U.S. debt ceiling crisis has City of Fairfax's stellar credit rating under review

The City of Fairfax isn't immune from the ripple effect of the debt ceiling crisis going on just 18 miles away in Washington, D.C. The credit ratings agency Moody's has put the City of Fairfax along with 161 other local governments on a "review for possible downgrade due to review of U.S. Government's Aaa rating." Click here for the press release.

Fairfax City Mayor Rob Lederer and other Northern Virginia elected officials have weighed in on this and the message is this: our federal elected officials need to get their act together and find a way to avoid a U.S. debt default.

As most know, in 2010 the City received a Aaa rating ourselves from Moody's. And we received a AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor's in 2009. We are only a handful of localities our size nationally that have this excellent rating - a testament to good fiscal management by the Mayor, Council and staff over many, many years. In fact, only three other cities in the Commonwealth - Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Alexandria - have AAA and Aaa ratings.

This stellar rating means that should the City want to borrow money, it will get the best terms available, which means low interest rates on the bonds issued and ultimately less money taxpayers have to pay in repaying the debt.

As stated in the letter signed by Mayor Lederer and other Mayors and Chairs in Northern Virginia:

Nothing has changed in terms of our local financial and debt management practices and our continued strong fiscal management and low overall debt burdens bring stability to the region. Northern Virginia is a major component of the region’s economic success story, according to a recent study by George Mason University's Center for Regional Analysis.

But the impact of this ongoing stalemate could be huge. As our transportation challenges grow and the facilities that house our firefighters, police and schoolchildren deteriorate, our plans to address these needs could be jeopardized. This crisis atmosphere raises serious concerns.

We fully understand the challenges involved in balancing revenue levels and funding essential services, since we accomplish this task every year in our localities. Our strong financial management practices have helped us manage through strong periods of growth as well as economic slowdowns while maintaining strong and stable financial profiles.

But if our rating is downgraded, the City - by no fault of our own - will have to pay more and so will taxpayers. We are currently paying the lowest rates possible for the debt we have that has gone to rennovations of schools, our new library, City Hall rennovations and a new police station. We were even able to recently refinance some of our bonds because of our new ratings and save about $200,000. That's real taxpayer money.

Still, it's very unfortunate that Congress and the President can't come to terms to end this crisis, which is already having an impact on state and local government. On that point, ratings agencies have also put Virginia's prized AAA rating under the microscope as well. That rating is sacrosanct in Virginia, having achieved it and kept it since the 1930s.

Some people ask why would the City of Fairfax and Virginia be put under this "credit watch" when we are paying our bills. The simple fact is that we live in an economy that's interconnected.

According to ratings agencies, our state and locality's "heavy exposure" to the federal government - employees, contractors, building leases, etc. - places us in a position where should the federal government default come August 2, those connected to the federal government may feel an impact since payments (such as to vendors, contractors, etc) could be delayed. That would then have an impact on everything from employment (contractors who don't get paid can't pay employees and state income tax lags) to consumer spending and the sales tax derived from it (if employees don't get checks, there's uncertainty in the economy, people and businesses may not spend as much). It's a downward cycle that could have a deep and wide impact.

In the statement from Northern Virginia's Mayors and Chairs, it's put pretty bluntly:

Moody’s decision to place our bond ratings on review for possible downgrade was made because of federal inaction, and in no way reflects the continuing strength and good fiscal management of our local communities. Yet any rating downgrade will increase the cost of borrowing for us all, forcing governments across Northern Virginia to reevaluate and perhaps curtail, capital spending. The ripple effect of this situation on our local budgets could threaten basic services, just as we are slowly emerging from the multi-year, cyclical economic downturn.

Elected officials - no matter federal, state or local - are expected to do no harm to the communities they serve. We are on a path though that is creating a recipe for economic disaster - in Northern Virginia, the United States and the world. Now is the time to take action to avoid a disaster that won't just jeopordize our credit ratings, but our entire economy.

Services for Joan Cross

Final arrangements have just been announced for Joan Cross.

The family will receive friends, Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at Everly Funeral Home, 10565 Main Street, Fairfax, Va 22030, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.

A Celebration of Joan’s life will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, July 28, 2011 at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, Va, 22030.

You may leave a condolence to the family at www.everlyfuneralhomes.com.

Mourning the Loss of Joan Cross, Celebrating a Life Well-Lived

Accessible. Responsive. Kind.

That's how I will remember my former colleague on City Council, Joan W. Cross, who passed away yesterday. We certainly mourn the loss of this wonderful woman who did so much for our community. Her voice will not only be missed from the dais in City Council chambers, but at the civic association meetings, band concerts and other places around town where she was always a presence.

In fact, what I will remember most about Joan is that not only did she know her constituents well - and responded to their needs - but it was the way she did it. With grace, with class and that Midwest smile and gentle nature.

I will miss my colleague and friend, Joan, as will I know others in the community will. My condolences go out to her husband Ron, children and grandchildren. I ask that you keep all them in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult period.

