Darryl G. Moore has dedicated his life to public service and making communities better wherever he goes. It was this dedication, along with a wealth of experience that catapulted him to win one of the three city council seats in Manassas Park on Tuesday. Councilman Moore spoke with the PW Perspective shortly after winning his seat. He was the largest vote getter that day in Manassas Park with 3,393 votes. Elected alongside him was fellow Democrat Yesina “Yesi” Amaya.

“I was excited to hear the news when it was announced that I had won,” Moore stated. “My family was with me, my nephew traveled from Baton Rouge to be here.”

The gathering for the evening took place at two silos, one for Manassas and the other at the Manassas Park Democratic Committee. “I was happy to see (Manassas Park Mayor) Jeanette Rishell and (Manassas Mayor) Michelle Davis-Younger win as well. It was a big night for our communities.”

Moore stated that the only things missing from the evening was a clean sweep as Donald Shuemaker lost his seat to Laura Hampton, who ran as an Independent. Moore referred to the moment he found out as “bittersweet.”

This election victory was yet another incredible accomplishment of a political career that began during his days of studying public policy at the University of Chicago. While he was there he worked for an alderman and later on the city’s first Black Mayor Harold Washington. It gave him the opportunity to not only learn about, but participate in, public office. Afterwards, he came to work in Washington DC under Mayor Marion Berry for a decade. Moore was charged with putting together the first recycling program in the nation’s capital, which he was able to accomplish. He then returned to his native California and settled in the San Francisco area, studying at UC Santa Cruz. During his time in the Bay Area he served 3 consecutive terms on the Berkeley City Council.

What has he learned from those previous posts? “We must take everything seriously, raise significant money, and build coalitions with unions and other groups. You cannot be successful on your own; it takes working in conjunction with others to get things done.”

When he’s not campaigning, he likes to cook. “It puts a smile on my face to see other people enjoy my cooking.” He also likes to go to the movies and travel with his husband of 25 years.

Now the challenge of initiating what he wants to do for Manassas Park begins. He mentioned two of his biggest goals: Lower the tax rate and increase teacher salaries.

“Manassas Park tax rates are the highest in Northern Virginia,” said Moore. “In order to lower the rates it must be done strategically so that we take care of our police, fire department and other public services. Also, we also must improve our economic development and cut property taxes in order to maintain these services. It will enable us to attract more small businesses.”

“As for teachers, we have to do more to retain them in the classroom. They leave the profession after two to three years. We need to take the money away from the admins and put it into the classroom.”

He knows that coming into the position of councilman it’s important because of what it means regarding representation, in both the Black and LGBTQ+ communities. “I consider myself as an example. You need a seat at the table. As a Black man and member of the LGBTQ community, I’m making sure all committees are represented. We need multiple voices in positions of power to address systemic racism and police violence. It’s why I frequently speak to young groups to keep them encouraged.”

“Public service is a high calling.”

He also discussed how communicating with other people has been changed due to current times. “During this pandemic, COVID-19 has made it challenging to talk to people in person, so it’s important that as elected officials that we connect through social media to hear their problems and present solutions.”

Finally, he emphasizes the necessity to unite his fellow public officers going forward. “That’s a challenge of all elected officials. We can disagree without being disagreeable. On the local level, we are non-partisan and strive that unity. Put policies above party and ad hominem attacks. Local officials need to know that, and let’s work together.”