2024 General Election Candidate Profile: Xiao-Yin 'Tang' Byrom For Manassas Mayor
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Via Patch.com
Patch asked candidates for mayor, Manassas City Council and Manassas School Board to fill out a candidate questionnaire with the same questions. Here are some of Xiao-Yin (Tang) Byrom's responses:
Office Sought
Mayor- City of Manassas
Campaign Website
Age (As of Nov. 5 election)
59
Occupation
Owner /Operator at Tang’s Alterations Bridal Bespoke
Family
Mother of three grown sons, Daughter, Sister, Niece to many. My extended family has a work ethic that has rubbed off on me. We all work very hard and so appreciate being part of the American Dream.
Why are you seeking this office?
Our city is veering off course in many ways. We’ve lost sight of what’s important. I’m the right person to help steer us back on course.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidate(s) seeking this post?
My slogan is “Tailoring Success for All,” and that’s exactly what I plan to do. There’s no need for party politics in our city, yet that's what we're dealing with now. We've lost key city staff and even eroded our volunteer base—people who generously give their time and talents. The major challenges and opportunities we face require a fair, even-handed approach focused solely on what’s best for the city. I am the candidate who will restore balance to our city.
What do you see as the top issues facing your city, and how do you address them in your campaign platform?
1. Schools: Our top priority is the school system. Our students are the unrepresented voice but our most cherished residents. They are our future. As mayor, I will sound the “school bell” loud and clear, rallying support from students, parents, taxpayers, teachers, and administrators to elevate our schools to be the best in the Commonwealth. It’s time to stop making excuses and start working. A great school system will boost property values, strengthen our tax base, support commercial enterprises, and make Manassas the place everyone wants to live, work, and play.
2. Staffing: City staff need to feel valued and secure, knowing that their jobs are safe as long as they perform well. We must create an environment that attracts the best talent, listen to them, and value the skills these top professionals bring.
3. Safety: In recent years, we’ve seen an uptick in safety concerns expressed by residents related to overcrowded homes, drugs, truancy, and panhandling. We need to get this under control before it worsens.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Over 25 years of self-employment and a decade of volunteer work have honed my leadership skills. I understand that we’re only as strong as the people around us, and leading teams has become second nature to me.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am a first-generation American who grew up under the shadow of communism and was blessed to come to America at the age of 14. I quickly realized that in America, we have free speech and the freedom to become whoever we want to be. I learned to speak my mind, work hard, and blend into American culture, and I want to share that vision with the next generation, ensuring those dreams and opportunities are available to all. I proudly became an American citizen on October 17, 1991. I was here on 9/11 and felt the unity that brought us all together under the flag. A few years ago, we experienced that unity again as we responded to COVID, with our community working together to provide masks for first responders. I want to see that unity again—not because of a tragedy, but because it's the right thing to do.
Manassas has a great history and an even greater future. I hope you'll trust me to lead us into it.
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