Hello,
The redrawn 32nd Senate District includes ten precincts in North Arlington. The 32nd includes Rt 50, I-66, Washington Boulevard, and Rt 29. The district also includes Metrorail's Orange Line and the East Falls Church Metro station. So transportation decisions made in Richmond have and will have a significant impact on the quality of life on Arlington residents who live in the 32nd District.
We blame bi-partisan Rail-to-Dulles, BRAC, and high-growth boosters for Arlington's infrastructure problems. That includes the leaders of the major political parties. They want growth, but they don't want to pay for sufficient infrastructure concomitant with growth. We fault both Janet Howell and Patrick Forrest for their immature and irrational approach to transportation funding. Not surprising since their fellow Republican and Democratic legislators exhibit the same behavior.
We, therefore, endorse Janet Howell based upon her concerns for human needs and human rights. Patrick Forrest has a lengthy resume' based on assignments and junkets during his service with the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard in the Bush Administration. He opposes women's rights to make their own healthcare decisions. He opposes organized labor. He is not only anti-privacy, he supported the worst abuses of the Patriot Act by the Bush Administration, abuses that only ended when President Obama took office.
Consequently, we endorse Janet Howell for re-election to the Virginia State Senate.
Cindy and Susan
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Ebbin vs. McGhee - No Endorsement
Hello,
The redrawn 30th Virginia State Senate District runs along the Potomac River from I-395 to Ft. Belvoir. The 30th District now includes, Crystal City, Pentagon City, Potomac Yards, much of Mark Center, I-395, I-495, Wilson Bridge, National Airport, Route 1, Route 7, and Mt. Vernon Highway. So it would be appropriate for Democrat Adam Ebbin and Republican Tim McGhee to focus on what's important to residents and voters in the 30th. But that's not what their campaigns are about. They're about Tim McGhee and Adam Ebbin and their interests and a few special interests. It's good that Delegate Ebbin was able to obtain a solar energy tax credit for homeowners. But in the context of Virginia being so far behind in renewable energy the legislation was long overdue.
Consequently, we are not endorsing either candidate.
Susan and Cindy
The redrawn 30th Virginia State Senate District runs along the Potomac River from I-395 to Ft. Belvoir. The 30th District now includes, Crystal City, Pentagon City, Potomac Yards, much of Mark Center, I-395, I-495, Wilson Bridge, National Airport, Route 1, Route 7, and Mt. Vernon Highway. So it would be appropriate for Democrat Adam Ebbin and Republican Tim McGhee to focus on what's important to residents and voters in the 30th. But that's not what their campaigns are about. They're about Tim McGhee and Adam Ebbin and their interests and a few special interests. It's good that Delegate Ebbin was able to obtain a solar energy tax credit for homeowners. But in the context of Virginia being so far behind in renewable energy the legislation was long overdue.
Consequently, we are not endorsing either candidate.
Susan and Cindy
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Janet Murphy for Delegate in 48th District
Hello,
We would have endorsed Delegate Bob Brink for re-election, had the 48th District included only North Arlington and McLean. We would have also endorsed Delegate Brink had his Independent Green opponent, Janet Murphy, based her campaign solely on the Independent Green mantra "more trains, less traffic".
However, the 48th District now covers a huge swath of Arlington, and as a country club Democrat Bob Brink does not represent the views of many of his new constituents.
To her credit, Janet Murphy did not base her campaign solely on trains, but also on issues that concern progressive Arlingtonians in the 48th District, like vastly more renewable energy and imposing a renewable portfolio standard on Dominion. She's also concerned about issues like human needs and human rights.
Kathy Gillette-Mallard is a nice Neo-Con from McLean. But her conservative views are out of touch with at least 75% of 48th District voters.
We are disappointed that none of the candidates running in the 48th has yet proposed strategies to deal with infrastructure needs resulting from Virginia's population growth.
Susan and Cindy
We would have endorsed Delegate Bob Brink for re-election, had the 48th District included only North Arlington and McLean. We would have also endorsed Delegate Brink had his Independent Green opponent, Janet Murphy, based her campaign solely on the Independent Green mantra "more trains, less traffic".
However, the 48th District now covers a huge swath of Arlington, and as a country club Democrat Bob Brink does not represent the views of many of his new constituents.
To her credit, Janet Murphy did not base her campaign solely on trains, but also on issues that concern progressive Arlingtonians in the 48th District, like vastly more renewable energy and imposing a renewable portfolio standard on Dominion. She's also concerned about issues like human needs and human rights.
Kathy Gillette-Mallard is a nice Neo-Con from McLean. But her conservative views are out of touch with at least 75% of 48th District voters.
We are disappointed that none of the candidates running in the 48th has yet proposed strategies to deal with infrastructure needs resulting from Virginia's population growth.
Susan and Cindy
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Favola vs. Merrick - No Endorsement
Hello,
We attended several candidate debates, and we were not impressed by most of the candidates. We were especially unimpressed by candidates for Virginia State Senate Barbara Favola and Caren Merrick.
