What I said

John Stevens sent out an email today asking for campaign donations.

My response?

John, if you were running for BOS, I'd be giving you money. But you're not. And I'm still pissed at you about that.

Because we all know that he could beat Suzanne Volpe. And yes, Susan Buckley could, too. As could Andrea (probably).

News you can use:

• The campaigns for Shawn Mitchell, Jennifer Wexton, and Cliff Keirce have all announced yard sign availability.
• The Coalition for Women's Health is having a rally down in Richmond on October 15. Bus ride is free if you RSVP ASAP.
• Jennifer Wexton has challenged Jim Plowman to a debate. This is one to watch!
• I've got 21 responses on the Metro question (out of 39), 7 responses on Full-Day Kindergarten (out of 23), and 4 on Donations (out of 20), with promises of more to come on each. Do you have a question you'd like me to ask the candidates? Let me know.
• Also, sometimes the obvious needs to be stated. Not everyone knows about the election on November 8. Make sure you get the word out to your friends and co-workers. People fight and die every day all over the world for the right to vote. Let's show our support by herding Federal voters of our aquaintance to the polls in the off-years.

A picture's worth a thousand words

Cliff Keirce in the news!

Terrific article on Cliff in the Ashburn Patch. My favorite part?

Keirce sees Metro’s extension into Loudoun as a pivotal hook to bring new businesses to the area, and he fully supports the project.

“I’m 100 percent certain it will be completed,” he said. “It’s important not only to the region but to the federal government.”

In a recent meeting with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Keirce learned that while Phase 2 does not have any federal funding currently, Sec. LaHood promised that the federal government would assist in some way with Phase 2 – likely through low-interest federal loans.

Go read it all.

On Blogging in the Open

I started blogging in May of '05, under the pseudonym "Mystery Mommy" (a mommy who liked mysteries). I blogged anonymously partly because I didn't want to be Dooced, but mostly because all the bloggers I was reading (almost exclusively personal bloggers) were blogging anonymously. I didn't care really if people outside of my bosses knew about my blog. I told Stevens about it. I told my friends about it. Heck, I told my mom about it.

Mostly, I didn't want to be googleable.

I came up with descriptive names for people when I wrote about them (my mom is "QuiltsALot", my dad is "MakesBooksForGrandkids"). I met several of my bloggy friends in real life.

So, along comes 2007, and I started having trouble blogging because the biggest thing going on in my life was just unbloggable if I wanted to stay ungoogleable.

But I found a way.

As time went on, staying ungoogleable became less and less important. I told more people. I told Stevens's campaign manager (Shaun Daniels, the World's Best Campaign Manager, Bar None). I told our '09 campaign staff. I twittered and facebooked. And I started this blog here.

And I was surprised at how long it took the Loudoun blogosphere to find me, because some of the folks in this arena are strong with the Google-fu (Hi Barbara!!).

The drawback to blogging in the open is that I am held personally accountable for the things I write.

The benefit to blogging in the open is that accountability breeds trust. Several of the people who responded to my questions for candidates told me that they were answering my questions because I blog under my own name, and they know that they have a remedy if I misrepresent what they say or break my promise to post their responses without editing or commentary.

Accountability, I has it. I get benefits from it. But I do pay a price. It's a price I am willing to pay, but I don't think you're wrong if you're not willing to pay it.

But here's the thing: If you're an anonymous blogger, don't whine that you're not getting the benefits of open blogging. That's the price YOU'RE paying for not having accountability.

Deal with it.

Gah!!

I accidentally put John Stevens as representing Sugarland Run in my fundraising posts. He represents Potomac. I hate it when I make the same mistakes I call other people out for.

No, she's not.

Andrea is NOT the Broad Run incumbent, that honor belongs to Lori Waters, who is not running for re-election.

The district that Andrea is running for is a mish-mash of precincts from three of the existing districts. Most come from both the current Broad Run (Lori Waters, Incumbent) and the current Dulles (Stevens Miller, Incumbent). Andrea's current district of Potomac is contributing only part of one little precinct.

For Andrea to tout herself as being the incumbent of Broad Run is, at best, misleading.

Here's how Kelly listed her name on the same program:

You notice something there that Andrea didn't include?

Here's Andrea's again:

Andrea's leaving out her party affiliation may lead to the impression that she is an Independent. Her website goes further to foster that impression, as she never mentions her party affilation, but has as a tag line that she is "Experienced. Independent. Trusted."). There IS an Independent in her race, but she is not him. That honor belongs to Cliff Keirce*, who I support fully.

Andrea is misrepresenting herself. She is NOT the Broad Run incumbent. She is NOT the Independent.

Experienced? At what?
Independent? From who?
Trusted? Not anymore.



*Due to an oversight, no Independents were invited to this forum, though candidates from both the Republicans and Democrats were. Stevens informed Cliff of the event on the morning it was taking place, and Cliff ended up being able to attend.

