Drummond for Council
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
PVI High School Helping Special Needs Students
This is a great article in today's Washington Post about what PVI in the City of Fairfax is doing to help special needs children. I'm a big supporter of public schools while also supporting our private and parochial schools, especially those that work to give back to the community. And full disclosure, my wife attended PVI and my daughter attends St. Leo the Great Elementary School in Fairfax.
Monday, February 22, 2010
No More Virginia Commission of the Arts?
Yep. That's what will happen if the House of Delegates version of the budget goes through as it redlines - or eliminates - the Virginia Commission on the Arts by July 1, 2011. That's not good for the City or our Commonwealth. Not only does it cut out funding the helps spur economic development and is central to Virginia, but it cuts jobs. Unreal.
Anyhow, I also sit on the board of trustees for the Barter Theatre, the state theatre of Virginia. Here's a note I got from its artistic director. Lays out all the details.
Dear Barter family,
Please take the time to read this email. I know it is long, but it’s important.
We need your help and we need it quickly. Yesterday, February 21, the House Appropriations Committee voted to cut state funding to the Virginia Commission for the Arts by 50% in 2010-2011 and to eliminate the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) in its entirety by July 1, 2011.
The Senate Finance Committee has adopted the budget proposal from former Governor Kaine that does not impose additional cuts to the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Later this week, there will be a vote on the House and Senate floors on the proposals from the two committees. The different versions of the budget bills approved by each house will then go to a Budget Conference Committee to resolve the differences.
Just to make sure you have an understanding of how important this is, the state legislature appropriates funds to the Virginia Commission for the Arts. These funds are in turn granted out by the VCA to arts organizations such as Barter Theatre. They help fund everything from the operating fund to our educational programs and the Players touring. VCA funding makes up a significant portion of contributed income to Barter Theatre.
How can you help? Call or write your Delegate and Senator and tell them to not support cuts in funding for the VCA. Find who your Delegate and Senator is here: http://legis.virginia.gov/1_cit_guide/contacting_my.html
Please include your own name and address in your letter.
Here are suggested talking points:
* Funding cuts to the VCA will mean the loss of jobs.
* Every dollar that the state invests through the VCA returns $7 in investments.
* Without state funding, the state would lose all Federal arts funding.
* Currently, the VCA is funded at the lowest per capita level among state agencies of surrounding states.
* The arts community recognizes the severity of the budget problems facing state government and expects to share in the cuts.
* The VCA has already experienced a 30% cut over the last two years.
* Arts organizations are economic forces in communities like Abingdon.
* Cultural tourism is an important component of the Virginia Tourism efforts.
* Urge the representatives to vote against the proposal of the House Appropriations Committee. The small investment the state makes has a major impact on local economic development, tourism, and education.
Anyhow, I also sit on the board of trustees for the Barter Theatre, the state theatre of Virginia. Here's a note I got from its artistic director. Lays out all the details.
Dear Barter family,
Please take the time to read this email. I know it is long, but it’s important.
We need your help and we need it quickly. Yesterday, February 21, the House Appropriations Committee voted to cut state funding to the Virginia Commission for the Arts by 50% in 2010-2011 and to eliminate the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) in its entirety by July 1, 2011.
The Senate Finance Committee has adopted the budget proposal from former Governor Kaine that does not impose additional cuts to the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Later this week, there will be a vote on the House and Senate floors on the proposals from the two committees. The different versions of the budget bills approved by each house will then go to a Budget Conference Committee to resolve the differences.
Just to make sure you have an understanding of how important this is, the state legislature appropriates funds to the Virginia Commission for the Arts. These funds are in turn granted out by the VCA to arts organizations such as Barter Theatre. They help fund everything from the operating fund to our educational programs and the Players touring. VCA funding makes up a significant portion of contributed income to Barter Theatre.
How can you help? Call or write your Delegate and Senator and tell them to not support cuts in funding for the VCA. Find who your Delegate and Senator is here: http://legis.virginia.gov/1_cit_guide/contacting_my.html
Please include your own name and address in your letter.
Here are suggested talking points:
* Funding cuts to the VCA will mean the loss of jobs.
* Every dollar that the state invests through the VCA returns $7 in investments.
* Without state funding, the state would lose all Federal arts funding.
* Currently, the VCA is funded at the lowest per capita level among state agencies of surrounding states.
* The arts community recognizes the severity of the budget problems facing state government and expects to share in the cuts.
* The VCA has already experienced a 30% cut over the last two years.
