Delegate Ken Plum’s Virginia E-News – August 31, 2005

COMMENTARY

Over the past year my wife and I have had our kitchen remodeled. If you have ever had the experience, you know what comes next in this story. Our contractor said the job would take 12 weeks; it took 12 months! Extra costs got loaded on: there was a vent pipe under the soffit that needed to be relocated. We decided we really wanted an upgrade beyond the basic fixtures…

With the frustration of that experience, I decided with the master bath remodeling to be my own general contractor and to do some of the work myself. The project is about half complete. At this point it appears that I will spend twice what I originally estimated and that I will be months beyond schedule.

Against these two personal real-life experiences I have followed the news accounts about the cost of extending Metrorail from West Falls Church through Tysons Corner and Reston and Herndon to Dulles Airport and Loudoun County. The parallels in my personal experiences and the public experience with Dulles Rail are striking.

Several years ago as the federally required environmental impact statement was completed for the rail project a preliminary estimate of what it would cost was made based on the cost of other such projects. This estimate that most professionals will admit privately is at best a “guesstimate” became the cost number for planning. For the press it became the cost of Dulles Rail; for the first phase it was $1.5 billion with no deviation permitted. Never mind inflation, cost of labor, increases in concrete and steel prices.

Engineering got underway. Test borings were made in the soil. Station designs were developed. A costing rather than an estimate was done based on preliminary engineering. According to the private partner doing the preliminary engineering the project could cost between $1.7 to $2.4 billion depending on the choices that were made of features and design.

In a process that was extremely transparent for government procurement, the cost range was made public. Although the press initially reported the price range, subsequent news reports and editorials in a daily newspaper stated that the cost had risen 60 percent to $2.4 billion. In the excitement of reporting the supposed increase, one editorial went further to suggest that the project “could conceivably end up costing $5 billion or more.”

In the meantime the project team led by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transit was at work making the hard choices about actual design and features of the extension. They decided on a $1.8 billion version. It offers the full service expected of the extension; it is safe, serviceable, and affordable. But not fancy.

Suddenly, according to the same daily newspaper, the price of the extension went down 25 percent. This has to be a first ever event for a public works project.

Never had the price been $1.5 billion; that was the first best “guesstimate” for planning. Never had the cost increased 60 percent to $2.4 billion; that was the upper limit of a range of price choices. And the price never dropped because it never had gone up!

Through all this experience I have remained calm. I know about cost estimating, budgeting and scheduling, and difficult choices. I have been through it with my kitchen and bath projects. Fortunately the daily newspaper never chose to report on all my agony over purchasing decisions or my negotiations with my wife.

The Virginia League of Conservation Voters (VALCV) has endorsed Delegate Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum for reelection to the House of Delegates from the 36th District.

“We appreciate your commitment to protecting Virginia’s environment and preserving its history,” Lisa Guthrie, Executive Director of VALCV told Plum when advising him of its endorsement.

“Protecting our environment is one of my top priorities,” Plum said in expressing his appreciation for the endorsement.

VALCV endorses candidates after reviewing responses to a lengthy questionnaire and an in-depth interview. In the case of incumbents, the voting record is also considered. Plum had one of the highest scores on environmental issues of the 140 members of the General Assembly.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of Hurricane Katrina. One way to provide help is to go to www.redcross.org.

A “Guide to Constituent Services” brochure has been mailed to voters in the 36th House District by Delegte Ken Plum. The Guide lists legislative, constituent, and public services available from Delegate Plum’s legislative office. To receive a copy call 703.758.9733 weekday mornings or email kenplum@aol.com.

Governor Mark R. Warner recently announced that the Science Museum of Virginia is now accepting nominations for: Virginia’s Outstanding Scientist 2006; Virginia’s Outstanding Industrialist 2006; and for Life Achievement in Science; and Life Achievement in Industry. For the past twenty-one years this program has honored men and women who have contributed to our great Commonwealth through their work in science and industry. They exemplify our commitment to welcome and encourage scientific research and high-technology business enterprises in Virginia. Please consider nominating members of your senior management, boards, research staff, and faculty for a 2006 award. A distinguished panel of judges will select the award recipients, and the awards will be presented at a black-tie dinner and awards ceremony at the Science Museum of Virginia in the spring of 2006. Visit www.smv.org, click on “About Us” and then go to Scientist and Industrialist Awards to download the forms. For questions please contact Karen Raham at 804.864.1499 or kraham@smv.org.

The Washington Regional Network for Livable Communities announces a forum, “Planning D.C.’s Transportation Future: Transit, Streets, Traffic and Parking for a Livable City” on September 7, 6:00 p.m., at the National Capital Planning Commission, 405 9th Street, NW – North Lobby, Suite 500. Featured speaker is Dan Tangherlini, Director, D.C. Department of Transportation. Come at 6:00 p.m. for refreshments, with the program beginning at 6:30. RSVP at 202.244.1105 or email staff@washingtonregion.net. This event is free of charge. See www.washingtonregion.net for more information.

Experience the “Cultural Odyssey” – be part of the 30 year Vietnamese-American Experience with Boat People SOS. The Vietnamese-American experience began with the end of the Vietnam War in which 50,000 Americans and some 500,000 South Vietnamese gave their lives. In coming to our shores, Vietnamese refugees brought with them five thousand years of tradition, a vibrant culture, and a rich treasure of personal stories. In three decades, the Vietnamese-American community here has grown by leaps and bounds. Some 100,000 Vietnamese-owned businesses contribute significantly to the economic and job growth of our region. As a national organization with a branch office in Falls Church, Boat People SOS is launching a series of events to celebrate their contributions and achievements. Attend the Community Forum on September 17, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at George Mason Regional Library. Visit the Cultural Odyssey Traveling Photo Exhibit as it makes it way through our area and experience the evolution of the Vietnamese-Americans from the tumultuous voyages of 1975 to the thriving communities of today: September 2-11 at Thomas Jefferson Community Library, 7415 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church; September 13-18 at George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale; and September 20-27 at Northern Virginia Community College, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. Through the Photo Exhibit you will experience the evolution of the Vietnamese-Americans from the tumultuous voyages of 1975 to the thriving communities of today. Visit www.bpsos.org for more information.

