Adam C. Larson

Candidate for City Council

Age: 38

Residence: Blooms Crossing.

Education: BS, electrical engineering, Brigham Young University; MS, electrical engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology.

Occupation: Communications engineer, Northrop Grumman Information Technology; lieutenant commander, U.S. Navy Reserve.

Elected offices/civic activities: Former assistant scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America; active in church community.

What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction? "The biggest problem currently facing Manassas Park is rapidly rising property taxes. Not only have our tax bills increased, they have increased much faster than in our neighboring jurisdictions. For example, in 2001 our tax rate was only 3 percent higher than Prince William County's. For 2006, our tax rate is almost 40 percent higher than Prince William County's. The result of this is that families in Manassas Park pay between $1,000 and $2,000 more in property taxes than they would for a similar home 'next door' in Prince William County. See www.MPwatchdog.com for details."

Why should voters elect you? "I will be the taxpayer's advocate. My goal is to reduce the 'tax gap' between us and our neighboring jurisdictions."

Web site: www.MPwatchdog.com

E-mail address: adam@MPwatchdog.com