Two new questions

I just sent out two new questions: one to the Board of Supervisors candidates on donations; and one to the School Board candidates on Full-Day Kindergarten.

Both were inspired by questions I've gotten from readers.

Board of Supervisors:

Several people have been asking me about donations that BOS candidates are receiving and what that means for recusals and conflicts of interest. The questions have focused on donations from one particular donor, but it occurs to me that it doesn't matter who the donor is, the question can apply to all of you. So here's my question:

As a Supervisor, what will you do when one of your donors has business before the Board?

School Board:

Many of my readers have asked me if I know where each of you stands on Full-Day Kindergarten. Loudoun is now the only county in the DC Area without Full-Day Kindergarten in all of its elementary schools, and as far as I know, there is no plan to bring Loudoun into the group that includes Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Montgomery County, Prince William County, and Washington, D.C.

I will create a page like the one I have for the legislative and BOS candidates' answers on Metro, listing every candidate with his or her completely unedited answer to this one question:

Should Loudoun institute Full-Day Kindergarten in all elementary schools and, if so, how can it be implemented?

I will set up pages for their responses. As I get their answers, I will post them unedited and without comment.

By Request (UPDATED)

Okay, I got a good comment on the last post, and it made a valid point about how cash-on-hand can be misleading. So, here's the list of candidates with their funds raised in the same order as my websites page.


[UPDATED to add information for Mark Nuzzaco, and to round amounts to the nearest dollar.]

Board of Supervisors

• Chair (At-Large)
• Tom Bellanca (D): Raised, $35,580. COH, $40,924.
• Scott York (R), incumbent: Raised, $15,060. COH, $27,737.
• Algonkian
• Denise Moore Pierce (D): Raised, $2,338. COH, $6,891.
• Suzanne Volpe (R): Raised, $4,300. COH, $45,282.
• Ashburn
• Ralph Buona (R): Raised, $3,600. COH, $31,600.
• Valdis Ronis (D): Raised, $5,588. COH, $3,463.
• Blue Ridge
• Jim Burton (I), incumbent: Raised, $2,275. COH, $18,932.
• Janet Clark (R): Raised, $11,169. COH, $12.638.
• Broad Run
• Cliff Keirce (I): Raised, $3,451. COH, $7,069.
• Andrea McGimsey (D), currently Potomac Supervisor: Raised, $7,678. COH, $40,745.
• Shawn Williams (R): Raised, $3,648. COH, $9,396.
• Catoctin
• Malcolm Baldwin (D): Raised, $2,662. COH, $15,361.
• Geary Higgins (R): Raised, $4,421. COH, $16,483.
• Dulles
• Matt Letourneau (R): Raised, $3,800. COH, $15,692.
• Larry Roeder (D): Raised, $9,902. COH, $8,033.
• Leesburg
• Kelly Burk (D), incumbent: Raised, $6,344. COH, $23,163.
• Ken Reid (R): Raised, $3,225. COH, $14,898.
• Sterling
• Eugene Delgaudio (R), incumbent: Raised, $1,860. COH, $43,925.
• Al Nevarez (D): Raised, $1,443. COH, $5,336.
• L. Ali Shahriari (I): does not accept donations.

Constitutional Offices

• Commonwealth's Attorney
• Jim Plowman (R), incumbent: Raised, $6,950. COH, $7,426.
• Jennifer Wexton (D): Raised, $1,213. COH, $13,688.
• Sheriff
• Mike Chapman (R): Raised, $5,060. COH, $4825.
• Steve Simpson (I), incumbent: Raised, $775. COH, $29,614.
• Ron Speakman (I): Raised, $13,000. COH, $1,667.
• Commissioner of the Revenue
• Bob Wertz (R), incumbent, unopposed: Raised, $500. COH, $5,551.
• Treasurer
• Roger Zurn (R), incumbent, unopposed: Stated "No Activity". COH, $6,211.53.

House of Delegates

• 10th District
• Dave Butler (D): Raised, $9,441. COH, $13,537.
• Randy Minchew (R): Raised, $90,664. COH, $38,689.
• 32nd District
• Tag Greason (R), incumbent, unopposed: Raised, $5,587. COH, $70,182.
• 33rd District
• Joe May (R), incumbent, unopposed: Raised, $19,375. COH, $33,007.
• 34th District
• Barbara Comstock (R), incumbent: Raised, $43,691. COH, $261,203.
• Pamela Danner (D): Raised, $34,591. COH, $88,269.
• 67th District
• Eric Clingan (D): Raised, $21,013. COH, $35,189. 
• Jim LeMunyon (R), incumbent: Raised, $17,973. COH, $103,929.
• 86th District
• Tom Rust (R), incumbent, unopposed: Raised, $5,587. COH, $70,182.
• 87th District
• Mike Kondratick (D): Raised, $10,136. COH, $31,282. 
• David Ramadan (R): Raised, $40,725. COH, $40,366.

