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Delegate Ken Plum’s Virginia E-News – May 17, 2006
COMMENTARY Constitutional Responsibility Being Ignored Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum
Last week the House of Delegates and State Senate agreed on a revised budget for FY 2006 that ends in a little more than two and a half months on June 30, 2006. The most often repeated question asked of me and other legislators is when will the General Assembly pass a budget for the 2006-2008 biennium beginning July 1, 2006. We are way past time carrying out our constitutional responsibility, and no one is more upset about that fact than I am. In a speech at the 40th Anniversary Dinner of the Dulles Area Transportation Association last week, Governor Timothy Kaine told the assembled guests that the General Assembly had a proposed budget for the biennium since late last year and a transportation plan from him since January 20. There has been ample time for the legislature to act. Aside from the minor action on the “caboose bill,” revising the current year’s budget, House and Senate Republicans have been deadlocked. The Governor is not the only one showing his impatience. On May 5 the Senate conferees wrote to Delegate Vincent Callahan, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and chief budget negotiator for the House, expressing their concern about the House’s inaction. “We sent you a budget on April 19th, but your committee has not met to consider it. You asked for transportation measures divorced from the budget, and we complied. We sent them to the House, where they now languish with no votes to approve, reject, or amend,” the Senate conferees wrote in their letter. And they pointed out in their letter, “We have said repeatedly, if you do not like our transportation plan, send us yours.” Governor Kaine told the guests at the DATA dinner that if the House Republicans did not like his transportation proposals they should send him one of their own. The Governor has repeatedly made clear his willingness to negotiate a compromise solution. But as I have made clear to many people, it is virtually impossible to negotiate with someone who stands with his arms folded, unwilling to talk. As the Senate conferees noted, “It is not just our legislation that is being ignored. The needs of our citizens are being ignored. When will the House act?” To his credit, Governor Kaine is not waiting around. He has proceeded to approve the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority’s proposal to take over building the extension of Metrorail in the Dulles Corridor giving certainty to the completion of that project. He announced last week a loan to the Route 28 tax district to complete the grade separation of the remaining intersections on that busy highway. He also announced a pilot project with Fairfax County to determine independently of any developer the traffic impacts of proposed developments. As one member of the House, I join the Senate conferees and the Governor in asking the House majority leadership to allow the House to discharge its constitutional responsibility of passing a budget.
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Plum Named to Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Board
Delegate Kenneth R. Plum has been named to the Board of Trustees of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation by the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates.
“I am pleased to be part of the Jamestown-Yorktown Board,” Plum said. A school field trip to Jamestown when I was in fourth grade was one of the things that stimulated my early interest in history and public service.”
“With the 2007 Quadricentennial of the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown, it is a particularly exciting time to be part of the organization responsible for so much of the celebration,” Plum said.
For more information on the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, visit www.jyf.virginia.gov. For information on Delegate Plum, visit www.kenplum.com.
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Delegate Ken Plum’s Weekly “Virginia Report” on Reston Comcast Channel 28
Wednesday, May 17 at 10:30 p.m. – Susan D. Garvey, State Director, Best Buddies Virginia with Brian Herbert and Jack Passalacqua – “Being and Having a Best Buddy”
Tuesday, May 23 at 10:30 p.m. and Wednesday, May 24 at 10:30 p.m. – Howard Jennings, Arlington Transportation Partners – “Transportation Demand Management”
* * * ANNOUNCEMENTS
A fund for the family of Detective Vicky Armel, Fairfax County Police detective who was killed in the line of duty last week, has been established. Donations can be sent to: Armel Family Trust Fund, c/o Fairfax County Federal Credit Union, 4201 Members Way, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Join hundreds of bicycle commuters to celebrate “Bike to Work Day” on Friday, May 19, 2006, from 6:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the Reston Town Center. Each year since 2002, cyclists have gathered at the Equity Office Pavilion for a free breakfast, a free t-shirt and water bottle, raffles of bike-related prizes, and bicycling information tables. Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins will greet the riders at 8:00 a.m. Take the Employer Challenge: Bikers from the organization with the most participants at the Reston event will receive a free lunch from Reston Whole Foods Market. Interested in becoming a local sponsor of Reston Bike to Work Day? Contact Bruce Wright at 703.758.8183.
