Commentary

When Jane and I bought our first Prius in 2004 and our second one in 2007, we were motivated in part by the prospects that we have realized of getting more than 45 miles per gallon. It was to be our small contribution to reducing the country's dependence on foreign oil. But we very much liked the fact that the cars run so much cleaner; they do not add significantly to environmental pollution. And with the price of gas escalating we can save some money.

We enjoy swapping stories with the subculture of people who also drive the Prius. Some have reported getting more than 60 miles per gallon on some trips. The fuel-use indicator on the dashboard can definitely help a person learn to drive more economically. The consequences of a heavy foot on the accelerator are immediately clear to one's eyes.

Toyota announced recently that is going to switch one of its new U.S. plants from its planned manufacture of the Highlander SUV to making the Prius when it opens in 2010. Toyota is also slashing production of pickup trucks and SUV's as are General Motors and Ford. The symbol of automotive excess, the Hummer, has been put on the block by GM. Increased gas economy standards by the government along with higher gas prices are moving automakers towards more hybrid and alternative-fueled vehicles.

Most have recognized for many years that one of the reasons for the success of mass transit in Europe is the high price of gasoline along with the reliability and availability of mass transit. Even with gas prices exceeding four dollars in the U.S., we still have a couple of dollars to go to get to the European level of gasoline prices.

When given appropriate incentives and good information, people will change their behavior. I was part of the legislative initiative in Virginia about a decade ago that opened HOV lanes to alternative fuel vehicles. At least in part the result has been that Virginia became one of the top states next to California in the sale of the Prius and other hybrid vehicles. The surge in gas prices has seen an increase in the use of mass transit.

Public policy needs to reflect the motivators and incentives that can bring about desired behavioral changes for the public good. Tax credits at the federal and state levels need to be expanded for the purchase of hybrid and clean-fuel vehicles. Mass transit options need to be expanded, including the extension of rail in the Dulles Corridor and into Loudoun County. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure (www.fueleconomy.gov). The individual and societal benefits of the resulting behavioral changes can improve the quality of life of everyone.

Delegate Ken Plum's Weekly "Virginia Report"
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Announcements

Corrected website information:
Virginia has a new website designed to help seniors and adults with disabilities easily find information and services. Go to www.easyaccess.virginia.gov.
 
Monday, October 6, 2008, is the final day to register to vote in the General Election on Tuesday, November 4. If you are already registered at your current address, you do not need to register again. Citizens needing to verify their registration status should call 703.222.0776 as early as possible prior to the October 6 voter registration deadline. 
 
Election officers are needed to assist with the conduct of the General Election on November 4. Apply today at www.sbe.Virginia.gov/officers.
 
More than half of all Americans develop cataracts by the age of 80. The only way to determine if you have a cataract is to have an eye care professional perform an eye examination. To locate an eye care professional near you that provides services including vision exams and diagnosis, visit www.seniornavigator.org.

Calendar of Events

The DC Hemophilia Open will be held on September 5 at the Old Hickory Golf Club in Woodbridge. Shotgun start is scheduled for 12:00 noon with a Captain's Scramble format. The day will end with a dinner and silent and live auctions featuring vacation getaways, concert tickets, and sports packages. The Hemophilia Association – Capital Area utilizes proceeds from the Open to provide funding for research, education programs, and financial assistance to families. More information about the Open is at www.hacacares.org.
 
The 2008 Reston Multicultural Festival – "Discover the World in Reston!" – will be held on Saturday, September 6, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza. The event is free. Get more information at www.restoncommunitycenter.com.

The annual Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology Symposium (COVITS) takes place at the Williamsburg Marriott September 7-9. COVITS brings together a community of senior-level executives and technology decision makers from state and local government, business, and education to identify, discuss and propose solutions to Virginia's critical technology issues. Visit www.covits.org for event information.

A Public Forum will be held on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the Washington Metropolitan Region on Thursday, September 11, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, 777 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC.
 
Join the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council for a Conservation Landscaping Tour of sustainable landscapes in Fairfax and Prince William Counties on Friday, September 12, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Registration is required by September 5. The $25 fee includes lunch and transportation. For details and registration, contact Carol Heiser, Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, at 804.367.6989, TTY 711, or Christin Jolicoeur, Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District, at 703.324.1423, TTY 711.

Congressman Jim Moran's 17th Annual Women's Issues Conference will be held Saturday, September 13, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington. The Conference is free and open to the public and includes a pizza lunch. Keynote speaker will be Donna Brazile. Visit www.moran.house.gov or call 703.971.4700 for more information.
 
