Still curious: HOW much money have MC Dean etal put into Loudoun Races this year?

When I added it all together a couple of weeks ago, it came to $27,250 for the BOS races alone.

The fresh reports show Bill Dean giving another $2,500 to Suzanne Volpe, MC Dean giving another $7,500 to Eugene Delgaudio (in two installments) and a whopping $20,000 to Va Rep - Nova Business Forum for the anti-McGimsey mailers that my husband, Stevens, reported on.

So let's see...

$27,250
$ 2,500
$ 7,500
$20,000
-------------
$57,250

We haven't even gotten the final reports yet. And this doesn't count their donations to Black, LeMunyon, and Rust.

We're looking at one company, here. MC Dean and Bill Dean together make BY FAR the largest contributor to the Loudoun Board of Supervisors races.

What are they hoping to get for their money?

You may remember, the BOS decided NOT to have a Dean district. Loudoun shouldn't have a Dean BOS, either.

Full-Day Kindergarten: The Broad Run Candidates Respond

Kevin Kuesters

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

Full disclosure: I read the responses on your blog from Bob Ohneiser, Debbie Rose,
John Stevens, Eric Hornberger, Debbie Piland, Priscilla Godfrey and Bill Fox before
submitting my response to you.

LCPS has 59 elementary schools right now and 12 of these schools already have full-
day kindergarten (FDK). Therefore we would need to add FDK to 47 existing schools to implement it in all elementary schools.

Mish-mashing the math (I’m a CPA, its what I do!) using figures from two of the
aforementioned candidate responses, if we would need the capacity of approximately
2.5 schools to go to FDK, and each elementary school (ES) is projected to cost
$25,165,000 (per FY 2013 CIP estimates), then it will cost us approximately $62,912,500 to build enough rooms to implement FDK just for the current schools. This is a low-ball estimate of the one-time construction cost to put FDK into existing schools.

Assuming most elementary schools only have 2 half-day kindergarten (HDK) classes,
we would also be adding at least 1 more classroom to each school at a minimum cost of
$200,000 (the cost of a trailer).

We would also be adding the cost of a teacher and teacher’s aide for each kindergarten
classroom with more than 15 students. Since the average class size is 22 kids, and
assuming the teacher and teacher’s aide earn the second lowest salary on the pay
scale ($43,815), we would add $87,630 for each new kindergarten classroom, before
considering the cost of benefits for each teacher. Let’s just round it up to $100k in
salaries and benefits for each new kindergarten class. (By the way, only 84.20 teachers
out of the 4,000 or so employed by LCPS make that low salary.) Multiplying $100k in
salary and benefits times 47 (ES that currently do not have FDK), gives us $4.7 million in additional salaries and benefits every year if we add FDK. This is a low-ball estimate of the annual increase in the operating budget

So the estimated cost to implement FDK in LCPS would be around $63 million in
one time construction costs, plus $4.7 million in increased annual costs for teacher
salaries & benefits in existing schools, plus $200k additional construction costs for each new ES, plus $100k in increased annual personnel costs for each new ES.

So what are the benefits?

LCPS runs a school system for grades K-12 and therefore it makes sense to look at
the end result – the finished student as he or she graduates from high school and goes
to college or to work. There are no studies that evidence an appreciable difference
between graduating high school seniors that went to HDK vice FDK. In fact most
studies that look at the difference in academic achievement between half-day and full-

day kindergarten students show that by 4th grade any advantage held by the full day
kindergarten students has disappeared. Therefore, from an academic standpoint FDK is
not needed. There is one exception to this rule though: at-risk kids. At-risk kids who
attend FDK are shown to perform statistically better than at-risk kids who attend HDK
through their entire K-12 careers.

My position: Ultimately the quality of the kindergarten experience matters more than the
length of the day. Full-day kindergarten provides measurable benefits to at-risk kids and
I would support FDK for at-risk kids. Since LCPS already has implemented FDK for this population, I do not support any further expansion of FDK in LCPS at this time.

Joy Maloney

Yes, Loudoun should institute full-day kindergarten. As a two working-parent family, we put my daughter in full-day kindergarten at the superb AOL Child Development Center. We wished she could go to her neighborhood school, but we simply didn't think it was fair to her to be bussed around from school to school when she already loved her childcare center so much. Still, she told me the other day that she wished she had gone to kindergarten at Mill Run, because all of her friends had that one extra year to get to know each other. Full-day kindergarten gives students the transition they need into their elementary school while also giving teachers time to really teach.

