Tuesday, May 21, 2013
A reader points to a past nonprofit that appeared to be active in elections.
Editor's Note: Sally Mann, who is mentioned in this opinion piece, told Patch that while she held a fundraiser for the Loudoun Environmental Council and appeared on its web site as vice president, that she is not affiliated with the group and declined the group's nomination. __ If Tea Party groups across the country are like Northern Virginia groups, the IRS is right to demand they demonstrate they promote social welfare. While the IRS guidelines don’t prohibit the publication of known falsehoods, they do prohibit campaigning on behalf or in opposition of candidates. In this regard, known falsehoods can be used to demonstrate coordination among campaigns. For example, in the spring of 2011, when the campaign to elect the current all-…
Monday, May 20, 2013
A Sterling reader questions the delegate’s response to not declaring trip.
Dear Editor, Delegate David Ramadan (R-87) maintains he wasn't required to officially disclose a recent the trip, but the Virginia code appears to state otherwise. "A key point of the code pertaining to financial disclosures states 'gift' means any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, forbearance or other item having monetary value. It includes services as well as gifts of transportation, local travel, lodgings and meals, whether provided in-kind, by purchase of a ticket, payment in advance or reimbursement after the expense has been incurred.” I am writing in response to the story on David Ramadan's trip to Taiwan published online on Friday the 17. I am perplexed why Ramadan simply did not follow the financial …
Thursday, May 9, 2013
A Lansdowne resident questions the delegates communication with constituents.
Dear Editor, I read the five-page letter sent by Delegate Barbara Comstock to her constituents at taxpayer expense. Her carefully worded claims, upon closer study, reveal a politician who does not represent the priorities of her district even as she tries to take credit for the accomplishment of others. On transportation, education and economic development, she actually voted against many of the bills touted in her letter! Take education. The 2013 Budget Bill does, in fact, provide matching state funds for increasing teacher pay. However, Delegate Comstock voted against the Budget Bill! Similarly, she voted "no" on the Transportation Bill -- a bi-partisan measure that finally provides a mechanism for northern Virginia localities to keep …
Thursday, May 2, 2013
The CDC recently indicated that 1 in 50 children have Autism, causing a stir among parents and those considering children.
With last month’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) reporting that as many as 1 in 50 children in U.S. schools have Autism, the topic of Autism has created an increase in parental anxiety in my practice as a psychologist. Parents want to know what the CDC’s study and those numbers could mean for them and their own potential for having an Autistic child. The parents who are most concerned are those who are either planning for pregnancy or who are pregnant and expecting. One parent I met with recently expressed a profound sense of relief after learning that the sex of their fetus is female, reminding me that boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with Autism than girls. And, another parent indicated that, while …
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Whether you're a business owner holding an event or just someone with something to say, here's how to share it with everyone in town.
No, as far as I've heard, there are no zombies at Walmart or anywhere else in town. But that, of course, doesn't mean you have nothing to tell your neighbors. And if you do, I'm here to help. Allow me to introduce myself: My name is Jessie Biele, and I'm your Community Engagement Editor. What do I do? I help you reach your neighbors, right here on Patch. And why do I do that? Because Patch doesn't just talk to you; Patch gets neighbors talking to each other, too. So, if you're a business owner with an event to announce, a school teacher who wants to highlight student achievement, a gardener who wants to share tips to get the whole city blooming or a photographer who wants to share some great pix, I'm here to help. Posting announcements, …
Saturday, April 13, 2013
An Ashburn resident explains what she believes is wrong with the way LCPS selects enrollment districts.
- OPINION
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Saturday, April 13
Something is broken in the system used to determine school boundaries in Loudoun County. In the midst of the boundary hearings, school planning zones are being split when new plans are announced, walk zones are being established without safety review or public input, and HOA has become the “official” definition of community. School Board Bylaws 2-32 list in order the initial considerations to be considered when making changes to boundaries. They are as follows: When Proximity is ignored, Trailside Middle School is not the middle school that Newton-Lee Elementary School students will attend. These two schools are located on the same site, are just 70 feet apart, share a common entrance, and will be required to share fields, parking, etc. …
Friday, April 5, 2013
The local psychologists provides advice to readers in his monthly column.
Merging His and Hers Financial Planning Dr. Mike, I work for the government and the Sequestration is something that is very real to me. My husband is completely oblivious to our reality and is still spending like everything is okay. For him it is life as usual as he continues to purchase electronics and plan for a pricey family summer vacation. How do I knock some sense into him that the Sequestration is real? R in Loudoun County R, Perhaps your husband is oblivious to your shared financial situation, or he may be in denial over it because it is consciously too much for him to handle. Moreover, our financial situation as a nation just does not seem to make sense, which may also be influencing his response to you. Think about it, …
Friday, March 29, 2013
Post your blog on Patch and link it to your site; share your knowledge or tips or with the community.
What are you passionate about? Whether it's food, family, schools, history, government, social issues, exercise, fashion or business—if it's your thing, consider blogging for Patch and sharing what you know with the community. Are you an expert craftsman or hobbyist who can share do-it-yourself tips? Do you have strong opinions about local government or local politics? Can you make people laugh or think? Can you write compellingly? Then we want to hear from you. Find everything you need to start a blog on Ashburn Patch here. Bloggers write what they want at whatever pace they choose, whether multiple entries per day or once a month. There’s no limit to the number of bloggers who can post, but bloggers must post using their own names—no …
Friday, March 22, 2013
An Ashburn resident raises concerns about the perceived reduction in speaking opportunities before the board of supervisors.
Dear Editor: For a very long time Loudoun residents who wished to speak before the Board of Supervisors during public comment sessions of hearings or meetings, were limited to 3 and sometimes 5 minutes. It depended of course on whether a small or large number had signed up to speak, or whether meetings were running late. Time was when those representing organizations such as HOAs, non-profits or other organizations were granted a full 5 minutes to speak and sometimes longer, because they were representing large numbers of residents. But no longer. Board Chairman York, citing ‘time constraints’ and other excuses decided some time ago that comments be limited to two minutes, or even one minute (when certain agenda items drew in many speakers…
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Delegate Comstock highlights work done to keep the region, Loudoun in particular, responsive to the industry.
- OPINION
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Tuesday, March 19
The Northern Virginia region clearly faces economic threats and challenges as a result of sequestration and government downsizing. The national economy continues to stagnate. If you are looking for a bright sign on our local horizon, the data center industry – which is expected to still grow by hundreds of millions over the near future – is a sector to double down on. That is why, once again this year, I worked with the Northern Virginia Technology Council and local business leaders to pass another bill to promote this important industry that is thriving in Northern Virginia and throughout the Commonwealth – and particularly in Loudoun County. Our aim is to be one of the most “Data Center Friendly” places in the country. Each day, 70 …
Frankly My Dear
9:37 am on Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Yeah, so what. Nobody cares ..... but you. ".... LEC no longer exists, ...." Why was this piece even posted? It's a clear attempt at 'projecting'. more ›