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.