At the time of this writing, the General Assembly seems to be on course for an earlier than scheduled Feb. 28 adjournment date.
For a part-time legislature that in recent years has found it difficult to stay within its 60-day session in the even-numbered years and 45-day session in the odd-numbered years, finishing work ahead of schedule would be unprecedented.
The good news for the Commonwealth would be savings in the money it costs to run the legislature; for many members who have employment obligations and for all who leave their families, an early adjournment would mean a return to normal living. For legislative members running for re-election — all of us this year because all House of Delegates and State Senate seats are up for election this November — adjournment of the General Assembly would mean an early start to fundraising prohibited during the legislative session and campaigning.
Among those who believe the old adage that “the Commonwealth in its persons and property is never safe when the legislature is in session” there is probably a collective sigh of relief when the legislature adjourns sine die (without a future date set).
Adoption of various forms of technology over the past several years has sped up the law-making process. For most members, the process is now essentially paperless. Mammoth bill binders have been replaced with laptops and iPads. The floor voting system that was a series of electric switches when I first went to the legislature is now electronic. Citizens have complete access to bill texts and histories, including member voting records at http://lis.virginia.gov.
A serious question remains as to whether the push for efficiency and early adjournment is in the best interests of constituents. While more than 2,500 bills and resolutions were considered in record time, did the work of the people get done? In too many major instances it is clear that important work was put aside in the interest of efficiency that represents a serious loss to constituents.
Certainly the refusal to take up Medicaid expansion reduced debate, but it meant the loss of health care coverage for nearly 400,000 working poor Virginians and the loss of billions of dollars paid by Virginia taxpayers that will not be returned to the state. Lost, too, is the economic stimulus that would have come from the provision of more health care services in the state.
I am not sure that advocates of the state ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment, establishing an independent redistricting commission, or passing common sense gun safety measures will be too impressed with the efficiency of the legislature that came at the expense of their issue not being adequately addressed. Nor will local governments and school boards and colleges and universities that are being severely pinched by reductions in state assistance.
A more significant metric that should be applied to the General Assembly is not how few or how many days the members were at the Capitol but rather how many significant issues faced by Virginians were effectively addressed.
Ken Plum represents Reston in Virginia’s House of Delegates. His opinions are not necessarily those of Reston Now’s.
You know the drill.
The National Weather Service says snow is in the forecast for Reston. There is a Winter Weather Advisory for all of Northern Virginia from midnight tonight until noon Thursday.
It is not predicting a lot of snow — about 1 to 2 inches Wednesday into Thursday. However, it could be enough to stick to freezing roads and disrupt the school schedule and morning commute.
The NWS says snow is likely mainly after 3 a.m. with new snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
But it may continue snowing until noon, Thursday, with temperatures below freezing.
The Capital Weather Gang says snow totals for Thursday are difficult to predict as the D.C. area is on the Northern edge of a front that will bring 5 to 10 inches of snow to Richmond. As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, the Capital Weather Gang was predicting up to 3 inches for Reston.
Reston Now will keep you updated.
And note: Metrological spring begins on Sunday.
File photo by Annika Bohn
A stretch of road in Reston is about to get a lot pricier should you be caught speeding.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors last week approved a resolution to install “$200 additional fines for speeding” signs on Thunder Chase Drive, which runs from Sunrise Valley Drive to Colts Brook Drive.
The markup in speeding fees in the residential area — where the speed limit is 35 — come as part of a the county’s Residential Traffic Administration Program (RTAP).
As part of the RTAP, roads are reviewed for traffic calming changes when requested by a board member on behalf of a homeowners or civic association. In November and December of last year, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation received written verification from Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins confirming community support, according to county documents.
The supervisors also approved the same signage and increased fees on Broadwater Drive from Paynes Church Drive to James Halley Drive in the Braddock District.
From the county:
Section 46.2-878.2 of the Code of Virginia permits a maximum fine of $200, in addition
to other penalties provided by law, to be levied on persons exceeding the speed limit on
appropriately designated residential roadways. These residential roadways must have
a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less.In addition, to determine that a speeding
problem exists, staff performs an engineering review to ascertain that additional speed
and volume criteria are met. Broadwater Drive from Paynes Church Drive to James
Halley Drive (attachment II) and Thunder Chase Drive from Colts Brook Drive to
Sunrise Valley Drive (attachment III) meets the RTAP requirements for posting of the
“$200 Additional Fine for Speeding Signs.”
