Full Disclosure? Forms Plagued By Lack of Information, Absence of Oversight
Fairfax County goes so far as to redact disclosure documents.
Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell is in hot water for taking gifts without disclosing them, and legislators are talking about increasing disclosure requirements for family members. But here in Northern Virginia, personal financial disclosure forms are often incomplete and inconsistent.
Navy Yard Shootings Hit Close to Home
Four Fairfax County victims killed in Washington Navy Yard rampage.
“Marty was a kind and caring man. He had such a sweet spirit and was in every way a man that lived his life to honor Christ.” —Pastor Steve Holley of Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield
Local Business Leaders Spotlight Opportunities for UK Companies
Fairfax County EDA organizes Sept. 26 seminar in London.
Fairfax County’s Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) officials announced Tuesday, Sept. 17, that local executives will speak at a London seminar to spotlight opportunities for British companies interested in homeland security business opportunities in the United States.
Area Roundups
The Fairfax County Office of Elections needs approximately 2,200 election officers—particularly bilingual ones—for the Nov. 5 general election, and it’s seeking the public’s help. Election officers must be registered voters in Virginia and must complete required training and forms. Applicants may choose to accept the $175 payment for a full day’s work or volunteer their time.
Lorton Scout Receives National Recognition
The Boy Scouts of America presented the National Certificate of Merit to Lorton resident James "Ike" Hughes, 9. Ike, who attends Halley Elementary school as a fourth grader, was instrumental in saving his father’s life this past summer. He quickly recognized what turned out to be early symptoms of a heart attack, and was able to use his Cub Scout training gained over the three previous years of scouting. Ike remained calm, assessed the situation and got help. The presentation was given at the monthly Pack 2000 meeting held at Halley Elementary school on Sept. 5, by Jim Stewart, Boy Scouts district commissioner for the Old Dominion District. Accompanying the presentation was the area's Unit Commissioner Byron Ing.
Rocktoberfest Comes to Lorton
Metropolitan School of the Arts rocks out with Robbie Shaefer of Eddie from Ohio, Oct. 27.
Rocktoberfest, a family-fun, musical festival, features a headlining performance from Robbie Schaefer, singer of Eddie from Ohio and singer Kira Willey, a children’s music artist, as well as performances from other local artists at the Metropolitan School of the Arts in Lorton on Sun., Oct. 27 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center at 9601 Ox Road. Cost is $10 per person, which benefits the non-profits, Metropolitan School of the Arts and One Voice, an organization that provides for needy children in East Africa, India and the United States.
Clifton Firefighters Take Chili-cooking Honors
The firefighters of the Town of Clifton’s Station 16 won the annual, Richard King Fireman’s Chili Challenge during the Sept. 2 car show in Clifton.
Full Disclosure?
Forms plagued by a lack of information, absence of oversight; redacted documents.
Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell is in hot water for taking gifts without disclosing them, and legislators are talking about increasing disclosure requirements for family members. But here in Northern Virginia, personal financial disclosure forms are often incomplete and inconsistent. Some elected officials choose to disclose a great deal of information while others disclose very little. Fairfax County officials have decided to redact information that's supposed to be part of the public record. And nobody is reviewing the forms to make sure they are accurate.
A New Beginning for Fairfax County Public Libraries?
Library trustees vote to discard beta plan in favor of more public outreach sessions.
On Wall Street, a “beta” test refers to assessing the risk, volatility and expected return of a particular portfolio. If Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) officials had a crystal ball to assess the volatility of its planned beta tests this fall, it’s likely they may have steered clear of the project that became a quagmire of epic proportions.
What’s Wrong With This Picture?
County suspends discarding of library books.
Just when Sam Clay, Fairfax County’s Public Library director, thought FCPL’s public image couldn’t get any worse, Supervisor Linda Smyth (D-Providence) released photos of bins filled to the brim with discarded library books.
Fairfax Station Flutist Participates in Sir James Galway Festival
Called a “rising star” by world renowned flutist Sir James Galway, local Fairfax Station flutist Emma Resmini has just returned from a summer to remember. Emma may only be 13 years old, but she has already reached significant milestones as a musician.
County News & Notes
Putting Brakes on Neighborhood Speeding
In an effort to get drivers to slow down in residential neighborhoods, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved $350,000 to fund a public awareness campaign and “traffic calming” measures in the county Tuesday, Sept. 10. Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) initiated the measure last year, soliciting constituent support through an online petition, which resulted in more than 250 signatures and hundreds of emails from supporters.
Celebrating Women’s Equality
Women’s Equality Day celebrated at Workhouse Arts Center.
Did you know that the Commonwealth of Virginia did not ratify the 19th Amendment—giving women the right to vote—until Feb. 21, 1952? Or that American suffragists were the first people to ever picket in front of the White House? Are the names of Alice Paul and Lucy Burns as familiar as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott and Susan B. Anthony?
What to See, When to See It
The playwright Tom Stoppard’s existential spinoff from “Hamlet” runs for one night in March 2014. Two relatively minor roles from the bard’s play tirelessly and cleverly weigh their significance in the historic royal plot. The production of the tragic comedy benefits from direction by Tony Award-winner John Rando.
HOV Lanes Closing on Weekends
Closures begin on Friday night, Sept. 13 and continue each weekend until late October.
To advance the fast track towards completion, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will be closing the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes every weekend starting on Friday nights and keeping them closed until Sunday afternoons in September and Monday mornings in October for 95 Express Lanes construction. These closures are scheduled to begin on Friday night, Sept. 13 and continue each weekend until late October. The lanes will be closed from just north of I-495 to Dumfries.