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.

Letter from Eugene Delgaudio

A letter from Eugene Delgaudio was in my inbox this morning. Mostly, it's got a lot of anti-community activism text, especially,

"COUNTY SUPERVISORS DROP KICK BUSINESS LEADERS?
And in Leesburg-- your Loudoun County Board of supervisors-- hears and considers condemnations of business leaders...[snip]

The pursuit of profit and prosperity is what makes America a great nation.

To attack free market leaders and business spokesman in Leesburg-- our local seat of government-- or on Wall Street-- is an attack on all our freedoms."[emphasis his]

Plus a bit about "donors and their companies". This makes me think that the letter is a reaction to both the pleas by residents to deny a franchise to OpenBand (link from Loudoun Times Mirror*) and the disgust over his taking a $2,500 donation from OpenBand owner MC Dean a month before a vote on that franchise is scheduled to take place.

The letter itself, as it was sent to me, is after the jump.

The upshot of the letter is a message to the people of Sterling: If you want someone who really does support working people, and wants to maintain the rights and freedoms of Loudouners, vote for Al Nevarez.

*"Bill Dean, M.C. Dean CEO and president, holds a minority interest in Times Community Media and sits on its board of directors" - from the article I linked to.

Speaking of Solutions...

Dick Black (R-epulsive) has been smearing Shawn Mitchell, his Democratic opponent for the new 13th Senate seat.

Perhaps it's because he just has nothing else to offer the voters? Shawn Mitchell, on the other hand, does have more to offer the voters:

Solutions vs. Rhetoric
Mitchell Offers Real Solutions While Career Politician Black
Covers Up His Record

Ashburn, VA – Twice recently, small business owner Shawn Mitchell squared off against career politician Delegate Dick Black in a discussion about the future direction of the 13thDistrict. It is clear that Mitchell is the only candidate who will go to Richmond with real solutions to jump-start the economy and get Virginia moving forward again.

“Dick Black spends more time running away from his record than he does offering a vision for a better future,” said Mitchell Campaign Manager Dominic Gabello. “Whether it was voting against teacher pay raises or against more seats in Virginia colleges and universities for Virginia kids, Dick Black is too extreme for Loudoun and Prince William families. 

“Black's empty campaign rhetoric on issues like transportation continue to explain why he was one of the most ineffective members of the General Assembly when voters fired him in 2005. Loudoun and Prince William families need real solutions for our transportation crisis, not pay in the sky schemes that will only pay off if Virginia posts a budget surplus.” 

A comparison between the two candidates on the issues of most importance to voters:

Economy

Mitchell: Mitchell will work to attract high-growth, high-energy jobs. Mitchell also knows that one of the biggest problems small businesses face is their access to capital, so he proposes creating a reserve fund that will back bank loans to small businesses. Additionally, Mitchell supports worker training programs that will help unemployed workers get new skills and help them get back to work.

Black: Only talks about reducing regulations on business but offers no plans on creating jobs or how to attract new businesses to Virginia.

Transportation

Mitchell: Mitchell supports bringing the Northern Virginia Delegation together to support a comprehensive, long-term plan to address our transportation nightmare. That plan should place an emphasis on projects that relieve the most congestion first. 

Black: Offers no comprehensive solution to our traffic crisis. Only “solution” is IF there is a budget surplus.

Education
Mitchell: Says we need to stop cutting K-12 and Higher Education funding, which is raising the costs on families and putting kids in trailers. Supports raising teacher pay to at least the national average so we are attracting and retaining the best teachers for our kids.

Black: In 2004, Black voted against an additional $250 million in higher education funding in the bi-partisan Warner budget. In 2005, Black voted against a bill that would guarantee more seats for Virginia students at state Colleges and Universities. Additionally, in the Committee of 100 debate, Black said he never voted against a teacher pay raise, but in 2001 voted against a 6% pay raise for teachers.   

