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Delegate Ken Plum spoke with U.S. Senator Jim Webb last weekend as both appeared at a local event.
October 21, 2009 |
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| Commentary
Sincerity as a Liability
Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
Creigh Deeds, the Democratic candidate for Governor, is not your usual politician. That is part of his charm. That is why people who really know him support him so strongly. Unfortunately, some of his endearing qualities may be proving to be a disadvantage in his race for governor. For example, Creigh has vast experience in state government having served in the House of Delegates and the State Senate where he continues to be a member. He knows the issues in all their complexities. When asked about issues, Creigh can discuss them in detail outlining the options and the process that would need to be followed to resolve them. For those who also know the issues and the challenges facing the Commonwealth, Creigh's answers reflect his broad experience, his maturity as a legislator, and his problem solving skills in working with diverse interests. For those who may not know him as well and for those who are working hard to develop a negative image of him, his answers may be made to sound unclear and indecisive. Some people seem to be swayed by simple answers even if they come from a strict, ideological framework.
Creigh understands the complexities of dealing with the transportation challenges facing the state. He knows that regional needs and interests are different. He knows that traditional funding sources are no longer adequate. He knows that delay is no longer an option. His response is mature, reasonable, and workable. He would follow the same process that the state followed in the mid-1980's when it faced a similar challenge and when it put together the most successful transportation program ever. That process can work again to get a bipartisan program in place.
In contrast, his opponent has some simple solutions that do not come close to addressing the problem. Taking money from an already underfunded educational system is totally unacceptable to me and most Virginians. Selling off the liquor stores may produce a one-time gain of a couple hundred million dollars but would cost localities hundreds of millions of dollars each year in future revenue that goes to local governments.
Creigh is too honest a person to give a simple answer to a complex question. His attempt to explain the considerations involved in meeting a challenge should be viewed for the sincerity, honesty, and experience it displays. It reflects the qualities we can hope to have in our next governor. He can be a governor for all regions of the Commonwealth and for all the people of the state. His approach will move Virginia forward. He is not slick, and that is his strength. He has not memorized some lines that might get him elected but might not reflect him as a person. What you see is what you get with Creigh Deeds. I see a person who is ideal to lead Virginia in these tough times. I hope you will join me in voting for him on November 3.
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Along the Campaign Trail
Plum Receives Endorsements from the Democratic Black Caucus of Virginia and the Virginia Partisans Gay and Lesbian Democratic Club
As an integral part of the Democratic Party of Virginia and the Democratic National Committee, we want to support Democratic candidates who support our mission and recognize the value of the black community to the Democratic Party.
Warm regards,
DBCV Award Committee
Evelyn Morris-Harris, Chair
Virginia Partisans endorsed you the last time you ran, and we are pleased to endorse your candidacy this year as well. We look forward to working with you throughout your campaign, and over the coming years...
Thomas L. Osborne, Treasurer
Virginia Partisans
Key Endorsements for Delegate Plum's 2009 Campaign for Re-election:
- Democratic Black Caucus of Virginia
- Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club
- Virginia AFL-CIO
- Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689
- Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce
- NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia PAC
- Virginia Education Association
- Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia
- Northern Virginia Technology Council
- Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics
- Northern Virginia/Realtors Political Action Committee
- Sierra Club
- NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia
- Virginia League of Conservation Voters
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You Are Invited to a Reception Honoring
Delegate Ken Plum
Chairman
House Democratic Caucus
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
at the home of
Chris Griffin & Don Owens
1740 Dressage Drive
Reston, Virginia
(Off Sunset Hills Drive between
Post Office and Hunter Mill Road)
Business attire. |
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Election - November 3, 2009
General Information
Voting Absentee
In-Person Absentee Voting is available at the Office of Elections, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 323, Fairfax, VA 22035, and seven Satellite locations including the North County Governmental Center, 12000 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, VA 20190.
Schedule for In-Person Absentee Voting at the Office of Elections, Fairfax County Government Center:
- Through October 31, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Saturdays, October 24 and 31, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. October 31 is the last day to vote absentee in-person.
