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.
The year 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.”
Cranes Are Back, Big Time!
Del. Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum (D-36):
“While some look at the jagged lines on a graph to see how a region is doing economically, I have a much simpler approach: I look at the distant horizon and count the number of construction cranes I see looming. For several years they had disappeared during the Great Recession, but they are back big time! Reston Station has had a couple of cranes in place finishing the Blvd Apartments that will be opening next year. They were replaced by another crane at the office building going up on the plaza at Reston Station. Around the corner, two cranes are working on an apartment building that will join the recently-opened Harrison Apartments and Avant at Town Center. Spectrum is undergoing rejuvenation. All the construction is an indicator that our economy is healthy and that we will be able to enjoy the educational, cultural and community advantages that come with prosperity.”