School Board

• At Large
• Jay Bose: Raised, $600. COH, $16.32.
• Bob Ohneiser, currently representing Broad Run: does not accept donations.
• Tom Reed, incumbent: Raised, $330. COH, $2,585.
• Algonkian
• Eileen Tagg-Murdock: did not file a finance report.
• Debbie Rose: Raised $409.85. COH $813.25.
• John Stevens, currently representing Potomac: Raised, $400. COH, $1,240.53.
• Ashburn
• John Andrews: Raised, $0. COH, $1,550.
• Eric Hornberger: Raised, $199. COH, $3,555.
• Debbie Piland: Raised, $0. COH, $119.
• John Ryan:  Raised, $531. COH, $236. 
• Chris Souther: Raised, $125. COH, $669. 
• Blue Ridge
• Priscilla Godfrey, incumbent: Raised, $298. COH, $1,094.
• Jill Turgeon: Raised, $141. COH, $2.
• Broad Run
• Kevin Kuesters, unopposed: Raised, $100. COH $3,420.
• Catoctin
• Jennifer Bergel, incumbent: Stated "No Activity". COH, $88.
• Pablo "Paul" Arias: did not file a finance report.
• Dulles
• Anjan Chimaladinne: Raised, $0. COH, $11,271.
• Margaret Michaud: did not file a finance report.
• Jeff Morse: Raised, $4,727. COH, $3,858.
• Leesburg
• Bill Fox: Raised, $1,747. COH $1,295.
• Tom Marshall, incumbent: Raised, $0. COH, $302.
• Mark Nuzzaco: Raised, $94. COH, $20.
• Sterling
• Brenda Sheridan, incumbent, unopposed: Raised, $0. COH, $40.

State Senate

• 13th District
• Dick Black (R): Raised, $18,852. COH, $22,779.
• Shawn Mitchell (D): Raised, $42,415. COH, $17,636. 
• 27th District
• Shaun Broy (D): Raised, $620. COH, $427.
• Donald Marro (I): Raised, $100,000. COH, $100,000.
• Jill Holtzman Vogel (R), incumbent: Raised, $6,570. COH, $160,126.
• 31st District
• Barbara Favola (D): Raised, $21,401. COH, $14,659.
• Caren Merrick (R): Raised, $23,805. COH, $125,464.
• 33rd District
• Mark Herring (D), incumbent: Raised, $31,279. COH, $197,241.
• Patricia Phillips (R): Raised, $43,933. COH, $38,520.

Money Raised and Cash on Hand for report ending 8/31 (UPDATED)

[UPDATED, because I made an error with Eric Clingan's COH. I accidentally copied his expenditures total, instead of his COH. All better now.]

[UPDATED AGAIN with Mark Nuzzaco's information.]

Like last time and the time before, they are listed in order of Cash on Hand.

Donald Marro makes his debut on the list with a $100,000 donation to himself. He has no web presence or I would link to him.

L. Ali Shahriari joins Bob Ohneiser in the section for candidates who are not seeking donations.

As always, if you know of a candidate or website not listed here, please let me know!

