To the Editor: Preserving Neighborhoods
Highlighted in Mr. Pope's article [“Extend the Yellow Liine?” The Gazette, July 11] on the transit study for the Route 1 corridor is Jayna Reeder's comment that “... we moved away from the city, so we don't have to have big buildings around our neighborhood.” Ms. Reeder, the big buildings are there: Home Depot, Costco, Aldi, etc. Supervisor McKay, in the article's online version, commented that there are ways to develop transit that “... don't detonate a community and don't turn it into Tysons Corner.” The community has already detonated, Mr. McKay. There is no community to speak of along the corridor itself, because you can't interact very much with your fellow man unless you're out of your car.
To the Editor: Police Oversight Board: When?
The Virginia Citizens Coalition for Police Accountability, Inc. is a statewide pro-police citizens advocacy group with its primary goal being to make Virginia a better and safer place for all its citizens. In Fairfax County, the CCPA has proposed that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appoint a Citizen Complaint Oversight Board to investigate citizen allegations of police abuse, misconduct, negligence and civil rights violations and report its findings and recommendations to the Chief of Police.
To the Editor:Coverage Appreciated
Your coverage of the July 4th Barbeque at Mubarak Mosque was a pleasure to read and look at. As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I wanted to say thank you for this. As an attendee, I felt so much pride on that very day. I was able to celebrate all the major facets of my life come together on that very special day. I was able to celebrate my Muslim identity and American identity together without any conflict because loyalty is a part of my faith. I was able to share this sentiment of loyalty and love with friends, family, and guests of the community
Opinion: Street Repairs Needed Repair
To the Editor: Last week a construction team repaired an underground problem in the 200 block of North Fairfax Street and left the site in so bad a condition that trucks and buses bounced all over the lumpy asphalt creating an unbearable traffic situation and magnifying the noise level we deal with daily as this precious Old Town commercializes exponentially.
To the Editor:Not To Be Missed
Capt. Michelle Rakers returns July 20 to Alexandria's Schlesinger Center, conducting the Marine Chamber Orchestra in a not-to-be-missed 7:30 p.m. free performance.
To the Editor:Protect Public Parks
Oronoco Bay Park this past Saturday night was the best. Despite a torrential downpour an hour before the symphony began, thousands of people of all ages, races, income levels, beliefs, speaking numerous languages, and dressed for a hot summer night came with picnic baskets on different modes of travel — to sit on the ground to have a good time. Proof they did?
To the Editor: Recall Lessons Of History
Re: “We Need to Talk” (July 3, 2013 editorial) Yes, let’s talk about the importance of July 4 to us as individuals and to our city, state and nation — and remember how our freedoms have been won and protected. This special birthday anniversary of our country needs to be set aside for remembering our relevant history; current problems can to be addressed at other times.
To the Editor: Bravo
For the last 25 years, Alexandria has enjoyed the beautiful music of the Alexandria Symphony, under the leadership of our highly acclaimed Maestro Kim Allen Kluge.
Opinion: Protect River Basin
To the Editor: No one disagrees that clean water — and a healthy Potomac — are fundamentally important. The Potomac River Basin supplies more than 85 percent of the D.C. Metropolitan Area’s drinking water. Moreover, it sustains communities supported by fishing and tourism, and allows generations of Virginians to enjoy recreational opportunities, like kayaking alongside the monuments and visiting the Great Falls.
To the Editor: Who Pays?
I read that Terry McAuliffe, Democrat candidate for governor, thought that if the federal government paid 100 percent in the first three years and then 90 percent for some time thereafter of the Medicaid bill to insure an additional 400,000 Virginians, we wouldn’t have to worry about the expense
Editorial: Share Wisdom With Newcomers and Others
The Connection's Newcomers and Community Guide publishes in late August.
Our Insider's Edition Newcomers and Community Guides, will publish the last week of August. What tips do you have for someone getting to know your community? We're hoping to share the places, activities, events, organizations and volunteer opportunities your neighbors might not know about. What great places and activities do you want your new neighbors to know about? Events that should not be missed? Organizations that do a great job? Places to volunteer? Tips for navigating your PTA or your school’s front office? We'd love to have your photos to go along with your suggestions.
Commentary: McDonnell Sets a New Low
—In Virginia, Who Cares?
The daily discoveries of more unethical and corrupt behavior by Governor Bob McDonnell continue to pile up. Most recent are the two grant “loans” to Bob and wife Maureen, each for more than what the average Virginian earns in a year, a Rolex for Bob, a New York fashion shopping spree for Maureen and gifts for two daughters’ weddings. These gifts are all from a wealthy donor involved in million-dollar-litigation with Virginia who is getting first family promotion of his diet supplement business to boost stock prices. All in all, the total undisclosed cash, loans, lodging, gifts, etc. in McDonnell’s enrichment scheme is estimated at $270,000 … so far.
Letter: Reducing Storm Water Runoff
To the Editor: In recent years Reston took an admirable effort to restore its streams. Highly effective in certain respects, the renewal allowed for improvement in important stream functions. The flood plane was evened out, a meadow ecosystem was created, the riffle-flow system slowed the streams flow rate, and the area was generally beautified.
Commentary: Making College Affordable
Members of the college graduating class of 2013 will average more than $35,000 in total debt, according to a study reported recently by CNN. The bulk of the debt is in government loans, but private, state and personal and family loans along with credit card debt contribute to the total.
Editorial: City Council vs. Women’s Health Centers
There’s something I learned in college that has always stuck with me: Political theory is not formed in a vacuum. How we see the world is informed by the times we have lived through. I’m a native of Virginia and most of my life has now been lived here in Fairfax. I’ve made it my home and raised my children here.