Full name: Jamie Rogers

Phone: 703-203-4791

Birthday: June 14

My passion for journalism blossomed from my love of writing in my diary—something I have been doing regularly since I was 9 years old.

I found comfort in writing thoughts and ideas on paper and am still fascinated about being able to look back at my own words and recall memories, feelings and events.

I knew I wanted to be a journalist and never thought seriously about veering from that path as I earned a degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of South Carolina in Columbia in 2006.

Aspiring to immediately work for a large newspaper in a major city, I ended up back in my hometown of Florence, S.C., working for the Morning News, owned by Richmond, Va.-based Media General, Inc. 

I originally viewed my acceptance of the job as a setback because I didn't want to be back in my home town. But I quickly realized the newspaper was fertile ground for me to grow as a journalist.

I covered news for six mostly rural counties in eastern South Carolina for the mid-sized newspaper. I met friends and acquaintances, and learned much about what I refer to as "the human element" during my four years as a public safety, crime and courts reporter.

This country girl's desire to live in a "big city" never subsided and in 2009, I made it my mission to find employment and move to Northern Virginia or Washington, D.C.

I got my wish in November of 2010 when I accepted a position with Patch as the local editor for Manassas Park, which turn out to be a perfect place for me, fresh off the country bumpkin boat, to hang a shingle.

In September, just shy of my new year anniversary as the Manassas Park Patch editor, I took on the role of local editor for the Manassas Patch site.

Politics & Religion

It has been said that a journalist cannot be politically unbiased.  Well, I'm probably the closest thing to a poitically unbiased journalist there is.

I have been a Jehovah's Witness my entire life and all practicing members of my faith do not get involved in political affairs. Witnesses believe there is one God who created a world that it is impossible for humankind to govern correctly because of their imperfection.

This does not mean that I refuse to pay my taxes or participate in anarchist activities. The government leaders, although imperfect, are ministers of justice and lawfulness who exist to maintain some sort of order. So, we must respect our leaders and lawmakers and abide by all laws.

Hot button issues

Many people in Manassas and Manassas Park complain about their commute and the overall transportation situation in Northern Virginia. Residents say Route 28 desperately needs to be widen. Others say a bus lane, or a lane reversal system during commuting hours, needs to be created on the roadway.

Manassas Park residents continue to be disgruntled and discouraged by the lack of businesses in City Center, a mixed use development on the small city's main strip, Manassas Drive. 

Resident also wonder how the city's limited amount of land will be developed.

In addition, Manassas Park residents are concerned about their property tax rates, as well as the city's financial debt.

In neighboring Manassas, there is an ongoing debate over the Amethyst Health Center for Women, a local clinic that performs abortions.

At many Manassas City Council meetings the only residents who address the council during citizens time are those who are either for abortion or those who are against it.

The early 20th Century home known as the Prescott House, located on Prescott Avenue near the heart of the city is in poor condition and many believe it should either be fixed or torn down immediately.

The fate of the Prescott House remains uncertain and the debate rages on ...