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.”
Vienna’s 100th Anniversary
Del. Mark Keam (D-35):
“The year 2015 marked the 125th anniversary of the Town of Vienna, which is located in the heart of my legislative district. Throughout the year, we held several public events to commemorate this historic occasion, including an original theatrical performance by some of our local officials, educational programs hosted by Historic Vienna, Inc., a "White Dinner" and an anniversary-themed Halloween Parade. It was so nice to see the local community come together to celebrate our small town in the middle of a big and busy county. It is remarkable that Vienna has been able to maintain such a family-friendly environment for so long, and I want to thank all of our residents and neighbors for helping make Vienna a great place to live, work, attend school, play and retire!”
Disruptive I-66 Plans
Supervisor Linda Smyth (D-Providence District):
“In Providence the most significant event of 2015 has been the Virginia Department of Transportation’s proposal for major changes to the I-66 corridor, which runs through the heart of the district. It was clear from VDOT’s first public meeting in February that Providence residents would see the most impact to their homes and property from the plans to widen I-66 and replace bridges that cross the interstate outside the Beltway. The Commonwealth Transportation Board has recently approved a preferred alternative for the project that reduces the size of the footprint for the expansion and the impact on adjoining property. However, the enormous scope of the road construction in this area could still disrupt daily lives, commutes, and businesses for years for years to come.”