Bipartisan Successes
Congressman Gerald E. Connolly (D-11):
“It was a busy year for Congress which saw bipartisan action on major, long-overdue initiatives that will benefit every segment of our community. For starters, Congress passed another two-year bipartisan budget agreement that replaces some of the draconian sequester cuts, which have disproportionately harmed Northern Virginia. It's critical we maintain domestic and defense investments, and I will continue to push for relief from sequestration.
I was proud to represent Northern Virginia on the House-Senate conference committee that negotiated the new long-term transportation bill – the first in 10 years, which will provide more than $530 million in new road, transit, and safety improvements across Virginia. Congress also passed reforms to the Medicare payment formula to protect seniors and their doctors from harmful cuts, a perennial problem, and place it on a more sustainable path. We replaced the unpopular No Child Left Behind Act in favor of more flexible standards, and we passed new Trade Promotion Authority, setting rigorous labor, environmental, and enforcement standards for future trade deals. As you can see, Congress finally got something substantial done this year, and I hope these bipartisan successes will continue into 2016.”
Thank You to Retiring Supervisors
Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors:
“This summer, Fairfax County showcased our impressive public safety capabilities during the exciting World Police and Fire Games.
In March, to build on and enhance an already great Police Department, I convened a Police Practices Review Commission. Recommendations from this 30+ member Commission centered on use of force, response to offenders suffering from mental illness, communications, oversight and recruitment. Changes resulting from the work of the Commission will help foster our culture of public trust and ensure the fair and timely resolution of police-involved incidents.
I signed on to Michelle Obama’s ‘Mayor’s Challenge’ to end Veteran Homelessness by the end of 2015. Thanks to our strong partnership with nonprofits and faith-based organizations, homeless veterans are now quickly identified and connected to support services and housing.
2015 was an election year for local government. Please join me in saying ‘Thank you’ to retiring supervisors Gerry Hyland and Mike Frey and ‘Welcome’ to new Supervisors Dan Storck and Kathy Smith.”
Busy but Productive Year
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41):
“Several of my legislative priorities were signed into law by Governor McAuliffe in 2015. One bill, allowing elementary and middle school students an expedited retake of a SOL exam, was included in the omnibus SOL reform bill. This helps avoid delays, giving students the same opportunity as those in high school. A bill I worked on again this year, requiring local or campus law enforcement to report investigations of campus sexual assault to the Commonwealth’s Attorney within 48 hours of the victim filing a report, was incorporated into another bill and became law. Elements of my bill requiring fingerprint background checks for child-care providers were combined into an omnibus child-care safety bill. My bill, the Virginia ABLE Act, will allow families of children with disabilities to create tax-exempt, 529-like savings accounts for living expenses and the future security of loved ones. Busy but productive year in the General Assembly.”
Strategy for Success
Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock District):
“A number of important things happened in Fairfax County this year.
In March, Fairfax County created an ad hoc commission to review Fairfax County Police Department policies and practices. In October, the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission provided its final report, including 142 recommendations, to the Board of Supervisors.
This year, over 50 community and Fairfax County government leaders launched the ‘Diversion First’ initiative to reduce incarceration of those with mental illness by diverting nonviolent offenders to treatment instead.
Also this year, the Board of Supervisors helped develop the Strategic Plan for Economic Success. This plan focuses on sustainable economic growth and development by creating the necessary environment and infrastructure. As a part of this, a working group was created to devise new, innovative strategies to repurpose older, vacant office buildings for which there is little or no demand. This issue of vacant properties has been identified as a key piece of the region’s economic future.
Finally, this year both the Kings Park and Ravensworth shopping centers received much needed renovations. These efforts are a vital step in rejuvenating our area’s economy.”
Successes of 2015, Challenges of 2016
Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield):
“This year the County implemented several initiatives that will have a positive impact on County residents. ‘Text 911,’ a program that I championed, allows for persons unable to speak to send a text to 911 operators. We began implementation of the 50+ Community Action Plan to address issues critical to our growing senior population. Springfield Mall reopened as Springfield Town Center beginning the redevelopment of downtown Springfield. We also successfully showcased the County to the world during the World Police and Fire Games hosting 10,000 athletes plus their families, friends and fans.
On the transportation front I was happy to see my efforts to allow use of the I-66 shoulder lanes outside of HOV hours during periods of congestion come to fruition. We also opened the 95 Express Lanes and began planning Popes Head Interchange.
2016 will bring Fairfax County many challenges including addressing a significant budget shortfall on both the County and school sides, tackling the rise of heroin and prescription drug abuse, improving and diversifying our economy, fixing our zoning and permitting process and relieving traffic congestion in the region.