The 15th Annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival will be held on May 20 and 21, 2006, at Reston Town Center, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days. Fabulous artwork by more than 180 of the nation’s finest painters, sculptors, fine-crafters and jewelers will be available for purchase. Added attractions are musical performances in the Pavilion, festive foods, beer garden, and artist demonstrations. GRACE is calling for volunteers for the Fine Arts Festival. If you would like to help with this fabulous 2-day event, call 703.471.9242 or email volunteer@restonarts.org.
A program on “Advocacy Planning for Students with Disabilities” will be offered on May 20 at the University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration fee is $15.00. Contact Cheryl Ward at 757.461.8007 or cward@endependence.org for more information.
Don't forget the FISH Fling Gala and Fundraiser on Saturday night, May 20, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. hosted at Sallie Mae, 12601 Bluemont Way (off Town Center Parkway). Proceeds assist Herndon-Reston residents through short-term emergencies. Enjoy festive music, games and prizes, lively auctions, and abundant refreshments. Help FISH continue its all-volunteer work providing Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help for over 35 years to local residents. Contact Lisa Groves at lisajgroves@yahoo.com or 703.860.4632 for more information.
Attend a lecture about “Metro’s Many Creators” on Monday, May 22, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC, by Zachary M. Schrag, assistant professor of history at George Mason University. A rapid transit system is not the creation of a single individual, agency, or profession, but a collaboration among planners, engineers, architects, and citizens. Mr. Schrag will present some of the interactions and debates that resulted in the Metro system we know today. Registration is required; go to www.nbm.org/Events/Calendar/Lectures_Symposia.html.
The Dulles Area Transportation Association and the Dulles Corridor Rail Association present “Transit-Oriented Development, Session Number 4, on May 22 at Fairfax County Community Services Center (Level 2 across from GAP), Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Road. Registration and continental breakfast begin at 7:30 a.m. with the program from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Email dcra@dullescorridorrail.com for more information.
Attend the Voices Workshop on May 25, 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at McLean Bible Church, 8925 Leesburg Pike - “Finding Supports and Resources for the Child with Emotional/Behavioral Special Needs.” See the details at www.vakids.org/Health/MH%20Advocacy%20Workshop.pdf or contact Kathy May at 703.955.6325 or KMay@vakids.org.
“Maintaining Service Levels” is the theme of Fairfax County’s Pandemic Flu Business Summit to be held on Friday, May 27, for Fairfax County businesses and business owners. Leaders from a variety of industries will give presentations and serve on panels as Fairfax County businesses come together to address planning needs in preparation for a possible pandemic. For more information on the Summit, contact the Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs at 703.324.3187, TTY 711.
Issues Fairfax: Workforce Housing will bring together a broad cross section of over two hundred stakeholders from our county’s business, government, community, and non-profit sectors to engage in a day-long forum about market-based and public policy strategies for addressing this issue. Attend on June 1, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Questions? email jkarr@fccc.org or call 703.752.7517.
A replica of the Godspeed, one of three original ships that brought the first permanent English settlers to Jamestown, will be at the Alexandria waterfront beginning Saturday, May 27, through Saturday, June 3. America’s 400th Anniversary Celebration launches with an 80-day sail of the newly commissioned replica of the Godspeed. The ship, sponsored by Jamestown 2007, will visit six ports along the eastern seaboard, including the local port of Alexandria. For more information about Jamestown 2007 and the Virginia 2007 program, visit www.americas400thanniversary.org or www.jamestown2007.org.
