Alexandria Residents Demand an End to "Development for the Sake of Development"

Hi Yupette,

Have you seen what's occurring in Alexandria? Residents who are fed up with "development for the sake of development" are attending Alexandria City Council meetings and demanding and end to "overarching urbanization".

Alexandria residents are particularly upset with BRAC construction at Mark Center, which VDOT has characterized as "not viable" from a traffic perspective. They are also demanding neighborhood control over projects that affect adjacent neighborhoods.

Time for a change in Arlington County also, before we are overwhelmed by the County Board's urbanization schemes.

Ted 22206

Favola Set to 'Shirlington' EFC to Benefit Her Employer - Marymount

Hello Ms. Yupette,

I moved from a condominium near Shirlington to the Williamsburg - EFC neighborhood several years ago to escape the traffic from the Shirlington re-development and so my kids would have a back yard and so we would live on a quiet street.

What is happening now regarding the Bishop O'Connell athletic field conversion is the same thing that happened when Shirlington was redeveloped. A committee was formed to supposedly represent everyone's interests. The majority of the committee is composed of a Walsh-Colucci lawyer, parks and recreation employees who don't live in Arlington, and people connected with Bishop O'Connell. Also, it appears that several persons who supposedly represent the interests of EFC and Williamsburg will 'rubber stamp' anything the Walsh-Colucci lawyer puts in front of them.

Worse by far is, as 'County Staff' tells me, Barbara Favola has been working on imposing this on us from her offices at Marymount and at the County Board. Reportedly she is paid $100,000 a year to be Marymount's chief lobbyist.

Another 'Shirlingon' is in the works. Thought you'd like to know.

Robert

Minority Employees 'Drafted' By O'Leary Campaign

Hello Yupete,

I am an African-American who works in the financial services area of Arlington County Government. Please be aware that minority group members who are County employees are being pressured to endorse and work for County Treasurer O'Leary's campaign. This is in addition to the dozen or so employees in the Treasurer's Office who are primarily focused on local politics. I was looking forward to Mr. O'Leary retiring. Whatever he says about minority groups he's just another part of the same-old same-old regime.

Anon. at 2100 Clarendon Blvd.

EFC Planning Meeting Again Postponed

Hi Yupette,

The East Falls Church planning meeting (specifically the Planning Commission's Long Range Planning Committee meeting) scheduled for January 4th has been re-scheduled for January 18th between 7 and 10 PM at 2100 Clarendon Blvd, Meeting Room C and D.

Reason for the postponement: "Staff is continuing to make revisions to the East Falls Church Area Plan". Wonder how many of the planning staff live in Arlington?

Beth 22205

Arlington Yupette's Best and Worst of 2010

Based on your many postings to the A.Y. Blog, here are your picks for best and worst in Arlington, and around the region, in 2010:

Worst County Board Member - Chris Zimmerman. He's a total mess and everything he touches turns into an expensive mess.

Runner Up - Jay Fisette. Jay never misses an opportunity to waste scarce dollars on more of his favorite entertainment and recreation projects.

Best County Board Member - Mary Hynes. Keeping your mouth shut and going along with the program has its rewards.

Worst Local Journalism - The Washington Post, for finally coming out and stating what the Post has always been for - resegregation through gentrification - during the Fenty-Gray campaign.

Runner Up - Scott "Conflict of Interest" McCaffrey, Editor of the Arlington Sun Gazette, for never missing an opportunity to boost his fellow Chamber of Commerce Board Members and Realtors.

Best Local Journalism - Tie - Fairfax Times and Alexandria Times - for at least trying to be unbiased.

Worst Legislator - Senator Jim Webb. Why does he still call himself a Democrat?

Worst State Senator - Senator Mary Margaret Whipple. Given her tenure she should have produced much more for Arlington County.

Worst Delegate - Tie - David Englin, Adam Ebbin and Bob Brink. Hey guys you're supposed to serve everyone's interests, not the interests of the special interests.

Best Legislator - Patrick Hope, who is at least dimly aware that he was elected to serve the interests of all his constituents.

Worst Candidate for Public Office- Tie - Chris Zimmerman and Sally Board, who ran on platforms of more-of-the-same failures.

Best Candidate for Public office - Miriam Gennari - for daring to state in a County governed by "community leaders" who worship the status quo and mediocrity: "We can do better for our kids".

Worst County Board Enabler - Mike "Nardozimmy" Nardolilli for selling out his East Falls Church community to Chris Zimmerman's megalomaniac redevelopment schemes.

Best Community Activist - Jim Hurysz - for trying to preserve something resembling a quality of life in Arlington for everyone over the next several decades.

Best Community Organization - Worst Community Organization - No award. They are all seen at budget hearings but not heard from otherwise, except when throwing galas and supporting more of the same.

Worst Community Leader - Arlington Civic Federation President Mike Kerley, for hosting meeting after meeting of "all talk - no action" during 2010.

Best Community Leader - Maureen Ross, President of the Cherrydale Civic Association for telling the County Board to stop delaying long-overdue infrastructure improvements in Cherrydale.

Total Costs for Zimmerman's Pike and Crystal City Trolleys Will Likely Exceed $400 Million

Hey, Yupette,

Forget the estimates of the cost of Zimmerman's Pike trolley being $134 million and the Crystal City trolley being $140 million. Total built-out costs will be in the range of more than $400 million. Pretty appalling because the Pike doesn't need a trolley and the County will be paying a fortune to build a trolley through a former rail yard. Thanks for the blog.

Retired Transportation Planner

Plan Now for 2020 State and Local Population Growth

Hi Yupette:

Appears that Virginia's population will increase by 1 million by 2020 and Arlington's population will increase by 25,000. We should be planning basic infrastructure growth now, rather than funding extravagant projects. Thanks for this blog.

Jerry - 22207

U.S. Population Grew by 60 Million in 20 years

Hi Yupette,

The U.S. population has increased from 248.7 million in 1990 to 308.7 million this year. Despite almost 3 years of recession the population of the United states grew by 27.3 million, or 9.7 percent, this decade. So we are on track for the U.S. population to reach between 550 and 600 million by the end of this century.

How long can we continue to postpone making decisions about the effect of significant population growth on our environment? I'm 35 and expect to be around in 30 years when the U.S. population may increase by another 100 million.

Jeanne, Arlington, 22204

Time for County Government to End the Planetarium Charade

Hi Yupette,

Did you read the Local Opinions page in yesterday's Post? The Post rightly went after the Arlington School Board for its anti-knowledge campaign against the Arlington Planetarium. Part of the anti-knowledge campaign directed by the recreation and entertainment fanatics on the County Board and School Board to also defund libraries, nature centers and the like and use the savings to build more recreation and entertainment infrastructure. Who's to blame? Start with Walter Tejada, Jay Fisette, Mary Hynes, Sally Baird, and Abby Raphael. Walter Tejada and Jay Fisette are so anti-knowledge it's frightening. Unless the knowledge involves soccer and bicycles.

Margaret - 22203

City of Alexandria Posts Outside Spending On-Line

Hi Yupette,

I live not far from Alexandria and you should be aware that Alexandria City Council requested the City Manager's staff to prepare a detailed report of the city's spending for outside services like contractors and consultants. Outside spending comprised about 10% of the City's spending last fiscal year. The information is on-line on the City's Web site and some citizens want the same information from the Alexandria school system.

fairgrrl

Arlington is Metropolis...Chris Zimmerman is Joh Frederson

Hello, Yupette,

After watching the restored version of Fritz Lang's film 'Metropolis' last month on Turner Classic Movies, I am convinced that Arlington has become Metropolis and Chris Zimmerman is a modern Joh Fredersen.

From Wikipedia:

'The film is set in the massive sprawling mega-city Metropolis, where society is divided into two classes, one of planners who live high above the Earth in luxurious skyscrapers, and one of workers, who live and toil underground. The city was founded, built, and is run by the autocratic Joh Fredersen.'

Thank you for your efforts to make Arlington a place where all can live.

Susan

Mary 'Party Train's Over Here' Hynes to Help Conduct Metro Board

Hey Yupette,

Chris Zimmerman finally had it with WMATA. He's leaving to focus on making Arlington Metropolis on the Potomac, beginning with the EFC Tysons III mega-development and the $300 million Crystal City and Columbia Pike trolleys. Every month another unpleasant surprise from WMATA. And Zimmerman responded every time by 'putting lipstick on a pig'....more cosmetics like station improvements. He never responded to basic capacity needs, Metrorail is a 2-track system, but voted to construct hundreds of new buildings in the Metrorail corridors. After years of ignoring capacity issues he recently began to be concerned.

Will Mary Hynes be any better on the WMATA Board? Yes. If she focuses on getting the partiers to the party.

Metrorail Rider

Another Winter, Same Old Snow Facilitation

Hello, Yupette,

I foolishly drove to work today believing the forecast that Arlington would receive an inch or so of snow. So how does Arlington handle a 'surprise' snowstorm of 3-4 inches? Just s Arlington did last year, salt one lane and hope it stops snowing. If you live deep inside a residential neighborhood you are on your own once you are off the main street or road. Are we lucky we have gas guzzling SUVs? We are even more fortunate to have Barbara Donnellan back as County Manager, facilitating snowstorms.

Joan22207

EFC Long Range 'Planning" Meeting Tonight at Westover Library

Hello, Yupette,

The Planning Commission's Long Range Planning Committee is holding a 'planning' meeting tonight at the Westover Library, beginning at 7 PM. Library is located at the intersection of McKinley Street and Washington Boulevard. Appears residents will have an opportunity to make comments and ask questions.

However, after seeing that the County Board ignored the Bluemont civic association and the concerns of the Ballston non-profits last Saturday regarding and Ballston BID (and Ballston is not that far from Westover) it appears this will be another pro forma meeting and the only opinions that count are the County Board's and the developers'.

Westover

County Board Poised to Approve Zimmerman's $257 Million Transit Plan

Hi Yupette,

County Board is set to approve Zimmerman's $257 million transit plan for the next 6 fiscal years, including $138 million for the Pike trolley and $69 million for the Crystal City trolley. Rest will go to WMATA, to ART, and to the County Board's pet transportation projects. This was item 30 on Saturday's Consent Agenda, which someone pulled or it would have not been discussed by the County Board. This item will be discussed by the County Board and whichever citizens show up tonight at 6:30 in the County Board Room.

2100

County Board's Treatment of Taxi Industry - Lose, Lose, Lose

Hello, Ms. Yupette:

I own a small business here in Arlington. I am very concerned about the treatment of Arlington's taxi industry by the County Board at Saturday's meeting. The County Board and County Government do absolutely nothing for the taxi industry but regulate it to death and impose more fees, takes, and requirements on everyone in the industry, ranging from drivers to taxi company owners. It's obvious that the County Board wants us to only use Metrorail, Metrobuses, and bicycles. Oh, and drive everywhere one-to-a-vehicle.

The manner in which the County Board denied taxi certificates to two 'green' companies was an affront to Arlington small business. The taxi drivers who attended the County Board meeting should have focused their anger on the do-nothing County Board, not the green taxi companies.

Businessperson

County Board Ignores Civic Association, Ballston Non-Profits, Creates Ballston BID 'Slush Fund'

Hey, Yupette,

Check out today's County Board meeting. Agenda Item 32. The County Board created the Ballston Business Improvement District over the objections of the Bluemont Civic Association and NRECA and other non-profits associations. The County Board even violated it's own guidelines that required the approval of at least 50% of commercial companies inside the boundaries of a proposed business improvement district to form a BID. Why all the cheating? So the County Board can use the Ballston BID as a 'slush fund' for various entertainment and recreation projects in Ballston. Just like they did in Rosslyn. Remember the Artisphere?

