Politics

Politics

Subscribe

Week in Alexandria

What happens to members of city boards and commissions who get sued by the city government? It’s an awkward question, one that Alexandria now faces in the Alexandria Circuit Court.

On the Campaign Trail

A river runs through the candidate for mayor.

Tease photo

City Council Approves Massive Development over Bitter Opposition

Beauregard boom may be felt at the ballot box in the Democratic primary.

Once again, members of the Alexandria City Council cast aside hours of bitter opposition to support a controversial plan.

Tease photo

Opposing Factions of Democrats Emerge in Hotly Contested City Council Primary

Four different political action committees endorse rival slates of candidates.

With four weeks until the Democratic primary for Alexandria City Council, the city’s Democrats are forming opposing factions in the hotly contested race.

Tease photo

First-time Candidate Versus Longtime Congressman

Former Navy pilot hopes to defeat Moran with charges of conflict of interest.

Former Navy pilot Bruce Shuttleworth’s campaign to oust U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) in the Democratic primary is fashioned as an indictment, a campaign in which the issues are framed as an attack on the incumbent.

Council Notebook

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s Councilman Frank Fannon. No, he’s not Superman. But Mayor Bill Euille is praising Fannon for quick thinking and fast action in coming to the assistance of a citizen in need.

Business Matters

City leaders may be taking on more debt than Alexandria can handle. That’s the conclusion of the Budget and Fiscal Advisory Commission, which presented its annual report Tuesday night.

Tease photo

Council Members Dip Into Rainy-Day Fund to Avoid Raising Tax Rate

Unanimous budget will raise average residential property tax bill by $52.

Taxpayers can expect to pay more money now that members of the Alexandria City Council have adopted a tax rate for the coming year that will increase the average residential property tax bill by $52.

Tease photo

Northern Virginia Bill Signing Puts Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence in Spotlight

A rare moment of bipartisanship between Republican governor and Democratic legislators.

Strangulation will be punished more aggressively to combat violence against women. Campus police will work with other police agencies to crack down on domestic violence of unmarried couples. And the telephone number for a human trafficking hotline will be placed in the restrooms at strip clubs across Virginia.

Tease photo

Potential Compromise Emerges in Corridor Dispute Between Arlington and Alexandria

Is a treaty of Four Mile Run in the works to iron out differences between neighboring jurisdictions?

Back in October 2010, Northern Virginia Streetcar Coalition chairman Tim Lovain feared what he called a “disaster” on the horizon — transit corridor commuters may be facing a day when they would have to get off an Arlington streetcar and board an Alexandria bus.

Tease photo

Incumbents and Candidates Face Difficult Test as City Council Campaign Heats Up

Rival groups of Democrats endorse slates of candidates for June 12 primary.

The fiercely competitive Democratic primary for the Alexandria City Council is about to get even more intense this weekend, as current council members take up the most controversial development proposal since the waterfront plan.

Tease photo

Clifton Rolls Out the Welcome Mat

It’s the 40th annual Spring Homes Tour.

French chandeliers, antique furnishings, original paintings and whimsical collections are among the delights awaiting all those attending the 40th annual Clifton Spring Homes Tour. It’s slated for Thursday, May 17, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and includes a marketplace, silent auction and raffle, from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Paradise Springs Winery.

Tease photo

Merkel Elected Mayor of Herndon

2012-14 Council features three incumbents, two past councilmembers.

Lisa Merkel was elected Mayor of Herndon Tuesday, May 1, and Connie Hutchinson, Melissa Jonas, Dave Kirby, Sheila Olem, Charlie Waddell and Grace Wolf were elected to the Herndon Town Council for the 2012-14 term.

Week in Alexandria

Councilman Paul Smedberg and Councilwoman Alicia Hughes clashed repeatedly this week about when and how council members should consider a proposal to add Sunday deliveries for Meals on Wheels.

On the Campaign Trail

Politicians are always squeamish about raising their own salaries, especially when the budget season is closely tied to an election.

Video