October 23, 2019

My parents were not political; they tended to always want to avoid controversy. One exception was their support of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. They were married shortly before the Great Depression and had a really tough go of it in rural Virginia during the depression. They were convinced that it was President Roosevelt’s New Deal that saved the country, and they never let me forget it! Many historians would agree with them.

While the challenges facing our state today are very different from those that the country faced in the 1930s, there are issues that burden many of our citizens and jeopardize our country’s future that demand a plan and a set of actions not unlike those of the New Deal era. Appropriately the response to these needs is called the Green New Deal. ( www.greennewdealva.com )

Many politicians are shying away from the Green New Deal terming it too ambitious, too hasty, and too costly. I support the plan and share its goals of “creating thousands of good jobs addressing climate change and restoring Virginia’s environment.” A long list of groups and organizations supporting the coalition have very thoughtfully put together our immediate need to respond to climate change with the need to put more people to work productively. Green New Deal supporters seek “to develop and implement a comprehensive state-wide energy transformation plan that centers environmental sensitivity, equity, transparency, justice and sustainability in its solution.”

The devil in the myriad of details that must be worked out over the next several years will require listening to each other, respecting the needs and rights of all our citizens, compromising when it moves us towards our ultimate goals, and giving credit to all stakeholders as they make advances supporting the goals.

With the emphasis being put on climate change and the necessity that we move forward on renewable energy, I was pleased that Governor Ralph Northam last week announced what is being characterized as “the largest state renewable energy contract in the Nation.” As the Governor described it, “With this landmark contract, Virginia is leading by example and demonstrating how states can step up to combat climate change and advance a clean energy economy.” Under the contract the partners will supply state government with 420 megawatts of renewable energy, which is the equivalent of powering more than 100,000 homes. It is an important small step forward that puts the Commonwealth on record as being on board with renewables.

Virginia has had a slower start than many of us would like, but I am encouraged by recent developments. The first off-shore wind turbines in federal waters are to be completed by the end of next year leading to full development of 2,600 megawatts of offshore wind that would power 650,000 homes. A press release from the Governor’s Office indicates that since January of 2018 the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has issued 23 permits for solar projects that will generate more than 800 megawatts of energy, and the agency expects to issue permits for an additional 478 megawatts for seven projects by the end of the year.

It is time for a new deal in Virginia and a green one at that. Children of the future will appreciate the wisdom of the actions that we are taking today. 

Tune in to Ken's weekly television program,  Virginia Report , on  YouTube, Reston Comcast Channel 28 for public service programming or Verizon Channel 1981. Ken interviews state and local leaders who are making news by making a difference. 

TONIGHT:  Wednesday, October 23 at 10:30 p.m., Delegate Plum talks with Jody Keenan of the Virginia SBDC (small business development centers)

 

Tuesday, October 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, October 30 at 10:30 p.m. , Delegate Plum talks with Steve Gurney about the Retirement Living Sourcebook

Click on the event title for more information:

Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will hold a second round of community input meetings and engagement opportunities to encourage public input on alternatives developed to provide enhanced Fairfax Connector bus service in the Reston and Herndon areas, including connections to the future Metrorail Silver Line Phase 2 stations in Herndon and Reston. More information and meeting schedule is at Fairfax Connector.

The Census Bureau is holding informational events all over the country to answer questions about jobs and the hiring process with the goal of recruiting 500,000 temporary workers for positions beginning in the spring of 2020. These jobs are critical to ensure a complete and accurate census.

Learn more at 2020 Census

Support the Launch of a New Magazine Highlighting

Progressive Social Justice

All proceeds will benefit Moms Demand Action!

Saturday, October 26

6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Rowan Tree LLC

280 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon

Come celebrate the launch of The Activated People LLC (TAP), the nation’s premier online magazine and media platform dedicated to highlighting the progressive social justice topics shaping America’s cultural landscape and the activists on the front lines of these battles. The publication will serve as a hub for grassroots activists and those seeking to network and gain a deeper understanding of the issues. Learn more and purchase tickets at

Launch Party

Wednesday, October 23, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., The Sorensen Institute's Political Leaders Program Reception, at La Tasca Alexandria, 607 King Street, Alexandria. Details are at PLP Recruitment Reception.

