.What are the major differences between you and the other candidate(s) seeking this post?My professional background has prepared me to serve on City Council. Through my work at HCCA, I represent 170 local companies, equating to 40,000 people. When a business or an employee is facing a challenge, I work to find creative solutions through workforce development, community partnerships, education, and policy initiatives. I plan to use my advocacy experience to listen to City of Manassas residents and business owners and address their concerns by collaboration with Council and City departments.What do you see as the top issues facing your city, and how do you address them in your campaign platform?Smart Development - Manassas is only 9.9 square miles, so land-use decisions must be forward thinking. The recent purchase of the Mathis Avenue shopping Center offer opportunities for green space, attainable housing, and both upgrades to current businesses and space for new businesses. I will support development decisions that keep Manassas a unique destination to live and work. My understanding of planning, contracting, and construction processes will help keep the public informed. Connecting Education to Workforce - I am an advocate for trades education because I have worked with many people who have successful and high-paying careers in the trades. The City of Manassas has a strong CTE program and I am eager to forge relationships between local businesses and graduating seniors. Ensuring Every Voice is Heard - I believe government should be accessible to all. I am dedicated to working with residents and business owners throughout the City. As a member of City Council, it will be my job to ensure each neighborhood in our community has the resources needed to thrive. Resources such as social services, attainable housing, and public safety will be prioritized to ensure all Manassas residents live comfortably and equitably.What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?I am a current participant in the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, Political Leadership Program. This prestigious program focuses on the importance of ethics and bipartisan collaboration as a means for effective public service. I will be the only member of Manassas City Council who has undergone the Political Leadership Program.I have served as Chair and continue to serve as Co-Chair for the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board Community Advisory Committee. As Chair, I worked to establish a regular meeting between the Committee and the TPB leadership which has been continued by the two following Chairs. I believe serving on city council requires leadership, respect, and responsibility. At HCCA, one of my responsibilities is to manage and support a variety of Committees, each with it's own goals and annual tasks. Each volunteer brings a unique personality and skill-set and I work to ensure every voice is heard and every idea is considered. I have served as Chair and continue to serve on the local Board of Building Code Appeals.What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?At Christopher Newport University, I studied Spanish and Communication with the goal of bridging a language gap among friends and colleagues. Living in a diverse community like Manassas, I hope my knowledge of the Spanish language and my appreciation for cultural diversity will help me better serve the constituency.The article 2024 Candidate Profile: Ashley Hutson For Manassas City Council appeared first on Manassas, VA Patch.
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