• Barbara Comstock (R) (34th HOD, incumbent): Raised, $43,691. COH, $261,203.
• Mark Herring (D) (33rd Sen, incumbent): Raised, $31,279. COH, $197,241.
• Jill Holtzman Vogel (R) (27th Sen, incumbent): Raised, $6,570. COH, $160,126.
• Caren Merrick (R) (31st Sen): Raised, $23,805. COH, $125,464.
• Jim LeMunyon (R) (67th HOD, incumbent): Raised, $17,973. COH, $103,929.
• Donald Marro (I) (27th Sen): Raised, $100,000. COH, $100,000.
• Pam Beck Danner (D) (34th HOD): Raised, $34,591. COH, $88,269.
• Tom Rust (R) (86th HOD, incumbent, unopposed): Raised, $5,587. COH, $70,182.
• Tag Greason (R) (37th HOD, incumbent, unopposed): Raised, $4,700. COH, $45,529.
• Suzanne Volpe (R) (Algonkian BOS): Raised, $4,299.57. COH, $45,282.46.
• Eugene Delgaudio (R) (Sterling BOS, incumbent): Raised, $1,860. COH, $43,925.
• Tom Bellanca (D) (Chair BOS): Raised, $35,580. COH, $40,924.22.
• Andrea McGimsey (D) (Broad Run BOS, currently Potomac Supervisor): Raised, $7,678. COH, $40,745.21.
• David Ramadan (R) (87th HOD): Raised, $40,725. COH, $40,366.
• Randy Minchew (R) (10th HOD): Raised, $90,664. COH, $38,689.
• Patricia Phillips (R) (33rd Sen): Raised, $43,933. COH, $38,520. 
• Eric Clingan (D) (67th HOD): Raised, $21,013. COH, $35,189. 
• Joe May (R) (33rd HOD, incumbent, unopposed): Raised, $19,375. COH, $33,007.
• Ralph Buona (R) (Ashburn BOS): Raised, $3,600. COH, $31,599.83.
• Mike Kondratick (D) (87th HOD): Raised, $10,136. COH, $31,282. 
• Steve Simpson (I) (Sheriff, incumbent): Raised, $775. COH, $29,614.29. 
• Scott York (R) (Chair BOS, incumbent): Raised, $15,060.07. COH, $27,737.37.
• Kelly Burk (D) (Leesburg BOS, incumbent): Raised, $6,344.35. COH, $23,162.76.
• Dick Black (R) (13th Sen): Raised, $18,852. COH, $22,779.
• Jim Burton (I) (Blue Ridge BOS, incumbent): Raised, $2,275. COH, $18,931.65. 
• Shawn Mitchell (D) (13th Sen): Raised, $42,415. COH, $17,636.  
• Geary Higgins (R) (Catoctin BOS): Raised, $4,420.50. COH, $16,482.56.
• Matt Letourneau (R) (Dulles BOS): Raised, $3,800. COH, $15,691.50.
• Malcolm Baldwin (D) (Catoctin BOS): Raised, $2,662. COH, $15,361.22. 
• Ken Reid (R) (Leesburg BOS): Raised, $3,225. COH, $14,897.71.
• Barbara Favola (D) (31st Sen): Raised, $21,401. COH, $14,659.
• Jennifer Wexton (D) (Commonwealth's Attorney): Raised, $1,212.70. COH, $13,687.80. 
• Dave Butler (D) (10th HOD): Raised, $9,441. COH, $13,537.
• Janet Clarke (R) (Blue Ridge BOS): Raised, $11,169.39. COH, $12.637.86. 
• Anjan Chimaladinne (Dulles School Board): Raised, $0. COH, $11,271.05.
• Shawn Williams (R) (Broad Run BOS): Raised, $3,648.21. COH, $9,396.44.
• Larry Roeder (D) (Dulles BOS): Raised, $9,902.22. COH, $8,033.40.
• Jim Plowman (R) (Commonwealth's Attorney, incumbent): Raised, $6,950. COH, $7,426.49.
• Cliff Keirce (I) (Broad Run BOS): Raised, $3,450.73. COH, $7,069.20.
• Denise Moore Pierce (D) (Algonkian BOS): Raised, $2,337.84. COH, $6,890.90.
• Roger Zurn (R) (Treasurer, incumbent, unopposed): Stated "No Activity". COH, $6,211.53.
• Bob Wertz (R) (Commissioner of the Revenue, incumbent, unopposed): Raised, $500. COH, $5,550.91.
• Al Nevarez (D) (Sterling BOS): Raised, $1,443. COH, $5,336.28.
• Mike Chapman (R) (Sheriff): Raised, $5,060. COH, $4824.59.
• Jeff Morse (Dulles School Board): Raised, $4,726.61. COH, $3,858.26.
• Eric Hornberger (Ashburn School Board): Raised, $199. COH, $3,555.07.
• Valdis Ronis (D) (Ashburn BOS): Raised, $5,588.37. COH, $3,462.51.
• Kevin Kuesters (Broad Run School Board, unopposed): Raised, $100. COH $3,420.25.
• Tom Reed (At Large School Board, incumbent): Raised, $330. COH, $2,585.
• Ron Speakman (Sheriff): Raised, $13,000. COH, $1,667.17.
• John Andrews (Ashburn School Board): Raised, $0. COH, $1,550.
• Bill Fox (Leesburg School Board): Raised, $1,746.81. COH $1,294.88. 
• John Stevens (Algonkian School Board, currently Potomac School Board): Raised, $400. COH, $1,240.53.
• Priscilla Godfrey (Blue Ridge School Board, incumbent): Raised, $297.56. COH, $1,094.25. 
• Debbie Rose (Algonkian School Board): Raised $409.85. COH $813.25. 
• Chris Souther (Ashburn School Board): Raised, $125. COH, $669.35.  
• Shaun Broy (D) (27th Sen): Raised, $620. COH, $427.
• Tom Marshall (Leesburg School Board): Raised, $0. COH, $302.40.
• John Ryan (Ashburn School Board): Raised, $530.94. COH, $235.70. 
• Debbie Piland (Ashburn School Board): Raised, $0. COH, $119.42.
• Jennifer Bergel (Catoctin School Board, incumbent): Stated "No Activity". COH, $87.74.
• Brenda Sheridan (Sterling School Board, incumbent, unopposed): Raised, $0. COH, $40.
• Mark Nuzzaco (Leesburg School Board): Raised, $93.95. COH, $20.
• Jay Bose (At Large School Board): Raised, $600. COH, $16.32.
• Jill Turgeon (Blue Ridge School Board): Raised, $140.89. COH, $2.23. That's two dollars and twenty-three cents.