Cindy

Year-Around Homelessness Prevention / Treatment Facility - No More Delays and Excuses

Hi Yupette,

Seen the County Board's Agenda for tomorrow's meeting? A Christmas gift for everyone's wants, paid for by taxpayers. No mention of a new year-around homeless treatment / prevention facility. Even Chamber of Commerce and County Board Booster Scott McCaffrey is tired of Arlington's Central Library used as a daytime homeless shelter. This has been going on for decades. Arlington a world class community? Only if you're a Yuppiecrat Hedo like Jay Fisette, Barbara Favola,
and Barbara Donnellan.

Yed

Hynes's Future for Rosslyn, B-R Corridor - Continuous Party Zone

Hi Yupette,

The County Board and Plannuing Commission also discussed the Rosslyn Sectior Plan on Monday. Or rather, they discussed County Board Member Mary "Party's Over Here" Hynes's "vision" for Rosslyn and the B-R Corridor - a continuous "party zone". Among elements in Mary's and the County Board's "vision" are "radical elements" like closing streets permanently, closing arterials on weekends and holidays, banning motor vehicles during certain hours, and turning streets into plazas. No discussion of any "green" anything. This is the same County Board that typically approves construction of 350-vehicle parking garages under new buildings in the B-R Corridor. LOL.

Martin 22201

Longbridge Park to Cost Up to $300 Million

Hi Yupette,

Whatever the County Board may say about stretching spending for recreation at Longbridge Park (formerly the North Tract) over the next 15 years, the County Board is planning on spending extravagantly on a mega-recreation complex in the short term starting next year. A big bond package for the Fisette Aquatics Center will likely be on the ballot next year. Like the Artisphere, the Longbridge recreation complex will never be self-sustaining. The County Board is deliberately underestimating the costs associated with a mega-recreation complex, once construction starts it will be impossible to stop no matter how expensive or extravagant.

2100

December 6th County Board / Planning Commission Joint Meeting - Outrageous

Hello Yupette,

What was the purpose of tonight's joint meeting of the Arlington County Board and the Planning Commission? Nothing less than a session of 'lessons learned' about how to and how not to 'facilitate' Arlington's citizens into accepting whatever development the County Board and the developers choose to inflict on neighborhoods and communities.

Of course, nothing was said in County Staff's recommendations (and most of County Planning Staff don't live in Arlington County) about the quality of their planning, and quality of the development and re-development they inflict on us.

If you want a copy of County 'Planning' Staff's 'lessons learned' call the County Board office at 703-228-3130 and ask for 'Review of Arlington's Planning Processes' dated December 3, 2010.

Lisa

County Board Set to Veto More Green Taxicabs, Promote More Traffic and More Bicycles

Hi Yupette,

Take a look at the County Board's agenda for the December 11th County Board Meeting. Two taxicab companies want to add 100 Green taxicabs to their fleets. The County Board is set to veto this proposal (which will cost taxpayers nothing). Instead, the County Board will add to Arlington's traffic, by, among other things, approving a new parking garage. The County Board's primary traffic mitigation strategy is to promote bicycles, a mode of transportation that is weather-dependent and unsuitable for most of Arlington's residents. The County Board's "traffic plan" is for more of the same, more traffic followed by more traffic calming. Don't want to drive? Buy a bicycle. Or, share a bicycle.

Arlington County refuses to promote, or even mention, shared vehicles as an important transportation option, then complains that demand for taxicabs is stagnant.

I'm 55 years old and I don't like bicycles. Enough of using millions of tax dollars to promote something I and most County residents won't use, while ignoring a mode of transportation almost everyone can use.

Peter - 22205

Merry Christmas in December - from the County Board

Hey, Yupette.

County Board's agenda for the next meetings is on the Net. Plenty of gifts for everyone - $33.2 million for the schools (works out to $33,200 per student for the projected 1,000 student increase next year) $31 million for Arlington Mill, $18.2 million for 'transit development' and so on. When will it end? Probably when the bond rating agencies stop being facilitated by the County Manager and drop the County's bond rating to AA.

Kevin L.

Donnellan - Show Will Go On

Hi Yupette,

Surprise - there were no surprises from Barbara Donnellan's budget presentation tonight. The show will go on in Arlington County during FY 2012. County will experience a $25 million to $35 million budget shortfall. The school population will grow by 1,000 students next year; and the school population will increase from 21,500 today to more than 26,000 within a few years. County Board's priorities and spending will essentially remained unchanged, except there may be more funds in next year's budget for more pet projects. Assuming Congress doesn't defund everything having to do with civilian federal agencies. Thanks for the blog.

Mark

How Much Solar in the B-R Corridor Will $87.3 Million Buy?

Hi Yupette,

In the event you missed Dominion Virginia Power's press release VEPCO is ensuring the Ballston-Rosslyn corridor will have an adequate supply of electrical power by constructing a new $87.3 million 3.7 mile underground power line from high voltage towers near Four Mile run to a new substation near N. Courthouse Road and Route 50.

So, the Green questions of the day are: how much solar and other alternative energy (wind turbines) could Virginia Power have installed on-site (building roofs and exteriors) in the R-B corridor for the $87.3 million and how much power would that on-site alternative energy have generated?

Ron

County Board to Expand Solid Waste Recycling Regulations

Hello Yupete,

The Arlington County Board is going to significantly expand the scope of the County's solid waste recycling regulations to include many types of solid waste that are not recycled now. The new regulations will be posted on the County Board's Web site by 5 PM on December 3rd in preparation for the December 11th County Board meeting.

Sandi

December 2nd Budget Forum - Q and A Will Not Be On the Agenda

Hi Yupette,

In the event you wondered about Thursday's Budget Forum with County Manager Barbara Donnellan, the meeting will consist of a presentation by the County Manager followed by break-out sessions with citizens sitting around a table with County Staff "facilitators". So bring a written statement if you have something to share with everyone who attends.

Kathy - 22204

Virginia, Maryland, D.C. Adults Seeking to "Sunset" Zimmerman, Graham, Other WMATA Board Members

Hello, Yupette,

The Adults in Virginia, Maryland, and DC politics have heard too many excuses from Jim Graham and Chris Zimmerman for Metro's poor performance. They are seeking to "sunset" both for having been on the WMATA Board too long with WMATA's performance and service quality gradually deteriorating. The recent escalator incidents were apparently the last straw. Other current WMATA members may follow Graham and Zimmerman into retirement. Thanks for your blog.

Richmond Pol

School System's Focus is on Team Sports, Not Obesity Prevention

Hello, Yupette,

When is the Arlington School System going to get its act together regarding childhood and teenage obesity prevention? There is a lot of talk. The schools are supposedly serving healthier food. But the number of overweight and obese children appears to be increasing. Why all the emphasis on team sports and winning football, basketball, soccer, etc. championships? So much of our taxes goes to the school system, and we have mediocrity and more mediocrity to show for it.

I hope we will have a School Board candidate running against the incumbent next year who puts fitness over team sports.

Cathleen

No More Arlington Winters for Me

Hello, Ms. Yupette,

I am 62 years old and retired a year ago. It was a big mistake for me to spend last January and February in Arlington. Now that Barbara "We're Working to Fix It" Donnellan is back as County Manager I am not going to spend January and February in Arlington and I am looking forward to an enjoyable mid-winter in a Florida rental apartment.

I am tired of a County that can't provide the basics, like effective snow removal, but can spend tens of millions on entertainment and recreation amenities.

I hope Arlington has a mild winter, but I won't be here to experience whatever weather this winter brings.

J.C.

County Board Heavily Promoting Bicycles, Ignoring Taxis and Shared-Vehicle Transportation Alternatives.

Hello Yupette,

Did you hear what the guy from the taxicab industry said at the last County Board Meeting? There is an abundance of taxicabs in Arlington County. So why isn't the County Board promoting taxicabs as a means of significantly mitigating traffic? Because the County Board wants everyone to ride bicycles. They spent another $421,000 on bicycle infrastructure around Army-Navy Drive at their last meeting. Same County Board that approved the construction of more than 30,000 new parking spaces in Arlington over the past decade. What is wrong with them? Why do I have to ride a bicycle in December when it's 45 degrees and raining?

L.K.

Fisette Ordered County Staff to Promote Artisphere's December 4th Gay-Lesbian 'Kiss and Hug'

Hello, Ms. Yupette,

I am employed at the Artisphere and I was under the impression that the Artisphere is for ALL Arlingtonians.

I was shocked when County Board Chairman, Jay Fisette, ordered us to promote AGLA's December 4th 'Kiss and Hug' Gala at the Artisphere. It appears that Mr. Fisette wants to make the Artisphere into a Gay-Lesbian nightclub.

That's not all. I was told the other day the the reason there's been no philanthropy to take the Artisphere private is because the County Board wants PRCR to continue to run the Artisphere indefinitely, so as to use Artisphere events to promote the County Board's pet interests.

How's about that for sleaziness?

Anon. Artisphere Employee

ASPAN Should Not Manage A New Homeless Treatment / Prevention Program

Hi Yupette,

Happy Thanksgiving. Another Thanksgiving where we overfeed the homeless only to ignore them the rest of the year.

I'm all for a new homeless treatment / prevention facility. I don't want ASPAN running it. Their name says it all. Arlington Street People's Assistance Network.

This keeping the homeless homeless has gone hand in hand with Yuppieism and Gentrification. It's completely irresponsible to spend tens of millions each year to keep people on the street, and build an ever-larger shelters and an ever-larger bureaucracy to manage "street people".

If the County Board of Recreation, Entertainment, and Gentrification ever decides to fund a new homeless treatment / prevention facility it should look for an organization that drastically reduces homelessness to run the program.

Kathy - 22204

Arlington County Doesn't Deserve a AAA Bond Rating

Hello, Yupette,

I've looked at recent bond referenda and the ways the County is spending money from all sources. Whatever excuses the County Board makes for including street repaving, parks maintenance, and other operational expenses in bond referenda the reality is they've made so many promises to so many groups for expensive infrastructure that they can't avoid putting stuff like synthetic playing field replacement into future bond referenda. Arlington County does not deserve a AAA bond rating. It deserves a AA bond rating.

Dennis

Fisette, County Board, Zoned on Zoloft?

Hey Yupette,

Thanks for this blog.

I also believe that Chairman Jay Fisette and the Arlington County Board are Zoned on Zoloft. It would explain Fisette's spaciness and the County Board's being oblivious to anything that doesn't interest them.

Mike - Westover

O'Leary's Tax Decal Competition Sends a Terrible Message To Children

Hello, Yupette,

I recently moved to Arlington County from Fairfax County, where there is no window decal to show you paid the 'car tax' on the vehicle. I am astounded that my child is being encouraged to participate in a vehicle decal design competition. This vehicle decal program wastes at least $250,000, generates tons of waste paper and plastic unnecessarily, wastes vehicle owners' time and energy, and encourages our children to participate in the design of next year's decal. Mr. O'Leary's program sends a terrible message to school children that all this waste is OK. Is there any way for me to opt out of this program?

