Month: February 2008

UPDATED: Rodney Rodis to be sentenced tomorrow.

Richmond Times-Dispatch: Former priest Rodis to be sentenced today tomorrow

Poor devout family man money-stealing piece of waste.

UPDATE, 02/20/2008, 9:58 p.m.: Alright, now RT-D is saying tomorrow and The Free Lance–Star concurs.

By the way, how much time did Shelia Boone get sentenced to? She was supposed to be sentenced on February 8th but neither the Richmond Times-Dispatch nor The Free Lance–Star did a story on the sentencing that I can find.

Is that the smell of nepotism coming from the House of Delegates?

“Say it ain’t so!”

Richmond Times-Dispatch: Bill’s defeat irks N.Va. gas-station operators:

Legislation that gas-station operators in Northern Virginia sought for their protection survived the state Senate but was all but killed yesterday by a House of Delegates subcommittee.

One angry gasoline dealer charged that a House committee chairman intentionally torpedoed the measure by sending it to an unfriendly subcommittee, where he then cast the deciding vote against the bill.

The legislation would have given gasoline dealers the right of first refusal to buy the filling station property they operate should the major oil company from which they lease the property decide to sell it.

[…]

Lobbyists for the major oil companies, including Exxon Mobil Corp., and for Virginia gasoline distributors spoke against the bill. Some questioned whether the bill could survive a constitutional challenge.

Opponents also argued that federal law already protects dealers from having their stations sold from under them. Del. William R. Janis, R-Henrico, led the opposition to the measure in the subcommittee, accusing the dealers of trying to get the legislature to dictate the terms of their contracts with the oil companies.

But it was Del. Terry G. Kilgore, R-Scott, who cast the sixth and deciding vote against the measure, which failed 6-5. As chairman of the House Commerce and Labor Committee, Kilgore had asked the subcommittee to handle the bill. Under House rules, Kilgore is not required to have his full committee consider the bill because the subcommittee has voted it down.

But subcommittees don’t kill bills! Remember?

After the vote, Myron Boncarosky, an angry Shell dealer from the city of Fairfax, suggested Kilgore might be doing a favor for his brother, former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore, now a Richmond lawyer and a recently registered lobbyist for Shell Oil.

Terry Kilgore said he had never talked with his brother about the bill.

Of course not. Not once. Never. Ever.

A little free political advice: Terry, tell your brother to get out of lobbying if you want to be a legitimate candidate again.

Ditto to Jerry if you want to be a legitimate candidate either. Also Jerry, try not attacking someone (Kaine) on their religion (Catholicism) next time? Maybe you won’t end up losing by 5% compared to Bolling (Lieutenant Governor) and McDonnell (Attorney General) who won.

Local General Assembly/election coverage

How do I manage to do both of those in the same post? Because I’m just that good.

As noted previously, Caroline County will not receive funding to convert the Commonwealth’s Attorney position to a full-time position despite there being six budget amendments sponsored bipartisanly by fifteen (15) different Delegates and Senators. Somehow Buckingham County received funding to convert to full-time despite Caroline County having a population that is 66.04% more than Buckingham.

Another of Delegate Chris Peace’s amendments (besides the one for Commonwealth’s Attorney funding) was to provide $25,000 to the fund the construction of the Dawn Library. Killed.

Another of Peace’s amendments was one to provide $50,000 to Quin Rivers Inc., a community action agency, which covers the local area (including Caroline County). Killed.

Say thanks to the *bleep*s on the House Appropriations Committee.

Senator Ryan McDougle has introduced a bill, SB505, that would change Bowling Green’s charter. One of the biggest chances is the elections for mayor and town council:

An election shall be held on the first Tuesday of May, 2008, and every two years thereafter. At the election to be held in May, 2008, the candidate for the office of mayor receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected for a term of four years; the four candidates for councilmen receiving the highest number of votes, respectively, at such election shall be elected for a term of four years, and the three candidates receiving the next highest number of votes, respectively, at such election shall be elected for a term of two years; in the event that the three councilmen receiving the next highest number of votes cannot be determined because of a tie in the vote, the candidates who have tied in the votes shall draw lots to determine who shall serve the two-year term. Thereafter as the terms of the mayor and the members of the council, respectively, expire, their successors shall be elected for terms of four years. The mayor and councilmen elected at such elections shall enter upon their duties the first day of July next succeeding. Any vacancies on the council occurring other than by expiration of terms shall be filled, from the electors of the town, for the unexpired term, by a majority vote of the remaining members of the council.

