|
Delegate Ken Plum's
Virginia e-News
|
|
Commentary
Picking Candidates
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
In case you have forgotten, next Tuesday, June 11 is Democratic Party statewide primary election day. It is a day when Democrats go to the polls to select their candidates for lieutenant governor, attorney general, and if you live next door in Herndon a Democratic candidate for the House of Delegates. The very faithful Democrats will be going to the polls in a vote that is likely to have turnout in the single digits. Since Virginia does not have registration by political party, some few Republicans may show up to vote in the primary for the candidate they perceive as being the easiest to defeat in November, although there are a few Republican primaries for the House of Delegates. While primary elections are considered to be the most democratic way to select candidates, these elections suffer from little public notice or awareness, low voter turnout, and the use of scarce resources that will not be available for the general election.
Despite the fact that State Senator Ralph Northam and former Secretary of Technology Aneesh Chopra have been campaigning nonstop for months for the lieutenant governor nomination, their name recognition is minimal. The same is true for State Senator Mark Herring and former federal prosecutor Justin Fairfax who are campaigning for the attorney general nomination. All are excellent middle-of-the-road candidates who would serve the Commonwealth well. Although Northam and Herring are my favorites, I could happily campaign in the fall with any of them.
Despite its shortcomings in low voter participation, the primary method of selecting candidates is superior in many ways to the convention method the Republican Party of Virginia chose to pick its statewide nominees. On the Democratic side Terry McAuliffe is the Democratic nominee and was unchallenged for the nomination. On the Republican side, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is the unchallenged Republican nominee by virtue of the fact that Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling dropped out of the race for the nomination when the convention method was chosen for selecting the nominee. He recognized that the most conservative party members controlled the party and would control the convention. Seeing sure defeat ahead, he chose not to run. The wisdom of his decision was clear when the convention picked the most conservative of the seven candidates for the lieutenant governor nomination, Bishop E.W. Jackson, and for attorney general State Senator Mark Obenshain who had just one challenger. Once again a convention with low participation--even less than a primary--picked candidates to enter the general election.
Certainly I think the primary method is the better of the two ways to select candidates. Unfortunately in the House of Delegates races again this year there will be many uncontested elections. While candidates at every level will be working hard to get voter attention, it is important that voters work hard to get to know the candidates. Take my word for it; the choices could not be more stark for the fall election. Virginia is at an important crossroads; voters must be alert to steer us in a progressive direction.
|
|
Virginia Report on Comcast Channel 28
 Tune in to Ken's weekly television program, Virginia Report, on Reston Comcast Channel 28 for public service programming. Ken interviews state and local leaders who are making news by making a difference. Watch these upcoming programs:
TONIGHT - Wednesday, June 5 at 10:30 p.m. - Dr. Robin Baker and Danielle Bischoff, The March of Dimes, "Stronger, Healthier Babies"
Tuesday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, June 12 at 10:30 p.m. - Elaine Tholen & Talia Schmitt, NoVA Outside, "School Environmental Action Showcase"
|
Virginia Primary June 11: Absentee voting is underway for the June 11 Virginia primary. Voting for the primary is open to all registered voters. The ballot includes Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general. (Republican candidates were chosen through an earlier convention.)The Virginia general election is Nov. 5 and will include elections for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and the House of Delegates. Qualified residents may vote in-person at the Fairfax County Government Center until June 8: --Weekdays: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. --Extended Thursday hours until 7:00 p.m. --Saturday, June 8: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
For more information about absentee voting or qualifications, call the Office of Elections at 703-222-0776 or visit primary election information.
***************************** Fairfax County Seeks Election Officers: The Fairfax County Office of Elections is recruiting election officers for the June 11 Primary Election and/or the November 5 General Election. Qualified residents with bilingual language and technology skills are especially needed. Election officers are paid $100 for working all of Election Day (approximately 15 hours); $50 for a half day (approximately 8 hours). Each election officer is required to attend a one-time training class. There are two ways to apply to become an election officer:
--Email elect@fairfaxcounty.gov. Include full name, current address, daytime telephone number, and your date of birth. This information is necessary in order to verify your voter registration. --Call 703-324-4735, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
|
 
UNITED WAY NATIONAL CAPITAL AREA TO HOST 24 HOURS OF ONLINE GIVING AND SOCIAL ACTION ON JUNE 6
Do More24 Campaign Encourages and Engages Residents to Give Where They Live
To be part of Do More 24, United Way National Capital Area urges area residents to:
* Go to domore24.org on June 6, make a donation to your favorite charity (searchable by location or category) or to the Do More 24 Fund and encourage others to do the same |
|
Bulletin Board
What's in the Bag? Hometown Harvest delivers weekly bags of the best variety of local fruits, vegetables, and herbs as they mature with the season. The menu changes every week. Many folks love the variety of a fixed, seasonal bag, however, there is the option to customize your bag per your tastes and meal planning needs. Add on meat, eggs, cheese, breads, and more to complete your order. For more information, go to Hometown Harvest.
Fairfax Trail Buddy: Fairfax County offers over 900 miles of trails, bikeways and sidewalks for non-motorized transportation that have been mapped using a Geographic Information Systems database. Fairfax Trail Buddy is a web-based mapping tool that allows you to discover the extensive network of Fairfax County Park trails. Fairfax Trail Buddy also provides access to the Bike Fairfax Interactive Bike Map, which highlights the most desirable on-road and off-road bike routes for recreational and commuter bicyclists. The web map is accessible from all types of devices and operating systems. For information on downloading the maps, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/trails.