Amy

County Board / Fisette Use Citizens, Advisory Groups, Civic Associations, Like Allergy Sufferers Use Facial Tissue

Hello Ms. Yupette,

I volunteered for one of the County Board's / Jay Fisette's citizen advisory groups. Bad move on my part. It's obvious that Jay and the County Board use Arlington's citizens, advisory groups, and civic associations the way allergy sufferers use facial tissue. Either the agenda is rigged to produce the results Gentrification Jay, aka Gourmet Jay, aka Giveaway Jay and the County Board desire. Or, the selection of citizens who serve reflects Jay's and the County Board's priorities. Or both. A Lose-Lose for Arlington citizens and taxpayers. Next year, another advisory group or committee composed of more gullible citizens. How did I come to my senses? Someone who was used and abused by Jay Fisette and the County Board ten years ago told me what I'd gotten into. Please, Please, don't let yourselves be lured into being shills for Jay Fisette and the County Board's self-serving agenda.

J.P.

Fairlington Citizens Tell CivFed - Fairlington Citizens Assoc. Doesn't Represent Us

Dear Arlington Yupette,

I and others in our group, Better Fairlington, e-mailed the Civic Federation yesterday. We don't want the Fairlington Citizens Association, Inc. representing us, nor do we want the Fairlington-Shirlingtion NCC representative (appointed by the FCA) representing us.

There is entirely too much micro-managing of our lives by this organization. This organization also engages in other inappropriate activities in and around Fairlington - the FCA's ongoing feud with Shirlington restaurant owners being the most embarrassing.

Almost all of us are college graduates and our lives are already governed by County ordinances and condominium regulations. We don't need or want another organization that claims it knows what's best for us making us follow its often-irrational agenda.

Best regards,

Susan

betterfairlington@yahoo.com

Reasonable Bribes 'A Big Reason' for Trader Joes Locating in Arlington

Hello, Ms. Yupette,

I spoke with a super-friendly Trader Joes employee about TJ opening a new store in Clarendon. He told me that the amount of bribes TJ would have to pay to open a new store in DC was "impossible" and the amount of bribes TJ had to pay to Arlington's elected and unelected officials was "quite reasonable, less than a half million." He was also surprised that Arlington agreed to so little on-site parking, given that 25 - 35 TJ employees will be working in the store and only a few will be able to afford to live within Metro corridors. So I guess a half million dollars still goes a long way in Arlington.

Janet - 22201

County Board Reportedly Helping Fairlington Civic Association Extort Shirlington Restaurant Owners

Hello, Yupette,

Did you know what all the fuss was about today and last Saturday at the County Board Meeting concerning awnings, music, and seating at Shirlington Village restaurants? Well, it's like this. For years the Fairlington Citizens Association Incorporated (the civic association in Fairlington) has been trying to extort Shirlington restaurants into placing expensive full-page ads in the FCA's monthly newsletter. And the restaurant owners have repeatedly said - no way. So about 5 years ago the FCA's leadership hit upon the bright idea of making constant complaints against the restaurant owners for noise, seating, and other petty violations until the restaurant owners capitulated. Latest twist involves Chris Zimmerman ratcheting up the pressure on the restaurant owners in return for the FCA's support and contributions to Boss Zimmerman's recent campaign. Of course Fairlington is a half-mile from Shirlington See how rotten these local pols and their ward heelers can be?

Susan

Pike, EFC Projects - 'Development for the Sake of Development' Pushed by County Board, Planners, REITs, 'Community Leaders'

Hello Yupette,

I attended the East Falls Church planning forum yesterday. My son, who lives near Bailey's Crossroads, attended the Columbia Pike Planning forum at Godwin House.

It's clear that these projects are 'development for the sake of development' pushed by the Arlington County Board, real estate trusts and developers, the County's bloated planning staff that's looking for more projects to justify its existence, and the County Board's pet 'community leaders'.

These were more charade forums where the affected residents are not allowed to ask questions or make comments, only submit written comments - for the record.

Sad, sad, sad to see massive development imposed on suburban neighborhoods that only want the basics upgraded and better public services, like streets paved and modern street lighting installed.

Larry - 22205

County's Lack of Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic Law Enforcement is Appalling

Hello Yupette,

I am 55 years old and drive around Arlington in my Honda Civic on the usual errands. This past weekend I saw the worst behavior by pedestrians and bicyclists I have ever seen. Massive jaywalking, people on all kinds of bicycles running stop signs and traffic lights, runners running down the middle of streets, parents pushing strollers in the middle of the street. And most of these people were dressed in black or dark colors.

Who started the share the road insanity? Wasn't it Fisette? Will Jay Fisette visit the people who end up in the hospital because of his Yuppie recreation craziness?

Please, if you are going to walk, bicycle, run, or push a stroller down the middle of a street at least wear a bright-colored shirt or jacket.

Ken

Many Planning Charades Scheduled This Week

Hi Yupette,

County Board and its minions have scheduled a number of charade public meetings this week - planning has been completed per the County Board's specifications. Citizens, taxpayers, voters are only allowed to make insignificant changes. OK, so here' a list of the meetings.

Monday, November 15th

Columbia Pike Transportation (Pike Trolley) Planning Meeting, Godwin House, 3440 South Jefferson St., 7-9 PM

East Falls Church Area Plan Open House, Tuckahoe Elementary School, 6550 N. 26th St., 6-9 PM

Master Transportation Plan Community Meeting, Navy League Building, 2200 Wilson Blvd., 7-9 PM

Tuesday, November 16th

County Board Meeting, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., 6:30 PM

Wednesday, November 17th

Community Energy Planning Meeting, Navy League Building, 2200 Wilson Blvd. 6-9 PM

Thursday, November 18th

Community Energy Planning Meeting, Central Library, 7:30-10 AM

Ten Year Plan to Eliminate Homelessness Meeting, Holiday Inn at Ballston, 4610 N. Fairfax Dr., 8-10 AM

Columbia Pike Transportation (Pike Trolley) Meeting, Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 S 16th St., 7-9 PM

Saturday, November 20th

East Falls Church Area Plan Open House, Resurrection Lutheran Church, 6201 Washington Blvd, 1-3 PM

Mark 22205

County Covernment, Media, Misled Citizens About Student Population Growth

Hello, Yupette,

Why are Arlington's schools facing seriously overcrowded conditions over the next five years? Because both County Government and the local media misled citizens and voters about the size of the student population increase. Why? So school board incumbents (who the local media endorse) could build more Tah Mahal schools that will primarily function as sports and recreation centers. By the way, Arlington County employs a full-time demographer and the school system conducts a biennial census of Arlington residences.

Margaret - 22206

Ballston BID Would Fund More Live Theater

Hi, Yupette,

In the event you wondered why the County Board is advertising for a business improvement district (special tax district) for Ballston, it's the primary means of getting another performing arts center constructed, this time in the Ballston-Clarendon area, most likely on the site of the present Arlington Funeral Home. Jay Fisette is looking to put at least two live theater groups in Ballston. The Ballston BID would generate at least $3 million yearly that Fisette and other County Board members could use for vanity projects.

2100

Arlington's Kids: 'Team Sports Ate All the Time for My Homework'.

Hello, Yupette,

It's 7 P.M. What are your kids doing? Not watching television. Not hanging out at the mall. No, they're either playing team sports or have just come home from playing team sports. Homework? Not a priority in Arlington's public schools, except it's become a take-home test our kids are graded on every day. Wake up Parents! Arlington is becoming a vast recreation, entertainment, sports complex, thanks to the Yuptards who run the County via the County Board and School Board.

Cindy - 22206

Christmas in November for Entertainment-Recreation at Next County Board Meeting

Hey Yupette,

County Board agenda for Saturday's meeting is posted on the County's Web site, arlingtonva.us. Loaded with stuff for entertainment and recreation interests, including up to $850,000 to refurbish the synthetic surface on ONE playing field. Also several live entertainment use permits involving music, which will ensure a loooong County Board meeting. So bring sleeping bags and pillows if you plan on attending.

Pikester

Post Report - Metro Was Not Following Its Own Escalator / Elevator Maintenance Standards

Hi Yupette,

Well I'm definitely no longer commuting to work via MetroRail. The Post reported today that Metro does not regularly inspect its elevators and escalators. What kind of public transportation system is WMATA, anyway? In Virginia we have to get our brakes checked every year as part of the annual safety inspection to be able to register our vehicles. And I thought escalators and elevators were supposed to be inspected every year. Every day another unpleasant surprise from WMATA.

Terri --- 22201

Another Week - Another Scathing Post Report About Metrorail Safety

Hello Yupette,

Looks as though the Metro Station escalator problem is more serious than previously reported. Sixteen Metro passengers were injured. The escalator failure was catastrophic. Meanwhile, out here in Virginia, the Post reports the new Silver Line includes every cosmetic amenity that WMATA Board Member Chris "Lipstick on a Pig" Zinmmerman ordered but excludes basic security features.

I've had it. I won't ride Metrorail again until Chris Zimmerman resigns from the WMATA Board. Let's replace the politricksters on the WMATA Board with transportation professionals.

Larry - 22201

Next Up for Re-Selection: Mary 'Party's Over Here' Hynes

Hey Yupette,

Guess who's up for re-selection to the County Board next year? Arlington's most awesome Partyer, Mary 'Party's Over Here' Hynes. She was soooo awesome on the School Board, making my kid's school (Abingdon Elementary) into a world class kids' party zone. Party only ended when some dorky parents complained that their kids weren't learning, only partying. Weren't learning what? How to read and write? Who needs reading and writing. My daughter, little Buffy, can't read or write and she's a Barbara Favola Scholar at Marymount University, majoring in in Soccer and minoring in Field Hockey. I'm soooo happy Mary has successfully transitioned - from making dull schools into party schools to making this dull County into an exciting Party Zone.

Buffington Muffington

Greens Scored Against Well-Financed, Media Supported Incumbents

Congratulations to Kevin Chisholm, Ron Fisher, and Miriam Gennari for doing well against well-funded and media-supported incumbents. Green and Independent candidates need only one more thing to win - enough campaign funds to overcome the incumbents' campaign financing advantage and the significant media bias against third party and independent candidates.

Zimmerman Continues Metro's 'Safety Last' Agenda

Anyone else read the Post's Metro Section report regarding WMATA's comprehensive employee safety survey?

First paragraph from the Post report:

Saftey breaches seen by many

METRO SURVEY OF CULTURE

Few report problems; some fear retaliation

By Ann Scott Tyson

"Only 10 percent of Metro employees said they had not witnessed a safety breach in the past year, according to an unprecedented safety survey completed by more than 9,300 workers. Almost 30 percen6tt said they did not know if they had."

Chris Zimmerman could care less about passenger and Metrorail employee safety. All he cares about is station cosmetics. No way I will vote for Chris Zimmerman on Tuesday; he should be off the Metro Board and County Board.

Former Metro Rider

Vote NO on All Three Virginia Constitutional Issues

A.Y. recommends that Arlington Voters vote NO on all three Virginia constitutional ballot questions.

Question 1: Should Virginia's counties and cities be able to determine how poor or disabled a person must be before qualifying for an exemptiomn from paying local real estate taxes?

BEFORE Virginia goes down the Frost Belt states' road of awarding homeowners partial to total real estate tax exemptions for anything or everything, the General Assembly must determine what that profligate give-away will cost ALL of Virginia's homeowners.

Question 2: Should Virginia's veterans who are 100% disabled receive a total tax exemption on property taxes paid on their primary residences?

Totally disabled Veterans receive between $2600 and $3400 per month tax free, as well as lifetime free health care, mortgage benefits, and other federal veterans benefits. Congress should determine whether to award additional federal Veterans benefits based upon actual need.

Question 3 would allow the State of Virginia to set aside more "rainy day" funds during "good times".

The State of Virginia experiences a population growth of between 80,000 and 100,000 per year, year after year and decade after decade. The State of Virginia must base budgets on actual and projected needs, not upon the wants and desires of the Governor and General Assembly.

