New precincts include: Monument, Eagle View, Fair Oaks, Willow Springs (part), Powell, Stone (part), London Towne East, and London Towne West (part).
Precincts that I am heart-broken to lose include: Mantua, Price, Pine Ridge, Camelot, Ridgelea, Mosby (but only a part), Olde Creek, Woodson (except for the GMU campus), Robinson, and Bonnie Brae.
Of all the things we do in the General Assembly, the process of redistricting has probably been the toughest. It has certainly strengthened my conviction that Virginia should adopt a non-partisan system of redistricting similar to that used in several other states. However, since legislation has failed over the past several years (actually it passed the Senate and died in a House subcommittee) I tried to do my best with the current system. This included making sure that the City of Fairfax was not split. The plan now goes to the federal Department of Justice for review under the Civil Rights Act.
While I am very sad to lose so many wonderful constituents, I look forward to meeting many new people and working hard on their behalf here in the community and down in Richmond. However, until next January I still represent the current 37th District and hope you will not hesitate to call on me if I can be of assistance or if you have an idea for legislation.
Tank Farm Bill Update
Thank you to everyone who wrote letters asking the Governor to support legislation introduced by Senator Petersen and me (HB2103 and SB843) that would require the Pickett Road Tank Farm to bring their above ground storage tanks into conformance with modern industry standards. As mentioned in my last Focus on Fairfax, the Governor proposed amendments that weakened the bills. While the amendments made the legislation state-wide, they also took away reference to specific requirements and time-lines for action. The House of Delegates rejected the amendments on a 16Y-84N vote. The Governor now has 30 days to decide whether to veto the bills or allow them to become law.
CASA Run for the Children
Are you a runner? Would you like to support a great organization that provides advocacy and a voice for more than 5,000 children who are under court protection due to a finding of abuse or neglect by their parents on caregivers? Would you like the satisfaction of out-running your representative in the House of Delegates?
Come join me on April 30th for the first annual Run for the Children to benefit the Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Since I am a race sponsor, the first 10 constituents who would like to run with me as part of "Team Bulova" are free. The race begins at the Fairfax County Courthouse and goes through the City of Fairfax. The 10K race begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 3K run/walk begins at 9:00 a.m.
Please check out www.fairfaxrunforthechildren.com for more information and let me know if you are interested.