The hard part, of course, is implementing it. We are in a tough economic situation right now, and we are going to have a difficult challenge just maintaining the excellent education our schools provide, let alone improving on it. We can start by having a concrete long-term plan. We need to begin building new schools with the assumption that there will be full-day kindergarten in those schools. We need to add schools each year that offer full-day kindergarten to at least disadvantaged children. We can offer it at schools, but not make it required to begin with, possibly keeping enrollment lower to start.

Fairfax County began implementing full-day kindergarten over 10 years ago. They finally came up with a plan to rapidly expand full-day kindergarten in 2006. It took them two years longer than their plan to actually get it accomplished. We need a plan, and maybe it will take longer than we expect, too. But if we don't start, we won't finish.

In case you were wondering...

Campaign Signs: What are the Rules?: 

Loudoun County’s zoning ordinance provisions require anyone interested in displaying signs on the roadways within the county to obtain a zoning permit. Once the permit is obtained, signs not exceeding four-square-feet may be placed on private property (any parcel of record) upon consent of the property owner. Large billboard type signs are not permitted in accordance with current zoning ordinance provisions. For additional information regarding the sign permit process, please contact Marsha Keim, Zoning Permit Division, 703-777-0648.

No signs are permitted in a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) right-of-way. Under an agreement with VDOT, Loudoun County removes all signs that have been placed within VDOT rights-of-way.  For additional information regarding the sign collection program, please contact Roger Carroll, Zoning Enforcement, 703-737-8818.

Sign regulations may differ within Loudoun County’s incorporated towns and the appropriate town offices should be contacted regarding placement of campaign and other temporary signs within towns.

Noticed this while compiling the campaign contributions list

Delgaudio got another $2500 from M.C. Dean. That brings him up to a life-time total of $12,500.

You think he'll recuse himself when they vote on OpenBand in a couple of weeks?

How to vote for Joy Maloney using the electronic voting machine

How to write in your vote using the electronic voting machines

The Perils of Having a Common Name

This Michael Chapman

Chapman for Sheriff

is not this Michael Chapman

Chapman for Tea Party

The former one (the one who still has his hair), is a respected law enforcement officer, with decades of experience.

The latter one is a Tea Partier par excellence, and apparently the fact that they have the same name has confused some people.

I hope this clears up that confusion.

Attention Candidates!!!

The State Board of Elections has ruled the following about websites:

Each page is accessible via its own link and address. Therefore, each webpage must include the disclaimer.

Quite frankly, I would never have interpreted the law this way, since the law says,

Radio, TV and print media communications must include disclaimers displayed conspicuously. Print media includes billboards, newspaper and magazine ads, mailings, fliers, email and websites. Printed pieces consisting of more than one page need bear the disclaimer only on one page or face. VA. CODE ANN. § 24.2-955.1 (defining “print media”).

However, I'm not in charge. The SBE is.

I will not insist that your campaign websites conform with this new ruling to be eligible for inclusion in my Campaign Websites page. From here on, I will list one link per candidate no matter what.

If you don't have a campaign website, but you do have a facebook page or a blog or whatever that, please send me ONE link to the site you would like me to include. I would prefer that it not be an official government site, but if that's all you've got, I'll accept it.

67th HOD: Candidates Answers on Metro

Eric Clingan (D)

Completing the Silver Line and extending Metro to Loudoun is one of my top transportation priorities. Dulles Airport is the gateway to the world for our nation's capital and it should be served by a first rate public transportation system.

My District, which is comprised of parts of Chantilly, Oakton, Herndon, South Riding and Centreville, also desperately needs higher quality public transportation options. I strongly support the extension of the Orange Line to Centreville and Chantilly.

Northern Virginia commuters spend more time in traffic every year. Every minute spent in traffic is a minute of potential economic productivity wasted. We need multi-modal solutions to our region's transportation woes to get people out of traffic and into work.

Jim LeMunyon (R)

Elizabeth,
Delegate LeMunyon is out of town today attending a funeral. He was quoted today in the Loudoun Times-Mirror on this very subject. I’ve copied and pasted his quote, specific to providing additional funding for Metro rail to Dulles, below. The entire article can be found here: http://www.loudountimes.com/index.php/news/article/state_house_of_delegate_candidates_face_off_at_chamber_event898/

But LeMunyon stood somewhere in the middle on his position for additional funding.

“In a word, I’ll say maybe and I’ll explain why,” he said.

“We need to rank projects based on what will give us the biggest bang for the buck based on congestion reduction and spend a lion’s share of transportation dollars funding those projects,” LeMunyon continued. “If Dulles Rail is high on the list then the state needs to step up and fund it.”

If you need more information, please let me know.

Best regards,

Christen Smith
Legislative Aide
Delegate Jim LeMunyon

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

A reminder

I am collecting links for the Campaign Websites page. If I am missing a candidate or a link, please let me know!