* Arts organizations are economic forces in communities like Abingdon.
* Cultural tourism is an important component of the Virginia Tourism efforts.
* Urge the representatives to vote against the proposal of the House Appropriations Committee. The small investment the state makes has a major impact on local economic development, tourism, and education.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
State Budget and CUE Bus Service
Attended Sen. Chap Peteresen and Del. David Bulova's Town Hall this morning at Fairfax City. Large crowd, which was nice to see. Very sobering news though. We're facing the prospect of a $4 billion shortfall in state revenues. The Governor has recommended a good number of cuts that will adversely effect K-12, health and human services and other essential government functions.
Chap and David spoke of their concerns with the budget, but left the impression that except for K-12 education cuts, many of the cuts the Governor is proposing such as taking money from the children's breakfast program, will stay. This just isn't right. We're in the midst of a recession and while I know times are tight and austerity in order, government does have a responsibility to help those who are less fortunate with the basics: food, shelter and health care. Cutting health care to children and taking away the state aid for breakfast for poor kids isn't the right thing to do. Anyhow, that's what will probably happen.
So what does that mean for the City? Well, we shall see what comes down the pike from the General Assembly when they agree on a budget. Likely the budget will include reduced state aid by about $1.2 million, reduced aid for constitutional offices by $300,000 and other cuts through our contracts with the County that could run up to $1 million. In other words, we will have to face tough choices to cut more (and potentially lay people off) or increase taxes and other revenue to make up for the shortfall. It's likely going to be a combination of both cuts and revenue enhancements. But I'm hoping and praying no layoffs.
On that point, somehow it's gotten around the the City Council is looking at killing off the CUE bus service. Hogwash. What we are looking at is how to possibly restructure it and/or generate more revenue. Here are the facts:
1. The City pays about a $1 million a year subsidy for the bus service, which is less than half of the service's $2.8 million budget
2. 36 percent of the riders are City residents; 30 percent are Mason students and the rest are from other jurisdictions
3. Mason provides 14 % of the funding ($400K) and as we saw, 30 percent of the ridership
4. Staff recommended options that included layoffs - NOT the Council (we didn't ask for that)
At the next meeting, we're going to raise the fares to match either what Metro charges now or what it will starting in the summer. So the fare is going to go up to $1.45 or $1.75. That will help cover some of the shortfall and we hope Mason may be able to contirbute more. I hope we can also start a marketing campaign to encourage more people to use the service, which acutally reduces the overall cost to the City.
Hope that clears it up. Any other questions/comments, feel free to post them here or give me a ring.
Chap and David spoke of their concerns with the budget, but left the impression that except for K-12 education cuts, many of the cuts the Governor is proposing such as taking money from the children's breakfast program, will stay. This just isn't right. We're in the midst of a recession and while I know times are tight and austerity in order, government does have a responsibility to help those who are less fortunate with the basics: food, shelter and health care. Cutting health care to children and taking away the state aid for breakfast for poor kids isn't the right thing to do. Anyhow, that's what will probably happen.
So what does that mean for the City? Well, we shall see what comes down the pike from the General Assembly when they agree on a budget. Likely the budget will include reduced state aid by about $1.2 million, reduced aid for constitutional offices by $300,000 and other cuts through our contracts with the County that could run up to $1 million. In other words, we will have to face tough choices to cut more (and potentially lay people off) or increase taxes and other revenue to make up for the shortfall. It's likely going to be a combination of both cuts and revenue enhancements. But I'm hoping and praying no layoffs.
On that point, somehow it's gotten around the the City Council is looking at killing off the CUE bus service. Hogwash. What we are looking at is how to possibly restructure it and/or generate more revenue. Here are the facts:
1. The City pays about a $1 million a year subsidy for the bus service, which is less than half of the service's $2.8 million budget
2. 36 percent of the riders are City residents; 30 percent are Mason students and the rest are from other jurisdictions
3. Mason provides 14 % of the funding ($400K) and as we saw, 30 percent of the ridership
4. Staff recommended options that included layoffs - NOT the Council (we didn't ask for that)
At the next meeting, we're going to raise the fares to match either what Metro charges now or what it will starting in the summer. So the fare is going to go up to $1.45 or $1.75. That will help cover some of the shortfall and we hope Mason may be able to contirbute more. I hope we can also start a marketing campaign to encourage more people to use the service, which acutally reduces the overall cost to the City.
Hope that clears it up. Any other questions/comments, feel free to post them here or give me a ring.
