Archive for August, 2011
Is Stafford County “Better off with Fetterolf”? You Betcha!
As many of my regular readers know, the issue that I’m most passionate about, locally, is strengthening our public education system – something the Republican-led Stafford County Board of Supervisors could care less about. Last year I wrote about how education was clearly not a priority for Stafford County Republicans, evident by the fact that they were spending $60 per day on inmates vs. $21 per day ($3 per hour) on each student.
Furthermore, the board also adopted an economic development plan, which made absolutely no mention of our public education system. They simply do not view a high-quality education system as an economic incentive, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
Enter Supervisor Cord Sterling (R-Rock Hill). In an unforgettable moment last year, he stood on the courthouse steps and launched a blistering attack on our school board – calling for them to be fired. Not what I would have done to establish a good working relationship with them.
With Cord’s seat up for re-election this year, voters can finally FIRE HIM!
Stafford Democrats came up empty in recruiting a candidate for this seat, but luckily voters have not. Dr. Dean Fetterolf (I-Rock Hill) believes Stafford is “Better off with Fetterolf” and SO DO I!
Pictured: Dr. Dean Fetterolf (I-Rock Hill)
For the last few years, Dean has chaired the School Board’s Finance and Budget Advisory Committee. There is not a single person more passionate and knowledgeable than Dean on what goes into building and, most importantly, maintaining a top-notch school system. He also understands that a quality school system can be used as a powerful economic incentive for attracting new businesses and families, which has a direct impact on our property values.
He rightfully notes that the amount of funds transferred to schools, as a percentage of total county spending, has fallen more than 16% since 2006. How does this compare to our neighbors? Despite a recession, our neighbors have increased their funding above their existing required local effort by an average of 20%. Stafford has CUT it by 30%. 30%!
Dean has put forth a 21st Century Globally Competitive funding goal plan for Stafford Schools:
- Reduce the 5th highest K-7 student teacher ratio in VA
- Improve Stafford’s 108 out of 132 ranking in per pupil expenditure
- Provide Competitive salaries for teachers and staff
- Help replace the 1000 computers that are 5-7 years old
- Help replace 88 old school buses
- Help fund $11M in future textbook purchases
- Replace Stafford High School
- Provide planning funds for a new CTE Facility
- Remodel or Replace 5 aging Southern Elementary Schools
It’s time to cut the CORD and vote Fetterolf for Rock Hill Supervisor on November 8th!
Dennen: NRC To Inspect Nuke Plant
As reported earlier today, last week’s Virginia quake may have actually exceeded design standards at the North Anna nuclear power plant. The reactors were automatically powered down when the power failed from the quake.
An inspection team from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has been dispatched to assist resident inspectors in determining whether design standards were exceeded. Employees are saying that the reactors could be down for six weeks to six months, depending on the results of the analysis.
This is troubling on so many levels.
Dennen provides more troubling background on the history of quakes and the North Anna plant:
The subject of earthquakes and North Anna Power Station goes way back, before construction even began in the early 1970s.
According to stories in The Free Lance-Star, some geologists and environmental groups warned of an active earthquake zone that runs through portions of Central Virginia, including Mineral.
In 1976, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission found Dominion power’s predecessor, Virginia Electric and Power Co., guilty of making seven material false statements about geology at the plant. The company was fined $32,500.
Among the statements: That “faulting at the site is neither known or suspected.” Also listed was the company’s failure to tell the NRC staff or Atomic Safety and Licensing Board that it knew a fault existed at the site.
Vepco had appealed the fine, saying that statements it made about the fault “were believed to be true at the time they were made” and that there was no intent to mislead or deceive.
More recently, in February, the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League brought up the location’s earthquake history in Dominion’s application for a combined license for third reactor pending before the NRC.
Units 1 and 2 went online in 1978 and 1980, respectively.
Olsen Breaks Law Again, Accepts Illegal Campaign Donation?
For someone running for Stafford County Commonwealth’s Attorney, you would think that Eric “Law & Order” Olsen (R-Stafford) would take care to ensure that he, himself, followed the law, right? On the heels of “Law & Order-gate,” it appears that Olsen may have accepted an illegal campaign donation from a foreign national.
Per his most recent campaign finance disclosure report (04/01/2011 – 06/30/2011), one of his top campaign contributors is a business owner from Switzerland named Urs Kirchofer:
It is illegal to accept money from foreign nationals.
I did a quick google search and was able to locate an Urs Kirchhofer (an extra “h” in last name) in Luzern (French: Lucerne), Switzerland. You can check out his xing profile here.
Left: Eric Olsen (R-Stafford), Right: Urs Kirchhofer
All signs seem to confirm that this individual is a non-U.S. citizen and doesn’t have permanent U.S. residency status (posses a “green card”).
Olsen needs to return this money immediately and explain his relationship to this individual!
Better yet, just vote for Timothy Barbrow (I-Stafford) on November 8.
Quote: Fred Sweat on Open Government
Fred Sweat (D-Griffis-Widewater), as quoted in his campaign press releaseI will be open with government business and I will encourage community involvement. Fresh and innovative ideas will always be welcome.
With the deeply partisan nature of the current Stafford County Board of Supervisors, it is absolutely refreshing to see a candidate who welcomes new ideas and doesn’t reject them out of hand because they don’t fit their ideological leanings. You can read Fred’s full press release here (so I’m a few days late posting it…).
Hurricane Irene, No Sweat
In keeping with his campaign slogan, small business owner Fred Sweat (D-Griffis-Widewater) didn’t let a hurricane stop him from moving “Full Speed Ahead” with his campaign. Earlier today, Sweat formally launched his campaign to succeed current Stafford County Supervisor Bob Woodson (D-Griffis-Widewater) – who opted against seeking a second term.
Given the weather, I was impressed by the large number of supporters who showed up at his business, Sunnyside Nursery, to show their support – including Sen. Toddy Puller (D-36th).
Sweat is passionate about preserving our natural resources. He plans on encouraging the rebirth of future farmers. We need these local farmers to produce healthy vegetables, conserving on fuel and promoting business.
He also is supportive of urban development areas, so long as they are properly planned.
Education and transportation are also issues that he is concerned about and will be a focus of his campaign, as well as being a good steward of our tax dollars.
Overall, a nice start!
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