April 6, 2016
 
 
Delegate Ken Plum's 
Virginia E-News
 I was honored several years ago to introduce Bob Simon to the members of the House of Delegates.

Commentary

Citizens' Ability to Know                      
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum

A concern in Virginia over who was financing campaigns in the Commonwealth led the state's largest newspapers in 1997 to create the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP). The idea was simply to make public information on campaign finance documents as to who was funding political campaigns. Virginia does not limit contributions to campaigns but requires that the names and addresses of contributors and the amount of contributions be filed periodically with the state on designated forms. The advent of VPAP as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization put that information on the Internet for the public to see. Visit vpap.org to see who contributes to me and to all the other elected officials in the state.
 
The original purpose of VPAP is a very important one, but its board and staff have creatively turned its website into a very important place to visit if you want to know more about Virginia and its governance. In addition to knowing the contributors to election campaigns, the website classifies contributions by occupational areas. For example, it is possible to see how much money has been contributed to a candidate from real estate, energy, education, banking, and other interests. VPAP describes itself as "fiercely nonpartisan." It does not pass judgment on any of the material it presents, allowing citizens to make their own evaluation of information taken directly from public documents. It presents its information in an easily accessible way with accompanying links and charts to assist understanding.
 
Want to know who is influencing government? Check their list of registered lobbyists. Want to know results of recent elections with vote counts? Check their website for federal, state, and local election results. See who the top donors are and where their contributions are going.
 
VPAP's website also provides interesting information on General Assembly members: length of service, margin of victory in last election, bills sponsored, gifts and paid conferences, committees and other information. A useful guide helps citizens learn about advocacy and how to make your voice be heard. There is even a guide to visiting Capitol Square.
 
A series of very informative maps provides statistical details on "All Things Virginia." These include income inequality, health outcomes, cancer incidence rates, broadband access, population changes, 3rd grade reading pass rates, and other data. Probably one of its most popular services is its daily clipping service available via email of the top news stories from newspapers throughout the state. This service was started by a private citizen, Tom Whipple of Arlington, and is available early morning each day.
 
As a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, the Virginia Public Access Project depends on contributions for support. As an open-government organization, it lists all its supporters on its website. I find its services to be indispensable to good government, and I am a contributor. Check out the website if you have not done so already and consider being a contributor as well.
 
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 (Verizon Channel 1981). Ken interviews state and local leaders who are making news by making a difference.

TONIGHT- Wednesday, April 6 at 10:30 p.m., Delegate Plum talks with Darcy Cunningham of CASA Fairfax
    
Tuesday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, April 13 at 10:30 p.m., Delegate Plum talks with Elizabeth English about the Collaborative Classroom

Virginia Report is also available for viewing online at
www.youtube.com/watch. Previous shows can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/album/1650266. 


Bulletin Board  
 
Become an Election Officer 


Fairfax County election officers are paid $175 for working a full Election Day. Volunteers welcome. Bilingual citizens are encouraged to serve as election officers. Information is at Fairfax Elections or call 703-324-4735. 


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Proposal to Start School Before Labor Day 
in School Year 2017-18 


The Fairfax County School Board is seeking input on starting school in 2017-18 prior to Labor Day. A survey has been sent to parents and staff to determine support. The survey is available here.
 
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I-66 Inside the Beltway Categorical Exclusion Now Available for Public Review and Input 

The Transform 66 Inside the Beltway Categorical Exclusion (CE) is now available for public review and comment until April 15, 2016.  The CE may be viewed on the project website at 
inside.transform66.org.

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Sorensen Institute: Now accepting applications 
for 2016 Emerging Leaders Program


The Emerging Leaders Program is designed for 22-32-year-olds working in state and local government who are interested in becoming more active in public service and public policy. Participation in the program will help train young professionals how to be effective policy leaders and advocates in our Commonwealth. The Sorensen Institute is focused on preserving the values of trust, civility, and respect in politics. Deadline for applications is Friday, May 27. Details are at Emerging Leaders Program. 

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Cartons are Recyclable in Fairfax County


Throughout Fairfax County, you can now place cartons in your recycling bin. This new addition to our program will help divert more materials from the landfill. Details are at recycle cartons.





Calendar of Events      

Today through Sunday, Reston Founder's Week. A week of events to celebrate and give those who live, work and play in Reston a chance to reconnect to founder Bob Simon and the spirit of his vision and his life. A full schedule of events is at Founder's Week. An extensive listing of events and sponsors can be downloaded here. To request this information in an alternate format, call BeBe Nguyen at 703-390-6145. 
 
Thursday, April 7, 5:30 to 10:00 p.m., Best of Reston Awards Gala, at Hyatt Regency Reston. Details are at Best of Reston. 
 
