Letter: Learning from Mistakes
Letter to the Editor
In response to Ms. Elaine Montgomery’s letter (Letters to the Editor, The Reston Connection, April 25-May 1, 2012), I make two points. One, reproductive rights are given to us by our Creator – a point of view not necessarily ascribed to by those with the existential mindset that sex is paramount and reproduction of the human species secondary. It is disingenuous on the part of Ms. Fluke to include recreational sex as a part of reproduction rights. I believe we are learning that reproduction is critical to maintaining a viable democracy – something our offspring may face by 2050.
Column: Higher Education Funding Squeeze
A favorite target for budget cutters in Virginia and other states during the economic recession has been higher education. While public institutions of higher education rely on state funding, there are other sources of funds available to them, the most obvious being tuition and fees.
Column: News That’s Fit To Print
As our Publisher and fellow cancer survivor, Mary Kimm, e-mailed back to me last week: “Who knew ‘stable’ could be so exciting?”
Letter: Is it Worth it?
Letter to the Editor
I read with interest your recent report of the news conference held by VDOT officials on the roadway now named the 495 Express Lanes ["Fasten Your Seatbelts," Connection, April 4-10, 2012]. Your story quotes Tim Steinhilber, Transurban-Fluor's Express Lanes manager, saying that "drivers on 495 will have faster, more reliable and more predictable trips on the Capital beltway."
Opinion: Poetry Submissions
The following poems, submitted because April is National Poetry Month, are from Mount Vernon resident John J. Finerty.
Commentary: New State Budget Misses the Mark
I voted against the final state budget last week because it fails to address our needs and reflects badly-skewed priorities. It was an eventful two days in Richmond.
Opinion: Will Virginia’s Health Care Improve Without Better Data?
The answer is “no.” The Virginia Health Reform Initiative Advisory Council (created by Governor McDonnell) stated the case for change in its 2010 report. “Virginia’s overall quality of care is average, with strengths in cardiac care, hospital care generally, and home health. Weaknesses in Virginia’s quality rankings include nursing home care, diabetes care, and maternal and child health. Specifically, Virginia ranks 41st in the nation in breast cancer death rates, and 35th in infant mortality. None of these statistics measure up to Virginia ranking sixth, nationwide, in median family income.”
Letter: Adverse Actions Have Consequences
To the Editor: Martin Tillett understandably wants to avoid having the downfall of the proposed Kings Crossing Town Center as his legacy in the civic arena. In prior letters to the Gazette, I've explained the role the Spring Bank Community Association (SBCA) played, under the leadership of Mr. Tillett and SBCA President David Dale in the demise of Kings Crossing (see my letter in the August 13, 2009 Gazette) and the resulting development of a Wal-Mart store on the property.
Letter: A Meeting Without Answers
To the Editor: Sunday April 22, at St. Stephens UMC in Burke, Fairfax County officials and elected supervisors (including Board Chair Sharon Bulova) met with over 200 volunteers from 36 church-based hypothermia shelters to ease our anxieties. We have heard rumor that the fire marshal has determined that 18 of these churches will not be able to open and operate their “hypothermia” ministry next year as they had in the past. This puts the hundreds of homeless individuals who use these facilities at risk of frostbite, hypothermia and death.
Poetry: Words
Words
Poetry: interconnections
interconnections
Poetry: botanicals
botanicals
Appreciates BZA Decision
To the Editor: Excellent reporting as usual by Michael Lee Pope in April 18 edition of Alexandria Gazette. We agree with the decision by Alexandria BZA that the City Planning Department ignored the plain language of its own zoning code and used creative interpretations "as a ruse to avoid public participation."
Letter: Exchange Student Appreciates Year
My name is Sara Segalini. I am an exchange student from Italy. I'm having a lot of fun here in Virginia and I'll never forget this year in the U.S.
Letter: Bullying Behavior
Without question, the involvement of a community is vital to dealing with bullying among youth.