Principi: Keep River Oaks Together

• Editor's Note: The following letter came from Supervisor Principi's office. It is posted unedited. 

On April 15, 2011, the Prince William County Human Rights Commission approved a resolution urging the Board of County Supervisors to reconsider a redistricting proposal that would divide the River Oaks Community between the Woodbridge and Dumfries Magisterial Districts. The Commission’s resolution notes that River Oaks “is 77% minority and may be viewed as a community of interest,” adding that River Oaks and the County may be better served keeping the community in one magisterial district.

As Supervisor of the Woodbridge District, I also believe the entire River Oaks Community should remain within the Woodbridge District. In fact, there are several reasons to maintain the integrity of the River Oaks Community in the redistricting plan:

1)    One of the criteria we established as a Board earlier this year was to preserve communities of interest to the maximum extent possible when drawing lines for redistricting. 

2)    I have heard from many residents of River Oaks who are opposed to dividing their neighborhood, which has developed a strong sense of community over the years. 

The Board of County Supervisors will hold a special meeting regarding the redistricting proposal on Monday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the McCoart Building. If you want the final redistricting plan to maintain the River Oaks Community within the Woodbridge District:

• You can speak at Citizens’ Time during the April 18th special meeting or
• Send an email to Redistricting@pwcgov.org.

Please make your voice heard! 

Sincerely,

Frank J. Principi

Woodbridge District Supervisor