In English: For the May 2008 election, the mayor would be elected for a four-year term, while the top four vote getters for the town council would serve a four-year term. The bottom three vote getters would have a two year term, then after the next election, those three seats would have four-year terms as well.

To make it simple: Mayor, four town council seats, elections in: 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, etc.
Three town council seats, elections in: 2008, 2010, 2014, 2018, etc.

The bill would also remove the salary cap for town council members and the mayor.

This bill has passed the Senate and is currently in the House of Delegate’s Committee on Counties, Cities and Town.

Senator McDougle has also introduced SJ51, Celebrating the life of Roger William Edwards:

WHEREAS, Roger William Edwards of Bowling Green, a respected citizen and longtime general registrar of Caroline County for nearly 25 years, died on December 12, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Roger Edwards was born in Pulaski County, the son of the late Andrew and Mildred Edwards; and

WHEREAS, Roger Edwards served in the United States Marine Corps in Parris Island, South Carolina, Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, and the Naval Weapons Station at Seal Beach, California, attaining the rank of sergeant; and

WHEREAS, before becoming Caroline County registrar, Roger Edwards served as an outstanding trooper for the Virginia State Police for 10 years; and

WHEREAS, a dedicated public servant and community supporter, Roger Edwards was appointed to the position of general registrar of Caroline County on April 1, 1983; and

WHEREAS, Roger Edwards was knowledgeable regarding state and local voting procedures and served as an invaluable and experienced advisor to all local candidates that ran for public office, as well as a mentor for other registrars across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, throughout his distinguished career, Roger Edwards was always willing to share his considerable expertise with his colleagues, staff members, and volunteers; and

WHEREAS, because of his wealth of knowledge and professionalism, State Board of Elections officials would often call upon Roger Edwards for his opinion regarding potential changes to voting procedures; and

WHEREAS, Roger Edwards was immensely dedicated to his community, an enthusiastic supporter of many civic activities and organizations, always available to lend a helping hand to his fellow residents in need; and

WHEREAS, Roger Edwards was a faithful member of Bowling Green Baptist Church and active in the church’s many missions in the community; and

WHEREAS, Roger Edwards will be fondly remembered for his kind and generous nature and greatly missed by his loving family, his numerous friends and admirers, and the citizens of Caroline County; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a fine public servant and outstanding Virginian, Roger William Edwards; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Roger William Edwards as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.

That’s a lot of ganja.

NBC4 in Washington, D.C.: Police Find $1.3 Million Worth Of Pot In 72-Year-Old’s Car:

New Carrollton police said they found more than $1 million worth of marijuana in the trunk of a car driven by a senior citizen on Tuesday night.

The seizure, one of the largest in recent memory in the region, was accomplished by the 12-member New Carrolton Police Department.

[…]

The 72-year-old man who had allegedly hit a convenience store clerk’s car did not have a driver’s license, police said.

[…]

Upon opening the large duffel bags, police said they discovered 146 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $1.3 million.

[…]

Police said they believe the drugs were just one part of a shipment. One of the eight bales officers found was numbered 199, police said.

Rice said a van that was following the Camry sped off when police arrived. Investigators said they believe the van may have been filled with the rest of a drug shipment.

Election Results for the 99th HOD — Pollard wins!

7:32 p.m.: Pollard is up 65.81% to 34.19% with Richmond and Westmoreland Counties reporting!

So far, he’s gotten a majority in every precinct!

7:48 p.m.: 64.06% to 35.94% with Richmond, Westmoreland, and parts of King George and Northumberland reporting. Still has a majority in every precinct.

8:08 p.m.: 63.20% to 36.78% (1,495 vote spread) with more of King George and Northumberland reporting in. Has a majority in every precinct except Shiloh (King George County).

8:32 p.m.: 59.45% to 40.50% (1,777 vote spread) with all but one a couple precincts (Monroe in King George County, and 3A, 4A, 5A in Northumberland County) reporting.

8:48 p.m.: Either way, I’m calling this (which I could have done at 7:00 p.m. — or a month ago); meet the new Delegate for the 99th District, Albert Pollard:

[Photo Credit: Fred2Blue]

Thanks to the voters of the 99th District for not electing that fear-mongering demagogue George Lee Anne Washington!

Looks like Robby Wittman found a great replacement for himself!

