Three candidates are seeking three seats on the Manassas Park City Council. The Manassas Journal sent all three candidates the same six questions about quality of life, taxes and utility costs, economic development, data centers, infrastructure and schools.
Maya Miernik submitted responses. The other two candidates did not submit responses by the deadline.
Rather than summarize her positions in our own words, the Journal is presenting Miernik’s responses in her own words, shortened for length by removing some passages.
Early voting begins Friday.
Editor’s Note
Every candidate received the same six questions and the same response deadline. Responses were shortened for length by removing some passages. The Manassas Journal did not rewrite the remaining responses or change a candidate’s wording, position, examples or qualifications.
The same editing standard was applied to every candidate. Each responding candidate was given an opportunity to review their own edited responses before publication.
1. Quality of Life
What should Manassas Park prioritize over the next four years?
How would you assess Manassas Park’s current quality of life? What, if anything, would you change or prioritize over the next four years?
Maya Miernik
“On a scale from 1-10 I would give Manassas Park a 7 in terms of quality of life. Overall, Manassas Park is safe, attractive, and full of innovation.
“I would like to prioritize and expand our early childhood education programs, mental health and substance use support programs, as well as economic development to lower the tax burden on residents.
“I would also ensure that residents have access to programs that already exist which would improve their quality of life.”
2. Taxes, Utilities and Cost of Living
How should the City balance services and affordability?
How would you assess the City’s current approach to taxes, utility costs and the overall cost of living? What, if anything, would you change or prioritize differently?
Maya Miernik
“Taxes are a complicated and frustrating issue for the residents of Manassas Park. On one hand, taxes are necessary to fund public services. On the other hand, due to our lack of business – the tax burden falls almost completely on the residents.
“Since we have agreements with larger jurisdictions for some of our utilities, negotiating a better deal might be one way to reduce the costs of water, for example.
“I would prefer to find a way to balance our taxes in a fairer way. Property tax provides most of our funding, but many residents do not own property. Alternate ways of assessing tax could be helpful in terms of tax distribution.
“The cost of living is increasing everywhere, including Manassas Park. Families are being priced out of their homes or have to rent or share housing in order to make ends meet. My solution to this issue is to help families achieve higher income employment through vocational development opportunities for residents.”
3. Economic Development
What kinds of businesses and employers should Manassas Park attract?
Manassas Park has limited commercial and technology development compared with nearby jurisdictions. How would you assess the City’s current approach to economic development, and what types of businesses or employers would you like to see attracted to Manassas Park?
Maya Miernik
“Manassas Park is much smaller than our neighboring jurisdictions and is still developing economically. I agree with the city’s current model of economic development, with the caveat that development should also take into account the impact on current residents’ quality of life especially in regard to traffic.
“I would like to see more anchor businesses that bring in customers from other places, such as the current movie theater.
“I would appreciate businesses that are eager to earn and make connections with consumers in local cities. In addition, businesses that are willing to partner with our local schools for career and/or technical education would be extremely beneficial to our city.”
4. Data Centers and Development
What should Council consider as the City grows?
The City is considering additional development, including potential data-center development. How would you assess that type of growth, and what benefits or impacts should City Council consider when making those decisions?
Maya Miernik
“Development should be balanced.
“Factors to be considered would be impact on the current residents of Manassas Park in terms of resource consumption, and exposure to detrimental elements (such as sound or material pollution).
“In addition, the feasibility of said development should be deeply considered to, hopefully, prepare for any obstacles that may arise.”
5. Infrastructure and City Services
Roads, utilities, public safety and traffic
How would you assess Manassas Park’s infrastructure and City services, including roads, utilities and public safety? What, if anything, should be prioritized as the City grows?
Maya Miernik
“Our city services are functioning well but not at an ideal capacity.
“Recent paving projects have helped with the potholes and sidewalk accessibility, which is an improvement. Utilities services could always be tweaked but overall, they are doing well.
“Manassas Park is quite safe, and the police department keeps it that way.
“As Manassas Park grows, flow of traffic should be prioritized. Manassas Park has one major road, so as new housing or businesses spring up, traffic just condenses.
“We need more ways in and out of Manassas Park from neighboring towns, as well as more ways to connect various points in our city.”
6. Schools and City Funding
What should guide future support for Manassas Park City Schools?
City Council does not run Manassas Park City Schools, but it plays an important role in local funding. How would you assess the City’s current support for the schools, and what should guide future funding and accountability decisions?
Maya Miernik
“The city provides a substantial amount of support for Manassas Park City Schools.
“Future funding should be allotted, with state support, for early childhood education and vocational education.
“State mandated tests only show part of the picture regarding the successes and challenges of our student population, but that one piece of data paired with our arts, sciences, career education, and various initiatives show what the schools will continue to need.
“As a teacher and parent of students in Manassas Park City Schools, I know about our schools personally.”
What Comes Next
Early voting begins Friday, Sept. 18.
The Manassas Journal is publishing its candidate questionnaire coverage today for the City of Manassas City Council, City of Manassas School Board, Manassas Park City Council and Virginia House of Delegates District 20.
These responses are intended to help readers get to know the candidates in their own words. Voters can also review candidates’ public statements, attend forums and meetings, and learn more about the offices they are seeking.
The Journal’s role is to provide clear, factual information and let readers make their own decisions at the ballot box.
Reference Links
Virginia Department of Elections — City Council Elections Schedule
Virginia Department of Elections — Nov. 3, 2026 General Election Information
