Fairfax Politics

Fairfax Politics

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Convention Done, Primary Ahead

Republicans get a head start in the general election; Democrats still fighting each other

The way Democrats talk about Donald Trump, you'd think he was on the ballot in 2021. And in many ways, he is. The former president may be out of the White House and kicked off of social media, but he's still eager to see himself as a kingmaker.

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‘These Investments Will Pay Off in the Future’ in Fairfax City

Fairfax City adopts its FY 22 budget

Fairfax City last week adopted its FY 22 budget.

Running for Second in Command

Thirteen candidates are running for lieutenant governor in Virginia.

Seven Democrats and six Republicans are trying to secure their parties' nomination to be the candidate for lieutenant governor on the November ballot.

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Two Lawsuits Threaten Virginia Public Schools

Appellants ask courts to halt implementation of Student Transgender Policies; local FCPS Pride reacts

The outcome of two lawsuits filed in Circuit Courts the last week in March threatens the treatment of transgender students in all Virginia school divisions, including Fairfax County Public Schools.

‘People Are Still Hurting and Struggling Financially’ in Fairfax City

City’s advertised real-estate tax rate is $1.08

In February, Fairfax City Manager Rob Stalzer proposed a residential real-estate tax rate of $1.08 per $100 assessed valuation, as part of the City’s FY 22 budget.

‘People Will Change Their Behavior and Slow Down’ in Fairfax City

City installing photo speed cameras

Heads up, drivers in Fairfax City – photo speed cameras are headed your way.

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Fairfax County Supervisors Condemn Anti-Asian Racism

Acknowledging the large and vibrant Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Fairfax County, Chairman Jeff McKay introduced a resolution on March 23, passed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors, condemning violence and discrimination against AAPIs.

Joining Forces Against Hate

Local legislators part of newly formed Asian American and Pacific Islanders Caucus

Last week, local delegates Mark L. Keam (D-35) and Kathy KL Tran (D-42) joined other Virginia General Assembly members with Asian American heritage to speak out against violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Green Summer

Alexandria delegation works with the governor to legalize marijuana on July 1.

Alexandria is about to become the capital of marijuana in Virginia. The city's legislative delegation is at the center of an effort poised to legalize weed this summer, years ahead of an agreement that was struck behind closed doors at the end of the General Assembly session in February.

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Virginia State Candidates Seek Your Signature

With completion of the 2021 General Assembly session, the odd-year political election cycle is upon us in Virginia.

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Conversation Started to Rename Lee District in Fairfax County

Supervisor Lusk opened the floor to constituents who had a few suggestions.

Seemingly, everyone in Lee District knows the district is named after Robert E. Lee, the head of the Confederacy in the Civil War that ultimately ended the practice of slavery when the southern states lost and the Union won the war.

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Starting from a Clean Slate

Compromise on expungement: automatic for some misdemeanors, petition for some felonies.

Marijuana convictions will be automatically expunged under a bill now under consideration by Gov. Ralph Northam, although convictions for crack cocaine will require missing a day of work and probably hiring a lawyer to go to court and seal the record. The legislation is a compromise crafted late in the General Assembly session by House Majority Leader Charniele Herring of Alexandria and state Sen. Scott Surovell (D-36), who clashed repeatedly over the last year about how the process should work.

Virginia Is for Pet Lovers, Too

Cosmetics testing, research dogs/cats, dangerous dogs, pet store employees come under scrutiny

The 2021 Virginia General Assembly had only six companion animal-related bills before it this session; a small number compared to the roughly two dozen during the 2020 session, and a dozen in 2019.

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Controlling Gun Violence

After assault weapons stumble, lawmakers limit guns at polling places and government buildings.

Fulfilling their campaign promises to take action against gun violence, Democrats in the General Assembly are sending Gov. Ralph Northam several gun-violence prevention bills.

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Fairfax County Severs Cooperation with ICE

Board adopts Trust Policy barring voluntarily sharing residents' immigrant status

Fairfax County's Board of Supervisors approved in a vote of 9-to1, the Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy (Trust Policy) introduced as a Board Matter on Jan. 26 by Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay and co-sponsored by Supervisors Dalia A. Palchik (D-Providence) and John W. Foust (D-Dranesville).