9:02 p.m.: 3A and 5A precincts in Northumberland County have reported (leaving only Monroe in King George County and 4A in Northumberland County to report): 59.55% Pollard, 40.40% Washington.

02/19/2008, 9:33 p.m.: ALL PRECINCTS ARE IN (I think): 57.57% Pollard, 42.39% Washington, 0.04% Write in.

02/20/2008, 5:41 p.m.: FINAL NUMBERS: Albert Pollard (D), 6,908 votes, 57.58%; Lee Anne Washington (R), 5,086 votes, 42.39%, Write in, 3 votes, 0.03%.

Link for election numbers.

Is The Caroline Progress outsourcing letter writing?

In the January 30th edition of The Caroline Progress, there were two letters in support of Lee Anne Washington (R). The first was from a Howard Yarus of King George. King George is in (obviously) King George County, and is 20.95 miles away from Bowling Green (both the town seat of Caroline County and the location of The Caroline Progress‘s office).

The second letter in support of Lee Anne Washington (R), that was in the January 30th edition, was from Robert Fountain of Montross, Virginia. Robert Fountain is the Chairman of the Westmoreland County Republican Committee and is on First Congressional District Republican Committee. Montross is in Westmoreland County, and is 40.99 miles away from Bowling Green. This same letter also appeared in the February 6th edition of the Northern Neck News, which is owned by Lakeway Publishers, Inc., the same company that owns The Caroline Progress.

Another letter in support of Lee Anne Washington (R), appearing in the February 6th edition, was written by Terry Beatley from Lancaster, Virginia. Lancaster is in (again, obviously) Lancaster County, and is 68.31 miles away from Bowling Green.

The sole letter in support of Albert Pollard (D) appearing in any edition was in the February 6th edition. It was written by Rose West (who, admittedly, is the Secretary of the Caroline County Democratic Committee) who lives in Milford. Milford is 3.75 miles away from Bowling Green.

Yet another letter supporting Lee Anne Washington (R) written by Ron Herring of Heathsville, Virginia appeared in the February 13th edition. Heathsville is in Northumberland County and is 63.85 miles away from Bowling Green.

This is the same paper that in its December 5, 2007, edition printed a letter from the sheriff of Poquoson and York County in support of Rob Wittman (R). Yorktown is 100.57 miles away from Bowling Green!

Does anyone else see a problem with a 4–1 ratio of letters in support of one candidate (and if you include the letter in support of Wittman, a 5–1 ratio for one party)? Especially when the four letters (five, including Wittman’s) are from people not even in Caroline County? Especially times two, when the letters are being published in other newspapers owned by the same company?

It wouldn’t be a problem with using letters from their sister publications if they were done in a fair and balance manner!

Wait a second…I’m expecting them to do their jobs — how foolish of me…

Fear-monger, demagogue Lee Anne Washington responds:

On my “Lee Anne Washington (R) is either completely ignorant, or an outright liar; take your pick.” post:

  1. Lee Anne Washington said,

    I am neither completely ignorant, nor a liar. I simply stated my position on issues that have arisen either via recently proposed legislation or via recent public debate. I am sorry that you expended so much effort to misconstrue and take issue with what is clearly a policy statement. Next time, if you need a clarification, why don’t you just call me?

Yes, the infamous, “that’s not what I said” defense. Sorry to rehash, but here is what she said in a letter to The Free Lane–Star:

I know Virginians cannot tolerate illegal aliens receiving in-state college tuition, driver’s licenses, welfare, and state benefits. I pledge cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Remove these incentives for illegal aliens, and they’ll stop coming.

Anyone with a 12th grade education (even from Caroline County) knows that she is saying that illegal aliens currently receive in-state college tuition and driver’s licenses when they don’t! (For more details on that, see the original post). Otherwise, she wouldn’t be using the present tense of “receive” and the future tense of “remove”, as well as saying “they [wi]ll stop coming”.

Am I the only one that had to take English in high school (or college)?

Further, no legislation has come forward (as she claims) that would affect either in-state college tuition or driver’s licenses. There has been no public debate regarding in-state tuition or driver’s licenses as she claims either. Why should there be? It’s been settled!

Instead of saying, “sorry, I messed up”, instead she has to use the usual “that’s not what I said” defense.

Vote Albert Pollard tomorrow folks.

