|
|
|
Peace Progress
A Monthly Update from the 97th
District
|
|
|
|
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Message
from Chris
When the phrase boys of summer is
invoked, if you are like me, thoughts naturally turn to the national
pastime and the crack of the
bat at a nearby ballpark ,not legislators convening in a special
session to discuss transportation. One Hall of Fame baseball player
said "When you come to a fork in the road, take it."
This Yogism seems to be about where some decision-makers are right now
as they leave their families, work and summer vacations to return to
the Capitol. During this midsummer's week, Democrat Governor Tim Kaine
is asking taxpayers to stretch their already tight household budgets
for food, gasoline, mortgages, and utility bills to share their
paychecks with VDOT. During this special session, the problem taxpayers
and their representatives in the legislature are asked to consider goes
beyond merely funding road
building or maintenance.
The substantive issue presented is whether asking taxpayers to cut
their personal budgets to help finance new transportation projects will
actually solve certain traffic issues, or instead be part of a
seemingly annual attempt to take your hard earned money for roads of an
outdated transportation system.
To address transportation, the Governor and his party must apply a
different strategy not just take more money from working
families.
Instead of higher taxes, why not propose more creative measures that
are moral, fiscally prudent and actually reduce congestion. If revenues
are in short supply consider bi-partisan long-term solutions instead of
tax increases. Adopt a real plan with a three step
approach:
1) Rewrite last year's
bi-partisan transportation solution that provided the mechanism to
produce about half a million dollars a day for Hampton Roads and nearly
$1 million per day for Northern Virginia.
This plan would direct all new funds for congestion relief.
2) Audit VDOT. An independent
study of this agency is likely to reveal inefficiencies. Certainly
before large sums of tax dollars are invested greater accountability is
needed;
3) As
a candidate, Kaine pledged to veto a tax increase if there were not a
mechanism to assure taxpayers their money actually would go to its
intended purpose. Republicans agreed and are willing to again pursue a
transportation lock box in a bi-partisan manner.
Because the Governor failed to present a creative plan that both
parties can embrace, he is reaching into the playbook of his
predecessor for a strategy: create the crisis and then solve it by
raising taxes on the backs of working families. The Governor's strategy
is cunning because he is relying on the voter's short memories and the
taxpayers' deep pockets. Unlike in 2004, when Mark Warner orchestrated
the single largest tax increase in Virginia history, those working
families are now finding it harder to make ends meet.
Under Kaine's scheme, you would pay a 25% increase in the annual cost
of registering your car, a 150% increase in the tax paid when selling
your home, 33% increase in the sales tax paid on car purchases, and an
additional 20% increase to the sales tax for goods in Northern
Virginia and Hampton Roads. His scheme takes over a
billion dollars from our collective budgets as taxpayers.
The Governor's new tax scheme hits
working people the hardest. Since 2002 the working family has seen the
statewide sales tax increase by 11 percent, the cap on the car tax
relief has the net effect of increasing it on millions of drivers, and
all on top of what people are already paying in REAL property taxes
locally and what analysts at Goldman Sachs predict as $6 per gallon gas
next year. Now the Governor wants people to pay the Government more for
toilet paper, soap, laundry detergent and other necessities of life to
fix transportation, in a time
when food, utility and gas prices are threatening households.
Difficult times require
bi-partisan innovation and forward looking solutions. Now it's time to fix last year's bi-partisan plan,
creating a lock box to protect taxpayers' money as Candidate Kaine
promised, then provide an independent audit of VDOT and let taxpayers
protect their household budgets from yet another threat.
**Look for Delegate Peace's article on
transportation in the Sunday Commentary Section of the Richmond Times-Dispatch on Sunday,
June 22, 2008.
|
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------May
in Review
The first Thursday of May each
year is designated as the National Day of Prayer. This year it
was May 1. I celebrated at the site of the Historic
Polegreen Church at a service hosted by the Hanover Nazarene Church.
The great majority of Americans cherish the freedom to worship
according to the dictates of one's conscience. The first
legislative body in the world to adopt a statute of religious liberty
was Virginia
in 1786. Polegreen Church was the site where Presbyterian Pastor
Samuel Davies, the first non-Anglican minister licensed by the colonial
government, preached at the church during the 12 years he was in Virginia.
The history of Polegreen is part of the "Great Awakening"
movement which led to The Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom. What a
great way to start the month of May.
I patroned House Bill 1329 which requires state agencies to lease or
convey their communication towers to broadband service providers to
provide service to areas that do not receive adequate service.
The Governor signed the measure into law on May 2; I was delighted to
attend the signing ceremony. Increasing wireless and broadband
internet service to un-served areas in the 97th District is a great
priority of mine and important to my constituents. Not only will
residents benefit, but so will small or at home businesses.
Economic development directors will now have another tool to draw
businesses to our localities.