While this is a loss we mourn, let us also remember the many wonderful things she did for her City of Fairfax. As you may already know, Joan has left quite a legacy of accomplishments - as a Council member, a wife, a mother and a grandmother. It was a life that was authentic and reflected how to live to the fullest. It was a life well-lived.

Ever since she got to Fairfax, she put her energy and skills to work for the betterment of the community. The City's focus on tourism and marketing and promoting the City is a testament to her leadership, particularly as a founding member of Destination Fairfax. She was a great supporter of the arts, serving on the City of Fairfax Band and serving on the Board of Mason's Theater of the First Amendment. Some of my fondest memories are serving ice cream with her at the Children's Concert and talking about the arts impact on children's lives.

People know her, too, for her steadfast devotion to helping small businesses. Serving on the Central of Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, Joan had a passion for ensuring their voice was heard - and that their businesses were successful.

Joan will be remembered most though for her thoughtfulness and kindness. As I mentioned in an earlier post when she resigned from Council, I always will remember how she cared enough to ask about my family.

Putting others before self and being of service to all - that's how I will remember my colleague and friend. Godspeed, Joan. You'll be missed.


Below is an obituary that is on the City website.
Services are being arranged and will be announced.

Joan W. Cross (née Weaver), former Councilmember for the City of Fairfax, passed away Thursday, July 21. The city mourns her passing.
Mrs. Cross was a native of Wapello, Iowa and attended the University of Iowa, where she earned a B.A. degree in journalism and public relations.

She moved to Fairfax in the early 1990s and quickly became active in both the business community and her neighborhood. She served on the board of directors for the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and the Fairfax Rotary Club. She also helped found and was chair of Destination Fairfax, a partnership between the city and local businesses to increase tourism in the city. She was named the 2004 Small Business Advocate of the Year by the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and, in 1997, she received the chamber's Athena Award. For the community, she served on the city's Board of Architectural Review for 10 years and chaired the board for three terms. She co-chaired the city's Independence Day Celebration Committee for two years.

Even after she retired as marketing director for the CPA firm Burdette Smith Group, P.C, Mrs. Cross continued to be an active member of the business community. She remained active in the community, continuing to serve on the boards of the George Mason University Theatre of the First Amendment and the City of Fairfax Band.

Mrs. Cross was elected to the City of Fairfax City Council in 2002, and is the longest serving woman councilmember to date. During her tenure on the City Council, she served as the city's representative on a number of regional boards and commissions, including the Potomac Watershed Roundtable and the Northern Virginia Regional Commission..

Mrs. Cross is survived by her husband of 19 years, Ron; three sons; and five granddaughters.

Final arrangements will be announced by the family in the near future.

Cooling Center Opened in City July 21 and 22

The Sherwood Community Center will be open as a cooling center for those without air conditioning on July 21 and July 22 from noon to 8 p.m.

The City of Fairfax is opening the community center to help citizens escape the heat, which is a result of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees both days. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for both days.

The Sherwood Community Center is located at 3740 Old Lee Highway.

For more information and tips to deal the heat visit www.FairfaxVa.gov.

Serve on a City Board or Commission

One of the great ways to get involved in the City of Fairfax is to serve on one of our many boards and commissions. There's just about something for everyone. From parks and recreation to environmental issues, our boards and commissions tackle important matters and provide valuable input to the Mayor and City Council. Unless noted otherwise, all appointments are made by Mayor and Council.

Below are some of the latest volunteer openings along with information on how to apply.

• Board of Architectural Review (one vacancy for a business representative or city resident with architectural background) — Hears requests for new construction, alteration or significant landscaping in the Historic, Transition and Architectural Control districts. Also reviews signage in the Historic and Transition districts and some multi-tenant buildings and centers in the Architectural Control District.
Meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.
• Board of Equalization (one vacancy for city resident who owns property in the city, effective July 2011)— Hears appeals of assessed value of real estate. Court appointed. Meets as needed.
• Commission for Women (one vacancy) — Identifies and advocates for the needs of women in the city. Promotes programs to increase awareness and provide services to the community. Open to men and women. Meets on the third Tuesday of the month.
• Community Appearance Committee (one vacancy for a city business representative, one vacancy for a city resident) — Coordinates the city’s Adopt-a-Spot program and clean-up month/day programs, in addition to commercial, residential and holiday decoration award programs. Meets on the fourth Thursday of the month.
• Health Systems Agency for Northern Virginia (one vacancy) — Plans for the health-care needs of the area and works with other regional groups on health-care issues.
• Historic Fairfax City, Inc. (one vacancy) — A non profit organization concerned with promoting interest in and preserving the city’s history. Administers the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center. Meets on the second Wednesday of the month.
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (one vacancy) — Studies and makes recommendations to the City Council on park and recreation facilities and programs. Meets on the second Thursday of the month.
• Planning Commission (two vacancies) — Serves in an advisory capacity to the city council and plans for the future development of the city. Prepares and reviews the Comprehensive Plan; reviews subdivision and site plan submission; and makes recommendations to city council on Capital Improvement Program, rezonings and text amendments. Meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month.