Arlington Yupette

Vote NO to Reitsfuhrer Zimmerman's Parks Bond Taxpayer Rip Off

Hi Yupette,

Have you seen the Vote Yes for Park Bonds signs on the streets? Well. the signs were paid for by Boss Zimmerman's pals who want the 2010 bond fund revenue to be put into the parks bond slush funds with previous bond revenue. These park bonds don't go for parks that benefit everyone - they go to Zimmerman's, Fisette's, etc. pet vanity projects.

Please vote no to more of Reitsfuhrer Zimmerman's taxpayer rip offs on November 2nd.

Cindy, 22206

Zimmerman, County Board, Creating Township-Village Tax Structure

Hi Yupette,

Do you know what the TIF really is? It's a scheme to create a de facto township - village tax structure, as exists in the states where Zimmerman, Favola, and Fisette grew up (New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania). Neighborhood Conservation creates de facto urban villages. So if a TIF /township is created for East Falls Church, Tuckahoe could be a village inside the TIF. Don't live within a TIF? Don't live within a neighborhood / urban village that contributes heavily to re-elect incumbents? You lose both ways. TIF gets your tax dollars for infrastructure, urban village gets your tax dollars for traffic calming and beautification, or whatever the County Board's ward heelers and County Board members think the urban village "needs".

Sandi, Arlington Ridge

Zimmerman-Baird Crystal City, Pentagon City, Potomac Yards TIF Makes 2010 Bond Referenda "Extremely Risky".

Hi Yupette,

Do Arlington Voters know what they are really voting for when they/we are asked to approve the 2010 Bond Issues on this year's ballot? The 2010 Bond Referenda are going to be extremely risky to Arlington County's credit rating given that Zimmerman and Baird committed County Government to strip General Revenue funds to provide Zimmerman, Fisette, Tejada, and Favola with between $14 million and $20 million each year for the next 6 years via the Crystal City, Potomac Yards, and Pentagon City TIF to build their pet vanity projects. These projects will be not only very expensive to build but to staff and maintain. Another $14-$20 million a year or more.

Given that County Government will face a $14 million deficit next year, how long can Baird and Zimmerman keep the fiscal mismanagement bubble growing (with tacit support from their Republican pals) before it bursts?

My view - voting for the 2010 Bond Referenda would be extremely unwise.

I no longer wonder why Mike Brown departed the scene. Who wants to be responsible for operating a ship where the captain and crew are fiscal looney tunes?

Ken - 22207

Zimmerman + Baird = Trailer Classrooms for Arlington's Students

Hi Yupette,

What's one big result of the County Board's funding pet projects and its giveaways to the real estate trusts? The school system will have to rent or buy a lot more trailer classrooms. As many as 200 in 5 years, up from 60 today (which is bad enough).

Thanks to profligate taxation and spending by Zimmerman and now diversion of General Fund revenues to Zimmrman's, Fisette's, Favola's and Tejada's pet projects through the TIF rip-off our children will be spending years more in trailer classrooms.

This is the same pirate crew that endorsed Sally Baird, in case you haven't noticed Sally's campaign signs.

Wakefield Parent

Fiscal Responsibility Activists Censure County Board Over Crystal City 'Slush Fund'

Hello Yuppete,

A friend called me this morning and said I had to go to the Arlington County Government Web site (arlingtonva.us) and watch the fireworks at last night's County Board meeting over the County's TIF for Crystal City. It was Item 38 on the agenda.

Incredible - the County Board not only approved funding it's own $200 million-plus "slush fund" from General Fund tax revenues for it's pet vanity projects but let the REITS and developers off scot free of having to pay for any new public infrstruture not only in Crystal City, but in Pentagon City and Potomac Yards too. What a taxpayer rip off.

Thank you Mr. Atkins, Ms. Quinn, and Mr. Hurysz for going after these reprehensible people who get themselves elected year after year and even call themselves "Democrats". What a pack of scoundrels.

Margaret 22207

Christmas in October Continues - October 26th County Board Meeting

Hey, Yupette,

Christmas in October continues this evening at the County Board meeting. Items on the agenda include gifts for the Artisphere, the Washington Golf and Country Club, and an $82 million pot of gold from establishing a special tax district encompassing Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Potomac Yards for the County's Board's pet vanity projects (Fisette's Aquatic Center, Zimmerman's light rail, etc).

Looks to me that any benefits that may accrue to ordinary citizens as the result of this "Christmas in October" session will be purely co-incidental.

Bonnie - Arlington Ridge

Sun Gazette Slams Baird, School System

Hello Yupette:

The Arlington Sun Gazette slammed both Sally Baird and the Arlington School System today, providing a laundry list of serious problems and failures ranging from extravagant unnecessary spending to a drop-out rate that's a "barely-concealed scandal".

The Sun Gazette confirms what I and other parents have known all along - four more years of Sally Baird on the School Board will be a disaster for our children.

Donna - Wakefield Parent

Citizens Slam County Board for Lies, Dishonesty, at County Board Meeting

Hi Yupette,

Did you see the citizen comments at the beginning of yesterday's County Board meeting? The County Board was criticized by ordinary citizens not connected to the Republicratic Machine for lies and dishonesty related to public library funding, EFC redevelopment, and the County's traffic calming charades.

Thanks for this blog. The view in my neighborhood is that it's time for a change - starting by voting out Zimmerman and Baird on November 2nd.

Linda - Arlington Ridge

Arlington Planetarium - From Embarrassment to Fiasco

Hello Ms. Yupette,

I'm a Democrat and I'm fed up with my party and with county government. The failure of the school system and county government to raise $400,000 to renovate the Planetarium is beyond being an embarrassment, it's become a fiasco.

In case you wondered, $400,000 is less than 1/10th of 1 percent of the school system's budget. The County Board thinks nothing of spending $60,000 for underwater art and $460,000 on the planning phase of beaver pond restoration.

But never mind the school system and county government. Where are the civic-minded citizens of this County? Where are the REITs? Where is the Chamber of Commerce? Where are the local media? Lining up at the County Board offices for corporate welfare. Or, telling us how we should lead our lives (special mention to Scott "Big Mouth" McCaffrey).

It's outrageous, but understandable, that School Board Democratic Party activists Libby Garvey and Sally Baird should go to Jim Moran to get federal funding for the Planetarium. The School Board is just another sub-committee of the Arlington County Democratic Committee.

Ms. Yupette, I am following your recommendations and voting for Ron Fisher, Kevin Chisholm, and Miriam Gennari on November 2nd. Thirty years of Democratic antics are enough.

Christmas in October - October 23rd County Board Meeting

Hey Yupette,

It's Christmas in October this Saturday, October 23rd, at the County Board meeting. Neighborhood Conservation funds get parceled out for neighborhood wants. When does my street get repaving and energy efficient lights that light the street get installed?

Kim

Zimmerman's Republicrat Ward Heelers Moving On - From 'Suspected Person' to 'Suspected Driver'

Hello, Yupette,

If you own a radio scanner, as I do, and monitor the dispatch calls on the Arlington Police frequencies, you will soon hear that Zimmerman's 'Nanny Nancy' Republicrat Ward Heelers have gone from calling in complaints about 'suspicious persons' they see taking groceries out of their vehicles to calling in 'suspicious driver' complaints whenever they see a person who doesn't conform to Chris Zimmerman's 'vision' for Arlington driving down a street, road, or interstate. So if you are pulled over by the Arlington Police and issued a ticket for 'reckless driving' you may not have driven recklessly.

Bethany - 22204

How Many of Arlington's K-12 Children are Malnurished?

Hi Yupette,

Although Arlington taxpayers give the school system $452 million to educate 21,000+ children it appears that thousands of children enrolled in Arlington schools are malnourished and / or undernourished. How does a school system that seems to have a program for every student allow so many children to come to school each morning hungry? And why with the millions spent on food service does the school system serve students meals they won't eat? This has been going on for years. My daughter and her friends claim the school system serves "rabbit food". They do not eat 'junk food' and seldom consume soft drinks. All we get from the School Board are constant promises to make improvements. Why do we keep re-electing these insipid people?

Kathy - Wakefield Parent

Arlington Yupette Endorsements - 2010 Elections

For U.S. House of Representatives - 8th District

Ron Fisher


For Arlington County Board

Kevin Chisholm


For Arlington School Board

Miriam Gennari


Special Mention - For United States Senate, Wisconsin

Senator Russ Feingold

Baird Ignores Overcrowding, Achievement, Focuses on Gay and Lesbian Issues

Hello Yupette,

Why on earth would I vote for Sally Baird for School Board? She ignores critical issues like overcrowding and student achievement and talks about gay and lesbian events like "Coming Out Day" instead. We can't afford another four years of Sally Baird on the School Board. Neither can our children.

Heather - N Utah St

Why More of the Same? Country Club Republicans Go Along.

Hi Yupette,

I'll tell you why there is more of the same old same old tax and spend to fund the luxuries while basic infrastructure is allowed to crumble - Arlington's Country Club Republicans go along with and vote for the YuppieCrats. That's why Marymount's monstrosity was inflicted on my neighborhood, Favola's pet Republican 'community leaders' went along in return for having their crumbling streets paved.

Joan 22207

Planetarium a "Wake Up' for Future Infrstructure Maintenance and Renovation

Hi Yupette,

If the school system can't find $400,000 in a $452 million budget to renovate the Planetarium how will they be able to maintain all the expensive recreation infrastructure in and around the Taj Mahal high schools they are building? Where is the money going to come from in 10 years to replace all the synthetic surface playing areas?

Wakefield Parent

County Board to Privatize More Public Land for Private School Use

Hey Yupette,

Do you know what Barbara Favola is up to in her County Board office? Working on still more deals for her employer, Marymount University, this time to get exclusive use of public land in East Falls Church for Marymount's soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey teams.

2200

NO to All Four 2010 Bond Referenda

Arlington Yupette does not endorse any of the four bond referenda that will be on the ballot this year in Arlington.


A.Y. endorses a new Wakefield High School that puts education, not recreation, first and will include brick and mortar classrooms to accommodate at least 1900 students.

A.Y. does not endorse "transportation" bonds that allow Chris Zimmerman to make more cosmetic improvements to an obsolete 2-track Metrorail system and impose more traffic followed by more traffic calming on Arlington.

A.Y. does not endorse local infrastructure bonds that allow the County Board to strip pay-as-you-go funds to build vanity projects while streets are unpaved and badly lighted.

A.Y. does not endorse using more bond funds for the County Board's pet recreation and entertainment projects while millions in previously approved bond funds are unspent.

Future Zimmerman-Baird Mega-Development Will be Devastating for our Kids

Wake Up Parents !

Four more years of Chris Zimmerman's and Sally Baird' development for the sake of development would be DEVASTATING for our children. The schools in many residential neighborhoods that are at capacity now would be seriously overcrowded. Our kids would be in danger walking to and from school from another big increase in traffic. Even worse, Chris and Sally want to make our kids ride bicycles to and from school on broken streets and through traffic. The "Smart Growth" Chris and Sally imposed on our suburban county was a bad idea. We are being overwhelmed. They didn't even try preserve more real open space, just use the County's bloated PR Machine to tell us that traffic islands are parks. And use our schools as recreation centers for everyone in Northern Virginia, while student performance is getting worse. We can't afford four more years of Chris Zimmerman and Sally Board. Our kids' lives are way way more important than the profits of the real estate trusts they cater to.

