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Peace Progress
December 2013
In This Issue
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2013-Peace Family
Message from Chris

At this time of year when many observe a period of reflection and of waiting, more commonly known as Advent, I also take stock of the year that was and begin planning for the opportunities ahead in 2014. As I list the things for which I am thankful and try to outline resolutions for the New Year, I am compelled to first acknowledge the great honor given to me by the citizens of the 97th District for another term in the Virginia House of Delegates. Ashley joins me in thanking you for your continued support and friendship.

 

With our election past, it is time to begin the process of governing, especially with the new Assembly session convening on January 8th. Governing is not always easy, and after this fall's statewide election cycle the landscape on Capitol Hill is dramatically different than what we have experienced over the past four years. Since being elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2006, I have worked with my General Assembly colleagues and two Administrations to find common-sense conservative solutions to our state's problems and I will continue to do so.

 

But let's face facts. 2013 was not a stellar year for the Grand Old Party in Virginia. There are now no statewide Republican office holders elected for the first time since the late 1960's. Noteworthy leaders of our party have recently outlined strong ideas for victory in the coming years and much of what has been said is common sense. If I were to summarize the sentiment I would repeat what I have said for a long time, "we just need to be normal." It shouldn't be hard, should it? But what does normal mean? To me, it is about caring about people first. How can you expect people to vote for you if you cannot relate. Those of us with leadership positions must present solutions to problems that everyday Virginians face. We need to listen to the members of our community who may maintain different perspectives and still acknowledge that they are also Virginians. We are not enemies; we are neighbors. Let's us inquire "Is what we hold in common greater than what separates us?" I pray so for if not then the fabric of our society and social compact that leads to order and prosperity are in serious jeopardy. By listening and working together for the common good, Virginia will be the better in spite of the cynics. And it might surprise some, that this form civil engagement might also win elections. Therefore, to my Republican friends, compromise is not capitulation. And now is not the time to be disillusioned, retreat and miss opportunities to engage. It is quite the opposite.

 

As your elected leaders, we need to create a climate where Virginia is a better place to live, work and raise a family. We have tremendous responsibilities to be good stewards of the public trust and of public resources. For me, the march forward began after the elections were over. With the potential of essentially becoming a Republican minority on Capitol Hill, as a member in the only Republican body remaining after the elections, I thought about how my constituents would benefit if I were to adopt the more popular political mantra of "I hope they fail." By sitting out the next few years, we do our constituents, our state and our future a disservice. It is important to find a seat at the table and be willing to find ways to keep Virginia competitive for jobs, with a low tax burden, great colleges and universities and a place pursue the American Dream.

 

For 2014 and beyond, I commit myself to this "Virginia Way" and have faith that we may find common ground wherever practicable for the purposes of meeting the needs of the Commonwealth and her citizens.

 


CKP Floor Speech
2014 General Assembly Session Information

The 2014 General Assembly regular session begins on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 and goes through Saturday, March 8, 2014. This is a sixty day session, as the legislature will be considering the new 2014-2016 biennial budget.


If you, a school group or civic organization are interested in visiting during session, all information may be obtained here

If my office may be of assistance in planning a Capitol visit, please do not hesitate to contact us.  

 

 

Legislation
  

 

Governor McDonnell
Announces Major Step Forward in Widening I-64 from Richmond to Newport News

Final Environmental Impact Statement Approved by Federal Government

Governor's 2013 Transportation Bill Provides Funding to Begin the Widening with Section of I-64 in Newport News

  

Governor Bob McDonnell announced a significant development to ease congestion and increase safety on I-64 in the Hampton Roads and Richmond regions.  The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has signed the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), which supports the future widening of 75 miles of I-64 from I-95 in Richmond to I-664 in Hampton.  As a result of new transportation funding passed by the General Assembly earlier this year, about $100 million is currently now available to widen a section of I-64 in Newport News.  

 

"The signing of the FEIS is a critical step toward advancing improvements to highly traveled and congested areas of I-64 for commuters and travelers alike," said Governor McDonnell.  "The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) worked diligently with the public, localities and the FHWA to get environmental work to a pivotal stage.  Most importantly, because of the historic transportation funding package passed this year with bipartisan support, we now have the funding available to move past studies and into actual construction. It has been a long time since Virginia had the resources necessary to begin projects of this size and scope. We are now on the way to beginning the process of widening I-64 between Richmond and Newport News, saving drivers time and money on one of the most highly-traveled roads in Virginia."