BACKGROUND:
Dick Black on Jobs: http://www.dickblack4senate.com/jobs.html

2005 Restructured Higher Education Financial and Administrative Operations Act
HB 2866 http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=051&typ=bil&val=hb2866

Voted Against Giving Teachers a Six Percent Salary Increase and Against Restoring $9.4 Million Into the General Fund for Public School Maintenance
McEachin Floor Amdt. To HB1600, 2/8/2011 - http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?011+vot+HV1202+HB1600

Prince William Committee of 100 debate at  http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/17661833

Loudoun Chamber forum at  http://www.leesburg2day.com/news/article_0bf86694-eea8-11e0-a7ba-001cc4c03286.html    

###

Authorized by Shawn Mitchell for State Senate

Remember folks, when it comes time to vote, that we need reasonable people with real solutions for our everyday problems. Shawn Mitchell is a veteran, a local successful business man, and is exactly the kind of person we need in Richmond.

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.

FUNDRAISER FOR BLACK OUT - CANDIDATE BLACK THAT IS - 10/13, 6:30-8:30P​M, LBURG

THE EMERGENCY IS

WE REALLY NEED A BLACK OUT

 

 

And it’s HIGH time for a BlackOut
in Loudoun & Prince William Counties!

ANTI-CHOICE SENATE CANDIDATE DICK BLACK
 
YOU REMEMBER - THE AUTHOR OF THE INFAMOUS PLASTIC FETUS

Please Join the NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia PAC Board for a BlackOut party to keep anti-choice Dick Black OUT 

of the state Senate! 

________________ 

 

Thursday, October 13, 20116:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

At the law offices of Campbell Flannery PC

19 East Market St., Leesburg, VA 20176

(Parking in back of our offices)
____________________

What's at stake .... ?

Plenty!  See, for eg, -  

http://bronxgadfly.blogspot.com/2011/05/gazette-column-women-know-your-governor.html

____________________

You’ll meet PAC Executive Director Tarina Keene
and find out how NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia PAC
is taking on Dick Black and
answering other threats to reproductive freedom
in Virginia.  

 

Also, meet special guests 

Senate candidate Shawn Mitchell 

and

Senator Mark Herring.
____________________

 

Host Committee (still in formation): 

John Flannery • Charlie Jackson • Karen Raschke Catherine Read • John Sherman 

Choice Champion Host: $500

Choice Defender Host: $250 

Guest Suggested Donation Levels:

Choice Power Couple: $125

Choice Advocate: $100

Choice Ally & Young Professional: $50  

 

Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and great political conversation!

 To RSVP or for more information, 

please contact Caroline O’Shea at rsvp@naralva.org or 202-973-3085.

MEDIA WELCOME - PLEASE TRY TO LET US KNOW IN ADVANCE - jonflan@aol.com

Warmest regards,

John

John P. Flannery II
CAMPBELL FLANNERY PC
19 East Market St., Leesburg, VA 20176
Office: 703-771-8344; Cell: 202-365-5060
www.johnpflannery.com
jonflan@aol.com

[from my inbox. I'll be arriving at this event a bit late, because I have a CSB meeting that same evening. Crossposted @ Loudoun Progress]

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).

From my Inbox (links added by me)

Jennifer Wexton Calls on Jim Plowman to Investigate Sheriff Allegations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jennifer Wexton
(703) 779-4896 - office

votewexton@gmail.com

Leesburg, VA (August 4, 2011) – Jennifer Wexton, candidate for Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney, called on Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Plowman today to investigate allegations of “pay to play” campaign donations to Loudoun Sheriff Steve Simpson.

On August 3, 2011, the Washington Post published an article exposing questionable campaign donations to Simpson from organizations with contracts up for renewal the Sheriff’s Department, and from a local nonprofit agency. The article also cited an instance where a major Simpson campaign donor, convicted felon Osama El Atari, served less than 1½ hours of a four-day sentence at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

“Either all of these events have been taking place under Jim Plowman’s watch, and he knew nothing about them, or he knew what was going on and did nothing. Either way, it’s unacceptable for Loudoun’s top prosecutor not to act.” said Wexton. “That is why I delivered a letter to Mr. Plowman’s office today, officially requesting that he investigate the allegations in the Post article, to determine what, if any, violations of criminal or campaign finance laws have taken place. These are allegations where the taxpayers of Loudoun County deserve answers.”

Mr. Plowman has shown a pattern of launching politically motivated investigations and has not hesitated to pursue his chosen political targets in the past, notably his Susan Van Wagoner conflict of interest opinion, which was ultimately reversed by two courts, and his prosecution of Virginia State Senate candidate Mark Tate for campaign finance violations during the 2007 election cycle.

