Column: Gone Rogue
We have a non-elected governing body having a significant impact on our lives: The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
Letter: Fiscally Prudent?
I am concerned by efforts to portray cuts to the state's safety net by the legislature as fiscally prudent while not harming Virginians with low incomes.
Letter: Serving Constituents
I find it fascinating that Mr. H. Jay Spiegel appears to have just discovered that Del. Scott Surovell votes (gasp!) left-of-center in the House. Even more entertaining is the implication that, after winning the election with almost 60 percent of the vote, he pulled a Romney-like switcheroo on our “somewhat moderate politically” district.
Letter: Standing Up For What’s Right
The bills that didn't pass listed by H. Jay Spiegel ("Truly Representative?" March 1-7, 2012) made me proud to have a delegate who is brave enough to depart from the "mainstream" in Richmond.
Letter: MVHS Crew Tag Day a Success
The Mount Vernon High School Crew Team would like to thank the local community for their continued support to our athletic program
Letter: Legislation Does Hurt the Poor
In last week’s Gazette, Jay McConville objects that the front page story, "New Laws Attack Poor" (Feb. 16-22, 2012) is filled with the assertion that "legislation promoting good financial stewardship … is an attack on the poor."
Letter: Reasonable, Not Radical
In the March 1 edition of the Mount Vernon Gazette, Jay Speigel criticized Del. Scott Surovell's support for a Republican Delegate's legislation to automatically restore the voting rights of nonviolent ex-felons.
Column: Two Surovell Bills Become Law; State Budget Stalls
Governor McDonnell signed two of my bills into law on Feb. 29. One clarifies that when a person files an action for child custody, child support or spousal support, any powers of attorney between the parties would automatically terminate.
Column: Budget Stand Is About People
Democrats in Virginia’s State Senate voted down the Republican budget last week. Although this move is being used to label Democrats as obstructionists, the real story is much more complex. Senate Democrats are fighting to save important quality of life issues for the people of Virginia, not for political gain!
Column: Protecting Residents in Tax, Road Debates
Congress finally has acted to ensure payroll tax relief for 170 million individuals and families through the rest of 2012. This additional tax relief is critical for maintaining the momentum of the economic recovery, and Northern Virginians will realize an average savings of $2,000 per household.
Letter: Plugged In And Pre School
Recently, I went to the Joint School Board/City Council Budget Work-session and I learned about a new adult education program called Plugged-In (www.pluggedinva.com).
Letter: Plugged In and Pre School
Recently, I went to the Joint School Board/City Council Budget Work-session and I learned about a new adult education program called Plugged-In (www.pluggedinva.com). It cites a recent report saying a General Education Degree (GED) is not enough and does not prepare students for the skills needed in today’s workforce.
Letter: City Cuts Affect Parade’s Future
I am writing to alert the citizens of Alexandria about some serious financial decisions made by our city council in the past few years that could impact the way that George Washington, St. Patrick’s Day, and our Scottish heritage is celebrated and remembered (or not) in Alexandria.
Letter: Where Are Students Going?
As a West Street resident and a parent, I am amazed that Alexandria’s leaders – both on the School Board and the City Council – are spending nearly $45 million and probably more to come in taxpayer money for a newer and bigger Jefferson-Houston School when it looks to be just as empty as before.
Letter: Vision-based Planning
Mr. Auld’s letter in your most recent edition (“What’s Best for All Residents”) is full of straw men. No one in CAAWP (or anywhere else that I’m aware of) is arguing for mindless “preservation” of the kind that he knocks down.