Schedule for In-Person Absentee Voting at the North County Governmental Center
- Weekdays (M-F) - Through October 31, 3:00 to 7:30 p.m.
- Saturdays - October 24 and 31, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Absentee Voting By Mail
Applications to vote absentee by mail must be received in the Fairfax County Office of Elections no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27. The voted ballots must be received in the Office of Elections by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 3, in order to be counted.
You must complete an Absentee Ballot Application and mail it to the Office of Elections, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 323, Fairfax, VA 22035 or fax it to them at 703.324.3725. Absentee ballot applications are avialable at county government centers and libraries. You may also choose to use the fillable online absentee ballot application form found at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/eb . This form allows you to complete your absentee ballot application form online. Once you have entered the required information into the form, you must then print the form, sign the form, and then return the form either by mail to the address listed above or by fax at the number listed above.
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"Virginia Report"
Reston Comcast Channel 28
Delegate Ken Plum's weekly television show, "Virginia Report," will return after the election. See you again in late November! |
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Climate Change Citizen Action
As part of a pilot project, 10 energy-saving LED streetlights will be installed in Reston this month. Fairfax County officials are studying these lights because they may save money compared to conventional streetlights and are more environmentally friendly. The lights will be placed on Bluemont Way between Library Street and the Reston Parkway. The LEDs will replace 10 metal halide lights in this location, which is within the Reston Demonstration Lighting Area. This location was identified through consultation between the Hunter Mill Outdoor Lighting Tsk Force and the county. An LED produces a 30 percent energy savings compared to a metal halide light. Per month, 10 LEDs use 730 kilowatts of energy versus 1,058 kilowatts for the same number of metal halide lights. However, officials believe that reduced maintenance costs may be the LEDs' biggest selling point. These bulbs have an estimated 8 to 10 year lifespan, whereas conventional bulbs typically only last 4 to 6 years. LEDs also don't contain mercury or lead, the toxic metals found in conventional streetlights. This means LEDs can be easily recycled.
Governor Kaine recently announced the launch of the Virginia Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate program, a new program to encourage the purchase of high-efficiency appliances and products. The program will use $15 million in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to provide rebates to residential and commercial consumers on certain qualifying appliances and equipment. Homeowners will be eligible for rebates for 20 percent of the costs of the products, up to $2,000, and commercial consumers will be eligible for 20 percent of their costs up to $4,000. Rebates will be distributed on a first come-first served basis. Consumers will be required to complete an application form available online from the Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy. Get details and information at www.dmme.virginia.gov. |
The Plum Center for  Lifelong Learning
Join Delegate Ken Plum and his family and friends at the ribbon cutting and dedication of the Plum Center for Lifelong Learning on Sunday, October 25, 1:00 p.m., 6815 Edsall Road, Springfield. The Fairfax County School Board named the educational facility to honor Plum for leading the adult education program "from a small initiative to a world-class program with unparalleled breadth and depth."
Ken invites you and your family to attend the ceremony and a full slate of free workshops and class demonstrations, an exhibit featuring artwork by Center instructors, entertainment, children's activities, door prizes, giveaways, food, and refreshments. Instructional topics include management of personal finances, protecting identity and privacy on the Internet, pointers on using Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel, floral arranging, culinary arts, and CPR techniques. |
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H1N1 Influenza Update
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has begun implementing its voluntary, statewide H1N1 vaccination campaign. The initial focus is on vaccinating those individuals who are members of one of the following priority groups:
- children and adults aged 6 months through 24 years;
- those who live with or care for a child less than 6 months of age;
- adults age 25 through 64 with medical conditions that put them at increased risk for complications from influenza;
- all pregnant women in any stage of pregnancy; and
- healthcare and emergency services workers with direct patient care responsibilities.