Volunteer for America’s 400th Anniversary! When the Godspeed comes to Alexandria, the ship will be accompanied by a lively “Landing Party Festival,” offering families, students, and visitors a glimpse into early 17th-century America and the legacies on which our nation was founded. The festival features musical performances and family entertainment as well as historic and cultural displays. Volunteers are needed to help enhance the experience in your port of call by assisting and directing visitors, helping stage managers and cast members, escorting local community groups and tours, and staffing information booths. Volunteers must be 18 years of age and should ideally be able to commit at least one full day or two half days to the volunteer effort. The Godspeed and its landing party will be in Alexandria’s Old Towne Waterfront May 27 through June 3. Volunteer applications may be completed online by visiting the Volunteers section at www.Americas400thAnniversary.com or by downloading a form, completing it, and mailing it to Lynn Smith, Volunteer Office, Historic Triangle Host Committee, 412 W. Francis Street, William Byrd III Stable, Williamsburg, VA 23185. Call Lynn at 757.220.7008 for more information.
Mark your calendar for the Reston Garden Tour on June 3, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit twelve of Reston’s best gardens. A variety of sizes and styles of gardens will be featured – something for everyone – have an enjoyable day while getting ideas for your own garden. The Tour is co-sponsored by Reston Association and the Reston Garden Club. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Nature House. Tickets are $20 and are available at Reston Association, The Bird Feeder, and The Reston Storefront Museum the month of May.
Governor Timothy M. Kaine has launched the Smart Beginnings initiative, directing new and improved resources to families with children from birth to age five. For more information on Smart Beginnings, or for samples from the public education campaign, visit www.governor.virginia.gov. or www.SmartBeginnings.org.
Join the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, June 6, 2006, for the 20th Chamber Cup at Westfields Golf Club, 13940 Balmoral Greens Avenue, Clifton. Registration and lunch begin at 11:00 with a Shotgun Start at 1:30 p.m. and Dinner and Awards at 6:00 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Chamber’s scholarship program for Herndon High School and South Lakes High School. Visit www.restonchamber.org for more information.
Global Change/Local Solutions is the theme for the Virginia Sustainable Building Network’s 11th Annual Meeting on June 9, Omni Charlottesville Hotel, 215 West Main Street in Charlottesville. Featured speakers and presentations will include the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, VSBN Green Innovation Awards, Charlottesville Waldorf Foundation: Campaigning to Build the Greenest School in America, Green Business Practices, and Sustainable Community Design. The meeting also includes a reception and art show at the Charlottesville Community Design Center and a Concert by John McCutcheon at Star Hill to benefit VSBN and the Charlottesville Waldorf Foundation. For program registration and sponsorship information, go to www.VSBN.org.
In March The History Channel filmed the restoration project underway at Virginia’s Capitol building. Two days of filming included the Capitol’s interior and exterior renovation, construction of the underground extension and a series of interviews about the design concepts applied by the Commonwealth to enhance and preserve this historic building. Hosted by Steve Thomas, formerly of “This Old House,” the documentary will highlight four of Thomas Jefferson’s building designs: the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, his retreat home at Poplar Forest in Bedford County, the University of Virginia, and his home at Monticello in Charlottesville. The documentary is slated to air on June 17, 8:00 p.m. EST on The History Channel. For information about the Capitol Restoration and Extension Project, go to www.VirginiaCapitol.gov.
Hear Delegate Ken Plum’s Annual State of the Commonwealth over breakfast on June 20, 8:00 a.m., at Hidden Creek Country Club. For sponsorship opportunities and invitations, contact kenplum@aol.com.
Save the Date – Saturday, September 16, 8:30 to noon – for the Rain Garden Workshop for homeowners, Meadowlark Gardens Regional Park, Vienna. Attendees will receive useful information and observe the construction of a small (home-sized) rain garden. ***************** Authorized and paid for by Kenneth R. Plum.
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