It's become obvious that the election for State Senate will the prelude to a culture war in the next session of the General Assembly, with guns and abortion becoming the main battlegrounds.
So we were disappointed that neither Barbara Favola nor Caren Merrick has yet uttered the words "family planning" during a debate.
We also heard no reasonable discussion about firearms. Yes, there are too many firearms inside the Beltway, where the police arrive in minutes after a 911 call. And yes, there is a lot of hunting, fishing, and sport shooting done outside the Beltway. There was no mention of the biggest danger Northern Virginia residents face - injuries from traffic accidents.
And neither candidate has a comprehensive plan for dealing with Virginia's population growth, typically 90,000 - 100,000 more people each year (Virginia's population grew by 927,000 between 2000 and 2010).
So, AY makes no endorsement for Senator for Virginia's 31st District.
Cindy and Susan
We attended several candidate debates, and we were not impressed by most of the candidates. We were especially unimpressed by candidates for Virginia State Senate Barbara Favola and Caren Merrick.
It's become obvious that the election for State Senate will the prelude to a culture war in the next session of the General Assembly, with guns and abortion becoming the main battlegrounds.
So we were disappointed that neither Barbara Favola nor Caren Merrick has yet uttered the words "family planning" during a debate.
We also heard no reasonable discussion about firearms. Yes, there are too many firearms inside the Beltway, where the police arrive in minutes after a 911 call. And yes, there is a lot of hunting, fishing, and sport shooting done outside the Beltway. There was no mention of the biggest danger Northern Virginia residents face - injuries from traffic accidents.
And neither candidate has a comprehensive plan for dealing with Virginia's population growth, typically 90,000 - 100,000 more people each year (Virginia's population grew by 927,000 between 2000 and 2010).
So, AY makes no endorsement for Senator for Virginia's 31st District.
Cindy and Susan
Saturday, October 22, 2011
South Arlington Residents Furious About County Board's Boeing Deal
Hello Yupette,
Like many South Arlington residents who live in the I-395 corridor I was furious that the County Board approved the Boeing site plan over the unanimous opposition of the Planning Commission and Transportation Commission. This office complex will put more than 3,000 more vehicles on 395 and the Parkway every weekday, most single-occupant. The County Board will also spent another $50 million for an aquatic center and $65 million for a massive multi-purpose recreation center designed to serve Boeing's employees. According to the County Staff I've spoken to, the County Board could care less about Arlington residents and taxpayers, but is looking for more mega-deals to totally urbanize Arlington County.
Arlington residents should also be aware that the County Board is in secret negotiations with WalMart for a mixed-use redevelopment of the industrial site north of Shirlington Village, which would generate at least 5,000 vehicle trips per day, most on I-395.
Finally, the County Board is also in secret negotiations with several real estate investment trusts to tear down the 10 floor buildings that have been abandoned by the federal government and contractors because of BRAC 133 and wants to replace them with 20-30 floor mixed use office buildings. Maybe 600 parking spaces under every building.
I don't know about you, but I've had enough. I'm voting for fiscal and environmental sanity on November 8th. I'm voting for Audrey Clement and ONLY Audrey Clement for County Board.
anon. S 35th St.
Like many South Arlington residents who live in the I-395 corridor I was furious that the County Board approved the Boeing site plan over the unanimous opposition of the Planning Commission and Transportation Commission. This office complex will put more than 3,000 more vehicles on 395 and the Parkway every weekday, most single-occupant. The County Board will also spent another $50 million for an aquatic center and $65 million for a massive multi-purpose recreation center designed to serve Boeing's employees. According to the County Staff I've spoken to, the County Board could care less about Arlington residents and taxpayers, but is looking for more mega-deals to totally urbanize Arlington County.
Arlington residents should also be aware that the County Board is in secret negotiations with WalMart for a mixed-use redevelopment of the industrial site north of Shirlington Village, which would generate at least 5,000 vehicle trips per day, most on I-395.
Finally, the County Board is also in secret negotiations with several real estate investment trusts to tear down the 10 floor buildings that have been abandoned by the federal government and contractors because of BRAC 133 and wants to replace them with 20-30 floor mixed use office buildings. Maybe 600 parking spaces under every building.
I don't know about you, but I've had enough. I'm voting for fiscal and environmental sanity on November 8th. I'm voting for Audrey Clement and ONLY Audrey Clement for County Board.
anon. S 35th St.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Cherrydale Debate - Hynes Evasive About Libraries, Firefighters, Traffic Ordinance Enforcement
Hello, Yupette,
Another candidates' debate, more evasions by Mary Hynes about basic needs. Walter Tejada did not appear. As at previous debates, Ms. Hynes was asked about full funding for Arlington's public library system and restoration of hours and librarians. Same Mary Hynes who voted at Tuesday night's County Board meeting to spend $425,000 for one piece of public art for Penrose Square (check out agenda item 28). Same Mary Hynes who also voted on Tuesday for a major "Christmas on October" gift to the Boeing Corporation (check out agenda item 43). She again gave evasive answers about full library funding. Audrey Clement: 'Libraries are an essential public service, fund the libraries".