On May 3 I was honored to attend an event in King
William County
held at Epworth
Methodist Church and present a memorial
resolution to the widow and family of Theodore F. "Junior"
Woody, Jr. There was a large crowd on hand to celebrate the life
of Junior and his many contributions to his community; he is deeply
missed.
My first meeting of the day on May 4, was with Reggie Gordon, CEO of
the Greater Richmond Chapter of the American Red Cross and Sean O'Berry
VP of Financial Development. They shared with me more about
service offered by the Red Cross and the vital need they fill in our
community. Subsequently, I attended their annual community awareness
fundraising breakfast held on May 7 at the Richmond Marriott. It
was uplifting to hear testimonials
both from victims of
disasters and those that volunteered their time
to assist.
I spent the morning of May 8 meeting with constituents at my district
office in Mechanicsville. I rely upon input from my constituents
about matters of importance to them and our community. While I
cannot require an agency to make a specific determination on behalf of
a constituent, I am happy to assist with cutting the red tape and
getting questions answered. My office serves as a liaison between
my constituents and the state.
I joined business leaders and other elected officials at the Virginia
Agribusiness Council annual golf tournament on May 12, held at
Pendleton Golf Club which is in Caroline county. The Virginia
Agribusiness Council is a non-profit member organization committed to
representing the agriculture and forest industries in the Commonwealth
through effective government relations and industry promotion efforts.
Later that same evening, I attended the Colonial Farm Credit investor's
appreciation event. I enjoyed visiting with these folks; many of
whom reside in the 97th District.
On May 13, I had the honor of meeting with Dr. Roy Norton, Minister of
Public Affairs for the Canadian embassy. As Minister, Roy Norton
is responsible for Congressional relations, media & public
relations, cultural & academic relations, the interests of Canadian
provinces & territories in Washington,
D.C., and outreach to US states,
particularly Delaware, Maryland and
Virginia.
The National Peace Officers' Memorial Day Service was held on May 15 in
DC.
In recognition of National Police Officer Memorial Week, Hanover Sheriff's
office held a breakfast that morning at the VFW Post 9808. I was
honored to attend and commemorate those past and present, who, through
their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate
sacrifice in service to their community or have become disabled in the
performance of duty, and let us recognize and pay respect to the
survivors of our fallen heroes.
Each year the New Kent Chamber of Commerce recognizes contributions
made by business and industry in New Kent
County. Winners
of the "Annual Excellence in Business Awards" represent the
spirit and commitment to the community. These private and nonprofit
businesses are recognized and acknowledged annually at the business
appreciation dinner hosted by the Chamber, this year the event was held
on May 15 at the .
May 16, I spoke to the American
Patriots Conference attendees at the Capitol. The conference is
designed to provide participants with knowledge of the history, rights
and responsibilities that have made America free. Its aim is to
inspire participants to learn more about government and leadership and
to fully develop and exercise their citizenship and leadership
potential. I was delighted to have the honor of greeting these
young folks for the second year in a row.
Henrico Supervisor Jim Donati hosted a citizen town hall meeting on May
19. I attended and offered an overview of the 2008 General
Assembly. Many great questions were asked and answered. .
It was a productive meeting, and a wonderful time for me to be available to answer
questions from citizens about our community. I employ an open
door policy; if there is ever an issue or concern that I can of
assistance with please contact me. Hearing from my constituents
is a valued asset in carrying out my job as your delegate.
I attended the King William Economic Development cookout on May
21. The weather was beautiful and the food was delicious; I
enjoyed sharing the meal with friends from the King William
community.
I immediately proceeded to Williamsburg
where I delivered remarks to attendees at the Virginia Executive
Institute (VEI) training. The goal of VEI is to strengthen the
leadership skills of state government executives to ensure the most
effective and responsive delivery of state programs. It was
exciting to visit with these state government leaders who were there to
gain information and learn skills to increase efficiency to take back
to their respective agencies.
I ended the month by attending the awards ceremony at Caroline High
School and presenting the JoWanda Rollins
scholarship to Elexis Clements. Her dedication and commitment to
high academic performance is to be commended. I applaud her and
wish her continued success in all of her future endeavors.
|
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark Your Calendars
|
|
|
Caroline:
Ladysmith Village
Summer Concert Series - Newland Communities First Annual Summer Concert
Series at Ladysmith
Village. Second
concert of the series will take place June 28 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00
p.m. with the Back-N-Time Oldies Rock Band performing at the outdoor
amphitheater at Ladysmith
Village.
Admission is free for Ladysmith Village Residents and all children 12
and under. Non-residents may purchase tickets for $10.00 per person
with all ticket sales and donations going to charity. This concert
benefits the Humane Society of Caroline County.