Friday, April 8, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Empty Bowls fundraiser to help fight hunger and food insecurity in our community. At Floris United Methodist Church, 13600 Frying Pan Road in Herndon. Further details are at Empty Bowls.
Wednesday, April 13, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., Silver Line Development Update, at AOl Campus, 22000 AOL Way, Dulles.
Seminar Agenda: View Here. Cost: $40 per person, RSVP required. RSVP Here. For more information, call 703-430-8749, email info@committeefordulles.org or visit committeefordulles.org. 

Saturday, April 16, is Healthcare Decisions Day, meant to raise public awareness of the need to plan ahead for healthcare decisions related to end-of-life care and medical decision making whenever patients are unable to speak for themselves. Learn more at www.nhdd.org/resources.  
 
Saturday, April 16, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Living Well, Aging Well Summit, at Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Free event, for older adults & people with disabilities. Download a flyer here. Register here.

Saturday, April 16, 5:30 p.m., Equality Virginia's 13th Annual Commonwealth Dinner, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 North Third Street, Richmond. Virginia's largest gala for the LGBT community and allies celebrates the hard work of advocates across the Commonwealth during this year's General Assembly session. Find information and purchase tickets at Commonwealth Dinner.

Saturday, April 23, noon to 6:00 p.m., Diva Central Event, at Reston Community Center Lake Anne, 1609-A Washington Plaza. The one-day event is open to any current high school student who is in need of a prom dress and other accessories. Everything is absolutely FREE. Limit one dress per person. Download a flyer here. 

Saturday, April 23, 6:00 to 11:00 p.m., FISH Fling Gala, at Hyatt Dulles Hotel, 2300 Dulles Corner Boulevard in Herndon. Download a flyer for the event here. For more information on FISH, visit herndonrestonfish.org.
 
April 23 to 30, Historic Garden Week. House & garden tours offered statewide. Learn more at vagardenweek.org.

Sunday, April 24, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Reston Citizens Association (RCA) 2015 Reston Citizen of the Year Award presentation, at the Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods, Community Room, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. More information is at Citizen of the Year.
 
April 25-26, National Reduce Tobacco Use Conference, showcasing the latest in tobacco-use prevention, reduction, and cessation with youth and young adults. For more information, visit reducetobaccouse.org. 
 
Saturday, April 30, Fairfax CASA Run for the Children Race, Starting Time: 8:00 a.m., at the Fairfax County Courthouse complex. Features music, food, prizes and raffle items. Raises money to help Fairfax CASA volunteers advocate for those children under the court's protection. Details are at Run for the Children.   

Saturday, April 30, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Bicycle Safety Rodeo, Ages 5-12 years, at the YMCA, 12196 Sunset Hills Road, Reston. Stop by anytime. Course takes 20 minutes to complete. Children must bring their own bicycles and helmets in order to participate. For more information, contact Ashleigh@reston.org or call 703-435-6577.

Saturday, April 30, 10:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m., Reston Home & Garden Expo, at Reston Association Headquarters, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston. For more information contact Reston Association Member Services at Member_services@reston.org or 703-435-6530.

Sunday, May 1, Hopecam 5K Run/Walk. Hopecam uses technology to connect children undergoing treatment for cancer with their friends at school, and the 5K raises money for their mission. Start and finish are at 1890 Preston White Drive, Reston. 
Runners start is at 8:15 a.m. Race day registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Register today--rates go up on April 8. Registration and details are at 5K Run/Walk. 
 
Sunday, May 1, March for Babies, Family teams, company teams and people walking with friends to raise money for babies in our community. To register, learn more, or ask questions, visit March for Babies. 

Saturday, May 7, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Spring Festival, Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston. Rain or shine. Free event. All ages welcome. Volunteers needed. Contact 703-476-9869 or naturecenter@reston.org for more information or to sign up to volunteer. See reston.org for event updates.

Sunday, May 15, noon to 5:00 p.m., Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Showcase, at Ash Lawn-Highland: the Home of James Monroe, 2050 James Monroe Parkway, Charlottesville. The Showcase celebrates Virginia's Master Artists and their Apprentices with blacksmiths, costume makers and many more of Virginia's finest craftspeople. Visit Virginiafolklife.org or call 434-924-3296 for more information.

May 21 to 22, 1:00 to 7:00 p.m., Relay For Life of Reston, at South Lakes High School. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement symbolizes hope and our shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people we love. More information is at Relay for Life. 
 

36th District 

Reston, Virginia
 
In This Issue
"Virginia Report"
Bulletin Board
Check Your Calendar
Commentary..."Citizens' Ability to Know"

Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia E-News


Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia E-News is authorized by Kenneth R. Plum
 and paid for by Friends of Delegate Ken Plum.