Parents & Associates of the Northern Virginia Training Center and the Fairfax Civitan Club are proud to announce the Fifth Annual Benefit Auction to support citizens with mental retardation complicated by other medical, physical, and behavioral disabilities. Show your support and participate in this fantastic auction on Saturday, September 17, at the Northern Virginia Training Center, 9901 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA. Preview of auction items is at 8:00 a.m. with the Live Auction beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the Silent Auction period running from 8:00 a.m. to noon. 100% of the proceeds of this fantastic auction are used to benefit people with mental retardation. Visit www.parentsandassociatesnvtc.com for more information.

Connect with your community at Volunteeria. The Reston Community Center (RCC) and Reston Association invite you to their annual Volunteeria event on Thursday, September 22, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Hunters Woods facility at 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Volunteeria is a volunteer fair. At volunteeria you can recruit volunteers, network with your peers, and increase community awareness of your organization and its mission. Volunteeria is free, but registration is required. To participate, your organization must register no later than August 29. To register and get additional information, contact Anna Dowdell at 703.476.4500, ext. 6160, or email Anna.Dowdell@FairfaxCounty.gov.

Save the Date and Join the Buddy Walk on September 24! Don’t miss the fun! The Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV) invites you to participate in its 2005 Inaugural Buddy Walk. The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to bring together a wide range of concerned individuals reaching out to friends, family, co-workers, teachers, professionals and leaders in the community to promote awareness and inclusion for people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for education, research, and advocacy programs. The Buddy Walk will take place on September 24 at the Fairfax County Government Center Ellipse from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A large festival will follow the half-mile walk with nationially recognized musicians, clowns, cartoon characters, children’s activities, food vendors, an exhibitor pavilion, and much more. Visit www.dsanv.org for more information.

Join the MArcH for Virginians with Disabilities on October 1 in Richmond. The Arc of Virginia and its 22 affiliated chapters will March from Mayo Island in Richmond to the Bell Tower on the Capitol Grounds on October 1 to show our elected officials and communities that Virginians with disabilities desire what all Virginians want: A life like yours, a place to call home, access to health care, transportation, an education, a job, recreation, and a safe community. For more information call The Arc of Virginia at 888.604.2677 or visit www.ArcofVa.org.

The 54th Virginia Transportation Conference will be held October 26-28 at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, Roanoke, Virginia. The Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Virginia Port Authority, Virginia Department of Aviation, and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute will host the conference. This year’s them is “Virginia Transportation at the Crossroads – Investing in Mobility and Accessibility.” The multi-modal theme will offer opportunities to explore a number of solutions to the difficult transportation issues we face in Virginia. Visit vatransconf.org for details about speakers, sessions, and registration information.

PFLAG keeps families together. Join them for discussion among parents, families, and friends of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people as well as GLBT people themselves. They offer a safe, comfortable environment to share thoughts, feelings, fears, disappointments, joys, problems, and small victories. They meet the fourth Monday of the month. Contact Maryanne Warrick at mawarrick@aol.com for details.

CALENDAR

Wednesday, August 31, 10:30 p.m. – tune in to Delegate Ken Plum’s “Virginia Report” on Comcast Channel 28 – Mary Brown and Nick Abrash, REACT (Reston Environmental Action) – “Mobilizing for a Healthy Environment.”

Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28, 2:30 p.m. – Voter Registration Drive in Reston. See item above for details.

September 2 through 27 – Cultural Odyssey, the 30 Year Vietnamese-American Experience. See announcement above for Community Forum and Traveling Photo Exhibit dates.

Tuesday, September 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, September 7 at 10:30 p.m. – tune in to Delegate Ken Plum’s “Virginia Report” on Comcast Channel 28 – Kathy Lamkin and Shirley Askew of the National Council of Negro Women – “An Historic Celebration of Women.”

Wednesday, September 7, 6:00 p.m. – “Planning D.C.’s Transportation Future: Transit, Streets, Traffic and Parking for a Livable City” – see announcement above for details.

Saturday and Sunday, September 10-11 – Black Family Reunion on The Mall in Washington, D.C. For information call Shirley Askew at 703.450-2229.

Wednesday through Friday, September 13-15 – Virginia’s Sustainable Future Summit in Richmond. Visit www.vsf3.org for information about the Summit.

Saturday, September 17, 8:00 to Noon – Fifth Annual Benefit Auction for the Northern Virginia Training Center. See item above for details.

Sunday, September 18, 2:00-4:00 p.m. – National Council of Negro Women Annual Meeting at Reston Regional Library. New members are invited. For more information, call Shirley Askew at 703.450-2229.

Tuesday, September 20, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Reception honoring Delegate Ken Plum with Governor Mark R. Warner as special guest at the home of Boofie and Joe O’Gorman, 11570 Greenwich Point Road, North Reston. For more information, call 703.391.2978 or email AllisonDickert@gmail.com.

Thursday, September 22, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. – Volunteeria at Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods. See item above for registration information.

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Authorized and paid for by Kenneth R. Plum.

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