Hanover:
It's the Hanover Tomato Festival, July 5 from 9 AM to 4 PM at Pole Green Park
celebrating the renowned Hanover Tomato. With last year's
attendance at an all time
high of 40,000+, this year's attendance is expected to grow
immensely. This event will provide great exposure to non-profit
organizations, artisans, and crafters. The event will also feature
entertainment, food, tomato contests, a children's area that includes
arts & crafts, face-painting, pony rides, mechanical rides,
inflatables, and games.
Henrico:
Varina Day. Sat, June 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dorey Park. Free. For all
ages. The Varina Ruritan Club in cooperation with Henrico County
Division of Recreation and Parks is hosting its 13th Annual Varina
Community Day! Come out and celebrate the community! Local band Random
Play will perform a mix of southern rock cover tunes. Children's
activities include a petting zoo, face painting, moon walk, and more.
If your organization would like to reserve a booth, call Randy Welch at
328-4500. Information: Jeannie Murray, 501-5121.
New Kent:
June 13: Past, Present and Future Outing and Lunch Visit
the New Kent
Visitors Center, Shirley Plantation and
the Blue Heron Restaurant. Sponsored by New Kent Parks and Rec.
Cost: $25 for New Kent Residents plus lunch. Activity Code:
15502A. Register by May 23. For more information or to register
call 966-8502.
King & Queen:
Locust Grove Wine & Arts Festival June 14th, 2008 Festival
10AM-5PM. Enjoy Wine Tasting, Artwork and a day of music at the
historic Locust Grove Farm in Walkerton - King and Queen County.
Just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg or Virginia Beach. Artists and
Virginia Farm Wineries will be attending the event on the bluffs of the
Mattaponi
River at Locust
Grove Farm. Only 30 minutes from Richmond on the Middle Peninsula
Reservations and Information 804-769-8201.
King William:
Tickets are now on sale for Mangohick Vol. Fire Department's second
annual BBQ &
Brew, which will take place Saturday, June 21 from 1-7 p.m. at the
firehouse, 3943
King William Road.
Event will feature live music by the Menzies, BBQ & adult
beverages. Tickets are $20. Tickets are available at KW Pharmacy, West
Store,
Mechanicsville Drug and B&T Market. For more information or
tickets, call 994-9800
or visit www.mvfdco2.com.
Spotsylvania:
Jazz in the Vineyard for Father's Day, June 14, 2008 6 to 10 PM.
Don't forget Dad's special day, bring him and enjoy a feast fit for him
and for you. Fee includes live jazz, souvenir wine glass, tours, and
tasting. Reservations required, for more information call 540-895-5085.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
Review
of June Events
June 5, 2008
Burgers with Bill
5:00 PM
Innsbrook
June 9, 2008
Meeting with VDOT
9:30 AM
Richmond
June 10, 2008
Speak: Lewis & Clark Elementary
5th Grade Graduation
11:00 AM
Caroline County
June 11, 2008
Chick-fil-a Ribbon Cutting
11:30 AM
Mechanicsville
June 11, 2008
Party with the Ponies: Peace Fundraiser
5:00 PM
Colonial Downs
June 12, 2008
Health Care Forum
10:00 AM
VCU Students Commons
June 13, 2008
Investiture: Judge J. Overton Harris
5:00 PM
Old Hanover
Courthouse
June 14, 2008
King William GOP Meeting with Cong. Wittman
11:00 AM
June 15-17, 2008
Republican Caucus Annual Retreat
June 17, 2008
Hanover
Historic Commission
7:00 PM
Hanover
June 18, 2008
Dedication of New Kent Sheriff Office
2:00 PM
New Kent
June 23, 2008
New Kent Chamber Golf Tournament
1:00 PM
Royal New Kent
June 26, 2008
Present: Memorial Resolution to Tinnel Family
8:00 PM
VFW Post 9808
|
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get Involved
**If you would
like to serve on my 97th District Advisory Committee
please contact my office. I need support from many people active in the
communities of the 97th. I desire input from
constituents, local leaders, the business community, the faith-based
community, educators, and more. I feel that to effectively serve the
people of the 97th District and the Commonwealth, it is
important that I develop a clear understanding of all of the issues
and how they will impact the citizens of our district and Virginia.
Norman Sulser, is the 97th legislative district
chair. He can be reached at msulsern@verizon.net
|
|
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Constituent Services-97th District
I am always happy to assist
residents of the 97th District in dealing with state agencies. As your
Delegate, I want to make sure that your government is working for you
and that your rights are respected. While I cannot require an
agency to make a specific determination on your behalf, I am happy to
assist you with cutting the red tape and getting you the answers you
seek. My office can serve as a liaison between my
constituents and the state.
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. I encourage you to contact
us. 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
District
Office:
7494 Lee Davis Rd, Suite 16F
PO Box 819
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Phone:
804-730-3737
Fax:
804-730-5049
E-mail:
delcpeace@house.state.va.us
|
|
|
|
|
Paid for and Authorized by Friends of
Chris Peace
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