The 2008 International Children's Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (rain or shine) at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. This year's theme, "Connecting Cultures Through the Arts," will feature the Canadian percussionists ScrapArtsMusic, performers from China, Finland, Ghana, and Jordan, hands-on arts activities, and wonderful surprises throughout the park. Visit www.internationalchildrensfestival.org for more information. 

Virginia Voices is joining Every Child Matters in a non-partisan, nationwide event, "Step Up for Kids Day" with a rally in Virginia on September 16, 2008, to draw public attention to issues affecting America's children such as poverty, health care, juvenile incarceration, early care and education, and foster care. Get more details by emailing voices@vakids.org. 

A Restoration Celebration will be held at Montpelier, home of James and Dolley Madison, on Constitution Day, September 17, 2008, beginning at 11:00 a.m. to observe the completion of the architectural restoration of Madison's lifelong home. Festivities will include appearances by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Jim Lehrer of The News Hour, a "Living Flag" with 2,500 school children, the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, a special appearance by James and Dolley Madison, and more. Food vendors will be available; admission is free. Visit www.montpelier.org for more information about this and other events at Montpelier.

Attend the Commonwealth of Virginia Energy and Sustainability (COVES) Conference, "Meeting the Climate Challenge," on September 17-19 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, VA. For more information, go to www.vsbn.org/coves2008.

Fairfax County will host the 9th annual Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference on September 18-20 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean. For more information visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/2008/166.htm. 

The Third Annual Race into Autumn 5K and 1 Mile Run sponsored by the Therapeutic Recreation Department of Northern Virginia Training Center (NVTC) will be held at NVTC on Saturday, September 27, at 8:00 a.m., 9901 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA. This Race will benefit the Northern Virginia Training Center, a state run residential facility for adults with intellectual disabilities. for details and registration go to www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1602665&assetld=d5e316.

Ride in the Blood, Sweat & Gears Bike Ride, a 25k, 50k, or 50 mile loop through the Virginia countryside, on September 27, rain or shine. The ride starts and stops at the YMCA at 12196 Sunset Hills road, Reston. The Hemophilia Association – Capital Area sponsors this event. Go to www.hacacares.org and click on Chapter Activities to view more information about the Ride.

The 8th Annual Greater Washington Arts Committee (GWAC) Youth Art Fest will be held Saturday, September 27, at the Pavilion at Reston Town Center, 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. The GWAC Youth Art Fest is a celebration that brings together professional artists, artisans and performers to share their work and talent with children and their families. The goal of the GWAC Youth Art Festival is to expose children to a variety of artistic mediums and to work directly with professional artists in developing their artistic talents. Proceeds from the event will go to benefit Devotion to Children, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to providing high quality educational and childcare programs for children aged six and under from economically disadvantaged families. Visit www.YouthArtFest.com for more information about this year's theme, participants, judging, sponsorship opportunities, and more.

Attend the Fifth Annual 8k Run/Walk, "Kit's Miracle Mile – Rejoicing in the Triumphs of Survivors with Brain Injuries," on Sunday, September 28. Register online at www.kitsmiraclemile.org.

The Youth for Tomorrow Country Fair & Auctions will be on Saturday, October 4, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the YFT Campus, 2 miles south of Manassas, Route 28 & Linton Hall Road. This event will be hosted by Joe Gibbs, YFT's founder and chairman and former Washington Redskins coach. Visit www.youthfortomorrow.org for more event information.
 
The Virginia Recreation and Park Society's 54th Annual Conference with The Governor's Conference on Greenways, Blueways and Trails will be held October 4 through 7 at the Greater Richmond convention Center and the Richmond Marriott. Visit www.VRPS.com for information and online registration.

Oktoberfest is returning to the Reston Town Center Pavilion on October 10 and 11, 3:00 to 11:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, the best in fall brews and delicious traditional Oktoberfest faire from area restaurants will be featured. Enjoy live entertainment at the main Pavilion throughout the event. Visit www.restonchamber.org for information about sponsorship and restaurant participation opportunities.

The 7th Annual Reston Home Tour will be on Saturday, October 18, 2008, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This year's tour, "A New Perspective," will feature five private homes and a special chef presentation at Linden Springs Manor House. Get tickets online at www.restonmuseum.org. Those interested in being a Reston Home Tour docent may contact Donna Shaffer at donnas17@verizon.net or 703.437.1099. The Reston Home Tour is presented by Reston Historic Trust to benefit Reston Museum at Lake Anne Village Center.

The Virginia Council for Litter Prevention & Recycling will host a conference October 22-24 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fredericksburg. Save the date; more information on registration will be available soon.

Authorized and Paid for by Kenneth R. Plum

Delegate Kenneth R. Plum | 2073 Cobblestone Lane | Reston | VA | 20191