Nearly 2,500 public and private sector sites in Virginia are registered with VDH to provide H1N1 vaccine. The federal government notified all of the states on October 16 that due to production delays on the part of vaccine manufacturers Virginia will not receive all of its vaccine as quickly as originally anticipated. These delays are not safety related. The vaccine will continue to go through all the normal testing and FDA clearances and be made available for use as quickly as possible. Given the current delay in receipt of additional vaccine, VDH is adjusting its distribution plans to ensure that its allcoation of vaccine remains fair and equitable. Although it will take somewhat longer than originally believed, there will still ultimately be enough vaccine for every Virginian who wishes to receive it.
VDH has a toll-free H1N1 hotline (1-877-ASK-VDH3) to respond to the public's questions, or email the VDH Inquiry Center at PHIC@vdh.virginia.gov. The VDH website www.vdh.virginia.gov contains additional information for the public including responses to Frequently Asked Questions. |
Announcements
Protect Your Identity Week is October 17-24. The Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Branch will present a free seminar about identity theft protection tomorrow, October 22, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center in Fairfax. Consumers will be able to learn how to develop a plan of action to deter identity theft. For details, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/2009/protect-your-identity-week.htm.
The Board of Supervisors designated October 19-25 as Friends of the Library Week in Fairfax County. This is the perfect time to become a "Friend of the Library." Each of our excellent library branches is aided by a Friends group. These individual groups support, assist, and promote library activities for the community. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/friends to learn more about the joy of making valuable contributions to our library branches through your volunteer activities.
In order for Virginia to advance its leadership in a global economy, we must ensure that all Virginians have access to a rigorous education program in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). On November 15 and 16, 2009, a concerted effort to begin crafting a plan for articulating and enacting a comprehensive plan begins at the "Governor's Conference for STEM Education: Creating a blueprint for Virginia's future." The conference will be held at the Hotel Roanoke in downtown Roanoke, Virginia. Visit www.cpe.vt.edu/stem for more information on the conference and registration. |
Calendar of Events
Join one of Reston Association's "Weed Warriors" projects to keep Reston's beautiful parklands free from invasive exotic plants like English ivy, Japanese honeysuckle, and bamboo. Reston's native trees, ferns, and wildflowers can be harmed from fast growing, invasive plants that threaten our local ecosystems, taking away vital food and habitat from already stressed wildlife populations. Meet your fellow volunteers at the corner of Putter Lane and North Shore Drive on Saturday, October 24, 10:00 a.m. to noon. Or meet at the Soapstone fire ring down the hill from Glade Drive on Saturday, November 21, 10:00 a.m. to noon. Wear long sleeves and long pants. RA will provide tools, gloves, snacks, and water. Adults and youth ages 10 and up are welcome. These projects also fulfill community service requirements for students. To sign up or for more information, contact Ha Brock, RA Volunteer Specialist, at habrock@reston.org or 703.435.7986.
On Saturday, October 24, the United Christian Parish of Reston presents "Music Explosion '09." The new festival of faith-inspired music and dance features matinee (3 p.m.) and evening concerts (7 p.m.) with performances by Earnest Pugh, Kim & Kelly Butler, and 10 other local groups. Tickets are $20 and $30. For information go to www.ucp-musicexplosion.org or call 703.620.3065. Proceeds will benefit local charities.
Attend the first annual music festival at United Christian Parish of Reston on Saturday, October 24, featuring afternoon and evening performances of local and nationally acclaimed vocalists singing in gospel, contemporary, spiritual, and praise styles. Proceeds will benefit two local charities. Tickets are $20 and $30. To purchase and for more information go to www.UCP-MusicExplosion.org.
Attend the ribbon cutting and dedication of The Plum Center for Lifelong Learning on Sunday, October 25, 1:00 p.m. at 6815 Edsall Road in Springfield. The Plum Center's name honors Delegate Ken Plum for leading Fairfax County Public Schools' Adult and Community Education program for nearly 30 years. Following the dedication, a full slate of free workshops and demonstrations, entertainment, children's activities, food, and refreshments will be available all afternoon. Visit www.fcps.edu/aceclasses or call 703.658.2784 for more information.
