Politics

Hearing from the People on Streetcars

Voters will have indirect say on streetcars, even without referendum.

Supporters of a plan to build a streetcar line along Columbia Pike are divided over the wisdom of whether or not voters should weigh in on the issue.

What’s Offensive about Redskins Pride?

Absolutely nothing, if you’re state Sen. Chap Petersen.

A lifelong Redskins fan, Fairfax state Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34) has had it up to here with all the talk about the need to change the name of his beloved football team. He vented his frustration and indignation on his blog — Ox Road South — but said he was leery of tackling what he deemed the forces of political correctness in the "War Against the Redskins" until June 18, when the Federal Patent Office blocked the team’s Redskins trademarks, declaring that the name was "disparaging" to Native Americans at the time the trademarks were registered — as far back as 1967. That action pushed Petersen off the sidelines to lead an offensive attack.

A Contentious Year

Commentary

2014 has been a contentious year so far, with “the Virginia Way” looking more like an endangered species every day. On June 11, just before midnight, the Senate Chamber passed a budget and the House of Delegates passed our version minutes later. I am grateful that we have avoided a shut down and our localities and state employees will no longer worry about paying their bills after July 1.

Landfill Decision Deferred to July 29

Board Chairman Sharon Bulova looking for compromise.

The decision has already been delayed before, but the future of the Lorton landfill will remain uncertain as the Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to defer the decision to July 29.

Patchwork of Approaches to Affordable Housing in Northern Virginia

Jurisdictions use a variety of strategies to prevent homelessness.

Affordable housing means different things to different people at different times. For government officials, it's a phrase that means that a family spends no more than 30 percent of its income on housing costs, including rent or mortgage as well as taxes and utilities

Traffic Study Presented

Town Council hears results of Tysons traffic study.

Concerned about how the increasing urbanization of Tysons Corner and the resulting traffic will affect surrounding neighborhoods, Fairfax County had 29 intersections analyzed.

Vienna Community Center Renovation Plans Update

Town to seek LEED silver certification for project.

The 48-year-old Vienna Community Center is being renovated, enlarged and modernized.

Meals Tax: Tasty or Revolting?

Supervisors digest task force’s final report on hot-button issue.

After hours of simmering debate, the Meals Tax Referendum Task Force’s presentation to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Tuesday was a mere amuse-bouche, whetting the appetite of board the for the group’s 170-page multi-course written report.

LGBT, Minorities Honored and Understood

Emotional speeches for tolerance at Town Council meeting.

Through actions at the June 10 town council meeting, Herndon is helping minorities feel inclusive.

Be Involved and Vote

Early Voting has begun and ends Thursday, June 19, or at the polls on Tuesday, June 24.

Letter: Best Choice for County Executive

To the Editor: Many may recognize me through my dedication to the Brickyard Coalition, which recently fought a battle for process; and we won. Connection noted, many may be surprised to learn that I have voted for Phil Andrews as our new County Executive, while the Brickyard Coalition has endorsed Doug Duncan.

Letter: Brickyard Coalition Endorsements

To the Editor: After a two-year battle with the County Executive, the Brickyard school site is back in the hands of the Board of Education. Now the Board of Education and the county are considering using this site as a location for a new school bus depot that could house approximately 400 school buses which would jam our local roads — especially Falls, River and MacArthur Boulevard. This is a very bad idea as the location of a bus depot at the Brickyard site would cause traffic gridlock in our community.

Primary for Sheriff

Candidates for sheriff.

Montgomery County Board of Education

Primary for Board of Education - At Large

Because members of the Montgomery County Board of Education are nonpartisan, not identified by political party, there is only a primary if there are more than two candidates for a particular seat. This year, there are four candidates for the one at-large seat that will be on the ballot in November. Voters of any party can vote for Board of Education, and choose one in the primary. The top two vote-getters will appear on the ballot in November.

District 15, Delegate: Vote Tuesday, June 24; Early Voting Starts June 12

The Primary Election for Montgomery County is Tuesday, June 24. If you want some choice in who will represent you on County Council, as County Executive, in the Maryland General Assembly, now is the time to engage.

The Connection