Cold Snap Means Energy Spike — Dominion Virginia Power’s 2.5 million customers set an all-time record for usage on Friday. Dominion supplied a peak of 21,651 megawatts of electricity at 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20.That is an increase of more than 1,500 megawatts over the previous peak, which was a summer mark of 20,061 megawatts set on July 22, 2011. One megawatt supplies enough electricity at peak for approximately 250 homes. The previous winter peak of 19,870 megawatts was set on Jan. 8, 2015. [Dominion Virginia Power]
Ethics Reform At County Level? — The Virginia General Assembly is working on proposed ethics legislation, but will it work in Northern Virginia government, where most jurisdictions are run at the county level? [Fairfax Times]
Herndon Firefighter Ready To Compete — Douglas Shaw, a firefighter, will compete in the World Police & Fire Games in Fairfax County this summer. He has been swimming in the biennial games since 2001. [Fairfax Times]
FISH Fling Fun Coming Soon — Tickets are now available for Herndon-Reston FISH (Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help)’s 10th Annual FISH Fling Gala & Fundraiser on Saturday, March 14 at the Hyatt Dulles. FISH helps local residents who need emergency funds for rent, utilities and other necessities. [Herndon-Reston FISH]
Photo: Reston Town Center from high above/Credit: Chris Niewinski
To buy or not to buy? That is a the question Reston Association’s Board of Directors is asking members in regards to RA’s potential purchase of the former Reston Visitors Center.
The first of two public hearings will take place Thursday at 6 p.m. at RA Headquarters, 12001 Sunrise Valley Dr.
This is a chance for RA members to speak up on whether RA should spend about $2.65 million to buy the 3,200-square-foot building at 11450 Baron Cameron Ave. A member referendum is planned for April, and the RA By-Laws say the board cannot make the purchase without the approval of a majority of RA members.
Here is what the referendum will ask:
Should the Reston Association, acting through the Board of Directors, be authorized to:
- Purchase the Tetra property, inclusive of land and improvements, located at 11450 Baron Cameron Avenue, Reston, VA 20190 in the North Point District as an addition to Common Area pursuant to Article IV, Section IV.10 of the Reston Deed; and,
- Borrow up to $2.65 million on behalf of the association to make the purchase and repurpose the property for future community and recreation uses?
The board announced last month it is looking into purchasing the building, which currently houses Tetra commercial real estate.
The building was the Reston Visitors Center from 1982 to 2003. It sits on 3 1/2 acres near Lake Newport and several RA recreational spaces. RA is not yet certain what the building would be used for, though CEO Cate Fulkerson says it will be “community and recreational space” and not RA offices.
Here are some main points to consider:
RA says it will borrow $2.65 million, based on a recent appraisal. However, the 2014 county tax assessment values the building at $1,428,370.
Financial terms would likely be a zero-interest down payment and financing at 3.45 percent. The term would be a 20-year amortization schedule, but the loan matures at 10 years and would need to be refinanced at that time, says RA CFO David Harris. There would be $16,000 in loan costs at settlement. Read More
Fairfax County Police have arrested a Reston man who allegedly hit a marked police car — and then fled the scene and led police on a chase — in Reston early on Feb. 15.
Police said an officer in a marked police car was heading southbound on Reston Parkway about 1:50 a.m. on Feb. 15 and was struck by a 2002 Toyota RAV4 at the intersection of New Dominion Parkway.
After the collision, the Toyota continued to travel east on Temporary Road, fleeing the scene of the crash. The involved officer was able to follow the Toyota where the driver eventually exited his vehicle and fled on foot near the 11600 block of Vantage Hill Road, police said.
Responding officers located the driver and arrested him. Rigoberto A. Cruz, 38, of Reston, was charged with felony hit and run, felony DWI, disregarding a signal to stop by law enforcement, and refusal to submit to blood or breath test.
Fairfax County Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a suspect who burglarized a home in Fox Mill Estates last week.
The burglary occurred in the 12700 block of Magna Carta Road on Thursday between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. A suspect entered the home in an unsecured basement window and stole electronics, jewelry, a safe and multiple credit cards.
Detectives learned that these cards were subsequently used at a business in Martinsburg, WV, and police were able to acquire photos of a possible suspect.
A vehicle that may be connected to the case has also been identified as a dark Chevy or Toyota four-door sedan with tinted rear windows.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Brett Choyce at 703-478-5141 or Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637.
A bill sponsored by Del. Ken Plum (D-Reston) that would make cannabis oil legal for patients suffering from illnesses that could be helped by it was left in committee in Virginia’s General Assembly session earlier this month.
However, a similar bill sponsored by Del. Dave Albo (R-Springfield) passed both the house and the senate and will become a law. Albo’s law allows epilepsy to be added to cancer and glaucoma as medical conditions that can be helped by the oil derived from marijuana.
Left in committee is a common outcome for Plum, who has been representing Reston for more than 30 years — the longest of any Virginia House member.