Susan - 22206

School Board, Media, Are Dishonest About School System's Performance

Hi Yupette,

Do you want to know how much the Arlington School System spends to educate 21,000 children? You have to wade through 20 pages of self-congratulatory PR on the School System's budget Web site to discover the School Board will spend $452 million to educate 21,000 children in FY 2011. That's $21,500 per child.

We read press release after press release from the Arlington School System printed by the newspapers with data that are untruthful. The students are being manipulated by the School Board to make the School System look better than it is. Did you know that students who are not interested in going to college were told not to bother taking the SAT tests? Wonder why SAT scores rose this year?

Wake up Parents. We have been repeatedly deceived by the Arlington School Board and a bloated school bureaucracy that increases class size, cuts teachers and instructional assistants, and promotes the personal agendas of School Board members. We can only expect more of the same if Sally Baird is re-elected.


Linda, Arlington Ridge

What Does Barbara Donnellan Do in the County Manager's Office?

Hello, Yupette,

Does anyone know what Barbara Donnellan does in the County Manager's Office besides transfer money from basic infrastructure accounts to vanity projects accounts?

Cindy - 22206

Artisphere Insider - Taxpayers Will Subsidize Artisphere for Many Years

Hi Yupette,

I spoke with a PRCR employee who works at the Artisphere and she said that Arlington taxpayers will be subsidizing the Artisphere way beyond the 3 years proposed by the County Board. And they don't expect much fund raising by the performing arts groups. Thought you'd like to know.

Meghan

O'Leary Rewards Sun Gazette With Confidential Candidate Tax Info.in Return for Supporting O'Leary's Decal Program

Hi Yupette,

Arlington County Treasurer Frank O'Leary rewarded the Sun Gazette for again endorsing Frank's total waste of tax dollars car tax decal program by providing Sun Gazette Editor Scott McCaffrey with extensive and confidential personal and corporate tax information about candidates who oppose Zimmerman and Baird for County Board and School Board. Much of this confidential information was obtained from O'Leary's political ally, Commissioner of the Revenue Ingrid Morroy.

McCaffrey recently admitted, in his personal Sun Gazette blog, that he is seeking all the "comps" he can get when interacting with people and organizations he contacts as Editor of several Sun Gazette newspapers.

Massive Traffic Calming Planned for EFC, Crystal City Adjacent Neighborhoods

Hi Yupette,

No matter what anyone might say at 2100 Clarendon Blvd., the reality is there is no way around massive traffic calming for the neighborhoods near the East Falls Church Metro station and Crystal City. That means many, many, speed tables installed in those neighborhoods.

George

It's Monday Morning, 52 Degrees, and Raining - Let's Bike to Work

Hi Yupette,

So commuting to work, school, shop, recreation, etc., via bicycles is supposed to be the answer to traffic congestion imposed by 'Smart Growth' on Northern Virginia? What do we do between between October and May?

George

Zimmerman's 'Safety Last' Traffic Calming Staff Can't Supply 'Keep Kids Alive' Signs to Neighborhoods

Hi Yupette,

Response from Chris 'Safety Last' Zimmerman's Traffic Calming Staff at 2100 Clarendon Blvd. is that they don't have the 'resources' to provide 'Keep Kids Alive Drive 25' signs to Arlington's neighborhoods that want to install and maintain them.

Same "Safety Last' Zimmerman who approved funding to install art in a stream bed last Tuesday.

Norm 22205

Brown Resigned Because Of County Board's 'Inverted Priorities'.

Hi Yupette,

In case you wondered why Mike Brown resigned it was because of the County Board's insistence on stripping money from essential public infrastructure to pay for the County Board's vanity projects. Mike was also tired of being overruled by Chris Zimmerman. Mike tried, but was unsuccessful, in changing the culture of corruption in areas like inspection services, which has become a cottage industry within County Government over the years.

2100

After Wasting Millions on 'Traffic Calming' County Board Returns to 'Drive 25'

Hello, Yupette,

I live in Chain Bridge Forest. Chris Zimmerman turned this community's residents against each other with his 'traffic calming' (speed tables, etc). Now that he's running for re-election and is being called "Safety Last" Zimmerman he and the County Board are reverting to the "Drive 25" signs and other persuasive methods that were used before they started wasting millions on physical barrier traffic calming. Is this a pre-election politrickster PR stunt or is Zimmerman actually becoming concerned about safety?

Sandi

Zimmerman's Clarendonification of EFC to Start in October

Having largely attained its objectives for Clarendonifying Crystal City, the Zimmerman-dominated County Board is moving on to Clarendonifying East Falls Church. Because the County Board demonstrated its total insensitivity to the upscale neighborhoods near Crystal City regarding massive redevelopment it is unlikely that the County Board will listen at all to the middle class families who live in single family homes around the EFC Metro station.

County Board Set to Approve Zimmerman's Crystal City Redevelopment

Hi Yupette,

The County Board is set to approve Zimmerman's Crystal City "development for the sake of development" sector plan, over the objections of many b3ecause of the size, increase in traffic, and lack of open space. The County Board is likely to award tens of millions in bonus density to pet developers for affordable housing that's not affordable, for green gimmicks, and for open space that's not open.

Meeting starts at 6:30 tonight.

George - Arlington Ridge

Why do Arlington's School Children Lack Access to Computers?

Hello, Yupette,

I am really concerned about Arlington's school children lacking access to computers. Here's where our tax dollars are going:

The New York Times, September 26, 2010, Page 1

U.S. Gift for Students in Iraq Offers a Primer on Corruption

By Stephen Lee Myers

"BAGHDAD -- The shipment of laptop computers that arrived in Iraq's main seaport in February was a small but important part of the American Military's mission here to win hearts and minds. What happened afterward is a tale of good intentions mugged by Iraq's reality.

The computers - 8080 in all, worth $1.8 million - were bought for children in Babil, modern day Babylon, a gift of the American taxpayers. Only they became mired for months in customs at the port, Umm Qasr, stalled by bureaucracy or venality, or some combination of the two. And then they were gone.

The laptops arrived in two shipments on Feb. 20 and Feb. 23. The original shipping documents mistakenly listed the computers' destination as Umm Qsar, not Babil, which caused confusion. By April, though, the American military had tracked them down and repeatedly tried to clear them through customs and truck them to Babil.

Then, in August, Iraqis auctioned off 4,200 of the computers - for $45,700. There whereabouts of the rest are unknown.

Prodded by the Americans and Iraqi officials in Babil, Mr. Maliki ordered an investigation buy the Commission on Integrity, a besieged independent watchdog whose investigations have led to clashed with Mr. Maliki and other senior officials.

In early September the auctioned computers were recovered, according to Iraqi officials who nevertheless declined to discuss how or where.

Still, seven months after the computers arrived< no child has used one.The recovered computers are now in possession of the Americans, awaiting the resolution of the mystery over the missing ones."



Carlin Springs Parent

Parents Tell Zimmerman: Stop Playing Games With Library Funding, Hours

Hi Yupette,

Dozens of parents attended today's County Board meeting and told Chris Zimmerman to stop playing games with library funding and hours.

According to Library Department employees Chris Zimmerman and other County Board members have systematically stripped funds from County library budgets for three years to fund the Artisphere and other County Board vanity projects.

Wakefield Parent

Drought is Killing Hundreds of Arlington's 'Street Trees"

Hi Yupette,

While the County Board debates preserving a few 'monument trees' this Saturday hundreds of street trees are dying across the County because of lack of a comprehensive drought watering program by County Government. This has been occurring every drought for over a decade, and is costing us millions to remove and replace trees killed by drought.

Terri,

22205

Latest County Board Vanity Projects - Another Huge Waste of Tax Dollars

Hi Yupette,

Has anyone seen the County Board's agenda for this Saturday's meeting. It's loaded with extravagant and unnecessary vanity projects, like $500,000 per year for the County's take over of the Pike from VDOT to expedite Zimmerman's trolley / Clarendonification of the Pike. Like $471,642 for design services to "fix" a beaver pond? Like Christmas in September for at least a dozen of the County Board's pet special interests? When will it ever end?

Joan 22207

Caution - Zimmerman and Baird May Be Hazardous to Your Child's Safety

Hi Yupette,

I am really becoming concerned about the traffic from the huge Bailey's Crossing apartment complex (across Dinwiddie Street from Wakefield HS and just inside Fairfax County). So I tried to determine what happened to the funds for traffic mitigation that were supposed to be spent before the project was completed. Well the project is completed and it turns out (from a source close to Fairfax County Supervisor Penny Gross) that VDOT is sitting on the bond funds to start the project and neither the Arlington County Board nor the School Board have done anything about it, although they have been repeatedly contacted.

How's that for taking responsibility for our kids' safety? I am sure that if a child is hit and killed by a speeding vehicle driven by a 20-something who lives in Bailey's Crossing Baird and Zimmerman will finally do something after Zimmerman tells us everything is O.K. because his kid attends Wakefield.

S. Dinwiddie

County Board to Host Community Charade Helicopter Noise Forum September 22nd

Hi Yupette,

The County Board is hosting another 'We talk, You listen' Helicopter Noise Charade on September 22nd between 7 PM and 9 PM in the County Board Room.

Susan 22206

Dominion Making Millions from Inefficient Street Lighting

Hi Yupette,

Know why we have such poor street lighting in Arlington? Because Dominion Resources is making millions from keeping the old energy-inefficient mercury vapor streets burning as long as possible. Longer mercury vapor streets burn the more energy they use the less light they produce. County Board has squandered millions of tax dollars on this and other energy wasting scams that benefit the utility companies.

Carole - 22207

Time for VA State Board of Education to Take Over Wakefield

Yupette, Wakefield H.S. is a mess and things will be worse when the new Wakefield H.S. is completed. The new Wakefield H.S. was designed by Sally Baird, Libby Garvey, Jay Fisette, Chris Zimmerman, etc., to be a recreation-entertainment 'party zone' for not only South Arlington but for adjacent neighborhoods of Alexandria and Fairfax County.

This is a school that has underperformed for decades. Typical response of the School Board and County Board was to bring President Obama to Wakefield to lecture students about taking responsibility for their education. As if 16-year olds have any control over their curriculum and learning environment We don't need any more PR from the Yuppiecrats. We need and want a school that educates our children.

Linda - 22206

SAT Scores Indicate Arlington School Board is Failing to Educate

Hello Yupette:

Thanks for the information about the unacceptable disparity between Wakefield and Yorktown SAT scores.

But even more unacceptable is the disparity between Yorktown and McLean and Yorktown and Langley high schools.

Mclean H.S. - Reading, Math Writing: 590 608 581 = 1778

Langley H.S. - Reading, Math, Writing: 602 618 592 = 1812

Yorktown H.S. - Reading, Math, Writing: 581 595 565 = 1741

Given the money Arlington spends and the similar demographics the total SAT scores for Yorktown students should be well above 1800.

Carole 22207

Wakefield - Yorktown SAT Score Spread Completely Unacceptable

Hello,

Anyone else see the 257 point SAT score spread between Wakefield and Yorktown students? This is unacceptable to me and should be unacceptable to you.

Arlington will spend almost 50% of the $1.1 billion County FY 11 revenue on our schools. It's time for a major change in the School Board, not more excuses for more of the same.

Susan

Boss Zimmerman is the Master of Metro Disaster

Hello, Yupette;


Anyone else read Friday's Post? Metro buses blowing up and more Metro Access passengers being molested by Metro Access drivers? Who to blame? Surely not Boss Zimmerman, who's been on the WMATA Board for 12 years.

