Dear Friends, Virginians, citizens of Fairfax:
It's the dog days of summer.
The legislature is out of session. The kids are all in camp. Even the courthouse is relatively quiet.
The first part of this summer was dominated by our special session. In the early morning hours of July 10th, the Assembly adjourned after the House of Delegates defeated our Senate transportation plan. I won't rehash all the details here. For those interested, please read my Connection article,
available here. This issue is not dead. Indeed, all the same players will be back in January.
While a comprehensive transportation bill is stalled, solutions to other state problems are coming from unlikely sources.
On July 12th, my family visited
Polyface Farm in Swope, Virginia, which is a leader in environmentally-friendly agriculture. To visit an organic farm is a trip back to the future, despite the efforts to regulate them out of business. On the Ag Committee, we must "level the playing field" for independent farmers using natural methods to raise livestock. For a society that suffers from chronic obesity, the advantages of organic farming are manifest. Look for this issue to become larger as we get more serious about our childrens' health.
Speaking of health....
This Saturday, July 26 at 6:30 pm, the Friends of the W&OD Trail sponsor their annual 10K run which starts from the old Vienna station.
Join me for the run. After the race, join me at The Vienna Inn for an icy cold beverage. My campaign will buy the first round for any runners that meet us there. Cheers!
Finally, I must
note the passing of long-time Senator Joe Gartlan who died July 18th at the age of 82. My time in the Assembly was after Joe's but he was a great Democrat, a great man and a great friend, who helped me in many ways when I first got started.
If we can help you in any way, please contact my State Senate office at 703-349-3361 or
www.fairfaxsenator.com. Or follow the issues on our blog at
www.oxroadsouth.com.
Let us know how we can
represent you better.
Sincerely,