Fundraiser for Shawn Mitchell

I hope you all can join Tom Greeson and the Dulles Area Democrats for this reception benefitting Shawn Mitchell.

Shawn's running in the 13th state Senate District and we all know that Republican Dick Black is trying to get the Republican nomination to oppose Shawn. We need to come together and work to ensure Shawn is well-funded for what might be a very interesting and closely targeted race.

Here's the facebook invitation again!

Why am I on Howie Lind's fundraising list?

Does that strike any of you as being a failure of targeting? Frank Wolf sends me fundraising requests too. Is it because I've sent Frank Wolf email in the past?

Dear Howie Lind and Frank Wolf:

I will never give you any money. Go away, and may you lose your next election.

Sincerely,

Liz Miller

Head meet Desk

Josh Actor, who is running for Commissioner of the Revenue, is having trouble raising the $750 filing fee. He sent a note out to all the Dem candidates asking them for help. I've gotten this info from more than one candidate. Here is the text of the message:

Dear All,

Some or all of you might be aware that I have been working every Saturday and most evenings the last few months. This has put my campaign far behind schedule in terms of fundraising. As you all know, my campaign has to pay a fee of $750 to be nominated to represent the Democratic Party in the November election as nominee for Commissioner of the Revenue for Loudoun County.

I hope that as fellow candidates you might be able to help me raise the necessary funds by the deadline to join you on the ballot.

Please donate $50 today to my campaign and help me achieve this humble goal.

https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/27233?refcode=directory

Thank you very much for your kind understanding. I will provide all my support to your campaigns going forward, as I will no longer be working Saturdays and evenings!

Respectfully Yours,

Josh Actor

LCDC Members: I'm not asking any of you to choose sides

It's not going to hurt my feelings if you want to stay with the LCDC. It's not going to hurt my feelings if you just want to focus on getting through this election, and not get involved in any of this sturm und drang. It's really okay.

I mean it.

And thank you for the calls and emails. I really appreciate each and every one.

From the Inbox

Dear Liz,

It could come down to just 20 minutes.

The McDonnell administration is pulling out all the stops to steamroll through new, overreaching regulations that could force 17 of Virginia’s 21 abortion providers to close their doors.

Tell Gov. McDonnell to veto this bill today.

Last month, cunning anti-choice lawmakers voted to categorize Virginia’s abortion providers as hospitals! This, of course, is not only utterly ridiculous, but downright reckless. Their aim is to shut down clinics. And, if that happens, the majority of women in the Commonwealth will lose access to vital reproductive health care.

We have learned that the process to recategorize abortion providers are hospitals is being fast tracked and that the public will have little to no input. In fact, the Board of Health will only allow 20 minutes for public comment at their September meeting! That’s not how democracy should work!

You can help stop this power grab by putting pressure on Gov. McDonnell. It’s not too late. He has not yet signed this draconian bill into law, but every minute counts. He has until Tuesday, March 29.

After trying to pass this sort of bill into law for 20 years, it could come down to just 20 minutes of public comment - 20 minutes that could shape women’s access to safe, legal abortion in Virginia for the next 20 years and beyond.

The McDonnell administration is attempting to work in secret to eliminate safe, legal abortion care in Virginia. This cannot happen. It’s up to you to stop this attack!

Ask the governor TODAY to veto the bill designed to shut down abortion providers.

If Gov. McDonnell signs this bill into law, we will spend the next six months working tirelessly to make sure new regulations do not severely limit access to abortion in the Commonwealth. We have our work cut out for us, but I know pro-choice Virginia is ready to stand up and tell the McDonnell administration we will not tolerate its harmful anti-choice agenda.

Please stay tuned over the coming weeks to learn more about how we will be fighting this dangerous attempt to limit reproductive care.

For choice,
Tarina Keene
Executive Director

P.S. We will need a lot of support in the coming months to fight these attacks, so please consider making a donation to help us protect Virginia’s valuable abortion providers.

Dear Anonymous

The answer to your question is, "No."

No, I will not primary Andrea McGimsey. I truly understand the anger and frustration behind the question, but I believe that she has been a very good supervisor, this one decision notwithstanding. Disagreement on one issue isn't a good enough reason to primary an incumbent, when she's done a good job on so many other issues.

I do wish she would change her mind on this one topic (and I wish she took a stronger position on Choice, but that's just me), but I will not run for her seat (or any other) this year.

