3 Manassas council members to seek reelection, 2 as a team

Two Manassas City Council members announced Monday their plans to run as a team in May's election.

Republicans Marc T. Aveni and Andrew L. Harrover told their families and fellow council members that they will begin campaigning next month for second four-year terms on the council. They are not aware of anyone else vying for their seats, they said. Three of the council's seven seats are up for election next year.

Independent J. Steven Randolph, a 24-year council member, said he will officially announce his plans to run for reelection next month.

"It is a pleasure for me to run with Andy," Aveni said. "Andy is creative, Andy is a doer . . . and he is supportive of me. He is also my friend."

Aveni, who has six children, said he wants to run for reelection to make sure Manassas remains a family-friendly community. He said he also enjoys working with constituents.

"I want to be the voice for the common man and woman," said the 20-year Manassas resident. "I want to help people get answers to their questions and help the average citizen."

Aveni, who is chairman of the finance committee and a member of the utilities commission, said he thinks the council has done a good job of keeping taxes low while protecting services, an approach he wants to see continued.

Harrover, the vice mayor and a Manassas native, said the community needs to create a long-term vision. Harrover started his effort to produce a plan for the city's future by launching a strategic planning initiative called Manassas Next in 2008. Although parts of his plan came to fruition -- upgrades along Battle Street and new science and technology programs in city schools -- he has more to do if reelected, he said.

"We look forward to offering a little more of our vision for the future," said Harrover, who sits on the airport, museum and land-use committees.

The council will meet Monday to take up several scheduled items including a fire and rescue ordinance and a bond issue.

Since the city formed the Manassas Fire and Rescue Department almost two years ago, volunteer and career fire and rescue personnel have been battling about the organization of the department.

For decades, the city was served by the Manassas Volunteer Fire Company and the Greater Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad. Once a formal city department was created with a new fire chief, volunteers became concerned their departments would lose their identity.