On the Campaign Trail
Politicians are always squeamish about raising their own salaries, especially when the budget season is closely tied to an election.
Last-Minute Budgeting As City Council Members Negotiate Final Budget Agreement
Elected officials consider everything from extending library hours to increasing salaries.
Hold your wallet. The Alexandria City Council is putting the final touches on the budget for fiscal year 2013, and the long list of priorities could mean more taxes.
May Day at City Hall: Democratic Primary Puts Heat on Candidates
Recent unpopular decisions may mean trouble for two incumbents and two former incumbents.
Hector Pineda is one of thousands of residents who live in the sprawling series of garden apartments on the city’s West End, which has been one of the last remaining spots in the city for low-income residents.
Arlington and Alexandria Fighting for Limited Pool of Federal Funds
One wants federal money for Columbia Pike, the other wants funds for Potomac Yard.
Arlington County and the City of Alexandria are each vying for an increasingly limited amount of federal transportation funding, leading to a conflict between the neighboring jurisdictions.
Editorial: Reminders to Press Ahead for Housing
Spring discussion on hypothermia shelters could help preparations for winter.
In February, 2007, 59-year-old Robert Bruce Miller was found dead outdoors in Chantilly. Miller was homeless, known to businesses and residents in the area. He died of hypothermia, exposure to the cold.
Transforming a Vision into Housing, Commerce
Creating an urban development, one land bay at a time.
First in a three-part series about Potomac Yard development.
Historic Huntley To Open at Last
Hybla Valley villa to become Fairfax County’s newest public park next month.
After decades of waiting, Historic Huntley will finally open its doors to the public next month. Officials with the Fairfax County Park Authority are planning a May 19 launch, a long-awaited opening for a historic property built in the 1820s by Alexandria Mayor Thomson Mason. The old house has been boarded up since being purchased by the Fairfax County Park Authority in 1989, when county leaders set out to restore the villa overlooking Hybla Valley. Since then, county voters have approved two bond referendum ballot items worth $3 million.
Join in Mount Vernon CROP Walk
“Because they walk, we walk” is the theme of the 32nd annual Church World Services CROP Hunger Walk on May 6. Sponsored by area churches through Ventures in Community (VIC) and starting at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Road, Alexandria, the CROP Walk winds through the local community for 1.5 miles. Registration begins at 12:30 at St. Aidan’s, and the Walk begins at 1:30.
Commentary: New State Budget Misses the Mark
I voted against the final state budget last week because it fails to address our needs and reflects badly-skewed priorities. It was an eventful two days in Richmond.
Opinion: Will Virginia’s Health Care Improve Without Better Data?
The answer is “no.” The Virginia Health Reform Initiative Advisory Council (created by Governor McDonnell) stated the case for change in its 2010 report. “Virginia’s overall quality of care is average, with strengths in cardiac care, hospital care generally, and home health. Weaknesses in Virginia’s quality rankings include nursing home care, diabetes care, and maternal and child health. Specifically, Virginia ranks 41st in the nation in breast cancer death rates, and 35th in infant mortality. None of these statistics measure up to Virginia ranking sixth, nationwide, in median family income.”
Letter: Adverse Actions Have Consequences
To the Editor: Martin Tillett understandably wants to avoid having the downfall of the proposed Kings Crossing Town Center as his legacy in the civic arena. In prior letters to the Gazette, I've explained the role the Spring Bank Community Association (SBCA) played, under the leadership of Mr. Tillett and SBCA President David Dale in the demise of Kings Crossing (see my letter in the August 13, 2009 Gazette) and the resulting development of a Wal-Mart store on the property.
Letter: A Meeting Without Answers
To the Editor: Sunday April 22, at St. Stephens UMC in Burke, Fairfax County officials and elected supervisors (including Board Chair Sharon Bulova) met with over 200 volunteers from 36 church-based hypothermia shelters to ease our anxieties. We have heard rumor that the fire marshal has determined that 18 of these churches will not be able to open and operate their “hypothermia” ministry next year as they had in the past. This puts the hundreds of homeless individuals who use these facilities at risk of frostbite, hypothermia and death.
'Witness for the Prosecution' Opens at LTA
It's 1954 and Leonard Vole stands accused of the murder of a rich elderly woman whom he befriended. His wife's testimony could save him until she suddenly becomes a “Witness for the Prosecution” in the Agatha Christie thriller now playing at The Little Theatre of Alexandria.
Calendar for April 25
E-mail announcements to the Gazette, gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412 with questions.
Poetry: Words
Words
Video
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