Politics

Editorial: More Obstacles to Transparency

General Assembly puts more information out of public reach, but other factors also limit access.

The first paragraph of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, passed by the General Assembly in 1968, states that all public records "shall be presumed open." It doesn’t add, “except when we don’t want to,” although that provision does seem to be available in many cases. Individual government entities have a variety of ways of making it hard for the public to access public information.

Better Training, More Technology

The bipartisan commission released findings, recommendations regarding long lines on Election Day.

"The commission has identified a variety of improvements and efficiencies to ensure access and convenience for voters in future elections.” —Sharon Bulova

What to Call the Corridor: Is it Route 1 or Richmond Highway?

Politics of language reveals deep divisions about a shady past and an uncertain future.

William Shakespeare’s Juliet once famously asked, “What’s in a name?” Her question was based on a feud between warring families. But here in Mount Vernon, two warring factions are divided about a different name — the major highway that runs from the Beltway to the Occoquan River.

Governor Approves Conditional Budget for Medicaid Expansion

Vote-swapping operation traded transportation votes for Medicaid money.

Half a million uninsured Virginians may be eligible for Medicaid under an agreement now being worked out in Richmond — a deal in which Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell agreed to include Medicaid expansion as part of the budget if Senate Democrats supported a transportation package.

Parents Rally to Save FACE as Alexandria School Board Considers Budget Cuts

Board members must close a $3 million gap before sending budget to City Hall.

Dozens of parents appeared before members of the Alexandria School Board last week with a simple plea — save FACE.

U.S. Geological Survey Tightens Services

U.S. Geological Survey stops hosting science camp, closes visitors center.

The U.S. Geological Survey in Reston is canceling its participation in the annual science camp it hosts in partnership with the Reston Association and closing its visitors center as part of its implementation of the sequester.

A Voice for the Voiceless

Q&A with SALT Coordinator John Horejsi.

“When there are bills affecting the wealthy the committee rooms are filled to capacity, but when issues affecting the needy, the hearing rooms are empty.” —SALT Coordinator John Horejsi

Between a Rock And a Hard Place

Plain talk about proposed county, FCPS budgets.

In the presentation of the Fairfax County Executive’s proposed FY 2014 budget, there’s a slide titled, “Turned over Every Rock” – and that about sums up the county’s current financial picture. After cutting back as much as it can and looking everywhere possible for extra funding, it still doesn’t have enough money to do everything on everyone’s wish list.

Cloud Hangs Over Troubled Alexandria School As Governor Considers Takeover

Future of Jefferson-Houston is in doubt, even as state and local leaders strike new agreement.

Even as central administrators in Alexandria have finally entered into a memorandum of understanding with state leaders to turn around a troubled school, Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell is considering legislation that would seize control from local leaders.

St. Patrick’s Day With Connolly

More than 1,400 attend congressman’s St. Patrick's Day Fete.

A record-breaking crowd of more than 1,400 packed the shamrock-festooned Kena Temple ballroom Sunday night for Congressman Gerry Connolly's 19th Annual St. Patrick's Day Fete. As dozens of elected officials and Democratic candidates lined the stage behind him, Connolly announced the winners of the straw polls for Virginia's Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general.

How Much Money Does Your School Administrator Make?

Alexandria school system has some of the highest paid administrators in the region.

The administrator in the corner office at your local school is sitting pretty with a six-figure paycheck.

Will Route 1 Corridor See Improvements as a Result of Transportation Agreement?

Playing the money game on Richmond Highway.

People in Mount Vernon have been talking about widening Route 1 for decades.

Alexandria City Council Rezones Waterfront Despite Massive Opposition

Six-to-one vote opens the door to higher density and overturns longstanding ban on hotels.

Members of the Alexandria City Council cast what may become one of the most important votes in their career last weekend, approving a controversial zoning change that would triple density at three sites slated for redevelopment compared to what’s there now.

Arlington County to Reconsider Financial Commitment to Artisphere

A new sphere of influence at the government-owned arts center.

The future of Artisphere will be either a masterpiece or a dud — opening up the Rosslyn space to an uncertain future.

Alexandria Elementary School Administrator Salries

Annual salaries of elementary school administrators.

The Connection