Category: Virginia General Assembly

Don’t mind me; just doing a little fact-checking

The Free Lance–Star: Standing ovation greets Del. Pollard:

Pollard had not planned to return to the legislature, but last year he was persuaded to run for the state Senate seat being vacated by former Sen. John Chichester. The 28th Senate District includes all of the territory in the 99th House seat–all of the Northern Neck, plus part of Caroline County.

No, it doesn’t.

Picture of the 99th House District [Photo credit: Richmond Sunlight]:

Picture of the 28th Senate District [Photo credit: Ibid]:

Note something missing from the 28th SD? Like say, the Port Royal and Bowling Green precincts? That’s because they’re in the 4th SD! [Photo Credit: Ibid]:

Of course, The FL–S seems to think that Stuart and Pollard are, in fact, the same person (or Pollard is, in fact, convicted spy Jonathan Pollard).

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.

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.

Priorities, priorities, priorities!

An editorial in The Free Lance-Star: Doggone it:

A bill by Del. Bobby Orrock, D-Caroline, defines commercial breeders, requires them to register with their localities, and subjects them to all kinds of regulations and inspections. The bill comes perilously close to inflicting unfounded government control on innocent parties–such as hobby breeders and hunt-club operators, for example. It also establishes expensive unfunded mandates just when localities are revenue-pressed.

Well, I’m going to assume that’s a typo (or a Freudian slip) when they refer to Orrock as a Democrat.

But besides that: Great work. Never thought I would be saying that to The FL-S. ;)

Have a read of the fiscal impact statement for this bill (HB538) from the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget:

According to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the bill will result in an increased need for technical support to local animal control officers, private practice veterinarians, and Commonwealth’s attorneys in recognizing, investigating, collecting evidence, prosecuting, and giving expert testimony on commercial animal breeders. In addition, the legislation may result in a greater number of animal cruelty and animal welfare investigations in general.

Talk about unfunded mandates…

The department estimates that the legislation will require one full-time position to carry out the responsibilities associated with it. The cost of the position includes salary and fringes of $90,350, and other costs, such as office space, computer, cell phone, and travel of $16,412 in the first year and $12,392 in subsequent years.

That would be $106,762 for the 2008-2009 fiscal year and $102,742 in each subsequent fiscal year.

The bill makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for commercial breeders to violate the provisions. The penalties of a Class 1 misdemeanor include confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500. Therefore, this proposal could result in an increase in the number of persons in jail. There is not enough information available to reliably estimate how many additional inmates in jail could result from this proposal. Any increase in jail population will increase costs to the state. The Commonwealth pays localities $8 a day for each misdemeanant or otherwise local responsible prisoner held in a jail. It also funds much of the jails’ operating costs, e.g. correctional officers. The state’s share of these costs, on a per prisoner, per day basis varies from locality to locality. However, according to the Compensation Board’s most recent jail cost report (November 2007), the estimated total state support for local jails averaged $28.42 per inmate per day in FY 2006.

Bobby Orrock wants the state to spend at least $102,742 a year hunting down dog breeders (no pun intended) when his own county of residence can’t even get funding from the state to convert their part-time Commonwealth’s Attorney’s position to full-time! Does anyone else see a problem with this?

The last animal cruelty case (against Michael Wilkerson) that the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Caroline County prosecuted took two hours — and the case has since been appealed to Circuit Court and will have to be retried.

It’s nice to see that the government (any) has its spending priorities in order.

I hate Virginia…

Yes, that’s a hyperbole; to be more specific: I hate the Virginia House of Delegates.

Anyone care to guest what county managed to get full-time funding for their Commonwealth’s Attorney’s position in the House of Delegates budget?

Was it Caroline County?

Of course not!

It was Buckingham County! Why?

I’m sure it would have nothing to do with the fact that the Delegate that represents Buckingham County — Watkins M. Abbitt, Jr. — is on the House Appropriations committee and is the head of General Government subcommittee (which approved the budget amendment that gave Buckingham County the funding) [photo credit: Richmond Sunlight].

Let’s do some comparing and contrasting of Caroline and Buckingham Counties.