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending February 16, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office: Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending February 16, 2008:

On February 11, 2008, Deputy W. D. Lipscomb stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction.  After investigating, Sean P. Doyle, 21, of Warrenton was charged with driving on a revoked driver’s license, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possession of heroin with the intent to distribute.  He was ordered held without bond and a court date of March 21, 2008 was set.

On February 11, 2008, Deputy W. D. Lipscomb stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction.  After investigating, Steven D. Street, 20, of Woodford was charged with driving under the influence.  He was ordered held on a $1500 bond and a court date of March 21, 2008 was set.

On February 13, 2008, Deputy C. M. Polliard stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction.  After investigating, Damien L. Stevens, 27, of Hanover was charged with driving on a suspended drivers license – 3rd offense.  He was released on a personal recognizance bond and an arraignment date of February 20, 2008 was set.

On February 14, 2008, Deputy C. M. Polliard stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction.  After investigating, Daryl E. Pilson, 36, of Fort Washington, MD was charged with driving under the influence and possession of an open alcohol container in a motor vehicle.  He was ordered held on a $1500 bond and an arraignment date of February 20, 2008 was set.

On February 15, 2008, Deputy K. H. Eichenmiller responded to a business in Bowling Green for a disorderly person.  After investigating, Donnie L. Poindexter, 44, of Ruther Glen was charged with being drunk in public.  He was released on a personal recognizance bond and a court date of March 14, 2008 was set.

On February 15, 2008, Deputy C. M, Polliard was assigned to investigate a break in located in Bowling Green.  After investigating, Polliard obtained juvenile petitions charging a male juvenile with unlawful entry, obstruction of justice, threatening a witness and resisting arrest.  The juvenile was ordered held without bond and a court date of February 19, 2008 was set.

On February 15, 2008, Deputy W. D. Lipscomb responded to a shots fired call in the Penola area.  After investigating, Dontae M. Lee, 22, of Ruther Glen was charged with carrying a concealed weapon.  He was released on his own recognizance and a court date of March 21, 2008 was set.

On February 16, 2008, Deputy S. Mullane stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction.  After investigating, Virginia B. Woolfolk, 63, of Ruther Glen was charged with driving under the influence – 2nd offense.  She was ordered held on a $1000 bond and an arraignment date of February 29, 2008 was set.

On February 16, 2008, Deputy J. O. Cecil responded to a reported domestic in Woodford.  After investigating, William R. Turner, 44, of Woodford was charged with domestic assault.  He was ordered held on a $2500 bond and an arraignment date of February 19, 2008 was set.

On February 16, 2008, Deputy C. A. Heywood stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction.  After investigating, Alan M. Taylor, 43, of Hanover was charged with felony DUI – 3rd offense, refusing to submit to a breath test – 2nd offense and reckless driving.  He was ordered held on a $1500 bond and an arraignment date of February 29, 2008 was set.

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, Caroline Deputies made 11 drug arrests, 6 domestic violence arrests, 6 D.U.I arrests and 43 other criminal arrests during the past week.  The deputies served 202 civil papers, issued 168 traffic summonses, handled 14 motor vehicle crashes, responded to 20 alarm calls, and dealt with 6 juvenile offenders.  The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched 537 calls for service and handled 1,961 telephone inquiries.  The CCSO also logged 35 calls assisting outside agencies and had 180 self initiated calls.

Am I the only one that thinks this smells fishy?

On December 10, 2007, The Free Lance–Star reported that Caroline County had received a $100,000 grant (hey, I found more money for a full-time Commonwealth’s Attorney!) from the Virginia Department of Transportation to “study building a passenger rail station in the Carmel Church area”. Further, The Free Lance–Star reported:

To join Virginia Railway Express, Caroline would have to become a member of a transportation commission and levy a 2 percent gas tax.

On December 26, 2007 President George Bush signed the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008“, which contains an earmark by the late Representative Jo Anne Davis in the amount of $490,000 for a “Commuter Rail Station at Carmel Church, VA”.

Now, I see this going down one of two ways:

  1. “Well, the study says we need VRE and what great timing since we have $490,000 from the federal government to pay for a rail station. Frankly, we don’t care what you [the citizens] have to say about the gas tax!”
  2. “The study says we don’t need VRE but we can’t turn this $490,000 down! I don’t care if you [the citizens] don’t like the gas tax or not! We are getting VRE!”

One current supervisor has stated: “I did not and will not support a gas tax.” Gut check time.