 

The FEIS identifies an alternative that allows adding lanes to a 75 mile stretch of I-64 between Hampton and Richmond.  The decision on whether to widen inside the median or outside the existing roadway would be made on a section-by-section basis and closely coordinated with localities.  Sections of roadway will be improved as funding is made available. 

 

Currently, $100 million is programmed to widen five miles of I-64 from Jefferson Avenue to Fort Eustis Boulevard in Newport News.  This section would be widened by one lane and a shoulder in each direction, increasing capacity for nearly 100,000 vehicles that drive this section of roadway every day.

 

Next steps require the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization to include the funding for this segment in their Transportation Improvement and Long Range plans.  The FHWA will then issue a Record of Decision (ROD) on the segment following the update of the planning documents, which is expected by early next year.  The ROD provides approval for the funded segment.  VDOT is aggressively pursuing a design build advertisement by mid-2014. 

 

"By completing the FEIS, the Commonwealth is making incredible strides to meet serious transportation needs along heavily congested and traveled areas of  I-64," said  Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton.  "We're getting off to a good start by directing some of the new transportation funds to get the first segment widened."

 

VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley added, "The federal approval follows several months of public review and input in addition to support by localities.  Moving forward, VDOT will continue to work closely with the public and localities on I-64 improvements."

 

For more background information on the study, go to the following link:

Information on Common Ground Transition

 

For information on the Common Ground for Virginia and the Office of Governor -Elect Terry McAuliffe please visit https://govelect.virginia.gov/ 

 

Here you will find contact information for the Governor-Elect's transition office.  Also, if you are interested in a position in the Executive Branch, you may submit a resume via this site or submit recommendation for an applicant. 

 

 


Design unveiled for Second Annual Virginia Capitol Ornament:

Second in a series of annual collectible ornaments, the 2013 Virginia Capitol Ornament features the historic Bell Tower on Capitol Square. 

 

Finished in brilliant 24K gold over polished brass, made entirely in the U.S.A, and presented in a handsome gift box, the ornament makes a perfect gift for colleagues and friends. 

 

All proceeds support the Virginia Capitol Foundation's mission to enhance the educational and cultural potential of Capitol Square's historic treasures through program development and community engagement. 

 

The First Annual Virginia Capitol Ornament*, introduced in 2012, featured the Jefferson-designed Capitol.  "The Foundation is pleased to be able to offer these limited-edition ornaments to celebrate and support Capitol Square while establishing a new tradition for the Commonwealth," said Foundation Trustee and program chair Wendy Church Sydnor.

 

Cost per ornament:    

1 or 2 $23.50 each + $5 shipping

3 or 4 $21.50 each + $10 shipping

5 or more - $19.50 each (call for shipping cost)

 

Call with credit card (804) 786-1010.  Mail check payable to VCF, P.O. Box 396, Richmond, VA 23218.  Go online to our secure site: https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/VirginiaCapitolPreservationFo/ornamentsale.html  

 

*A limited number of 2012 ornaments are available.  Please visit our website at http://virginiacapitol.gov 

 

The Virginia Capitol Foundation is the nonprofit advocate for the Capitol, Capitol Square, and Executive Mansion, enhancing the educational, cultural, and economic potential of Capitol Square's historic treasures through program development and community engagement.

 


Contact Me
  

My office takes the responsibility of serving seriously. My staff is available during the week to assist you with your concerns; I am also readily available. Please continue to contact me whenever you have concerns or issues of importance to our community and the Commonwealth.

 

 

I may be reached at:

 

Capitol Office:

 

PO Box 406

Richmond, VA 23218

Phone: 804-698-1097

Fax: 804-698-6797

E-mail: [email protected]  

 

District Office:

 

Physical Address:

Battlefield Commons

8101 Vanguard Dr, Suite 150

Mechanicsville, VA 23111

 

 Mailing Address:

PO Box 819

Mechanicsville, VA 23111

 

Phone: 804-730-3737

E-mail: [email protected] 


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