Judy - 22201

Greens and Independents Force Dems to Move on Infrastructure

Great News, Yupette, Green candidate for School Board Miriam Gennari forced the Arlington School Board to save the Planetarium. And the Greens and Independents in Fairlington forced Boss Zimmerman to start tree maintenance in Fairlington before someone is killed by a falling tree or tree limb during the next big storm. Susan

Zimmerman's "Dirty Tricks" Squad Abusing Dogs

Hello Yupette:

I am totally outraged by what a fellow dog owner in Fairlington told me at the Utah Park dog exercise area. Chris Zimmerman's campaign is encouraging Democratic dog owners to bring their dogs in front of the homes of Zimmerman's "enemies" and either set the dogs against each other or kick or choke a dog until it starts barking. This happens like at 7 AM on weekends and is supposed to wake up and harass the person on Zimmerman's "enemies list" and his or her family.

Zimmerman is obviously a sicko and an abuser and should be receiving psychiatric therapy instead of being on the County Board. By the way, I am an independent voter and I do love dogs, a lot.

Muffy

Minority Groups Absent from Civfed Candidates' Forum

Hello Yupette,

I attended the CivFed candidates' forum last night and although the event was standing room only I didn't see any African Americans, Asians, or Latinos at all. Did I miss someone?

Bethany

We Endorse: The End Of Endorsements by Local Newspapers and Media

Having reviewed the Ethical Guidelines of the Society of Professional Journalists, A.Y. DEMANDS that the Sun Gazette Newspapers, Washington Post, Falls Church News-Press, and Journal Newspapers IMMEDIATELY STOP ENDORSING candidates for public office.

A.Y.

Another Campaign Season...Usual Media Shenanigans

Hello Yupette:

Another Fall campaign season is beginning. With the usual "Re-Elect All Incumbents" shenanigans by the region's media. The Post is really outrageous this year, supporting Mayor Adrian "Gentrification" Fenty to an extent that is embarrassing to honest journalists. The other local newspapers are not much better.

Kathy

Time to Sue 'Nanny Nancy' Federal Employees And Their Agencies?

Hi Yupette:

So the RePigs are all upset because a career federal employee got sued by the County Board for carrying out the Bush Administration's HOT Lanes $teal on I-395? Too bad.

I would love to see the Nanny Nancy Republicans, who micro-manage our lives from their federal offices, and their agencies sued for defamation and slander, which is what many of them do at "work" when they aren't in employee counseling sessions. And if it's not Federal employees, it's people who work for the NGOs.

Enough. Time is long overdue for federal and NGO employees to be held accountable for actions and activities performed while they are supposed to be "working".

Susan

Shared-Street Light Rail: A Significant Hazard for Bicyclists, Pedestrians

Hi Yupette,

If Arlington County Government wants to build shared-street light rail it should look at the significant safety hazard that would pose to pedestrians and bicylists.

Cindy

County's Board's Pet Developer Defaulting on Underwater Properties

Hi Yupette,

Did you notice the article in the Wall Street Journal on August 25th about commercial property owners defaulting on mortgage payments for "underwater properties"? According to the Journal a prime player is the Arlington County Board's pet developer - Vornado Realty, which I believe owns and manages the County office building at 2100 Clarendon Blvd.

Joan - 22207

Why I'm Voting for Ron Fisher for Congress

Hi Yupette,

If you didn't see the front page of today''s NY Times, you should:


Pakistanis Tell of Motive In Taliban Leader's Arrest

Officials Say Spy Agency Sought to Squelch Militants' Peace Talks With Afghans

By Dexter Filkins

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan

When American and Pakistani agents captured Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban's operation commander, in the chaotic port city of Karachi last January, both countries hailed the arrest as a breakthrough in their often difficult partnership fighting terrorism.

But the arrest of Mr Baradar, the second-ranking Taliban leader after Mullah Mohammad Omar, came with a beguiling twist: both American and Pakistani officials claimed that Mr. Baradar's capture had been a lucky break. It was only days later, the officials said, that they finally figured out who they had.

Now, seven months later, Pakistani officials are telling a very different story. They say they set out to capture Mr. Bradar and used the C.I.A. to help them do it, because they wanted to shut down secret peace talks that Mr. Baradar had been conducting with the Afghan government that excluded Pakistan, the Taliban's longtime backer.

"We picked up Baradar and the others because they were trying to make a deal without us," said a Pakistani security official, who, like numerous people interviewed about the operation, spoke anonymously because of the delicacy of relations between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United States. "We protect the Taliban. They are dependent on us. We are not going to allow them to make a deal with Karzai and the Indians."


Yupette, it's been obvious to me for years that Bin Laden and the senior Taliban commanders are worth more alive than dead to the New Democrats and NeoCons who are ruining American with warfighting in the Middle East. I'm voting for Ron Fisher for Congress. Ron will help get us out of fighting ruinous wars with Third World nations.

Joan 22207

Baghdad Installing 21st Century Solar Powered Street Lighting

Hello Yupette,

My brother just returned from Iraq. He visited me in Arlington and was amazed that 21st Century solar powered street lights are being installed in Baghdad while Arlington's street lighting system is 50 years old and he could not find my house because the street lighting in my neighborhood is so poor.

Marena

Moran's Expensive Constituent 'Newsletter', What a Hoot.

How much did the taxpayers pay to produce, print, and mail Congressman Moran's lavish constituent brochure? BTW, Congressman, the photo of Key Bridge on the back cover was taken in the District of Columbia.

Fed Up Dem

NTSB Report Indicates Zimmerman Was Grossly Negligent Re MetroRail Safety

Hello Arlington Yupette Bloggers -

I have to conclude, after reading the NTSB report, that long-time WMATA Board member Chris Zimmerman was grossly negligent during his tenure on the WMATA Board for ignoring major MetroRail safety problems and concentrating instead on Metrorail "cosmetics".

Comments?

No Longer a Metro Rider

Favola Directing Re-Paving $$$ to North Arlington

Hey, Yupette,

If you wondered why South Arlington's streets aren't being repaved it's because Marymount University's Chief Lobbyist and Arlington County Board Member Barbara Favola is directing repaving funds to Yupscale North Arlington.

Carole - 22207

Traffic Sign Funds Going to Bicycle Signs - Markings

Hi Yupette,

In case you wondered why street center lines haven't been repainted, crosswalks haven't been repainted, and Speed Limit and Stop signs haven't been maintained and upgraded it's because the money is going to paint bicycle lane markings on streets and post signs stating that bicycles can use vehicle lanes.

This is another attempt by the County Board to inflict its pet special interests on everyone. Puleeze don't tell me I have to start riding a bicycle in traffic, which is obviously Fisette's next move - exclusive lanes for bicycles only and prohibitions on motor vehicles. This is the same gang that approves 400 new parking spaces under every large building.

J.K. - 22201

County Will Not Fare Well After a DOD Downsizing

Hi Yupette,

If you are not concerned about the effects of DOD downsizing you should be. The County's "tax, borrow, and spend" fiscal irresponsibility is the result of vastly increased local federal spending for warfighting, homeland security, and national security. Obviously, Arlington's "decision makers" believe that the feds will go on spending trillions in the same manner for decades. But that is foolish thinking. The federal government has ignored civilian infrastructure needs for more than a decade. And the Feds can't keep borrowing $500 billion a year for much longer. Arlington should brace itself for at least a 10% reduction in local federal spending.

Larry - 22207

Neglect of Tree Canopy Ensured Destruction from High Winds

Hello, Yupette,

We had a pretty significant destruction of the tree canopy here in Fairlington when the thunderstorm went through yesterday. We have been after the County to trim street trees to reduce the wind load for years. Nothing has been done. Hundreds of County workers wre driving around in trucks surveying the damage and some trees were removed. Power was out for most of Fairlington last evening. It's going to cost a lot more repairing the damage than it ever would have cost to have maintained the street trees.

fairgrrl

Next COG Petition - Draw Election Districts

Hi Yupette,

I signed the last Change of Government petition. I suggest starting over. But this time make things really simple, just change from at-large representation to election districts for the County Board, based on 2010 Census data, with boundaries drawn by a multi-party commission.

Regards,

Linda

Arlington Street Re-Paving Will Cost More Than $100 Million

Hey, Yupette,

I saw the County Board put $14 million for street paving on this year's bond referendum. The $14 million will only repave Wilson Blvd., Clarendon Blvd., and Washington Blvd. It's really expensive to repave boulevards, up to $500,000 per mile. It's going to cost at least $100 million to put Arlington's streets and roads back into good shape.

EFC Homeowner

Wealthy Groups to Use Tax-Funded Artisphere for Major Fund Raising

Hi, Yupette,

Now that the Artisphere's construction has been funded by tax dollars the wealthy performing arts (and other) groups will begin using the Artisphere for fund-raising. First major event is a pre-opening Gala in early October.

There was no significant fund raising to contribute to the Artisphere's construction by the wealthy groups that will use the Artisphere (which is managed by Arlington County). Several million dollars were stripped from the County's pay-as-you go accounts to fund Artisphere construction.

2100

Time for a Change of Leadership in Arlington

Hi Yupette,

What does the conflict over the failed 'change of government" petition indicate? That it's time for an across-the-board change of leadership in Arlington. The people who are in various positions of authority have just been around too long.

Donna - 22205

Arlington Emergency Responders Unprepared for Severe Weather

Hey Yupette,

FYI, Arlington's emergency responders were unprepared for yesterday's severe weather in North Arlington.

Same people who circulated the COG petition.

Carole - 22207

Local News Media Are Anti-Environment

Hello, Yupette,

Anyone see any compelling evidence that the local news media are not anti-environment?

Terri

New Elementary School - Public / Private Redevelopment of Public Land?

Yupette, it looks like Key School or another public parcel may be redeveloped into a new elementary school with expensive condos sharing the site.

County Board Will Increase Open Space Via Tear-Downs

Hi Yupette,

Check out the last item on the County Board's published agenda last night - the purchase and tear-down of a commercial property in Nauck to create open space. Based on the County Board's comments it's obvious that's the way they'll go to create open space in the future.

Dennis

Christmas in July Continues - July 13th

Hi Yupette,

Christmas in July County Board meeting continues July 13th starting at 6:30 PM. Agenda includes gifts for Arlington's wealthy performing arts groups, Chris Zimmerman's $36 million present to WMATA for a new Rosslyn Metro station, and the re-redevelopment of Crystal City.

Donna

Zimmerman, County Board, Steam EFC Residents

Want to see proof positive why Chris Zimmerman should not be re-elected? Check out the 4 hours he and the County Board kept EFC residents waiting for the EFC area plan to be heard while the CB micro-managed the outdoor restaurant seating for one of Fisette's pet restaurant owners.

July 10th County Board Meeting - Christmas in July for EFC Developers

Hello, Yupette,

What is Zimmerman's East Falls Church redevelopment scheme all about? It's Christmas in July for the County Board's pet developers who will receive hundreds of millions of dollars in proffers, bonus density, and tax shelters for building another Clarendon. It's another ego trip for mega-development maniac Chris Zimmerman. It's another dumb growth redevelopment that only a Yuptard could love - and they do. How much more of this dumb growth do we have to endure?

Mary

July 10th County Board Meeting to be "Christmas in July" for CB's Pet People, Projects

Hi, Yupette,

Can we have a thread about the upcoming "Christmas in July" County Board meeting and all the tax $$$$$ the County Board that was so fiscally challenged six months ago is going to hand out to its favorite people in return for votes?