For the purposes of that page, I am only including campaign websites that conform with Virginia campaign law which states:

"Radio, TV and print media communications must include disclaimers displayed conspicuously. Print media includes billboards, newspaper and magazine ads, mailings, fliers, email and websites. Printed pieces consisting of more than one page need bear the disclaimer only on one page or face. VA. CODE ANN. § 24.2-955.1 (defining “print media”).

Print media: “Paid for by [name of entity].” If the advertisement supports or opposes the nomination or election of a clearly identified candidate, it must also state either, “Authorized by [name of candidate], candidate for [name of office] or “Not authorized by a candidate.” VA. CODE ANN. § 24.2-956.1. If the advertisement opposes a clearly identified candidate, the sponsor must also disclose the name of the candidate it is supporting. VA. CODE ANN. § 24.2-956.1(3). "

If you see that I have you listed as a candidate and I have listed you as having a non-conforming website (Shaun Broy, Jay Bose, Tom Reed), then ask yourself what your website is missing.

Blogs, facebook pages, official government pages (for incumbents), etal do not count for the purposes of the campaign websites page, since they don't conform to the state law definition.

I'm doing it this way to be fair, and to allow people to compare apples to apples.

If you disagree with this policy, I will be happy to hear your reasoning and will then suggest you spend a couple of bucks to purchase a .us domain and put up a campaign website. Seriously.

The Complete List of Candidates for the November 8th Election

Brought to you by the patience and kindness of Judy at the Loudoun Registrar and Board of Elections and the website at the Virginia State Board of Elections.

Offices and Candidates within offices listed alphabetically:

Board of Supervisors

• Chair (At-Large)
• Tom Bellanca (D)
• Scott York (R)
• Algonkian
• Denise Moore Pierce (D)
• Suzanne Volpe (R)
• Ashburn
• Ralph Buona (R)
• Valdis Ronis (D)
• Blue Ridge
• Jim Burton (I)
• Janet Clark (R)
• Broad Run
• Cliff Keirce (I)
• Andrea McGimsey (D)
• Shawn Williams (R)
• Catoctin
• Malcolm Baldwin (D)
• Geary Higgins (R)
• Dulles
• Matt Letourneau (R)
• Larry Roeder (D)
• Leesburg
• Kelly Burk (D)
• Ken Reid (R)
• Sterling
• Eugene Delgaudio (R)
• Al Nevarez (D)
• L. Ali Shahriari (I)
  

Constitutional Offices

• Commonwealth's Attorney
• Jim Plowman (R)
• Jennifer Wexton (D)
• Sheriff
• Mike Chapman (R)
• Steve Simpson (I) (no campaign website as of 08/03/2011)
• Ron Speakman (I)
• Commissioner of the Revenue
• Bob Wertz (R)
• Treasurer
• Roger Zurn (R)

House of Delegates

• 10th District
• Dave Butler (D)
• Randy Minchew (R)
• 32nd District
• Tag Greason (R)
• 33rd District
• Joe May (R)
• 34th District
• Barbara Comstock (R)
• Pam Beck Danner (D)
• 67th District
• Eric Clingan (D)
• Jim LeMunyon (R)
• 86th District
• Tom Rust (R)
• 87th District
• Mike Kondratick (D)
• David Ramadan (R)

School Board

• At Large
• Jay Bose
• Bob Ohneiser
• Tom Reed. 08/03/2011 website under construction
• Algonkian
• Eileen Tagg-Murdock
• Debbie Rose
• John Stevens
• Ashburn
• John Andrews
• Eric Hornberger
• Debbie Piland
• John Ryan
• Chris Souther
• Blue Ridge
• Priscilla Godfrey
• Jill Turgeon
• Broad Run
• Kevin Kuesters
• Catoctin
• Jennifer Bergel. 08/03/2011 front page unavailable, no "paid for" or "authorized by" statement. (ht Nova Commonsense)
• Pablo "Paul" Arias
• Dulles
• Anjan Chimaladinne
• Margaret Michaud
• Jeff Morse
• Leesburg
• Bill Fox
• Tom Marshall
• Mark Nuzzaco
• Sterling
• Brenda Sheridan

Soil and Water Conservation Director, Loudoun District (choose three)

• Peter Rush
• Chris Simmons
• James Wylie

State Senate

• 13th District
• Dick Black (R)
• Shawn Mitchell (D)
• 27th District
• Shaun Broy (D)
• Donald Marro (I)
• Jill Holtzman Vogel (R)
• 31st District
• Barbara Favola (D)
• Caren Merrick (R)
• 33rd District
• Mark Herring (D)
• Patricia Phillips (R)

Now it's your turn. Do your research, be an educated voter. Vote for the person who can do the most for you and your community as your life is now, not as you wish your life would be.