Applications will be considered at an upcoming City Council meeting following submission.

Unless otherwise noted, city residency is required (at least one year living in the city and registered to vote in the city). Submit letters of interest and résumé (if available) to City Clerk Melanie Burrell (melanie.burrell@fairfaxva.gov).

Vacancies are subject to change. Information: 703-385-7935.

The 5th of July

The day after Independence Day - the 5th of July - is a special day for the Drummond family. It's my late grandfather's birthday. Born in 1917 on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Herman Forrest Drummond Jr. truly was the the local boy who made good and was a man who personified service to his country and community, working to keep his fellow citizens safe and free.

Working on a farm then going off on his own to Chicago, where he got an associate's degree in business law, he then went on to various jobs including boxing, until he found himself back in Virginia and into law enforcement. Hired as a patrolman in Newport News (badge number 13), he walked the docks of Newport News during World War II. As someone who had both street smarts and a country boy manner, my grandfather was a perfect fit for J. Edgar Hoover's expanding FBI as he was looking for people from their hometowns to join the agency. My pop-pop as I called him, joined the FBI in 1946 and spent 22 years there, including stints teaching at the National Academy. After retiring he taught at my alma mater, Old Dominion and started a private investigating company.

With a nickname of Bulldog, my grandfather was known as a tough guy who gave it to people straight. He didn't back down from a fight either and had a few gun shot wounds to prove it.

As many know, my father left my mom and I when I was two. My grandfather stepped in and provided that fatherly guidance every boy needs. I'm indebted to my pop-pop for giving me to the tools to help me become the person I am today.

My pop-pop passed away in February 2006, but I'm fortunate that two of my three children (Sadie and Patrick) got to meet him - they still talk about him. He certainly is central in our lives and is always in our hearts.

New Laws on Tap, Red Light Cameras

July brings with it the pool, Fourth of July parades (our is the best, of course), fireworks (again, we're tops) and new laws. Starting today - July 1 - there are a slew of new state laws on tap. The Washington Post has a good rundown on some of the top laws going into effect.

Here in the City of Fairfax our red-light camera program goes back into effect today. The intersections where the cameras will be located include:

- North Street at University Drive (both eastbound and westbound traffic)
- Fairfax Boulevard at Fairfax Circle (both eastbound and westbound traffic)

From July 1 to July 31 violators will be given warnings. Tickets will start to be issued on August 1. The fine is $50.

This program is finally coming back after an extended absence. The City was actually the first jurisdiction in Virginia to have the cameras in 1997, but the program stopped in 2005 due to the General Assembly preventing localities from having any program. During this time, however, the number of red light accidents and tickets issued from running the red light went down 44 percent. In other words, the system worked like it was supposed to.

Also during this time there was a major uproar over cities across the country - namely Washington, D.C. - making money off the program. To be fair, the General Assembly wanted to make sure that localities in Virginia weren't following - or even thinking of following - the D.C.-model. That I agree with. This program shouldn't be a money maker for localities as the focus needs to be on safety.

That said, once the General Assembly allowed the program again, the process to get the camera locations approved has been difficult since now the City has to get VDOT's approval first. Nevertheless, we got the locations approved and we are ready to move forward.

To be clear, the program we have is not incentive based. We pay a flat fixed monthly fee of $19,000 to our vendor Redflex to process the tickets for up to four cameras. The photo and associated ticket are also checked by a Fairfax City Police Officer before issuance, ensuring proper oversight. And, according to City staff, this program will be essentially "revenue neutral" meaning that the revenue from tickets will be equal to what we pay for the service. To goal is safety, not profit.

So how does it work? Thanks to staff for the below description:

The system has multiple cameras and video that includes digital pictures. (In the past, red-light camera systems used one 35 mm film camera at each location.)

The camera has a built-in "grace period" of 0.5 seconds (one-half of a second), the legally mandated minimum time. This means only drivers entering the intersection 0.5 seconds or more after the traffic signal turns red can be cited for violations. (Previously, the grace period was 0.3 seconds.)

Before a citation is issued, a City of Fairfax police officer personally reviews the evidence (video and photos) of each violation.

When a citation is issued:

The registered owner of the vehicle (alleged violator) will be mailed a notice of violation and a secure PIN number to access their red light violation citation online at “Photonotice.”

On the “Photonotice” website, violators may view:

- Two still photographs: one showing the vehicle approaching the intersection and one showing the vehicle in violation.
- 12-second video clip of the vehicle in violation of the traffic signal.

The fine associated with the violation, $50, may be pre-paid on the website.

If the fine is not paid on time, a summons will be issued for a court appearance.

The alleged violator may choose to challenge the citation in city traffic court. Court costs are not applied.

Citations are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle. If the registered owner was not driving the vehicle, s/he may sign a sworn affidavit stating s/he was not driving the vehicle, and the citation will be nullified.