Candidates who do not fund-raise:

• Bob Ohneiser (At Large School Board, currently Broad Run School Board)
• L. Ali Shahriari (I) (BOS Sterling) 

Candidates who neglected to file:

• Margaret Michaud (Dulles School Board)

BOS Dulles: Candidates Answers on Metro (UPDATED)

[Updated because Matt Letourneau asked me to fix a typo]


Matt Letourneau (R)

Liz,
At long last my blog entry is up on my site:

http://matt2011.com/home/index.php?option=com_lyftenbloggie&view=entry&year=2011&month=09&day=14&id=7%3Awhere-i-stand-on-metro&Itemid=214

Its rather long, so you may not want to post the whole thing on your site.  However, if you wish to, you have my permission to do so.

Larry Roeder (D)

I definitely am in favor of the METRO project, which is certain to bring jobs to Loudoun, help our commerce bottom line and enhance e-w commuters. What horrifies me is that this project has taken so long and that some Supervisors like Mr. Delgaudio are fighting it. Like everyone, I want the price tag to be realistic; but not on the backs of working men and women from the Unions. The Republican Party in Loudoun, Richmond and Washington is trying to break the Unions, making a war on the Middle Class. We can’t allow them to win. As a full-time Supervisor, I will draw on my over 35 years experience in economic-development (my opponent has none) to advance the Metro project with all stakeholders every day, and also engage progressive investors. Please support all Democratic Candidates for Supervisor and make a $100 contribution today using ACTBLUE.

Back to School Night Report: Eagle Ridge Middle School

Great turnout! I was happy to see so many familiar faces there. I kept hearing over and over, "Yes! Cliff was at my door!" or "He's my neighbor" or "I talked to him at X, Y, or Z event!" or "We saw his wife and daughter here at the 6th Grade BTSN!"

Do I need to tell you how much I love to hear that? LOVE.

Cliff had two volunteers at ERMS and, between Jon and I, we handed out over a thousand pieces of literature.

Shawn Williams and the LCRC were out in force. I met and talked with Mike Chapman, who is a lot taller than I expected.

The only school board candidate represented was Eric Hornberger. His volunteer, Mark, did a great job.

The big surprise of the evening was that Larry Roeder and Anjan Chimaladinne sent volunteers from their campaigns. I spoke with Wayde Byard of the LCPS this morning, and he told me that Eagle Ridge does not have any students from the new Dulles District.

I know that the school boundaries and new electoral boundaries are confusing, but better to miss a BTSN you should have been at than to waste your volunteers' time at a school where the parents can't vote for you.

I'm sorry to say that I'm not shocked that the LCDC didn't send anyone for Andrea and Valdis. But it's not surprising considering that their website, while showing a District Chair for Algonkian:

1. Doesn't have the Ashburn District listed at all.
2. Says the Chair for Broad Run is my friend Dave Nemetz, who a) moved to Fairfax in July, and b) lived in Lansdowne in the Ashburn District.
3. Says the Chair for Dulles is Doug Miller, whose home is now in the Blue Ridge District.
4. Still lists the Potomac District, but doesn't have a chair for that district or for Catoctin.

Which means that unless you're a candidate in Blue Ridge, Leesburg, Algonkian, or Sterling, you haven't got a district chair to help you out. Good luck with that, folks!

LCDC District Chairs

I know Valdis had folks at Belmont Ridge Middle School BTSN last night, and has focused on doors in the ERMS catchment, but where were the LCDC volunteers to hand out his and Andrea's lit?

BOS Broad Run: Candidates Answers on Metro

I have answers from all three candidates for the Board of Supervisors Sterling seat so I'm posting them here for your convenience:

Cliff Keirce (I)

Thanks for the question.

I have not put anything about this on the website as I was of the understanding that the issue would be resolved prior to the next Board of Supervisors being seated. However, I'm happy to share with you my opinion on the issue. I have attended several meetings about the Dulles Rail project over the years, as an interested citizen, Planning Commissioner, and as a Board of Supervisor candidate.

I think the Dulles rail into Loudoun is critical for the future of the county's economic health. Many large projects (Moorefield Station, Loudoun Station) were approved years ago, but will not reach their full development plans without the rail. I have also seen several projects as Planning Commissioner that will depend heavily on the Metro extension (Dulles World, Kincora, Dulles Town Center) and there are others in the planning stages (Loudoun Center/Loudoun Metro). Without the commercial tax dollars these projects will bring to the county, our dependence on residential property taxes to pay the bills will only worsen.