Mary's platitiudes, promises, lack of commitment to basic needs, and failure to remedy the problems she and the County Board created are causing serious concerns in neighborhoods like Cherrydale. Unlike Audrey Clement, she would not commit to immediate enforcement of neighborhood traffic ordinances (as the debates ended a resident of the assisted living facility near the fire station was hit by a vehicle while crossing Lee Highway in a motorized wheelchair). She became enraged when asked by the President of the Cherrydale Civic Association whether the County would allow two members of the Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department to bunk with the paid firefighters in Fire Station 3, responding that it was an unfair question and she would have to 'check out the site plan' first. Audrey Clement's response to the same question: "No problem".
It's obvious that Mary Hynes is extremely comfortable making major commitments to out-of-state developers but refuses to make even minor commitments to improve the quality of life for Arlington residents, taxpayers, and voters. So I'm voting for Audrey Clement.
In a related debate, Caren Merrick became fed up with County Board member, and Cherrydale infrastructure procrastinator, Barbara Favola's repeated playing of the abortion and firearms cards and told it like it is about Barbara - a politician who wants to be elected to wage a jihad against the Republicans in Richmond. Oh, in case you're interested, neither Merrick nor Favola mentioned the phrase 'family planning'.
Thanks for your blog.
Jill
Another candidates' debate, more evasions by Mary Hynes about basic needs. Walter Tejada did not appear. As at previous debates, Ms. Hynes was asked about full funding for Arlington's public library system and restoration of hours and librarians. Same Mary Hynes who voted at Tuesday night's County Board meeting to spend $425,000 for one piece of public art for Penrose Square (check out agenda item 28). Same Mary Hynes who also voted on Tuesday for a major "Christmas on October" gift to the Boeing Corporation (check out agenda item 43). She again gave evasive answers about full library funding. Audrey Clement: 'Libraries are an essential public service, fund the libraries".
Mary's platitiudes, promises, lack of commitment to basic needs, and failure to remedy the problems she and the County Board created are causing serious concerns in neighborhoods like Cherrydale. Unlike Audrey Clement, she would not commit to immediate enforcement of neighborhood traffic ordinances (as the debates ended a resident of the assisted living facility near the fire station was hit by a vehicle while crossing Lee Highway in a motorized wheelchair). She became enraged when asked by the President of the Cherrydale Civic Association whether the County would allow two members of the Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department to bunk with the paid firefighters in Fire Station 3, responding that it was an unfair question and she would have to 'check out the site plan' first. Audrey Clement's response to the same question: "No problem".
It's obvious that Mary Hynes is extremely comfortable making major commitments to out-of-state developers but refuses to make even minor commitments to improve the quality of life for Arlington residents, taxpayers, and voters. So I'm voting for Audrey Clement.
In a related debate, Caren Merrick became fed up with County Board member, and Cherrydale infrastructure procrastinator, Barbara Favola's repeated playing of the abortion and firearms cards and told it like it is about Barbara - a politician who wants to be elected to wage a jihad against the Republicans in Richmond. Oh, in case you're interested, neither Merrick nor Favola mentioned the phrase 'family planning'.
Thanks for your blog.
Jill
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Clement Repeatedly Warned Hynes About Dangerous Overcrowding in Metro Stations
Hello, Yupette,
I live in Lyon Park and commute to work via Metro. Also use Metro to get downtown on weekends. Again this past weekend the Metro Center station was dangerously overcrowded. County Board candidate Audrey Clement has repeatedly warned WMATA Board member and County Board member Mary Hynes about dangerous Metro station overcrowding, especially when there is an emergency situation. Most recently at the Lyon Park candidates' forum last week.
No doubt about it, Metro station overcrowding is a disaster waiting to happen. When Audrey Clement raises this issue with Mary Hynes during candidates' debates all we hear from Ms. Hynes are platitudes.
Why this insane spending of $200 million for an unnecessary Pike trolley when Arlington's Metro stations need emergency stairs and exits right now?
Linda, Lyon Park
I live in Lyon Park and commute to work via Metro. Also use Metro to get downtown on weekends. Again this past weekend the Metro Center station was dangerously overcrowded. County Board candidate Audrey Clement has repeatedly warned WMATA Board member and County Board member Mary Hynes about dangerous Metro station overcrowding, especially when there is an emergency situation. Most recently at the Lyon Park candidates' forum last week.
No doubt about it, Metro station overcrowding is a disaster waiting to happen. When Audrey Clement raises this issue with Mary Hynes during candidates' debates all we hear from Ms. Hynes are platitudes.
Why this insane spending of $200 million for an unnecessary Pike trolley when Arlington's Metro stations need emergency stairs and exits right now?
Linda, Lyon Park
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