Marc T. Aveni

Candidate for City Council

Age: 44

Residence: Clover Hill.

Education: BS, horticulture, MS, public administration, Virginia Tech.

Occupation: Regional manager, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Elected offices/civic activities: Former vice chairman, Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District; member, Manassas Parks and Recreation Committee, All Saints Catholic Church Welcoming Committee.

What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction? "Two urgent issues face the city today: 1) the residential real estate tax rate/assessment and 2) residential overcrowding. Council must reduce the rate well below the proposed 91 cents per $100 of assessed value currently proposed. Families and seniors on fixed incomes cannot suffer through another year of 25-40 percent increases on home assessments that translate into higher taxes they must pay. Council must cap the amount an assessment can raise in a given year, say to the rate of inflation or 5 percent. Secondly, rigorous enforcement of the existing zoning ordinance to address overcrowding needs to be a priority."

Why should voters elect you? "This May, voters need to elect a mature family man who will always put the needs of families first."

Web site: www.votemarc.net

E-mail address: marcaveni@comtekmail.com