Jill

County Board's "Christmas in July" Agenda Includes Heavily Arming Arlington Police and Deputies

Hello Yupette,

I read the County Board's "Christmas in July" agenda for the July 10th meeting and was appalled to see they are using law enforcement grants from the Justice Department to heavily arm the police and sheriff's deputies. This in a county that in the last 6 months has had 2 unsolved murders and 2 incidents where homeless persons died after altercations with the Arlington police, none of these persons was armed. Why do the police have to carry even more powerful handguns than they already carry? Why do sheriff's deputies have to carry assault rifles? What is going on in this County?

Cindy 22204

Rolling Thunder Terrorists Are Back

Yupette, the f-ing Rolling Thunder terrorists are back this weekend. Doing a sequel to their Memorial Day psywar operation against local Patriots - active duty military, reserve military, and defense workers who Rolling Thunder and their facilitators, the Neo-Cons, Freepers, motorcycle gangs, KKK, etc., deem to be among the inhabitants of a "socialist republic". If you live on or near a major interstate or arterial, be aware that these a-holes are going to try to make this July 4th weekend into Daytona Bike Week.

Jeff

Please Help Chris Zimmerman

Hello Yupette,

Arlington County Board and WMATA Board member Chris Zimmerman needs help answering the following question:

What happens when 85,000 Metrorail commuters from Tysons and Dulles reach the East Falls Church Metro station at 8 AM weekdays?

Thanks in advance for helping Chris.

Tom - Leeway-Overlea

County Allows Gentrification Contractor Dumping at Pike Recycling Site

Hello Yupette,

Have you visited the recycling site on Columbia Pike at Four Mile Run on weekends recently? The County is allowing contractors who are working on gentrification projects to dump debris at the recycling site, including mixed with the recycled cans and bottles. Sunday I saw that some group that had a large picnic dumped about 20 large bags of food waste off at the site. Disgusting. This is in Chris Zimmerman's neighborhood and when I asked the County Manager's office what could be done they said "We're working on it".

Pikester

CIP Takes from Middle Class to Fund Pet In-fill Gentrification Projects

Hi Yupette,

Seen the County's new Capital Improvement Program? It's a blatant rip off of the middle class to fund the County Board's pet Gentrification projects. Like the mess Zimmerman wants to build at the EFC Metro Station that only a Yuptard could love.

Tom - Leeway-Overlea

Massive Opposition Forced CB to Abandon Library Relocation Scam

Hello, Yupette,

It appears that it was only "massive resistance" by our neighborhood that prevented our local library from being relocated to Arlington Mill so Arlington Mill would become more attractive to developers.

Arlington County is run for and by developers. I believe that lots of these development and redevelopment "decision makers" are being paid-off, starting with the County Board.

Time for a change of government in Arlington County !!!

Terri - 22204

Racist And Elitist County Board Prohibits On-Site Affordable Housing

Racist and Elitist County Board Members prohibited on-site affordable housing from being constructed at 1900 Wilson Blvd. at the June 15th County Board Meeting.

Route 1 at Potomac Yards - Region's First Mega-Dumb Growth Mess

Responding to several requests for a thread related to Potomac Yards ""smart" growth.

A.Y.

EFC Metro Station Development - Another Zimmerman Dumb Growth Mess

Hi Yupette,

Plans for the East Falls Church metro Station Development are now on the County's Web Site and it's a classic Chris Zimmerman "Guru of Gridlock" Dumb Growth mess. But that's what we get for re-electing Chris Zimmerman and allowing him to pack planning committees with his hand picked Dumb Growth dummies.

Don - 22205

Adults to Arlington County Board - Grow Up

Hello Yupette,

It was refreshing to see so many adults at yesterday's County Board meeting telling the Arlington Yuppie Board to Grow Up.

Also, despite serious harassment from Arlington Yuppiecrats, it appears the change-the-government petition already has enough signatures for a referendum to be on the ballot.

Mark

Many Arlington Residents Have Expressed Unhappiness With Rolling Thunder

Hello Yupette,

Thank you for your blog.

You should know that many Arlingtonians have expressed unhappiness about the noise and bad behavior from 'Rolling Thunder' We recently suggested that 'Rolling Thunder' move to a resort area like Virginia Beach and that 'Rolling Thunder' be replaced by bicycle and pedestrian events. We were ignored.

Thanks for trying to improve our quality of life, not cater to every special interest that wants to do its thing in Arlington.

Susan

Don't Want HOT Lanes? Stop Approving More Parking!

Hello, Yupette,

If the County Board is so hostile to HOT Lanes, why is the County Board on a roll to approve a lot of commuter parking spaces via new site plans this year?

Norm

Who Defends the Rights of Citizens to Sign Petitions?

Hi Yupette,

I am employed by Arlington County. I also signed the 'change of government petition'. We have a right to sign petitions, afforded to us by the U.S. Constitution. Who would I contact if I am demoted or fired for signing the petition?

Kim - DHS

GE Controls Sun Gazette Parent and Finances Harley Dealers

Yupette, FYI,

Dis you know who controls the Sun Gazette Newspapers parent corporation - American Community Newspapers LLC? GE Capital Credit. Did you know who provides major financial services and lends hundreds of millions to Harley-Davidson dealers? GE Capital Credit and GE Credit Solutions.

Joan

Fisette Will Continue 'Boutique' Projects

Hi Yupette,

Last night County Board Chair Jay Fisette resisted requests from Civic Federation delegates to reverse his emphasis on 'boutique' projects and concentrate on basic infrastructure. So there's an aquatic center and a bunch of million dollar lighted soccer fields in our future.

22205

Virginia General Assembly Said....

Yupette, here is what the Virginia General Assembly had to say long before "Rolling Thunder" existed. It's in the Code of Virginia.

"It is hereby declared that the protection and preservation of the home is the keystone of democratic government that the public health and welfare and the good order of the community require that members of the community enjoy in their homes a feeling of WELL-BEING, TRANQUILITY, and PRIVACY"

Bethany

Time to End 'Rolling Thunder'

Hello,

I live near I-66 and every year 'Rolling Thunder' is worse, noise and people on motorcycles going way over the speed limit. Memorial Day is not supposed to be this way. Time to end "Rolling Thunder'.

Dawn - 22201

BRAC Development to Inflict Massive Traffic, Traffic Calming on South Arlington

Hello Yupette,

Did you see the report in the Post yesterday (Metro Section, page B7) about the massive traffic congestion that the new BRAC complex at Mark Center will cause in South Arlington?

Sue
Fairlington

County Board Inflicts Traffic, Traffic Calming on Another Neighborhood

Hello, Yupette,

Did you see last night's County Board meeting? The County Board inflicted traffic calming on Chain Bridge Forest, same County Board that approves 2000-4000 more vehicles into Arlington County every year. Not only that, they don't maintain the traffic calming (speed tables) once they're installed. The entire "system" of County Government is out of control. The arrogance of the County Board, County staff, the civic federation, and the civic associations is outrageous.

Joan - 22207

Arlington Needs A Comprehensive Predestian, Bicycle, Motorcycle, Auto Safety Plan

Hello Yupette,

I am sick and tired of seeing people on bicycles dressed from head to toe in black running stop signs and traffic lights, Same goes for pedestrians jaywalking. Also people on motorcycles going 30 mph over the speed limit and drivers texting while driving. We badly need a comprehensive safety education and accident prevention plan for people who use and cross Arlington's streets and roads.

Peter - 22204

Local Government Is Becoming Even More Exclusive

Hello Yupette,

Have you noticed how exclusive local government is becoming?

The Eighth District congressional candidates' debate was hosted by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and cost $45 to attend.

Jay Fisette's "State of the County" speech next month is sponsored by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and will cost $50 to attend. (Is that legal)?

New County Manager's reception May 24th is a reservation-only event. No one acknowledges that you made a reservation to attend.

If you walk through 2100 Clarendon Blvd. when the advisory commissions are meeting, they are all white.

Then there's the Civic Federation and civic associations :-{

Near as I can figure, about 95% of the County's adult population has no influence on local government and our concerns are totally ignored!

Don - 22204

Where Is Arlington's New County Manager Coming From?

Hello, Yupette,

Want to know where Arlington's new County Manager, Michael Brown, is coming from?

Just put the phrase "Creative Coast Alliance" into your favorite search engine.

LOL

Neighborhood Day - How Many Street Festivals Does It Take To Pave My Street?

Hi Yupette,

How many street festivals does it take to get my street repaved and 21st Century street lighting installed? I just read where I'll have to vote for a bond issue for those things to happen. But their entertainment and recreation events - Neighborhood Day, Taste of Arlington, etc. - get funded from pay-as-you-go accounts.

And, what is "Neighborhood Day" all about, anyway? It's another PR event to promote Zimmerman and the "Community Leaders" he appoints to micro-manage our lives.

Peter

How Does Zimmerman Manage Financially?

Hello, Yupette,

Anyone else wonder how Chris Zimmerman financially manages to do what he does? He has 3 kids, hasn't worked since 1998, and his wife, Mary Beth, has been employed aa a mid-level NASA policy analyst since 2004. She formerly worked as a policy analyst specializing in alternative energy and renewable at the DOE. it appears that none of her DOE papers about alternative energy and renewable energy was ever considered by the Arlington County Board. It wasn't until late 2007 that the the County Board began getting serious about energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings.

Randy, 22207

Fiscally Responsible Independents Elected to FC City Council

Hi Yupette,

Falls Church voters signaled they had enough of double-digit tax increases to pay for extravagant "Smart Growth" projects by voting on May 4th to elect Independents Johanna Barray and Ira Kaylin to Falls Church City Council. The election was also an indication that Citizens for a Better City, the political organization that controls Falls Church, is on its way out as a political force in the City. CBC's policies and practices are closely tied to the failed "Smart Growth" policies of the Arlington Democratic Committee in adjacent Arlington County.

FC Independent

County's Xerographic Copiers Vulnerable to Identity Theft

Hello Yupette,

Did you see the recent CBS News report regarding digital xerographic copiers and identity theft?

You can see it at:

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6412772n

Turns out that a hard drive inside the copier retains scanned images. When copiers are replaced they are sent to be refurbished or just sold to who knows where.

This has been going on ever since copiers went digital - about 2002.

You would think with the County spending about $50 million a year on various forms of IT someone would have noticed. Nope, the old copier just gets wheeled out of the library, or wherever, and a new copier is wheeled in.

2100

Elitist School System Stealing from the Needy to Give to the Greedy?

Ms. Yupette, by every measure of achievement students from South Arlington families are falling farther behind North Arlington children of the wealthy elitists who run the Arlington School System. What can poor minority families do?

Keisha, Wakefield Parent

"Arlington Government is an Elitist Ponzi Scheme"

Hello Yupette,

I'm going to retire from County Government in a year or two. So I signed the "change the government" petition and I don't care what the County Board thinks.

Arlington County is a huge Ponzi Scheme that benefits the Elite. Our region is like a black hole that sucks in money from all over the world to fund the military industrial complex and constant warfare in the Third World. That's where the money comes from for the County Board's Ponzi Scheme.

The County Board and its boosters and facilitators are Elitists. Many are also Racists. The Elitists want Arlington to become like a Creative Class (aka "Yuppie") Disney World. Several people who posted to your blog alluded to the County Board wanting every household with an income of less than $200,000 a year out. That's pretty much correct. They can't fund their extravagant programs that cater to the lifestyles of the "Creative Class" without gentrifying out the middle class, replacing middle class housing with ever more expensive residential buildings. They also raise taxes and borrow - a lot - every year.

