Politics

Fairfax County Supervisors Condemn Anti-Asian Racism

Acknowledging the large and vibrant Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Fairfax County, Chairman Jeff McKay introduced a resolution on March 23, passed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors, condemning violence and discrimination against AAPIs.

Joining Forces Against Hate

Local legislators part of newly formed Asian American and Pacific Islanders Caucus

Last week, local delegates Mark L. Keam (D-35) and Kathy KL Tran (D-42) joined other Virginia General Assembly members with Asian American heritage to speak out against violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Green Summer

Alexandria delegation works with the governor to legalize marijuana on July 1.

Alexandria is about to become the capital of marijuana in Virginia. The city's legislative delegation is at the center of an effort poised to legalize weed this summer, years ahead of an agreement that was struck behind closed doors at the end of the General Assembly session in February.

Virginia State Candidates Seek Your Signature

With completion of the 2021 General Assembly session, the odd-year political election cycle is upon us in Virginia.

Seeing Double

Alexandria delegate is one of four House members whose name will be on the ballot twice.

The ballot for the Democratic primary in June might cause you to do a double take. Del. Mark Levine (D-45) will be on the ballot twice, once running for reelection against primary challenger Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and then again against seven other candidates for lieutenant governor. Levine and three other House members will be doing double duty, asking voters to reject their primary opponents for seats they would vacate if they win stateside office.

Alexandria Republicans Expect Candidates to Declare Soon

Local Republican efforts to recruit candidates to challenge Democrats in the November elections are proving successful, according to party Chairman Pete Benavage.

McAuliffe to Pick Up Support in Alexandria

Former governor to receive key endorsements from prominent city officials.

As the spring campaign season heats up, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe is about to receive endorsements from prominent Alexandria elected officials in the hotly contested Democratic primary for governor.

Conversation Started to Rename Lee District in Fairfax County

Supervisor Lusk opened the floor to constituents who had a few suggestions.

Seemingly, everyone in Lee District knows the district is named after Robert E. Lee, the head of the Confederacy in the Civil War that ultimately ended the practice of slavery when the southern states lost and the Union won the war.

Starting from a Clean Slate

Compromise on expungement: automatic for some misdemeanors, petition for some felonies.

Marijuana convictions will be automatically expunged under a bill now under consideration by Gov. Ralph Northam, although convictions for crack cocaine will require missing a day of work and probably hiring a lawyer to go to court and seal the record. The legislation is a compromise crafted late in the General Assembly session by House Majority Leader Charniele Herring of Alexandria and state Sen. Scott Surovell (D-36), who clashed repeatedly over the last year about how the process should work.

Alexandria Republicans to Hold Candidate Information Session

Local Republican party Chairman Pete Benavage announced that the party is planning an information session on March 6 for local Republicans interested in running for office.

High Time for Legalization?

Advocates call on the governor to legalize marijuana as soon as possible.

The debate over legalizing marijuana is about to light up, putting Gov. Ralph Northam at the center of a budding controversy. At issue is a question of timing. Should he agree with lawmakers that legalization should wait until New Years Day 2024, giving the commonwealth enough time to stand up the new Cannabis Control Authority? Or should he amend the bill the General Assembly put on his desk to legalize weed now to prevent communities of color from being overpoliced in the interim?

Alexandria Council Approves the Heritage Project

Vote is unanimous on Old Town development.

The controversial Heritage at Old Town development project will move forward following unanimous approval by the Alexandria City Council at its Feb. 20 public hearing.

Ivan Raiklin Speaks to Local Republican Women

The Commonwealth Republican Women’s Club (CRWC) hosted Ivan Raiklin as its guest speaker in February.

Virginia Is for Pet Lovers, Too

Cosmetics testing, research dogs/cats, dangerous dogs, pet store employees come under scrutiny

The 2021 Virginia General Assembly had only six companion animal-related bills before it this session; a small number compared to the roughly two dozen during the 2020 session, and a dozen in 2019.

Controlling Gun Violence

After assault weapons stumble, lawmakers limit guns at polling places and government buildings.

Fulfilling their campaign promises to take action against gun violence, Democrats in the General Assembly are sending Gov. Ralph Northam several gun-violence prevention bills.

The Connection