October 24 through 28, Washington West Film Festival, in Reston. The Festival's mission is to "bring a world class film festival to the greater DC area, to provide a supportive structure for all filmmakers from around the world, and to give all of our profits away each year to those in need." Learn more, see schedule and purchase tickets at wwfilmfest.com.

Thursday, October 24, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Rowan Tree Ladies in Creative Literature, at Rowan Tree LLC, 714 Pine Street, Herndon. Rowan Tree has not one, not two, but 7 members who have written, created, or contributed to a piece of creative literature. Join us for a unique evening that celebrates our authors and shares their incredible collection of work. Enjoy a short reading from several of our authors followed by open networking, book signings, and Q&A with the authors. Details are at Rowan Tree.

Saturday, October 26, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout. Take advantage of a free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal of unused or expired medications. Drop off medications at any of the eight Fairfax County District Police Stations (pills or liquids only, no pressurized canisters or needles). Visit Medicine Cabinet Cleanout for more information.

Saturday, October 26, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Fall Festival and Art & Craft Fair , at United Christian Parish, 11508 N Shore Drive, Reston. This juried show features a wide variety of arts and crafts fashioned by local artists and craftspeople and includes activities for children. More is at Craft Fair & Fall Festival .

Saturday, October 26, 12:00 to 12:30 p.m., Myths & Monsters of Reston Storytime , at Reston Historic Trust & Museum, Lake Anne Plaza. See all Museum events at Calendar .

Sunday, October 27, 9:00 a.m., Reston Trick or Tri Race , at 12196 Sunset Hills Road, Reston. YMCA Reston and CORE Foundation have teamed up to produce a new multi-sport event. Details are at Reston Trick or Tri .

Sunday, October 27, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Amazon Rainforest Fest, at the Pony Barn Picnic Area, Steeplechase Drive & Triplecrown Road, Reston. A day full of fun for everyone with live music, yard sale, games, educational photo exhibit, crafts for kids, Halloween decorations, and more. Free admission; register at Amazon Rainforest Fest.

Friday, November 1, UPS Brown Friday hiring event. Learn more at www.jobs-ups.com/brownfriday.

Saturday, November 2, Lime Connect Century Ride, begins and ends at The Bike Lane, 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Reston. Cyclists will ride from 10 to 100 miles through Northern Virginia's suburban streets, rural back roads, and along the W&OD rail trail as they complete the 2019 Lime Connect Century Ride. Details are at www.limeconnect.com/centuryride.

Saturday, November 2, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Guy Fawkes Day, at Bacon's Castle, 465 Bacons Castle Trail, Surry, Virginia. Commemorate Guy Fawkes Day at Bacon’s Castle, with special guests, costumed interpreters and children’s activities all day long, concluding with a bonfire and evening chant at 5:00 p.m. Special Rebellion Tours will take place inside the main house and delicious baked potatoes with all the fixings will be for sale. Included with General Admission ($10). More is at Guy Fawkes Day

Saturday, November 2, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 1,000 Books Across Fairfax, at Reston Regional Library. Celebrate the 3rd Anniversary of 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten with special guests from our community. All ages. More locations are at Books Across Fairfax.

Sunday, November 3, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Virginia Thanksgiving Festival, at Berkeley Plantation. Fun activities for the entire family include a re-enactment of the First English Thanksgiving, Chickahominy Tribal Dancers, parade with horse drawn carriages, fife and drum, entertainers, musicians and magicians, colonial period games, dancing and choral groups, arts & crafts, jewelry and food vendors, corn maze, storytelling, cornhusk doll making, candle dipping, and a silent auction. Ticket and schedule information are at Virginia Thanksgiving Festival.