All that being said, the project needs to be completed at a reasonable cost. I was one of the few who sounded the alarm when the extension of the Metro Rail to Loudoun County was handed over to MWAA to complete. This also gave them control over the Rte 267 Toll Road. One would have thought with the Greenway problems the state would have learned it's lesson in letting an unelected body have control over large scale road/transportation projects.

There are significant proposed cost overruns to complete this project. One of the biggest issues was whether the airport station should be above or below ground. I am glad to see MWAA has agreed to help bring costs back to the original estimate, by building the the station above ground. I know that MWAA had always planned for an underground station, but it never should have been considered  if it was going to be a billion dollars over budget. They have also neglected to look at all the benefits to an above ground station.

Other cost saving measures that can be accomplished are privatizing the parking garages instead of having to pay to build them and hand them over to the Metro Authority to collect the revenues, and phasing the rail yard construction.

Additional contributions from the federal government and the state should also be pursued.

Those have been my positions for a while now. I am glad to see there were some recent changes agreed to a few weeks ago. MWAA has agreed to an above ground station. I believe Virginia has agreed to add an additional $150 million to the cost of the project. There is some movement looking at privatizing the parking garages.

Feel free to contact me if you'd like to discuss this further or if I haven't answered your question to your satisfaction.

Cliff Keirce

Andrea McGimsey (D)

"Andrea is leading the effort to complete road improvements and create more transportation options that will reduce traffic. She is fighting to ensure the Metro is extended into Loudoun and to increase the number of bus routes."

Shawn Williams (R)

I believe bringing metrorail to Loudoun is essential to take our county to the 'next level.' We need to attract businesses to defer our high residential tax base and metrorail will be a key component to this process. However, the project must be completed in a fiscally responsible manner. I was very pleased the the underground station at Dulles airport was scrapped in favor of the less expensive above ground station. Chairman York, who I look forward to continuing to work with on this issue, deserves credit for delivering real cost savings to Loudoun taxpayers. The project must continue with specific budgetary performance goals because if the costs spiral out of control the project is in danger of getting canceled.

Reposting, because it's worse than we thought

Back in February, I wrote a post about the new regulations for abortion providers. In that post, I said that only 5 of the 22 current clinics would meet the standard. I was wrong. Not one of the currently operating clinics will meet the new draft regulations. Not. One.

I am so angry. And sad. And did I mention angry?

Virginia is regulating abortion clinics like hospitals. (link to Leesburg Today broke in their redesign, they reposted the article, but all comments are gone)

One commenter on that article said:

I don't see how this legislation restricts access for women to abortions. It simply requires that abortion clinics meet the same medical guidelines as hospitals, depending on how they are classified. It in no way infringes on anyone's right to an abortion. In fact, Roe vs. Wade specifically leaves the regulation of abortions to the States.

Well, charleyp1, I'll tell you how this restricts access. Five clinics Not one clinic in the state currently meet the standard. First trimester abortions are generally done without general anesthesia. First trimester abortion is one of the safest surgical procedures that are performed anywhere, when performed by a licensed medical practitioner. It is a safer procedure than:

• Root canal
• Colonoscopy (which is done under general anesthesia)
• Vasectomy (which is done under general anesthesia)
• Endoscopy (which is done under general anesthesia)

But those procedures are allowed to be done in a regular doctor's office. Dentists, Urologists, Proctologists, and Gastrologists do not need to have hospital standards to perform these surgeries. They don't, for example, need to have access for ambulances.

In Virginia there are currently 22 clinics at which abortion, A LEGAL PROCEDURE, can be obtained.

Under the new law, only 5 not one of those clinics will be able to continue to operate.

Let me make this clear, THIS LAW WILL NOT REDUCE THE NUMBER OF ABORTIONS. Abortion rates remain steady no matter how difficult safe, legal abortions are to obtain. What this law will do is make it more expensive to obtain an abortion.

charleyp1 further says:

I for one applaud this effort. After the medical horror/freak show in Philadelphia in which an abortion doctor left the surgical procedures to his nurses and had pilles[sic] of fetal body parts scattered about his office and storage freezer, I think a little regulation of this nearly unregulated industry is in order.

charleyp1, abortion is already highly regulated.  licensing boards, the Board of Health, Obstetrics Boards, all oversee the OB/GYNs who perform abortions. The Philadelphia incident was an UNLICENSED person who was performing ILLEGAL late term abortions. Desperate women, who could not obtain legal abortions, went to him. Virginia's new law will increase the likelihood of a Philadelphia incident happening here in Virginia.

I want to thank Senator Mark Herring for standing up for women.