There is still time for her to change her mind on the districts, see Stevens's blog for more info about that.

From my Tweeter feed. What I've been thinking about this past week.

MotherJones Mother Jones

 

What, is this reproductive rights outrage week? http://bit.ly/h619WE #dearjohn

From the Inbox

A Worst Case Scenario: It Could Happen Here

Dear Liz,

Using lawn care standards to limit access to reproductive health care? They’ve done it before.

In recent years, anti-choice lawmakers in states such as South Carolina have used strategic laws to attack abortion providers and restrict women’s abortion access. These laws include everything from mandates that facilities have hallways wide enough for two gurneys to pass side-by-side (something not required of similar outpatient doctor’s offices) to regulations on the type of grass that can be out front of a clinic!

Now Virginia is poised to follow.

We can’t let the Cuccinelli-McDonnell anti-choice team close down abortion providers in our state. Call on the governor to oppose this move.

Last week, we told you that Virginia Attorney General Cuccinelli declared that the state’s Board of Health has the authority to impose strict and medically unnecessary regulations on abortion providers that could potentially force the majority of our state’s providers to close their doors.

Rather than standing up for women’s health, Governor McDonnell supports Cuccinelli’s position.

We must keep the pressure on the governor. So far, nearly 700 of you asked Governor McDonnell not to allow the Board of Health to issue the same kind of restrictions on abortion providers that the legislature has refused to approve for the past eight years.

Help us reach our goal of 1,000 emails by Friday. If you haven’t yet contacted the governor, please email him today to make your voice heard. If you have, forward this message to your friends and family.

A recent article in The Virginian-Pilot reported that the kinds of anti-choice restrictions on abortion providers called for by Cuccinelli are similar to the laws in states such as South Carolina.

After failing to pass these types of attacks on abortion providers through the General Assembly in the past, the McDonnell-Cuccinelli team is sidestepping the legislature and is pushing this anti-choice and anti-woman agenda through the state Board of Health.

The consequences could be serious. After the measure took place in South Carolina, several providers were forced to close their doors. In Virginia, 17 of our 21 providers could be forced to close, leaving women without access to reproductive care.

We need to keep the pressure up and let the governor and attorney general know that Virginians won’t stand for their use of the Board of Health to play politics with women’s rights and health.

For choice,

Tarina Keene
Executive Director

I've sent a letter asking Governor McDonnell not to put barriers in the way of women seeking needed healthcare that he would not put in the way of anyone seeking a colonoscopy.

Loudoun County's CSB Seeks Board Members

From my inbox:

The Loudoun County Community Services Board (CSB) is seeking applicants to serve as representatives from the Dulles, Potomac, Sterling and Sugarland Run Districts.

The Loudoun County CSB is appointed by and accountable to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors to set policy for, and to administer the provision of, community-based services for people experiencing mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. That responsibility includes oversight of the Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services.

CSB members are drawn from the greater Loudoun community, and may represent a variety of backgrounds and interests, personal, professional or civic, that may give them insight into the issues that concern the CSB. The CSB is particularly interested in seeking members who have experience in the area of children's services and communications, and who have multi-lingual skills. Each new appointee would be eligible to serve up to three, three-year terms.

By law, one third of the members of a Community Services Board must be self-identified as active consumers of a mental health, substance abuse, or developmental service (though not necessarily one provided directly by the CSB) or be the family member of someone actively receiving a service. No member of a CSB may be anyone who is employed by a CSB or by any agency that receives funding from a CSB.

CSB members are responsible for attending monthly CSB meetings, and each CSB member is expected to serve on one or more committees and to attend the meetings monthly of the groups on which they serve.

The Community Services Board will interview prospective members and will recommend qualified applicants to the Board of Supervisors for terms beginning January 1, 2011. The Board of Supervisors will make the final determination of who is appointed.

Interested applicants should visit the Community Services Board page of the county website at www.loudoun.gov/csb and click on the link under “Members” for an application and a summary of CSB roles and responsibilities.

The deadline to apply has been extended to Friday, August 20, 2010.

I sit on the Board of the CSB, and have found it to be an interesting, challenging, fulfilling experience.

