Fourth Candidate Throws Hat in Ring for City Council Seat

A fourth candidate has entered the race for one of the three seats on Manassas Park City Council.

The terms of .

All intend to run for re-election.

From Jeanette Rishell:

Jeanette Rishell is very enthusiastic about being on the ballot for the Nov. 6 election. She will focus her campaign on two primary issues, education and economic development.

We have great schools and excellent teachers here in Manassas Park and, for the sake of our children and grandchildren; we need to keep our schools strong. Jeanette remembers how her family always placed a strong emphasis on education when she was growing up.

“Our children are the future, and education is the strongest contributor to success in later life. So we cannot allow our support of education to waver,” Jeanette said.

 Jeanette Rishell will proactively promote economic development for the City because we are in great need of this increased revenue in order to lower our taxes, and to fund education, public safety and all the vital core services provided for residents.

Jeanette also intends to emphasize replenishing the City’s fund balance; the depleted fund balance being partially responsible for the down grade in Manassas Park’s credit rating.

“Manassas Park is well-positioned for a strong role in the 21st Century Hi-Tech Knowledge Economy,” Jeanette said.

“Our City offers incentives, streamlined zoning procedures, a major fiber optic trunk line that runs the length of the railroad tracks, an excellent City staff which regularly does more for the City with reduced resources, and access to both Dulles Airport and Manassas Airport, plus direct access to the Virginia Railway Express. We must proactively leverage these assets in order to increase the revenue Manassas Park needs.”

 Jeanette currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Upper Occoquan Service Authority (UOSA) as one of the City’s two representatives. She has always maintained a keen interest in issues associated with infrastructure and related maintenance that helps reduce long-term costs. Jeanette also volunteers as a member of her church, and with numerous organizations in the area which both promote and reflect a strong community.

She feels a special affection for Manassas Park because from the first day she and her family moved to the City, they felt a sense of fellowship. Even those who approach issues from quite different perspectives still care very much for the City and for one another. Jeanette is committed to following this philosophy in her service to Manassas Park.

 About Jeanette:

Jeanette has been married to her loving husband, Ed Rishell, for over 40 years. Together they moved their family from Burke, VA to Manassas Park in 1994, and found the City a great place to live, work and raise a family. They have two daughters and three granddaughters.

 Jeanette attended Pennsylvania State University and has updated her education and skills through the years at various other institutions of higher learning. She has broad business experience and is currently employed at CTGi, an Information Technology company, in Oakton, VA. Jeanette will bring her experience and training to City council in order to serve all residents of Manassas Park.

 As a mother and a grandmother Jeanette believes she truly understands what makes a community a home.

 “I look forward to speaking with residents of our City to hear their ideas for a stronger community. I give you my commitment that I will be very careful about how we spend and manage the financial resources of Manassas Park. I will be a dedicated and proactive advocate for the City of Manassas Park and bring a fresh perspective to the City Council.”