Daniels Run International Night
Last night I had the good fortune of going to Daniels Run International Night. Foods from around the world are served and folks (kids and adults) learn about different cultures. It's a great learning experience (well, except for the chicken dance that I merciully missed having to participate in). And it also shows how diverse our schools and our City is.
Seeing such diversity is a positive for our community. We live in a global society and children compete with other children around the world as well as around the corner. Preparing our children for being productive members of society and a good career is much more than reading, writing and math. They need to be exposed to different cultures, learn new languages and understand that each person has valid and unique points of views that should be considered.
I'm so glad that our School Board, led by Chairman Janice Miller, really works hard to ensure our children get a worldly education that goes beyond the test. These experiences - like International Night - are what will continue to help our children succeed as well as solid academics.
Seeing such diversity is a positive for our community. We live in a global society and children compete with other children around the world as well as around the corner. Preparing our children for being productive members of society and a good career is much more than reading, writing and math. They need to be exposed to different cultures, learn new languages and understand that each person has valid and unique points of views that should be considered.
I'm so glad that our School Board, led by Chairman Janice Miller, really works hard to ensure our children get a worldly education that goes beyond the test. These experiences - like International Night - are what will continue to help our children succeed as well as solid academics.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Schools and Libraries - Let's Fund Them
Over the last couple of days there has been some disturbing news coming from Richmond. The first is that the Governor is proposing $720 million in cuts to K-12 education and millions more to children's health insurance. The second is that as a result of the shortfalls local government will face because of reduced state aid, library services will need to be cut back.
If the education cuts go through (and I hope they don't), it will be to the detriment of students across the Commonwealth. Here in the City, we aren't sure of the actual impact, but in preliminary discussions with County officials (we get school services through them), they don't think the outcome will be cut. Fewer teachers, larger classes, programs getting cut ... all options that aren't good for our kids. As for health insurance cuts, that comes back to local government, too, in the form of people going to local health and human service centers. And to all of us in the form of going to the emergency room for basic medical needs, which increases health care costs all around.
As today's Washington Post pointed out, Fairfax's library system is also facing pressure to cut back. That's a big deal for the City where the regional library - the crown jewel of the system - is smack dab in the middle of the City. It's not just a library, it's central to the City's economic development progress and our downtown.
At some point, we've got to make a choice about not just what we want our government to be, but what we our society to be like. Education and library services are investments in our economic future. Cutting back so significantly as proposed only hurts current and future economic growth. Instead of being global leaders, we face the possibility of becoming laggards. And as I've expressed before, I think basic health care is a right. And to take that away from children is really unfathomable.
I've been a proponent of lower taxes and holding the line of spending. But to a point. We're getting to a place where the cuts will have more negative effects, both in the short and long-term, than positive. I'm not advocating for a specific solution, but I do hope that our leaders in Richmond think seriously about how they can generate more revenue in addition to making smart, strategic cuts. Otherwise, Virginia and the City of Fairfax will suffer for decades to come.
If the education cuts go through (and I hope they don't), it will be to the detriment of students across the Commonwealth. Here in the City, we aren't sure of the actual impact, but in preliminary discussions with County officials (we get school services through them), they don't think the outcome will be cut. Fewer teachers, larger classes, programs getting cut ... all options that aren't good for our kids. As for health insurance cuts, that comes back to local government, too, in the form of people going to local health and human service centers. And to all of us in the form of going to the emergency room for basic medical needs, which increases health care costs all around.
As today's Washington Post pointed out, Fairfax's library system is also facing pressure to cut back. That's a big deal for the City where the regional library - the crown jewel of the system - is smack dab in the middle of the City. It's not just a library, it's central to the City's economic development progress and our downtown.
At some point, we've got to make a choice about not just what we want our government to be, but what we our society to be like. Education and library services are investments in our economic future. Cutting back so significantly as proposed only hurts current and future economic growth. Instead of being global leaders, we face the possibility of becoming laggards. And as I've expressed before, I think basic health care is a right. And to take that away from children is really unfathomable.
I've been a proponent of lower taxes and holding the line of spending. But to a point. We're getting to a place where the cuts will have more negative effects, both in the short and long-term, than positive. I'm not advocating for a specific solution, but I do hope that our leaders in Richmond think seriously about how they can generate more revenue in addition to making smart, strategic cuts. Otherwise, Virginia and the City of Fairfax will suffer for decades to come.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
CUE Bus Service
The CUE Bus is an institution is the City of Fairfax. Begun under the leadership of former Mayor George Snyder, the bus system serves George Mason students, County and City residents alike, providing service throughout the City and to the Vienna Metro Station. Having ridden it before to go to work, I can say it's a safe and comfortable ride.