If you are as upset by the outcome of this vote as I am, may I suggest that you

BOS Sterling: Candidates answers on Metro

I have answers from all three candidates for the Board of Supervisors Sterling seat so I'm posting them here for your convenience:

Eugene Delgaudio (R)

Dear Liz Miller

Thanks for writing.  The topic of metro is important to many people.

I have made many statements regarding metro and they are below and I am opposed to it as I prefer a more flexible and far cheaper system of buses.

ENTIRE POLITICAL ESTABLISHMENT STANDS WITH DELGAUDIO NOW ON RECKLESS METRO SPENDING
http://joineugene.com/news/article.php?article=6838

Government Is Spending Without Limits
http://joineugene.com/news/article.php?article=6714


I give permission to quote the posted statements or simply to link to them is okay with me.

Al Nevarez (D)

We need to complete the second phase of the Dulles Metro project as quickly and in as cost-effective a manner as possible. Sterling has a lot of commuters; speaking as one of them, I can assure you we’re anxious to see the Metro expanded into Loudoun County. As a Loudoun taxpayer, I’m excited about the Metro bringing a whole new source of tourist and retail revenue into the area. And as a resident and driver, I’m looking forward to the reduction in traffic that will come with public transportation options taking cars off the road.

I am absolutely in support of the Metro.

L. Ali Shahriari (I)

I must first reaffirm my commitment to citizen participation in this and in all matters that affect the people of Loudoun. The residents of Loudoun should be those who make the ultimate decisions regarding metro expansion with the BOS only implementing the people's wishes. Nonetheless, I will give my personal opinion on this issue.

I declare my full support of the extension of metro rail to Dulles Airport and into Loudoun County. Rail service is an efficient, environmentally friendly alternative to automobile transportation. Metro Rail is urgently needed and long overdue for the Dulles Corridor area. As the population in Loudoun and the surrounding area increases, the demand for accessible transportation to the Washington Metro Area and vice versa is undeniable.

I will address four key issues that I believe are important in this debate:

Firstly; the airlines and companies that make use of Dulles Airport (IAD) should contribute in some form or another towards metro expansion. This could be through mandatory or voluntary contribution.

Secondly; if parking garages are financed by the county, they should be operated by the county and the revenue generated should go towards county financed design and building costs.

Thirdly; a toll structure based on car occupancy should be taken into consideration. This would encourage use of public transit and personal responsibility among travelers. Regardless, future tolls should be decided by the people.

Fourthly; project costs, labor agreements, and construction contracts must be transparent and reasonable. All project related expenditures should be audited by an independent or citizen led committee. Local companies should be utilized to provide construction services and laborers should be from the local area.

Again, although I personally support the expansion of metro into Loudoun, I believe this issue, like all issues, is for the people to decide on and for the BOS to act upon only with popular support.

-Ali

Push Poll in the Broad Run District

A robo-dialed poll from Iowa went to a co-worker.

He described the questions to me as being framed as Democrat vs. Republican, with no mention of an Independent candidate. The questions included:

• "Will you vote for the Republican or the Democratic candidate?" 
• "Do you consider yourself a "Republican" or a "Democrat?"
• Will you vote for Andrea McGimsey or Shawn Williams?"

The poll was very clearly pro-Andrea (mentioned MIT -- my co-worker knew she'd attended that school -- and environmental issues).

My co-worker said he answered the above questions with:

• "I'll be voting for the Independent"
• "I am an Independent"
• "I'll be voting for Cliff Keirce"

He said he liked Cliff's demeanor when Cliff was at his door, and thought he was very knowledgeable.

If you receive a call like this and happen to record it, please send it on!

Peace be with you all

Yesterday, Stevens and I took our son to our church for an interfaith service in remembrance of 9/11. The sermon was beautiful, powerful, and moving. UU Sterling records each week's sermons, and I include it here.

Please give it a listen.

No.

I didn't watch the speech last night. I chose not to, because I'm tired of speeches. I already know Obama is a great speaker. I already know that his speeches can get people fired up. Heck, my Twitter stream last night proves that.

But.

Where's the follow-through? He talks a great game, he draws beautiful pictures of what could be, but then he deals it all away.

I've heard enough speeches, Mr. President. I want the Progressive visionary you said you were. I didn't just vote for the not-McCain. I don't regret voting for you, I know McCain would be worse, but being better than McCain isn't enough. I want more.

I want action. I want follow-through. I want real honest commitments to the goals you set out.

I want Single Payer health care, and I didn't get it.
I want a strong EPA, and you took it from me.
I want a renewable energy policy.
I want Gitmo closed down.
I want an end to secrets and lies.
I want our troops to come home.
I want corporate accountability.
I want investment in our nation's infrastructure.
I want a strong social safety net.
I want a reasonable tax plan.
I want bodily autonomy.
I want marriage equality.

I want what you promised in wonderful speeches. I want you to pull up your socks and face down the Congressional Republicans who are just out to see you fail.

