Opinion

Problem-solving on 2014 Agenda

I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with my Board colleagues and Braddock residents on a number of important issues. Here are some of the key issues that will affect Fairfax County residents in 2014.

Letter: Improving Mental Health Services

The following open letter was addressed to the state senators and delegates representing Fairfax County.

Living With My Decisions

On multiple occasions throughout my nearly five years of being treated for stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, my oncologist has given me opportunities to stop and/or take a break from my treatment, or to consider alternatives to the normal protocols – for the expressed (literally) purpose of sustaining/enhancing the unexpected, above-average quality of life I have mostly experienced during my nearly non-stop, every three-week chemotherapy infusions which began in early March, 2009. The goal being to enable me to enjoy my life and not be subjected to/beaten down by the ravaging and debilitating effects of chemotherapy.

Letter: Favoring Heavy Rail

Del. Scott Surovell has long advocated extension of the Metro Yellow line along the Richmond Highway through Mt. Vernon to Ft. Belvoir as the best solution to engender a long list of urbanistic, spatial, aesthetic, environmental and financial improvements to the entire corridor. He asked recently that others provide their opinion on the matter as the final steps in the study are reaching their conclusion and I am pleased to do so.

Letter: Ensure Qualified Appointments

At the Dec. 3, 2013 meeting of the Board of Supervisors, at Supervisor Hyland's request, the prospective re-appointment of Elizabeth Martin to an at-large seat on the County Wetlands Board was deferred and letters sent to the BOS in opposition to her re-appointment (including from me) were referred to the County Attorney's Office so that they can investigate allegations in those letters concerning actions by the Wetlands Board and Ms. Martin, and report back to the Board of Supervisors.

Letter: Improving Mental Health Services

The following open letter was addressed to the state senators and delegates representing Fairfax County: I apologize for not being able to attend this year’s hearing. I want to thank you all for once again allowing your constituents to voice our concerns and express our wishes for this new legislative session.

Cartoon: Fly My Pretties... FLY!!

Fly My Pretties...

Grateful to the Community

To the Editor: To the McLean, Vienna and Great Falls communities: The Woman’s Club of McLean would like to express its gratitude for supporting the club’s 47th annual Holiday Homes Tour and MarketPlace. Preliminary estimates show that the two events successfully met our goals of providing essential support to local charities and nonprofits. The proceeds will be especially meaningful in this time of general need, which is felt most strongly in the holiday season. Thank you again for your generous support. Best wishes to all for the holidays and a fulfilling new year. Mildred Thompson, President Woman’s Club of McLean

Children’s Connection: What an Inspiration!

To the Editor: I just finished reading the McLean Connection, Children's Connection 2013. I am so impressed by the children, what an inspiration they are! Thank you and the children for this special gift.