McAuliffe Gains Support Of Manassas, Prince William Co. Officials

MANASSAS, VA — Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe received the support of several Manassas and Prince William County officials on Thursday as the former governor continues his push to return to office.

Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, Vice Mayor Pamela Sebesky, City Treasurer Patricia Richie-Folks and Councilors Mark Wolfe, David Farajollahi and Ralph Smith all endorsed McAuliffe on the heels of his announcement this week to reform Virginia’s criminal justice system.

McAuliffe also gained the support of Prince William County School Board Chairman Babur Lateef and former Prince William County Supervisor Frank Principi, both of whom came out in support of the Democrat.

As part of his criminal justice plan, McAuliffe said this week he wants to focus on second chances and the rehabilitation of criminals, according to a news release announcing the local endorsements. McAuliffe said he wants to “right the wrongs” of a criminal justice system that has unfairly targeted Black and Brown Virginians for generations, the release said.

“Now is not the time to tinker around the edges,” McAuliffe said in the release. “We have to use this as an opportunity to put an end to the unjust practices that have targeted Black and Brown Virginians for centuries, eliminate disparities in our kids’ education, and break down the barriers holding communities of color back. As Virginia's next governor, I will put equity at the forefront of everything I do.”

Lateef said that McAuliffe’s pledge to create a more equitable system for students in Virginia is important, especially as the coronavirus pandemic continues to present educational challenges to students across the state.

“Our next governor needs to act boldly to build on this administration’s effort make sure every Virginia child has access to an equitable, world class education,” Lateef said in the release.

In addition to making a commitment to provide significant funding for public education and to make reforms in the criminal justice system, McAuliffe is also committed to the economy after creating 200,000 jobs as Virginia's governor. Now, he is vowing to pump more money back into the economy as the state looks to recover from the hardships caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Davis-Younger, the Manassas Mayor, said she believes the former governor is the person to rebuild the economy.

“Our Commonwealth has faced unprecedented challenges in the last year with compounding crises in the pandemic and economic fallout,” she said. “(McAuliffe) will use this opportunity to move us forward and make our economy work for all Virginians.”