Crossposted at Loudoun Progress

The NARAL Prochoice VA CPC Road Tour

The NARAL Prochoice VA CPC Road Tour is headed to Purcellville tomorrow- not too late to attend! It's at 5:30 at the Loudoun Valley Community Center, 320 W. School Street, Purcellville, VA 20132

From my Inbox

CONGRATULATIONS to Loudoun County's Staff for these great awards!

The Loudoun County Website, www.loudoun.gov, has again been named one of the top county government websites in the nation by the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO). The county’s Public Information Office also received two NACIO awards for writing and an award for the county’s employee newsletter in the annual awards competition.

Loudoun was one of just two county governments in its population category (less than 500,000) to be recognized by NACIO for its website. Jointly managed by the county’s Public Information Office and Department of Information Technology, the website provides information about county government issues, services, and meetings. It features webcasts of Board of Supervisors meetings as well as e-Services that allow residents to conduct business with the county online.

This is the eighth time NACIO has recognized Loudoun’s website as one of the best county government websites in the nation.

The Public Information Office received two awards for writing – an Excellence award for a press release announcing that, as a cost saving measure, the 2009 Annual Report would only be available online; and a Meritorious award for a press release announcing a series of public meetings to help residents with the transition to digital television.

Loudoun’s employee newsletter, The LENS, received an Excellence award in the “employee newsletter” category. The newsletter spotlights county programs and services, with a focus on the employees who work together to provide these services. The employee newsletter has been published on a quarterly basis since 1991. Later this year, it will transition to an e-newsletter format.

Recently, a representative of the Thomas Balch Library requested back issues of The LENS, dating back to its inception. The collection of Loudoun County employee newsletters, spanning nearly 20 years, will be available to library patrons as a resource for local history and genealogy.

From my Inbox

Announcements from American Flatbread:

ANNOUNCEMENTS
May 20th

Live Music Thursdays

Bike to Work May 21st - Walk, or Bike to Ashburn location and receive a free 9" dancing heart flatbread by mentioning special offer.

New every week introducing different flavors of Lisa Atkins "Kind Kupcakes" - Peanut Butter Bliss while they last
Look for our 3 year celebration details coming soon.
MENU SPECIALS

Basil Pesto and Artichoke Flatbread

Organic basil pesto, all natural mozzarella, oven roasted red peppers, and fresh artichoke hearts
Wine pairing - Man Vintners "Chenin Blanc"

Buffalo Chicken Flatbread
Fields of Athenry's free range chicken tossed in house made buffalo sauce with organic celery, blue cheese, and all natural mozzarella
Beer pairing - Starr Hill "Jomo Larger

Laurie Edeline's Apple Pie
Local Moorenko's Ice Cream, Strawberry Cheesecake, Cinnamon, Mango MEGAJOLT is back.

Matt Turk from New York will be playing Saturday night May 29th with his band. More Details to follow.

HOURS

Mon - Thur 4:30-9:00pm
Fri 4:30-9:00pm
Sat 12:00-9:00pm
Sun 12:00-9:00pm


Ph: (703) 723-7003

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Volunteer for Jeff Barnett this Saturday!

I've got out-of-town visitors coming in this weekend, but I thought you might like to know about opportunities to help get Jeff elected!

Volunteer on Saturday!

Dear Liz

The weather is going to be great this Saturday. Sunny and 80 degrees. What better way to spend the day than volunteering for the Jeff Barnett for Congress campaign!
Our campaign is going to be all over the District this weekend, and we want you out there with us. Check out these two great events, and sign up to help out!

Volunteer at McLean Day!

On Saturday, May 15th, we will be attending McLean Day in McLean, VA. The event is at Lewinsville Park from 11:00AM-5:00PM. Our campaign has a booth, and we need your help staffing it throughout the day, passing out literature, working our "balloon assembly line, and more! If you are available to help out, please click here to fill out the McLean Day volunteer form.

Volunteer at the Warrenton Spring Festival!
Also on Saturday, May 15th, the Fauquier County Democratic Committee will be hosting a booth at the annual Warrenton Spring Festival. The festival takes place on Main Street in Warrenton, and goes all day, from 9:00AM-4:00PM. If you are in or around Fauquier County on Saturday and want to help out, email Lenore Plissner at lhplis@earthlink.net.


I hope that you will be able to join us at one of these events. If you have any questions, you can email me at cm@jeffbarnettforcongress.com.

-Marc