Mount Vernon Letter: Why Change Felony Status?
Letter to the Editor
In last week's Gazette, I pointed out that the two most important issues our representatives in Richmond should be concentrating on are education and transportation.
Mount Vernon Column: Firearm Compromise, Equal Rights Amendment Passes
Commentary
The third week of the General Assembly saw a major agreement emerge on firearm violence issues, and action on several of my bills.
Mount Vernon Column: Legislation for Virginia’s Indigenous Tribes
Commentary
Virginia’s 11 state-recognized American Indian tribes played an important role in Virginia’s history, specifically in the founding of European settlements at Jamestown. Without the early contributions of resources and knowledge that these tribes shared, settlements such as Jamestown would have failed.
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Column: Nondiscrimination Bills Pass State Senate
Council members spar over last minute additions.
As the snow thawed and the General Assembly went about its business last week, a number of developments occurred involving LGBT rights.
Another Opportunity to Talk About It
Super Bowl Sunday is Sunday, Feb. 7, and often more about the parties than the game.
Editorial: Economic Development in Virginia
The General Assembly prides itself in providing a pro-business climate, but refuses infusion of more than $3 billion annually.
Hundreds of bills before this year’s General Assembly session focus on “business climate,” providing incentives for businesses to locate and expand here, extending tax exemptions and tax credits, encouraging international trade, reducing regulation and many other approaches perceived as pro-business.
Mount Vernon Letter: Doomed Proposal
Letter to the Editor
In last week's Gazette, newly elected state Sen. Scott Surovell discussed a portion of his 2016 legislative agenda.
Mount Vernon Letter: Kudos on Snow Removal
Letter to the Editor
For the first time in the 18 years I have lived on Duke Drive, the VDOT snow plow came down my side of the street after I sought constituent services from our new state delegate, Paul Krizek.
Mount Vernon Letter: An Invitation
Letter to the Editor
I have a suggestion for Mr. Medico (Letter: “Efforts Still Infringe on Rights”) and Mr. Spiegel (Letter: “Gun Laws not Being Enforced”). Rather than trading barbs, claims and counter claims, how about all of us go out to dinner, talk and see if there is any common ground.
Mount Vernon Column: Reining in Predatory Towing
Commentary
Aside from the snowstorm of the century, this week brought the start of consideration of legislation and initial work on our state budget.
Mount Vernon Column: Time To Raise Minimum Wage
Commentary
Many readers know that I work for a nonprofit headquartered on Richmond Highway, in the heart of Mount Vernon. Small nonprofits like mine face many of the same troubles as small businesses: money is always hard to come by and we must operate within very small margins. Indeed, we rely on the generosity of the public for our support. Many of the people we serve are barely making it; they work long hours and struggle to get by. Helping people is what we do but wouldn’t it be better if they could do more to help themselves? The best way to make that happen is to raise the minimum wage.
Editorial: ‘Disappointing, Not Surprising’
Bills to rein in predatory lending die in Senate committee.
Have you ever paid 36 percent interest on a loan or credit card?
Column: Surovell’s 2016 Legislative Agenda, Part II
Commentary
The Rules Committee assigned me to three committees.
Mount Vernon Column: Seeking ‘Solar Co-ops’ for Residents
Commentary
One of the areas of my legislation this year includes continuing state Sen. Scott Surovell’s efforts to enact solar net metering policies in the Commonwealth. Currently there are several problems with solar panel construction in residential areas, which affect much of the heavily-wooded Mount Vernon community.
Mount Vernon Letter: Gun Laws Not Being Enforced
Letter to the Editor
John K. Bergen [“Let’s Agree on Common Sense,” The Gazette, Jan. 14] is an ineffective advocate for the gun control organization he represents.