Board of County Supervisor Andrea O. Bailey hosted her first in-person town hall of 2020 at the Ferlazzo Building in Woodbridge as she laid out a grand strategy for the Potomac District on Wednesday evening. She discussed some of the accomplishments that has already been achieved such as working on solving the ever-challenging coal ash issue that has plagued the Dumfries area for quite some time, as well as putting together a strategic plan for the residents to enjoy more recreational facilities. In addition, her “Bailey Bugle” newsletter has become a consistent outreach to provide people with community updates.

However, there were several pressing issues that were presented to Supervisor Bailey by the attendees as the evening progressed. Among them were several notable inquires:

-How would Prince William County handle the concerns over the coronavirus? Supervisor Bailey stated that she will be meeting with her fellow BOCS to discuss plans on precautionary measures.

-What plans are in place for educational opportunities for the Potomac District? She has met with several elected officials, such as Delegate Elizabeth Guzman and School Board District member Justin David Wilk, on expanding the budget to include more funding for special needs students. In addition, she will be meeting with more local schools on providing more plans for mental health initiatives. Future plans would include, according to Bailey, adding another high school in the local area.

-What could be done to provide more business growth for Dumfries? Although Dumfries has been considered largely a separated town due to being a municipality, Bailey has made it a mission to connect it to the rest of Woodbridge by promoting efforts to include more high-end restaurants, and to make the Dumfries Port a center of trade again. She stated that she is “looking forward to the relationship that we’re going to have” with the other parts of the town.

The most important takeaway of the evening was how she took the time to address each issue and brought everyone together by having a shared vision. By utilizing a diverse staff and listening to the pertinent issues, Bailey has laid the groundwork to make good on her campaign promises of a greater tomorrow for the Potomac District. For further updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/Bailey4theBoard/