Major construction on Route 7 will ramp up soon. Attend a Route 7 Construction Briefing on Monday, October 26, at the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project Headquarters, 1st Floor auditorium, Concourse Building, at 1595 Spring Hill Road, Vienna (just past Fuddruckers & Comfort Inn). Session I begins at 7:30 a.m.; Session II begins at noon; Session III will be held at 6:00 p.m. All sessions are 1 hour in length with identical content. RSVP at katelin.walker@dullesmetro.com or 703.448.5550.
Don't forget to VOTE on Tuesday, November 3. Call Delegate Ken Plum's office mornings at 703.758.9733 if you need assistance in locating your polling place.
The Fifth Annual Fairfax County History Conference, "Fairfax: This is YOUR County!" will be held on Saturday, November 7, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church. A $20 fee for the conference includes breakfast, lunch, and parking. Registration is limited to the first 200, and advance registration is required. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Robert A. Selig discussing "The American Revolution & the Washington-Rochambeau Route in Northern Virginia." The conference will also feature exhibits and book signings. For registration information contact Lynne Garvey-Hodge at 703.322.1811 or lghassoc@erols.com.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is finalizing a 10-year comprehensive Transit Development Plan (TDP) for the county's bus system. The draft final plan will be presented at public meetings throughout Fairfax County including a public meeting on Monday, November 9, 6:00 to 8:00, at the North County Government Center, 12000 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston. Members of the public, current bus passengers, and county residents are encouraged to attend the meeting. There will be presentations, maps, charts, and personnel working on the project available to take public comments and answer questions.
The Restorative Justice Association of Virginia and its thirteen co-sponsoring organizaitons invite you to attend a one-day conference in Richmond on November 10, "A Restorative Justice Call to Action: How Grassroots Activists Can Make Restorative Justice the Policy Norm in Virginia." More information about RJAV is available at www.rjav.org.
The 23rd Annual Caregiver Conference, "Shedding Light on Dementia Care," will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Church of the Good Shepherd, 9350 Braddock Road, Burke. Conference fee is $25. To register call the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging at 703.324.7839.
If you are new, or even not-so-new, to Reston, attend Newcomers' Night on Thursday, November 12, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Reston Association Main Conference Room, 1930 Isaac Newton Square. Learn more about Reston Association and its many services, amenities, and programs. Meet RA Board members and staff and find out how you can get involved in Reston. Light refreshments will be available, and door prizes will be awarded. RSVP to Ha Brock at 703.438.7986 or habrock@reston.org.
Washington & Lee University's Community Law Center invites Virginia lawyers, law students, and advocates for ex-felons' re-enfranchisement to participate in a Restoration of Rights Roundtable on Saturday, November 14, at the Washington & Lee University Law School in Lexington, VA, from noon to 4:00 p.m. Phone 540.491.9302 or email highlandh@wlu.edu with questions or to express your interest in contributing to any or all panel discussions.
Support Devotion to Children's many programs and initiatives dedicated to helping families with children under the age of six obtain high-quality childcare and preschool services so that parents can seek and maintain gainful employment. Attend Devition to Children's annual "Red, Heart & Soul" Gala on Wednesday, November 18, 6:30 p.m. at the Waterford at Fair Oaks. Enjoy a reception, dinner, and live music. For sponsorshp and ticket information, go to www.devotiontochildren.org.
"Solar Energy Focus Conference: Fall 2009" will be held December 3-5 at the Hilton Hotel, 620 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, Maryland. This event will include an exhibit hall, morning plenary speakers, a state and local policy review, and breakout sessions. For more information, contact Marisa Applestein at marisaapplestein@360jmg.com or Peter Lowenthal at director@mdv-seia.org. Additional information may also be found at www.MDV-SEIA.org. |
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 Go Green - consider the environment! Please print this newsletter only if necessary. | |
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| Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia E-News.
Authorized by Kenneth R. Plum. Paid for by Friends of Delegate Ken Plum. |
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