I believe that both you and the MJM are mistaken. The ordinance didn’t establish the overcrowding taskforce or the hotline. Both predate the ordinance by at least a year. When they repealed the “definition of family” ordinance, it had no impact on the continued existance of the taskforce or the hotline. I have used it as recently as 45 days ago to re-report a house that alternates between compliant and overcrowded as often as the seasons changed. Also, just last month, an unofficial 3-house rule (you had to live within three houses to file a report) was scrapped, in favor of a “Cry Wolf” policy (if you repeatedly call on homes and there are never any violations, then you go on a special list of harrassment callers).

I would have preferred that the lawsuit was dismissed because the suit had no merit, and that the ordinance was upheld in the courts. Because the city of Manassas did not have the fortitude to stand by their decisions and fight for their rights in the courts, we will never know if the courts would have backed the ordinance.

Though at least one of the newest members of the Council, Wolfe, seems to be more concerned with the “reputation” of the City then with combating criminals, he may have not choice but to come around as well.