Opinion - Page 22 of 39 - Potomac Local News

‘My number one legislative priority will be prohibiting drivers from having mobile phones in their hands while driving’

Published January 9, 2017 at 11:35AM | Updated January 9, 2017 at 12:16PM

On Wednesday, January 11, the 2017 Session of the General Assembly Session will gavel in for a 45-day “short” session. I am looking forward to a very busy six weeks and would like to update you on my plans for session. I am introducing nearly 40 bills, but here are a few highlights.

First, lagging state revenues continue to limit legislative initiatives and create funding priorities. The Virginia State Police is hemorrhaging Troopers due to lagging pay and a planned two percent raise for teachers and state employees was delayed after anticipated revenues fell short. They will be a priority this year.

‘If you believe that our testing culture has gotten out of control and that we need to meet the basic needs of movement and play for young children then please…attend the Pep Rally’

By Potomac Local News

Published January 7, 2017 at 1:17PM

The Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center is the headquarters for the Prince William County Public School System. [Photo via Prince William County Public Schools]

Submitted:

I am writing to tell you about an exciting event happening at the [Prince William County] School Board meeting on January 27, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. My name is Barbara Larrimore and I have three young children; two of which are attending Lake Ridge Elementary School. Through watching and volunteering at the school, hours of research, and calling other counties and highly ranked schools in the state of Virginia, that PWC is not allowing best practices for our youngest citizens.

‘…I have never felt so harassed when I go shopping like I have in PWC’

By Potomac Local News

Published January 6, 2017 at 10:21AM | Updated January 6, 2017 at 4:21PM

Submitted:

“I have been a resident of eastern [Prince William County] since 2008 and I’ve seen the county undergo many changes. What has become concerning to me is the panhandling situation. I come from NYC and have spent time in DC and I have never felt so harassed when I go shopping like I have in PWC. In the last month every time I visited Walmart, Target, Big Lots, 7-11, Hobby Lobby, etc I have been approach[ed] at MY Vehicle with a panhandle asking for money. It’s as if they are just waiting and don’t even give you a chance to exit your vehicle. I want to know what are the laws in the county on panhandling? Are other residents feeling harassed too? What are officials doing to stop this? Are they even aware of this problem? …Thank you in advance for addressing my concern.”

‘How would a loving dad react if he saw a grown man follow his nine-year-old daughter into a bathroom’

By Potomac Local News

Published January 6, 2017 at 9:08AM | Updated January 6, 2017 at 10:25AM

We got this statement from Delegate Bob Marshall about his new bathroom bill HB 1612 which he says will “protect privacy in facilities normally separated by sex” in government-owned or rented buildings.

Agree with him or disagree with him? Leave it in the comments.

Reader: Schools should wait for Supreme Court, Virginia Supreme Court to rule on LGBT matter

By Potomac Local News

Published September 18, 2016 at 12:33PM

Submitted:

OP-ED EXCLUSIVELY FOR POTOMACLOCAL.com
School Board Should Wait For The Courts
By Carrie Beliles, resident of Triangle, VA
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Word count: 638

Prince William Black Pastors: Revised schools discrimination policy ‘would threaten the privacy rights of our students’

By Potomac Local News

Published September 18, 2016 at 12:28PM

The following letter to Prince William County School Board Chairman Ryan Sawyers was sent to use in an emailed titled “PWC BLACK PASTORS OPPOSE SCHOOL BOARD “GENDERIDENTITY” REVISION”

Dear Chairman Sawyers and School Board Members,

Reader opposes Verizon Wireless monopole near Dale City

By Potomac Local News

Published September 12, 2016 at 1:11PM

The Prince William County Board of Supervisors will decide on Sept. 20, 2016 to allow Verizon Wireless to erect a 144-foot monopole for telecommunications at Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, located at 6299 Token Foreset Drive near Dale City.

The Prince William County Planning Commission and staff say the pole is a good idea.

Lovejoy: A strong city needs a strong manufacturing base

By Potomac Local News

Published August 3, 2016 at 2:34PM

Importance of Manufacturing To Local Economy

Watching both party’s conventions on television this week as both a City Councilman and concerned Republican, I couldn’t help but reflect on just how lucky we are to live in such a great country. I’m so very proud to play a small role in our representative democracy as a member of the Manassas City Council. We have such a great city.

Equality Prince William wants LGBT Pride Month

By Potomac Local News

Published June 20, 2016 at 8:35PM

Potomac Local was copied in this email to Prince William County Coles District Supervisor Marty Nohe: Prince William County Supervisor Nohe: What do the President of the United States, the Honorable Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Cities of Alexandria and Fairfax, the Town of Herndon, and the Counties of Arlington and […]

Bills on predatory lending, transportation, environment in works

By Potomac Local News

Published January 14, 2016 at 4:45PM

Surovell

On January 13, 2016, I take my oath of office as your state senator. I am planning on introducing approximately 40 bills and about a dozen budget amendments in our 60-day session.

Predatory Lending
Predatory lending is a major problem in the U.S. 1 Corridor. Car title lenders have been abusing this loophole by charging rates over 200% by recharacterizing car title loans as separately regulated car title loans. To reign in car title lender bait and switch tactics, I am proposing to limit interest rates on consumer finance loans at 36%. I have also introduced legislation to prohibit car title lenders from using subsidiaries from using the open end credit loophole to also evade consumer protections.