He says each year when he goes to Richmond, he knows is in for a fight as his liberal-leaning perspective is in the minority in the Virginia House, which is dominated by Republicans (67 Republicans, 32 Democrats, 1 Independent this session).
“I am not here for a batting average, I am here to do what’s right,” says Plum. “My role as a senior legislator in the minority party is to see to it that the majority party does not get to ignore the big issues — Medicaid expansion, nonpartisan redistricting, and gun safety as examples.”
Even if he proposes — and loses — big reform, it gets people thinking, says Plum.
“These are game-changers for Virginia,” he says. “It takes a while to get these ideas in place. Over time, we will prevail. Probably more than 90 percent of legislation has little impact. It corrects the Code, deals with courthouse or business affairs with little no no impact on the average person, or are local matters. There’s more than enough legislators to introduce these bills.” Read More
Local Man is Amputee Champ — Herndon’s Jason Sturm, who lost part of leg in U.S. Army training, is a world champion bobsledder. [Washington Post]
Think Summer — Reston Association members can purchase passes online and save money. Pay your assessment in full or pay the first installment by March 1 via your www.reston.org account and get a 20-percent discount on adult and child passes purchased online before April 15. Shipping and pickup fees apply. Non-members can buy passes on or before April 15 for a $50 discount on “Pool & Tennis” and “Pool Only” options or a $20 discount on “Tennis Only” options. [Reston Association]
Pricey Park — With the recent news that a group of local residents wants a county grant to move the Reston Dog Park from Baron Cameron Park to Lake Fairfax Park, check out how pricey some dog runs can be. Arlington’s James Hunter Dog Park cost nearly $2 million to build. [Washingtonian]
Red’s Table, the locally owned restaurant slated to open soon at South Lakes Village Center, will have to delay its opening by several months after a structural problem was discovered well into the renovation process, co-owner Ryan Tracy said.
Crews have been busy for months knocking the Lakeside Inn space down to the studs to renovate the Red’s Table space.
Tracy said the restaurant was hoping to open in March. Now it looks like it will be more like June. Tracy, who owns the restaurant with brothers Pat and Matt Tracy, all of whom grew up nearby — said the hiring process is on hold for now. The Tracys have hired well-known D.C. chef Adam Stein to oversee the kitchen.
“Due to the existing conditions at our space, the team at Red’s Table encountered an issue that will take significant time to resolve,” Tracy said on Monday. “Our contractor, K3, and the landlord are currently working hard to correct this issue.
“Red’s Table was prepared to open in March and we now look forward to opening this summer. Our hiring process has been put on hold until we are closer to the new opening date. However, anyone who is interested in becoming part of our growing team can reach us at [email protected]. We remain extremely excited to open our doors to the Reston community.”
Ryan Tracy said the outdoor sign, which has been in place for several months, may have to come down while the repairs happen.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department investigators say a faulty fireplace flue started a fire in a townhouse in South Reston on Saturday.
Units responded to the home at 2263 Gunsmith Square about 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Firefighters encountered heavy smoke coming from the roof of the three-story, middle unit townhouse upon arrival, FCPD said. Firefighters located the fire in the attic area and quickly extinguished the fire.
Three occupants were home when the fire broke out and escaped unharmed. Functioning smoke alarms were in the home; however, because the fire was in the attic area they did not activate, officials said.
Damage is estimated at approximately $14,000. Investigators said the flue caused insulation in the attic area to ignite.
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins and other local leaders invite all Reston residents to the 2015 Hunter Mill District Community Summit on Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Frying Pan Park’s Visitor’s Center, 2739 West Ox Rd. in Herndon.
Come and hear about the Fiscal Year 2016 budget for Fairfax County and Fairfax County Public Schools, as well as get answers to questions you may have about area services and project.
Also scheduled to appear: Rep. Gerry Connolly; Fairfax County Chairman Sharon Bulova; Hunter Mill District School Board Member Pat Hynes; Fairfax County Executive Ed Long; Kerrie Wilson, Cornerstones CEO; Kate Hanley, Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board; Jerry Poje, Human Services Council; Bill Bouie, Fairfax County Park Authority Chair; George Bergquist, Committee for Helping Others; Leila Gordon, Executive Director, Reston Community Center.
The highlight event is the Hunter Mill Huddle. The Huddle is a scrum of ideas and questions/answers from the leading Fairfax County policy-makers regarding the proposed budget, Human Services, North County service and facility development, and other informational topics about the Hunter Mill District.
In addition, the Department of Tax Administration will be providing one-on-one consultation to senior and disabled residents on tax relief opportunities and applications.
To RSVP or for questions regarding the meeting, contact the Hunter Mill District Office at (703) 478-0283, or email to [email protected].