Estimated population in 2006 according to the Census Bureau:

  • Caroline County: 26,731
  • Buckingham County: 16,099

Bottom line: Caroline County has a population that is 66.04% higher.

According to the State Compensation Board:

  • Caroline County was ranked as most in need of additional attorney staffing with an 86.12% of need (the second ranked county, Amelia, was only 49.95%).
  • Buckingham County was ranked fourteenth (14th) in need with only a 21.90% of need.

Bottom line: Caroline County was determined to be more in need of additional attorney staffing than Buckingham County.

Ibid:

  • Caroline County was ranked eighteenth (18th) in need of additional administrative support (secretaries and paralegals) with a 37.78% of need.
  • Buckingham County was ranked forty-fourth (44th) in need with only a 5.77% need.

Bottom line: Caroline County was determined to be more in need of additional administrative support staffing than Buckingham County.

According to the 2005 Uniform Crime Report:

  • Caroline County had 869 arrests.
  • Buckingham County had 610 arrests.

Bottom line: Caroline County had 42.46% more arrests than Buckingham County.

State Compensation Board:

  • Caroline County was ranked 111th out of 120 jurisdictions with only 28.39% of felony defendants being sentenced. The rest of the felony defendants either had their charges nolle prossed, dismissed, or reduced to misdemeanors.
  • Buckingham County was ranked 73rd out of 120 jurisdictions with 48.79% of felons being sentenced.
  • The statewide average is 54.61%.

Bottom line: Caroline County has more felons not being sentenced due to the lack of adequate staffing.

So, tell me, which county do you think should have received money for full-time staffing?

Wow, big suprise there.

The Washington Times: ‘Tax Me More Fund’ raises little revenue:

State lawmakers can rule out Virginian’s offering up more of their hard-earned money to fix the $1.4 billion budget shortfall Gov. Tim Kaine announced this week.

At least that is what a peek at the so-called “Tax Me More Fund” suggests.

Since its inception in 2002, the fund has collected a total of $10,217.04.

[…]

Public generosity reached its high point in 2003 when Virginians forked over $6,602. The low point was in 2006, when the state received a measly $19.36.

Bill eliminating proffers, expanding impact fees passes Senate of Virginia

The Free Lance–Star: Impact-fee bill clears Senate:

On a vote of 21-19, the Senate approved Sen. John Watkins’ bill that eliminates the proffer system for residential development, replacing it with an increased ability to charge impact fees on development.

Proffers are technically voluntary payments that developers pay to localities to cover the cost of services to those new houses, like water and schools. Impact fees do essentially the same thing, but are currently limited to road improvements.

Watkins’ bill would eliminate proffers on residential development, but apply impact fees to emergency services and schools as well as roads. It would also allow localities to charge impact fees on “stale zoning”–i.e., development of lots that are already zoned. Current law only allows fees or proffers to be charged on development that requires new zoning.

Does that mean they can double dip and charge the owners of lots that have already paid proffers, impact fees as well?

It originally capped the impact fees at $5,000 per house, $8,000 in Northern Virginia. Watkins amended the bill to raise that cap to $7,500 per house, $12,500 in Northern Virginia, as local officials opposed the bill in part because they said the caps were too low.

Ouch, that’s going to hurt the Caroline County government since they currently charge $17,632 per lot.

Good to know the maturity in the House of Delegates hasn’t increased

From Anita Kumar’s blog at The WaPo: U.S. House Members Stop by Virginia House:

Even the introductions are partisan in the House of Delegates.

Del. Lacey E. Putney, an Independent from Bedford who caucuses with Republicans, introduced two visiting members of Virginia’s congressional delegation, Republican Reps. Thelma Drake and Robert J. Wittman.

A third member, Democrat Rep. James P. Moran Jr. was sitting close by but was not recognized until House Minority Leader Ward L. Armstrong (D-Henry) stood up to introduce him.

Say what you will about James “Jim” Moran (and if you can say it, I’ve said it) but at least have some damn respect for the office!

Do Republicans not know the definition of “political suicide”? First, you boo youth visitors to the General Assembly, and now this? Did you learn nothing from “macaca”?

Can you at the very least show some damn maturity?

Wait, with John Hager running the Republican Party of Virginia, I’m not sure why I’m expecting so much.