It's also costly, with the City paying a $1 million a year subsudy for operation of the service. George Mason chips in another $350,000 with the rest of the $2.8 million budget covered by the $1.35 fares and other funds from the state and federal governments.
With the City facing a $10 million shortfall in FY 2011 (begins July 1, 2010), the Council has looked to see if we can save costs on the CUE bus. From the options presented by staff and those I've looked into myself, the only way to really save money is to effectively cut service in a way that would result in laying off City employees. That's not something I'm comfortable with. Laying off people will only create more economic problems, both micro and macro.
A quick - and reasonable solution - is to raise the fare to what Metro is going to increase their rate to: $1.70. That is significant additional revenue for the system, may reduce the overall subsidy and would forestall laying off drivers. Already, Metro is looking at increasing rates to $1.45 from the existing $1.35. Then in July 2010 it's anticipated it will go up to $1.70. By the way, staff tells us that there are not any duplicative Metro/CUE stops in the City.
We also need to encourage more people to take the bus as the more people who use it, the lower the cost of overall service. Public transportation is essential in Northern Virginia as a means to reduce traffic congestion. The CUE plays a role and should be increased.
It's also costly, with the City paying a $1 million a year subsudy for operation of the service. George Mason chips in another $350,000 with the rest of the $2.8 million budget covered by the $1.35 fares and other funds from the state and federal governments.
With the City facing a $10 million shortfall in FY 2011 (begins July 1, 2010), the Council has looked to see if we can save costs on the CUE bus. From the options presented by staff and those I've looked into myself, the only way to really save money is to effectively cut service in a way that would result in laying off City employees. That's not something I'm comfortable with. Laying off people will only create more economic problems, both micro and macro.
A quick - and reasonable solution - is to raise the fare to what Metro is going to increase their rate to: $1.70. That is significant additional revenue for the system, may reduce the overall subsidy and would forestall laying off drivers. Already, Metro is looking at increasing rates to $1.45 from the existing $1.35. Then in July 2010 it's anticipated it will go up to $1.70. By the way, staff tells us that there are not any duplicative Metro/CUE stops in the City.
We also need to encourage more people to take the bus as the more people who use it, the lower the cost of overall service. Public transportation is essential in Northern Virginia as a means to reduce traffic congestion. The CUE plays a role and should be increased.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
After the snow ... the budget
The last couple of weeks have tested just about everyone's patience. The snow was welcome at first, but as folks shovel out and get back to work it clearly is more an annoyance. Heck, it took me more than 3 hours to get into D.C.
One thing I'd like to point out is that our public works crews and other City staff have been and continue to give it their all. Are all streets as clear as we want them to be, of course not. But we're getting there. Thank you to all who have been so patient as our crews work to clear the streets. If you still need help please don't hesitate to contact me or City Hall.
Now onto the budget. Tonight the Council is going to have a work session of the state of the City's budget. Not much has changed since the last time. It's still bad. We're still $10 million in the red for FY 20110 (starts July 1, 2010) and we've got few options.
I've been getting calls lately from people are encouraging us not to make any more cuts, at least those that will cut staff. At the same time, I also know that people don't want a tax increase right now.
We are just at the start of this process and I'm going to keep an open mind, but I will note that with increased school enrollment and less funding for local government, the Council is going to be left with some limited choices. Your feedback will be invaluable. And I'll certainly keep folks updated on this blog.
One thing I'd like to point out is that our public works crews and other City staff have been and continue to give it their all. Are all streets as clear as we want them to be, of course not. But we're getting there. Thank you to all who have been so patient as our crews work to clear the streets. If you still need help please don't hesitate to contact me or City Hall.
Now onto the budget. Tonight the Council is going to have a work session of the state of the City's budget. Not much has changed since the last time. It's still bad. We're still $10 million in the red for FY 20110 (starts July 1, 2010) and we've got few options.
I've been getting calls lately from people are encouraging us not to make any more cuts, at least those that will cut staff. At the same time, I also know that people don't want a tax increase right now.
We are just at the start of this process and I'm going to keep an open mind, but I will note that with increased school enrollment and less funding for local government, the Council is going to be left with some limited choices. Your feedback will be invaluable. And I'll certainly keep folks updated on this blog.
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Dan, Family and Friends in the 2013 Fourth of July Parade
Riding the coolest car in the parade