Volunteer Opportunities:
--Fairfax County's Volunteer Solutions program needs volunteer Meals on Wheels drivers throughout the county, especially in McLean, Reston, and the Vietnamese routes in Annandale and Falls Church (not necessary to speak Vietnamese). Meals on Wheels volunteers may choose to drive weekly, biweekly, monthly, or be a substitute. Meals are generally delivered Monday through Friday, between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
--Fairfax County Animal Shelters need volunteers to walk dogs, greet visitors, help with community outreach, help with animal socialization, and assist in the foster programs. Older adults are particularly needed. Contact Kristen Auerbach at kristen.auerbach@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-0208.
|
|
Calendar of Events
Tonight: Wednesday, June 5, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Reception honoring Northern Virginia Members of the General Assembly who supported the Transportation Legislation (HB2313) which provides $300 million for the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project. Hosted by Comstock Partners, 1886 Metro Center Drive, Reston. For sponsorships and additional information or to RSVP, call 571-296-1552 or email dcra@dullescorridorrail.com.
Thursday, June 6, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Home Food Preservation class: covers food preservation methods, including canning, fermentation, drying/dehydration and freezing. Learn about food preservation, kitchen safety, and food/recipe selection. Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston. $5 for Reston Association members, $8 for nonmembers. Call 703-476-9689 (press 5) or email naturecenter@reston.org.
Bread for the World's 2013 National Gathering: A Place at the Table will take place June 8-11 in Washington, D.C. More information is at National Gathering. "A Place at the Table" is the name of both a major new documentary and the 2013 Offering of Letters campaign. For more information go to www.bread.org/go/1000days.
Celebrate Fairfax!, Northern Virginia's annual community-wide celebration, will be held June 7-9 at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Hours are: Friday--6:00 p.m.-midnight; Saturday--10:00 a.m.- midnight; Sunday--11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Presented by Celebrate Fairfax, Inc., the festival hosts tens of thousands of visitors during the 3-day run and features 25 acres of concerts, family programs, green living demonstrations, carnival rides, and nightly fireworks. For more information, visit www.celebratefairfax.com or call 703-324-3247.
Love Your Body - Northern Virginia Yoga and Wellness Day on Sunday, June 9 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market Street, Reston. Yoga studios and wellness centers of Northern Virginia will offer classes, provide services, and share information at the free, fifth annual Love Your Body Day. Presented by Beloved Yoga, the event features activities for the whole family, including live music on stage, complimentary massages, energy healing demonstrations, healthy food samples, plus opportunities to learn about alternative healing therapies such as Reiki, chiropractic, massage, and yoga. Information at www.BelovedYoga.com or call 703-860-9642.
Video Screening of The History of Transportation in Fairfax County, Wednesday, June 12, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., at the Angelika Film Center & Cafe in Merrifield, 2911 District Ave. @ Lee Highway & Gallows Road, Fairfax. A distinguished panel will discuss the past, present, and future of transportation in Fairfax County. Free admission. Free parking. Open to all. For more information, visit Evolution of Transportation. Click here to register: Register now!
Thursday, June 13, 7:30-9:00 p.m., Trinity Presbyterian Church in Herndon will host a showing of the documentary Trigger: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence. Trigger addresses the critical issue of gun violence prevention (such as keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill) by moving the conversation away from the polarizing extremes that have long dominated the debate and lifting up the voices and experiences of those who seek common ground and a new way forward. Trinity is located at 651 Drainesville Road, Herndon. For more information call 703-437-5500 or email pastor@trinityherndon.org.
The Strong Kids, Strong Virginia campaign is getting underway in our area with a gathering on Thursday, June 20, 11:00 a.m. at the Child Development Center of the Annandale Christian Community for Action, 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale. More information is at www.strongkidsstrongvirginia.com.
Electric Sunday TV and Computer Recycling, Sunday, June 23, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., I-66 Transfer Station, 4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax. For updates, cancellations, and notifications of events, call 703-324-5052.
Delegate Ken Plum's State of the Commonwealth Breakfast, Wednesday, June 26, 8:00-9:00 a.m., American Tap Room, 1811 Library Street in Reston Town Center. Come hear Ken's "wag of the finger and tip of the hat." RSVP at https://secure.actblue.com/page/2013soc.
Reston's First Community Energy Fair will be on Sunday, July 14, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Walker Nature Center. Fair is free, but there will be a small materials fee for some activities. Will include a Green Living workshop on "How to Build a Solar Generator" (requires preregistration and fee). To volunteer or participate, email klpelliott@verizon.net.
Wednesday, July 24, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Community Cookout at Hunters Woods Pool, 2501 Reston Parkway. For more information contact Kevin Danaher at kevin.danaher@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-390-6166.
Tuesday, August 6, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Community Cookout at Lake Newport Pool, 11601 Lake Newport Road. For more information contact Kevin Danaher at kevin.danaher@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-390-6166.
On August 11 at 8:00 a.m. the YMCA Fairfax County Reston and Reston Association will be holding the third annual Reston Kid's Triathlon. The event is intended to be a fun opportunity for youngsters to stay active through the summer and learn about the fast growing sport of triathlon. In keeping with the missions of the sponsoring organizations, a number of the participants will be from families who might not be able to afford the entry fee and equipment for the event. Through individual and corporate sponsors their costs will be covered. All net proceeds from this event will be used for the Y and RA youth scholarship programs. For more information, visit www.restonkidstri.org.
|
|
|
|
|
|
