Politics

Richmond Update: A New Session for New State Senator

With the 2012 General Assembly underway, this is my first report as from Richmond as your new senator for the 30th Senate District. As you may know, there has been serious conflicts in the organization of the Senate. With the make up of the Senate split 20 - 20 between Republicans and Democrats, a major dispute arose concerning committee assignments and the ability of the lieutenant governor to break ties.

Appeal Filed over Oaklyn Tennis Bubble

West Montgomery County Citizens Association has formally challenged the Montgomery County Circuit Court ruling that permitted the Potomac Swim and Recreation Association to install and operate its tennis bubble on Oaklyn Drive.

Moderate Mutiny

Former governor wants to impose Virginia “talent economy” on Washington; increase bipartisanship.

With the sluggish economy at the forefront of voters’ minds this year, former Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine hopes to put fiscal issues at the top of his campaign to fill the seat vacated by Democratic U.S. Sen. Jim Webb.

Politics of Notification

Father takes his plight for increased parental notification to Richmond.

Steve Stuban can’t help but wonder if things could have turned out differently.

Council Notebook

Smoking is still legal in Alexandria, but it’s increasingly discouraged.

In Session

Now that congressional redistricting has moved through the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate, a picture of 2012 is beginning to take shape

City Students: No. 1 in Poverty

Superintendent proposes $236 million budget; more students in poverty.

Superintendent of Schools Morton Sherman unveiled his FY2013 budget on Thursday, Jan. 19, describing his plan as “about the best budget we could have come up with. It is the coalescing of the work we’ve done over the past four years.”

McKay Hosts Open House

Supervisor Jeff McKay and his Lee District staff hosted about 200 people at the annual open house on Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Franconia Government Center.

West End Worries

Beauregard small-area plan raises concerns about displacing poor residents.

Like the street that bears his name, Confederate Gen. Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard was difficult to manage.

It’s Done, Sort Of

Controversial plan passes on 5-to-2 vote; opponents vow to overturn.

After hearing more than eight hours of heated testimony for and against a controversial plan to allow hotels and increase density at three sites on the waterfront, Alexandria City Council members cast a party line vote on the planning documen

Protesting the Vote

Alexandria officials say City Hall is not open for business during a public hearing.

Is City Hall open for business during a public hearing? Alexandria officials say no, but that could be a matter litigated in the Alexandria Circuit Court.

Richmond Diary: From Education to Transportation

Reflections on week two in Richmond.

State Sen. David Marsden (D-37) reflects on week two of the 2012 Virginia General Assembly Session.

The Connection