Commentary: Consider Fair Trade Shopping
When we go shopping for tea, chocolate, clothes, or even sports equipment, most of us never pause to consider the conditions under which those products were made.
Opinion: Street Repairs Needed Repair
To the Editor: Last week a construction team repaired an underground problem in the 200 block of North Fairfax Street and left the site in so bad a condition that trucks and buses bounced all over the lumpy asphalt creating an unbearable traffic situation and magnifying the noise level we deal with daily as this precious Old Town commercializes exponentially.
To the Editor:Not To Be Missed
Capt. Michelle Rakers returns July 20 to Alexandria's Schlesinger Center, conducting the Marine Chamber Orchestra in a not-to-be-missed 7:30 p.m. free performance.
To the Editor:Protect Public Parks
Oronoco Bay Park this past Saturday night was the best. Despite a torrential downpour an hour before the symphony began, thousands of people of all ages, races, income levels, beliefs, speaking numerous languages, and dressed for a hot summer night came with picnic baskets on different modes of travel — to sit on the ground to have a good time. Proof they did?
To the Editor: Bravo
For the last 25 years, Alexandria has enjoyed the beautiful music of the Alexandria Symphony, under the leadership of our highly acclaimed Maestro Kim Allen Kluge.
Opinion: Protect River Basin
To the Editor: No one disagrees that clean water — and a healthy Potomac — are fundamentally important. The Potomac River Basin supplies more than 85 percent of the D.C. Metropolitan Area’s drinking water. Moreover, it sustains communities supported by fishing and tourism, and allows generations of Virginians to enjoy recreational opportunities, like kayaking alongside the monuments and visiting the Great Falls.
To the Editor: Who Pays?
I read that Terry McAuliffe, Democrat candidate for governor, thought that if the federal government paid 100 percent in the first three years and then 90 percent for some time thereafter of the Medicaid bill to insure an additional 400,000 Virginians, we wouldn’t have to worry about the expense
Editorial: Share Wisdom With Newcomers and Others
The Connection's Newcomers and Community Guide publishes in late August.
Our Insider's Edition Newcomers and Community Guides, will publish the last week of August. What tips do you have for someone getting to know your community? We're hoping to share the places, activities, events, organizations and volunteer opportunities your neighbors might not know about. What great places and activities do you want your new neighbors to know about? Events that should not be missed? Organizations that do a great job? Places to volunteer? Tips for navigating your PTA or your school’s front office? We'd love to have your photos to go along with your suggestions.
Editorial: More Than Disclosure Needed for Virginia
Time for limits on campaign contributions as well.
At least until after November’s election, most candidates in Virginia seem to think that there should be some reform to Virginia’s campaign finance and disclosure rules. At least it seems likely that most will support expanding disclosure rules to require disclosure of gifts to immediate family members as well as candidates/officials.
Letter to the Editor: Taxes and Fees Keep Rising
Last Saturday as I was leaving the parking lot under City Hall, I noticed a sign outlining the new parking fee structure for that lot. Over the years I have recommended to a number of potential “Old Town” visitors that this lot was the most economical and convenient parking venue in “Old Town.” Well, that’s changed. The hourly parking rate has increased from $2 to $2.50, and the maximum rate for hourly parkers entering after 5 p.m. increased from $2 to $4. In addition, the employee monthly parking rate increased from $25 to $30 at the Pitt-Oronoco surface lot and $75 to $90 at all other city parking facilities.
To the Editor: Unjustified Comparison
There is a strong temptation to suspect that today’s NSA leaker Edward Snowden and yesteryear’s Alexandria Gazette editor Edgar Snowden, who took his paper underground rather than cooperate with the U.S. military’s occupation, might be blood relations. If so, notwithstanding the Constitution’s idealistic prohibition of “corruption of blood,” disloyalty to the United States might be hereditary.
To the Editor: Memories from Landmark Mall
I enjoyed reading Michael Lee Pope’s article on the situation at Landmark Mall (“Winds of Change at Landmark, Once Thriving Mall Braces for Development,” Alexandria Gazette Packet, June 27). It was good that he provided some historical background on the grand opening of Landmark in 1965 and its heyday as an outdoor mall in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.
Letter: Taxes and Fees Keep Rising
To the Editor: Last Saturday as I was leaving the parking lot under City Hall, I noticed a sign outlining the new parking fee structure for that lot.
Letter: Challenging Bicyclists
To the Editor: The Alexandria City Council recently adopted a new bicycle ordinance allowing bicycles on the sidewalks.
Letter: Citizen’s Review Board Needed
To the Editor: Regarding your report on Commonwealth Attorney Randy Sengel's findings into the shooting of Taft Sellers [Alexandria Gazette Packet, July 4]: It seems to be straightforward enough, but it causes me to question whether one local law enforcement official (the commonwealth attorney) should be investigating the fatal shooting of a citizen by other local law enforcement officials (Alexandria police officers).