Mount Vernon: A Musing
I have a favorite T-shirt that has the following printed across the front: “George Washington For President.”
Editorial: Voting, for Former Felons and Others
In a Democracy, we’re best served by more voter participation.
Today, the Virginia Supreme Court will hear an expedited challenge to Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s (D) restoration of the voting and civil rights of more than 200,000 Virginians who were convicted of felonies, served their time and completed any supervised release, parole or probation requirements. The restoration of voting rights moves Virginia into the mainstream.
Mount Vernon Letter: Greatest Threat to Americans
Letter to the Editor
I believe Ms. Benesh in her letter [“Uninspiring Romper Room”] published in the July 7 Mount Vernon Gazette really misses the point about gun violence. House Resolution 3892 merely states “Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Muslim Brotherhood has met the criteria for designation as a foreign terrorist organization, and (2) the Department of State should so designate it.”
Mount Vernon Letter: County Excluded Civic Association
Letter to the Editor
On June 18, Fairfax County held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to showcase its first outdoor gym that was installed at the Gum Springs Community Center.
Mount Vernon Column: Time to Visit State Parks
Commentary
Eighty years ago this month, Virginia created the first state park system in the United States. With 35 miles of Potomac River frontage in the 36th Senate district, our community is lucky to have access to many natural resources, including our state parks.
Mount Vernon Column: Investing in Transportation
Commentary
Governor McAuliffe just unveiled the new “Atlantic Gateway” transportation plan, the most comprehensive transit revitalization plan in Virginia history. The plan will total $1.4 billion, with $165 million in federal FASTLANE grant funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation, over $500 million in private funding from CSX and Transurban, and the rest funded through the state.
Mount Vernon Column: Still Much Work To Do on Race Relations
Commentary – Working on Race Relations
As a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ I am supposed to bring my congregation Good News. But recently I have struggled to do so with all the bad news. Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, Dallas! “Black Lives Matter” demonstrations and subsequent arrests are taking place in cities all across America.
Editorial: Be Part of Our Annual Community Guide
Share tips in upcoming Newcomers and Community Guides.
The Connection’s annual Newcomers and Community Guides will publish Aug. 24 with a deadline of Aug. 17.
Mount Vernon Letter: Uninspiring Romper Room6
Letter to the Editor
I would like to respond to U.S. Rep. Don Beyer's column titled "Help Reduce Gun Violence" in the June 30 issue of the Mount Vernon Gazette.
Letter: Protect Homeowners, and School Budget
To the Editor
Regarding John Knight's letter ("Seniors Unfairly Tapped for School Budget") in the last week’s Connection: While the sentiment is nice and I would join anyone in complaining about the burden of taxes being put on all the homeowners; in my opinion businesses and developers get away with tax breaks.
Editorial: Hungry in Summer
There are hungry children in Northern Virginia, more so in summertime.
Summer for most children in Northern Virginia is a time of fun and activities, camp and vacation, trips to the pool and possibly to the library.
Mount Vernon Column: New Virginia Laws Go into Effect July 1
Commentary
Hundreds of new Virginia laws will go into effect on July, 1 that passed during the 2016 legislative session.
On the Trail: Earning My Mountain Laurels
Mount Vernon resident hikes part of the Appalachian Trail.
"If we find you collapsed beside the trail, George, we will pray over you."
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Column: Help Reduce Gun Violence
Commentary– Join effort in Congress.
I was moved and inspired last week by my colleagues — starting with the great civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis — who had the tenacity and creativity to launch a sit-in on the floor of the House of Representatives to demand a vote on solutions to gun violence.
Editorial: Getting Home Safely on Independence Day
Independence Day is a national celebration, and for many, that celebration includes alcohol. The summer overall and July 4 in particular are times of greater risk for drinking and driving.