They transfer tax dollars around like crazy, from basic infrastructure to projects that benefit the Elite, Creative Class, Yuppies. This a HUGE Ponzi Scheme. It is so pervasive and so bad that (for example) Zimmerman cut the FY 11 taxpayer funding for ART by $1.1 million and used most of it for his pet Creative Class projects, like $500,000 to take over Columbia Pike maintenance from VDOT to build his trolley folly. So they are raising ART fares for the working class (which uses ART as its only means of transportation to get to and from providing services for the Elite) to fund Zimmerman's upscale projects.

Whatever "affordable" housing that's constructed is for the household servants of the Elite, who live in increasingly expensive luxury enclaves.

So we are going to be close to gridlock soon because many more people who work in Arlington won't be able to live in Arlington.

How long can this continue? As long as the military industrial complex keeps sucking money into the region. As long as the world keeps lending our government money. Arlington County would be in big trouble if peace broke out around the world.

DHS

County Board Surprises Residents by Endorsing Walter Reed "Improvements"

Hi Yupette,

The County Board pulled a fast one on April 27th on the Fairlington and Claremont communities by passing a resolution endorsing Alexandria's contentious "improvements" to the Walter Reed Drive - King Street intersection which were hotly contested by Fairlington and Claremont residents during public hearings. No one in the local condo associations and civic associations was informed about the proposed resolution.

Susan

Greens Lose I-66 Widening Case

On Friday Federal District Court Judge Claude Hilton issued an opinion supporting USDOT and VDOT regarding spot widening of I-66 between the Dulles Toll Road and Rosslyn. The Court determined that VDOT and USDOT followed Federal laws and rules when planning I-66 improvements and the Plaintiffs did not prove actual harm would result from the planned improvements.

Unsolved Murders + Taser Killings By Police = Time For A New Police Chief

Hello, Yupette,

I don't think there is another county in the USA that has two murders that occurred over the past 6 months (both unsolved) concomitant with two TASER deaths inflicted by Arlington Police Officers. Time for a New Police Chief? Appears so.

John

Moran, Warner, Webb: Introduce Emergency Legislation to Prevent Oil Drilling Off Virginia's Coast

Let's face it - the Obama Administration's decision to allow itself to be stampeded by the neo-cons into drilling for oil off the East Coast was one of the dumbest decisions in American history. Time for Congress to call a halt to any oil exploration anywhere off the U.S. East Coast.

Local Media Refuse to Provide Information About Green Party County Board and School Board Candidates

As usual, the Post, Sun Gazette and other local media aren't providing information about the Arlington Green Party's candidates. Arlington Green Party candidate for County Board is Kevin Chisholm. Arlington Green Party for School Board is Miriam Gennari.

County Board Approves Wakefield 'Recreation - Remediation' Complex

Hi Yupette,

The County Board approved the new Wakefield High School aka Recreation-Remediation Complex last evening. Every possible recreational distraction was included. Nothing whatever was said about education. This school already provides a terrible education - especially for minority students. All the County Board wanted to discuss last night was the "recreational opportunities" available in the new school building. What the hell is the matter with Arlington anyway?

Bethany

Democrats Threaten Arlingtonians Who Sign Change of Government Petition

Hi Yupette,

Arlington Democrats, at the direction of the "Democratic" leadership are threatening Arlingtonians who sign the change of government' petition with various forms of reprisal, including having Democratic loyalist teachers reduce the grades of children whose parents sign.

There is also a smear campaign being coordinated by several Democrats who are retired and no longer live in Arlington.

Even the corrupt local media are becoming involved. Sun Gazette Editor Scott McCaffrey, who is Vice-Chairman of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, advised the Chamber to not support the change of government petition.

2100

Arlington's FY 11 Budget - From Need to Greed

The Arlington County Board of Plutocrats outdid itself today, County Board's budget priorities focused on "wants not needs" yet again. New all-weather athletic fields constructed in every Arlington neighborhood will be the County Board's top budget priority during Fiscal Year 2011.

Zimmerman's Transportation Flunky Surveys Arlingtonians Regarding Transportation Wants

Hello Yupette,

Today I received a letter from Chris Zimmerman's transportation flunky, Dennis Leach, who is Director of Arlington's Division of Transportation, regarding my transportation wants.

First paragraphs of Mr. Leach's letter read as follows:

Dear ---,

Transportation plays an essential role in Arlington County and the County is committed to meeting residents' transportation needs. We believe it;'s important to offer a wide range of quality travel choices to make travel easier and less stressful. This will be increasingly important in the future, because our population and employment are projected to grow by approximately 25%, without much expansion of the road network.

Your household has been chosen to participate in the Household Travel Survey, which is a survey of daily travel, to be conducted with residents in the Shirlington area by NuStats, a national transportation research firm.

Fairgrrl 22206

Happy Earth Day. Why Are We Celebrating?

Hey Yupette,

It's the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Why are we celebrating? Any good reasons?

Mark - 22201

'Deal' May Be Imminent for I-395 HOT Lanes

Hello, Yupette,

According to the constituent newsletter I received today from Delegate David Englin the State of Virginia would be willing to drop plans for VDOT's Shirlington Rotary if the State moves forward with the HOT Lanes project. Delegate Englin's web site is www.davidenglin.org

Fairgrrl - 22206

Few From Minority Groups Boost Zimmerman

Hey Yupette,

I received an invitation from Zimmerman's re-election campaign. About 95% of Zimmerman's "Host Committee" are not from minority groups, i.e., they are white and of European descent. Zimmerman's campaign will hold a "Neighborhood Barbecue" at the Barcroft Community Center (in the heart of segregated Barcroft) on May 2nd.

Just to let you know where Zimmerman is coming from after 15 years on the County Board.

Pikester

Green Activist Running for County Board

Hi Yupette,

Just heard that a Green Activist is running for County Board against Boss Zimmerman. His name is Kevin Chisholm and he formerly worked for the School System as an environmental consultant.

Cindy

Fed Investigation Reveals Energy Star Is a Charade

Hi Yupette,

Check out yesterday's NY Times - page B4. The Government Accountability Office and Energy Department IG investigated the Energy Star program (which is jointly managed by the Department of Eneergy and EPA) and found it's a big charade.

What is the "Green" movement? Corporate PR and corporate con artists?

Pikester

"Arlington Needs A Tea Party"

Hello Yupette,

Why can't the Tea Party start a chapter in Arlington? No one cares about Arlington's taxpayers. The Civic Federation's budget recommendations only endorsed the County's irrational and irresponsible spending priorities.

Ken - 22205

"Arlington's Streets Are Unsafe for Bicycles"

Hi Yupette,

I own a mountain bike but I refuse to ride it anywhere but on a few bicycle trails and only then weekdays during the day. Weekends when the weather is nice the trails are crowded and there are too many bicyclists racing.

Arlington's streets are a dangerous disgrace. They are covered with potholes and broken pavement. The street bike lanes are covered with sand and trash.

Please don't ride your bicycle on Arlington's streets. They are too dangerous.

Kathy

County Board Threatens Media - "Don't Promote Other Candidates"

Hello Yupette,

Interesting development at 2100 Clarendon Boulevard. The County Board-controlled public information office is telling the local media to not promote non-Democratic candidates "or else."

"Or else" means the media may face several unappetizing consequences as the result of featuring Republicans and third party candidates, ranging from having to pay for press releases to competing newspapers beginning publication in Arlington.

2100

Arlington Could Lose Hundreds of Jobs from United - U.S. Airways Merger

Hi Yupette,

See the Wall Street Journal today? United and US Airways are in merger talks. U.S. Airways employs over 1400 people in Arlington. I seriously doubt that the combined company would choose to keep more employees than absolutely necessary in a high cost of living area like Arlington.

Ken

Post Survey: Satisfaction With Metro Drops Significantly

Although the Headline in Monday's Post read: "Metro still rates high despite low points" it's evident from data obtained from a Post poll of Metro riders and non-riders that satisfaction with Metro has dropped sharply over the past five years.

Post survey data indicate that Metro is an old, slow, crowded, obsolete system that increasingly doesn't take people where they want to go and is increasingly difficult for commuters to use.

CivFed Republicans Vote to Sock Taxpayers with 6.3% Increase

Hey Yupette:

North Arlington Republicans on the Civic Federation's Revenue and Expenditures Committee voted to hit Arlington taxpayers with a 6.3% tax increase (County Manager recommended 6.7%) and a hefty increase in fees.

What a bunch of turkeys.

Check it out at:

www.civfed.org/budgFY11reptcomb.pdf

Fiscal responsibility? It's a bi-partisan joke.

Joan

Josh "Moran" Ruebner Resigns as AGP Facilitator

Hi Yupette,

Whatever chamber of commerce board member, realtor, and closet Republican Scott McCaffrey prints in the Sun Fisette (or its blog) the reason that Ruebner resigned from being the AGP's Facilitator was because the Greens were sick and tired of Ruebner's secret deal making with Democrats and Republicans and Ruebner's tolerance for the Republican takeover of the Arlington Green Party.

Green Guy

New County Manager was Savannah's "Mr. Gentrification"

Hi Yupette,

Arlington's new County Manager, Michael Brown, is a good ol UVA boy who massively gentrified Savannah while he was County Manager there. Check out Savannah's activist blogs.

Linda

Zimmerman, Metro Board Members, Caused Decline in Ridership

No Brainer, Yupette. Anyone who's concerned about the decline in Metro's ridership should check out what Metro Board member and Arlington County Board member Chris Zimmerman did to Metro ridership over the past 15 years. He approved the construction of tens of thousands of new parking spaces in new parking garages, most next to Metrorail stations. So who wants to take a bus to a dirty crowded train to work when you can drive your SUV to a nice new parking space under a new Smart Growth building, thanks to Guru of Gridlock Zimmerman?

Metro to Hold Budget Hearing in Arlington on March 31st

Metro will hold a budget hearing on March 31st at 6:30 PM in the Arlington County Board Room, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Third Floor, Courthouse Metro station. Metro needs to close a $189 million gap in its 2011 budget. Among others on the WMATA Board is Arlington County Board member Chris Zimmerman.

"Arlington Spends $100 Million / Year Keeping the Homeless Homeless"

Hello Arlington Yupette:

I read Arlington's 2011 Budget on-line and I viewed the Budget hearings on-line the past 3 evenings.

Isn't it obvious that it's costing Arlington's taxpayers about $100 million a year to keep Arlington's homeless, homeless?

Homes for the Homeless

Zimmerman Ignored Planning, Population Data to Fund Pet Projects

Hi Yupette,

Did you know that Arlington County has a full time demographer on County Staff? Did you know that that County's Planning Staff collects a lot of data regarding the effects of increased population and construction on transportation?

Why does "Guru of Gridlock" Chris Zimmerman ignore demographic data that indicate the County's population grew 30,000 over the past 10 years? Why does Zimmerman ignore the construction data that indicate Zimmerman and the County Board approved the construction of 30,000 new parking spaces in Arlington over the past decade?

What are these people, anyway? Elected officials who are supposed to respond to our needs or a bunch of Elitists who respond to the wants of special interests?

Bethany

"Arlington Chamber of Commerce is Un-American"

Hello Yupette,

I am appalled by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. The Arlington Chamber's upcoming trip to China is a shameless attempt to outsource high paying white collar jobs to China. The Chamber also opposes on-site renewable energy, relying on the corrupt LEED system to construct more energy-inefficient buildings in Arlington that consume huge amounts of fossil fuel and also install new 300-vehicle parking garages under or adjacent to the buildings. The Arlington Chamber is Un-American as are the local media and local government politricksters who cater to the Arlington Chamber's agenda.

Peter - 22201