It is time to stop fearing that you will lose the center. It is time to fear that you will lose your base.

I am the Doorbell Queen, I knocked over a thousand doors for you. As things stand now, I will not walk for you in '12.

You've probably got my vote, but you don't have my feet.

Prove to me that I should spend time walking for you, because I don't volunteer for jellyfish.

I hate to say I told you so...

But I did tell you so. Read more about it at Too Conservative.

10th HOD: Candidates answers on Metro

I have responses from both candidates in the 10th HOD race, so I'm posting them here together.

Dave Butler (D)

I am, and always have been, a strong supporter of Metro to Loudoun. Public transportation reduces traffic on the roads and is almost certainly a less stressfull way to commute. I think it's an abolutely essential step in Loudoun's 21st century transportation infrastructure. As a Loudoun resident, I would be appalled if the next BoS does not support Metro to Loudoun, and as a member of the General Assembly, I would push for a more active role by the state in providing potential funding support.

Dave

Randy Minchew (R)

I believe that the extension of Metro-integrated rail service to the primary airport serving the capital of the Free World should become a reality.
This rail extension was envisioned back during the Eisenhower Administration when Dulles Airport was sited and designed and, given that we can now actually see the Phase I portion of Dulles Rail being constructed to Reston, I believe that this project should be completed to the Rt. 772 rail station in Loudoun County as planned with an above-ground station serving the Saarinen Terminal at Dulles Airport. While I fully understand and appreciate the grave concerns that many leaders have with the high capital needs projections of Phase II, the harmful cost-increase attributes of having Project Labor Agreements and Davis-Bacon Act mandates as a part of this project, and MWAA's poor leadership and oversight over Phase II, I do not think that a termination of the Dulles Rail project at Reston is an acceptable conclusion.

That being said, based on the information I have now, I would not support legislation suggested by MWAA increasing Virginia's contribution to the Phase II project by $150 Million and do not take kindly to MWAA's veiled threat of increasing Dulles Airport Access Road tolls if this enhanced funding is not made available.

Thank you for e-mail.

Best Regards,

Randy

Candidates are answering the question

You can read the answers on the Metro page. I apologize for the unattractive appearance of that page. I'll work on making it look better later.

So far I have answers from:

• Malcolm Baldwin (BOS Catoctin)
• Tom Bellanca (BOS Chair)
• Shaun Broy (27th Sen)
• Jim Burton (BOS Blue Ridge)
• Dave Butler (10th HOD)
• Pamela Danner (34th HOD)
• Eugene Delgaudio (Sterling)
• Cliff Keirce (BOS Broad Run)
• Mike Kondratick (87th HOD)
• Donald Marro (27th Sen)
• Andrea McGimsey (BOS Broad Run)
• Randy Minchew (10th HOD)
• Ali Shahriari (BOS Sterling)

Thank you to all who have responded and also to the several who have told me that they will respond.

Where Do You Stand on Metro to Loudoun

An open letter to Board of Supervisors and State Candidates:

People have been asking me if I know where each of you stands on Metro to Loudoun. Since the decision about whether to go forward with the project will rest with the next board and the next legislature, it's important to know what your position is on what could be the most important decision of the next four years.

I will create a page like the one I have with Campaign Websites, listing every candidate with his or her completely unedited answer to this one question:

Where Do You Stand On Metro?



The text of this post will be sent to each campaign, and as each answer arrives, I will post it.

PAY ATTENTION

Metro to Loudoun's fate will be decided by the Board of Supervisor that we are electing this November 8th. Because the change to the (less expensive) site at Dulles Airport means doing new site plans, which won't be done until January at the earliest.

This means that it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to ask the candidates where they stand on metro.

The League of Women's Voters won't be doing debates this year so it is UP TO YOU to get answers to your questions directly from the candidates.

Each of them has a website, use it to contact them and find out where they stand on Metro.

This is the single most important decision the next BOS will make. Make sure you know where the candidates stand.

Passing the baton

It may surprise you to hear it, but lots of people are hesitant about canvassing. They're nervous that people will react negatively to them, that they'll have doors slammed in their faces. That's where the Doorbell Queen excels. I make canvassing look fun and easy. Because to me, it IS fun and easy.

This year, I've taken several first-time canvassers out with me. And I saw them, in the course of a couple of hours, go from being hesitant and nervous, to doing doors with verve and elan. I love hearing about father-daughter canvassing competitions. I love hearing from my co-workers all over the district that Cliff Keirce was at their doors. I love hearing from Jennifer Wexton that a 200-door day is becoming the norm for her.

And I especially love pictures like this:

Yellow Shirts for the Win!

That's Cliff's wife and daughter at Mill Run Elementary's Back to School Night. Cliff's been having such a good time, that they had to join in!

I love seeing that my love of canvassing is infectious. There is no cure for the love of doors.