Photo: Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins/File photo
Victories in the boys 55 meter hurdles, triple jump and girls 4×400 meter relay highlighted South Lakes High School’s indoor track team’s performance at the 6A North Region Championship Thursday at the Prince George’s Sportsplex. Twenty-one SLHS athletes qualified for the 6A State Indoor Championships Feb. 27-28 in Hampton, Va.
Both teams finished fourth in their divisions in the 26-team field. The top six finishers in each event earned a spot in next weekend’s state meet.
The SLHS boys team was led by juniors Anas Fain and Eric Kirlew, who took top honors in individual events with Fain capturing the 55 meter hurdles in 7.72 and Kirlew winning the triple jump in 45-01.50. Kirlew also teamed with sophomore Timiebi Ogobri and juniors Skander Ballard and Alex Rudison for fourth in the 4×200 relay (1:34.21). Ballard finished sixth in the triple jump (43-02.00). Senior Nathan Stone was sixth in the 55 hurdles (8.01).
Junior Golden Kumi-Darfour placed the girls team as the anchor on the winning 4×400 team that included senior Claire Nieusma and sophomores Nikayla Hoyte and Jessica Lister and ran a 4:03.42. Kumi-Darfour also finished second in the 500 meters (1:18.07) as did sophomore Devyn Jones in the 55 meter hurdles (8.58).
Senior Comfort Reed finished third in the long jump (16-05.25) and fifth in the triple jump (35-05.00). Senior Jordan Lozama finished fourth in the 55 meters (7.45). Lozama, Hoyte and seniors Samantha Webb and Delaney Wickman finished third in the 4×200 meter relay (1:47.09).
Senior Ozioma Chinaka set a school record with a clearance of 8-09.00 to finish 10th.
The 4×800 meter team of senior Andrew McCool, juniors Connor Smith, John LeBerre and sophomore John Swecker ran a 8:15.73 for third.
Swim and Dive
Freshman Emma Bulger finished second in the VHSL State Diving meet on Thursday.
Sixteen SLHS swimmers qualified for the state meet. All six relays qualified for Saturday’s finals. Individual swimmers in the finals included Sabrina Groves, Natalie Obando, Emily Landeryou, Megan Carney, Mac Sogandares and Tyler Ellis. Overall, South Lakes placed 14th out of 39 teams.
Basketball
Both SLHS teams advanced in the Liberty Conference basketball tournament. The boys beat Langley 53-38. The girls beat Hayfield 71-52. Weekend semifinal games were postponed. The girls are now scheduled to host Langley Monday at 7:30 p.m. The boys will travel to at Fairfax at 7:30 pm.
Fairfax County Public Schools will open two hours late on Monday due to the expected re-freeze of slushy roads.
From FCPS:
All Fairfax County public schools will open two hours late tomorrow, Monday, Feb. 23, 2015. School offices and central offices will open on time.
Morning preschool (special education) classes are canceled.
Afternoon preschool classes start on their regular schedule.
Full-day preschool (special education) and Family and Early Childhood Education Program/Head Start classes start two hours later than the regular schedule.
Morning field trips are canceled.
SACC centers will open at 7:00 a.m.
Morning transportation for high school academy classes is canceled. Transportation for
afternoon academy classes will be provided.
Adult and community education classes will start on time.
‘Sunset’ in Reston — Meet Katie McManus, starring as Norma Desmond in Reston Community Players’ Sunset Boulevard, which opens this weekend at CenterStage. [DC Metro Theatre Arts]
Flag Football Signups — Registration is now open for the Fairfax County Flag Association Flag Football, which begins in early March. Boys and girls ages 5 to 16 can play. [FCFLAG]
Hunter Mill Dems’ Dinner Coming Soon — The Hunter Mill Democrats 40th Annual Lasagna Dinner fundraiser is coming up on March 21 at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. Tickets begin at $50. There will be music, food and a silent and live auction. [Hunter Mill Democrats]
More Investigation Into FCPD Shooting — The Fairfax County prosecutor is resuming his investigation into the Fairfax police department’s shooting of John Geer in 2013, obtaining the documents that police refused to give him 15 months ago and preparing to make a decision on whether to charge the officer involved. [Washington Post]
Keeping ‘Friday Night Live’ Free — A proposal by Herndon Town Council member Jasbinder Singh wants to raise the fees that Friday Night Live pays to the town of Herndon to produce the free weekly concert series. There is a grassroots campaign started by FNL founder Doug Downer to keep fees in check as the Herndon Town Council starts its budget hearings for FY 2016 on Tuesday. [Friday Night Live]
Photo: Twin Branches Trail in snow/Credit: Julie McCool, Fun in Fairfax
