Candidate Profile: Theresa Coates Ellis For Manassas City Council

MANASSAS, VA — Theresa Coates Ellis is one of several candidates hoping to fill three open seats on the Manassas City Council in this November's elections. Coates Ellis is running for re-election after completing her first term.

Other candidates include incumbents Ralph Smith and Lynn Forkell Greene along with challengers Sonia Vasquez Luna and Dheeraj Jagadev.

Read more: General Election 2022: Dates, Races To Know In Manassas

Patch asked each of the candidates in the city council race to fill out the following questionnaire.

Name

Theresa Coates Ellis

Age

61

Party affiliation

Republican

Family? Names, ages, and any other details you wish to share.

My husband George Ellis and I have raised one son: Christopher; and six daughters: Allison, Christine, Natalie, Kathryn, Jillian, and Laura.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

One child serves and one is a Veteran for the USAF.

Education level

George Mason University, Business Communication Degree. Alumna of the Year 2019.

Occupation, including employer and years of experience.

Worked as a healthcare manager and as a business owner and operator in management and marketing for 30 years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Currently finishing 1st Year Term Manassas City Council. Seeking Re-election in the Nov. 8th election.

Campaign website

https://www.TheresaCoatesEllis.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

“I will continue to fight against higher taxes and wasteful spending and will support safety for our City of Manassas community, residents, businesses, families, and students. I have been a champion to our small businesses and future workforce, and I will continue to help them to recover from COVID-19, grow, and thrive for the future.

Businesses are facing workforce shortages and students and their families are deeply impacted by severe learning loss. We must act with common sense to provide resources that are needed for education to maintain safety while providing our children with the high-quality education that they deserve. Our children will not be left behind; they are our greatest natural resource.”

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Theresa Coates Ellis' upcoming priorities include continuing the fight against increased taxes and excess spending during the highest inflation rate in 40 years. Continuing strong economic development and redevelopment to attract quality businesses, jobs and a workforce for increased revenue. Support public safety to keep our neighborhoods and schools safe and enforce codes and ordinances.

Support educational and emotional recovery for a generation of children with severe learning loss and mental health issues due to the extended closing of schools and provide them with the best education that is possible. Support election integrity that is fair and transparent. Continue quality constituent service with regular communication and availability with community meetups.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to recent issues (i.e. the pandemic)? What if anything would you have done differently?

With a background in healthcare management, I was more prepared for the pandemic and the challenges, because in healthcare, you are in a constant state of readiness. Because many local officials were not prepared for this crisis, many suffered, including our small businesses, families, and children with a severe loss of learning that will take many years to recover. The truly vulnerable suffered the greatest with lack of services and care. Voters must be educated and learn about candidates and make good decisions to benefit the community and the future.

Taxes and spending while facing issues of the record-breaking inflation, spending, and the lack of workforce and supply chain shortages were increased by many local officials, which is not responsible leadership. I focus on needs versus wants during budget time decisions. Our residents are struggling financially. I voted "NO," to increases to personal property and real estate tax bill increases.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am a long-time successful small business owner and operator in the City of Manassas. I have been a volunteer leader in Rotary, the Red Cross, the Inter-Service Club Council, and initiated Shadow for a Day mentorship, Bee City USA Manassas and the Manassas Bee Festival. I am a problem solver who was elected before the pandemic, during the pandemic, and know during recovery. I have been through many cycles and challenges in our City and have more to do with our residents so we can thrive.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

When I was elected in 2018, my campaign plan was to "Let's Grow Manassas Together." During the pandemic, I focused on #ManassasTogether to get through one of the most challenging times for our City. I am a person of action, problem solver, that works to bring our community together. My campaign message now is to "ThriveTogether." We all have to work together: businesses, education, volunteers, leaders, to overcome the impact of the pandemic so we can secure our future.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Raising 7 children and building, operating and owning several small businesses while giving back to the community to make it better with my volunteer leadership roles.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Stay humble and focus on what is important.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I genuinely care about you, your family, and loved ones. I am a hands-on local official who understands our residents' challenges. I grew up in a family who struggled financially, rose out of poverty with opportunity and hard work. I put myself through college and was the first to attend college in my large extended family. I am our resident's biggest cheerleader and hope they consider me for their vote on Nov. 8th. I would be honored to continue to serve them as their Manassas City Council Member.