Nembhard Lies.
Travis Nembhard is attempting to hide his own extreme positions by lying about Ian Lovejoy’s record of responsible governing. Nothing is off limits for Nembhard and that is why he simply can’t be trusted. Scroll down to see some of his lies and learn the truth.
Nembhard’s Lie #1
““Ian Lovejoy received $2,000 from the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC)10, which promotes data centers as “a major driver of investment in Virginia.” ᵃ
The Truth:
The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) promotes the entire technology sector from start-ups to government contractors. ¹
Nembhard’s Lie #2
“Two new data centers are coming to Manassas and Ian Lovejoy didn’t do anything to stop it in his eight years on the Manassas City Council.” ᵃ
The Truth:
The two new data centers were developed in 2023, 3 years after Ian served on the Manassas City Council. ²
Nembhard’s Lie #3
“Ian Lovejoy said that “reasonable people understand we need data centers” and that “they can be a good thing.” ᵃ
The Truth:
Nembhard is selectively editing the quote from Ian- which in its entirety read ““I think reasonable people understand we need data centers, and in the right place at the right time they can be a good thing but … you don’t just go from house to industrial without a lot of buffer,” he said. “And I think that that’s where we’re running into a roadblock here is that the parcel sizes are often not large enough for an appropriate buffer and the end result is you’re getting a data center being built essentially in your backyard.”
The same article also calls Lovejoy a “long a prominent community voice against aggressive data center development”
In the exact same article Nembhard says “he backs data center development” ³
Nembhard’s Lie #4
“No Exception for Women’s Health” ᵇ
The Truth:
Nembhard is lying, referencing Lovejoy’s campaign material which clearly states: “preserving exceptions for cases of rape, incest and the life of the mother.” ⁴
Nembhard’s Lie #5
“Ian Lovejoy blocked women’s health centers” ᶜ
The Truth:
Ian supported common sense zoning reforms to ensure ambulatory surgical centers are properly located. The same reforms were first championed by Fairfax City Council Democrats, and they remain in effect to this day on the 5-1 Democrat controlled Manassas City Council.
The policy had no impact on the existing abortion center in Manassas- which closed because the owner retired. ⁵
Nembhard’s Lie #6
“Voted against common sense gun safety regulations that would prevent criminals from obtaining weapons” ᵈ
The Truth:
The Nembhard campaign refers to a procedural motion to table the discussion for further review and to be considered later. The resolution subsequently passed unanimously. ⁶
Nembhard’s Lie #7
“He repeatedly voted against providing funding for our public schools and law enforcement.” ᵉ
The Truth:
With cost-of-living soaring, Lovejoy opposed tax increases that burdened an already over taxed community. He never singled out schools or law enforcement for cuts or reductions.
Tax hike Travis is trying to have it both ways; Telling voters he wants to cut taxes while attacking Ian for not raising them. ⁷
Nembhard’s Lie #8
“Inflated his own pay; Used His Power to Enrich Himself” ᶠ
The Truth:
City Council voted unanimously for a 2% salary increase equaling $256. Lovejoy also donated the majority of his City Council salary to charity every year. ⁷
Nembhard’s Lie #9
“Voted against lowering property tax rates in 2014” ᵍ
The Truth:
Ian voted against the proposed Real estate tax rate because due to increasing home values, the rate wasn’t LOW enough to ensure a flat real estate tax bill for the year. ⁸
Nembhard’s Lie #10
“Voted in 2017 against a plan to build new police and fire stations in Manassas” ʰ
The Truth:
Lovejoy voted against the 2017 budget as it increased taxes, but the fire and police station were built years later with Lovejoy voting for their funding. ⁹
We don’t have time for politics as usual!
For over a decade I’ve served our region- as a Councilman, entrepreneur, small business owner and community advocate.
I’ve worked to bring quality jobs, opposed data center sprawl and unchecked development- all while fighting to keep more of your money in your own pocket.
With your help I’m ready to take that fight to Richmond.
There’s much important work to do for our families and our community and Virginia Can’t Wait.
Citations
1) NVTC.org
4) Lovejoy for Delegate Campaign Literature
5) Fairfax City Council Vote, 7/9/13
6) Manassas City Council Vote, 10/28/19; 11/25/20
7) Manassas City Council Vote, 6/17/13; What’s Up Manassas, 1/19/17; Prince William Living, 2/15/15; Bull Run Now, 6/13/16
8) Manassas City Council Vote, 3/19/14
9) Manassas Council Vote, 6/8/2020
A) LovejoyFactSheet.com, October 2023
B) Nembhard Campaign Literature and Media, September 2023
C) LovejoyFactSheet.com, October 2023
D) LovejoyFactSheet.com, October 2023
E) LovejoyFactSheet.com, October 2023
F) Nembhard Campaign Literature, September 2023
G) Nembhard Campaign Literature, September 2023
H) LovejoyFactSheet.com, October 2023