Jan. 3, 2024

Neighbors,

The 2024 session of the General Assembly begins next Wednesday, Jan. 10 and I encourage you to stay informed and engaged with your General Assembly representatives. This is also my annual reminder that Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, which means the Board of Supervisors has limited powers that are specifically conferred on them by the Virginia General Assembly (including taxes).

My colleagues on the Board and I actively advocate on your behalf through our legislative program, which is reviewed and discussed during the Board's Legislative Committee meetings. We recently met with the county's General Assembly delegation to discuss and highlight the county's legislative priorities outlined in the 2024 Legislative Program.

Several county priorities for the 2024 General Assembly session include:

Roadway and Pedestrian Safety: Initiate legislation to affirm that counties may lower speed limits in residential and business districts as cities and towns can do – authority enacted in 2021 but not in a way that the Virginia Department of Transportation attorneys considered valid.
Affordable Housing: Support state funding and actions to increase the availability of affordable, accessible, integrated housing and prevent homelessness, including expanded investments in tools and programs to address affordable housing needs.
School Funding: A watershed report by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (PDF) in 2023 outlined the inadequacy of state funding for our public schools compared to adjacent states like Kentucky and West Virginia.
Metro Funding: The Commonwealth must provide dedicated and sustainable funding for WMATA (Metro) that addresses the looming budget shortfall – putting the agency on sound financial footing without diverting resources from critical local services and other transportation needs in Northern Virginia and the Commonwealth.
Local Authority: Existing local government authority must be preserved and expanded, particularly in such key areas as taxation, land use, and the protection of public health, safety, and welfare. Further, local authority should be enhanced to provide localities additional flexibility in the administration of local government.
Environment: Support efforts to reduce the county’s greenhouse gas emissions and operational demand for energy through efficiency, conservation, renewable energy, education, and other measures.
Elections: Support legislation to promote equitable and efficient participation in elections, such as continuing to facilitate voting by mail, providing for extended polling hours statewide, extending curbside voting to those with non-physical disabilities, and expanding the use of drop boxes. Provide adequate state funding for election administration.

Casino: Of specific interest to many in the Hunter Mill District is expected legislation authorizing a casino along Metro's Silver Line in Reston or Tysons. I am against a casino in Hunter Mill and have been working to defeat any legislation that could lead to what I consider a bad outcome for our community. I discussed this issue in two newsletter updates last fall and there has been media coverage both locally and nationally: Patch, Richmond Times Dispatch, Fortune, El Tiempo Latino

Here are ways for you to provide input to your General Assembly representatives:

Virtual Town Hall, Tonight, Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 6 p.m.

Delegate Holly Seibold, Senator-elect Saddam Salim and Delegate-elect Karen Keys-Gamarra are hosting a virtual town hall tonight ahead of the new legislative session. Register here to attend.

Public Hearing, Saturday, Jan. 6, 9 a.m.

The county's delegation to the General Assembly will hold a public hearing regarding the upcoming 2024 session on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 9 a.m. in the Board Auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. County residents who want to sign up in advance to speak at the hearing should contact Clerk Services at 703-324-3151, TTY 711. For more information on the public hearing, contact your General Assembly representatives.

Contact Your State Senator and Delegate

There have been many changes in General Assembly senators and delegates. Make sure you know who represents you and provide your input on state-related issues.

Regards,

Walter

Your Library Top Picks for 2023

The Fairfax County Public Library reached a major milestone in 2023 with 3 million+ digital loans in a single year. This is the first time the library system has exceeded the threshold since introducing OverDrive in 2006, the library's online digital catalog provider. We are fortunate to have the Reston Regional Library and Patrick Henry Library in Hunter Mill District, both are beloved and well used community centers.

An annual favorite – last year's top Library picks countywide:

Top 5 Adult eBook/eAudiobooks:

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
101 Essays that Will Change the Way You Think by Brianna Wiest
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Top 5 Childrens and Young Adult eBook/eAudiobooks:

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sara J. Maas
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Top 5 Print Adult:

World of Curiosities by Louise Penny
Desert Star by Michael Connelly
Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Long Shadows by David Baldacci

Top 5 Print Childrens/Young Adult:

Thank You Book by Mo Willems
Dog Man: Fetch by Dav Pilkey
Dog Man: Mothering Heights by Dav Pilkey
I Really Like Slop by Mo Willems
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley’s Journal by Jeff Kinney

Learn more.

What's News in Vienna

Give Back to Your Community

The Town of Vienna offers residents several opportunities to share their time and talents and give back to the community. To learn more about adult, student, and youth volunteer opportunities, email or call 703-255-5721. If you’re interested in serving on one of the Town’s boards and commissions, please review current vacancies and apply.

Public Safety Update

Make a 9 p.m. Security Check

The Reston District Police Station reminds everyone to make a 9 p.m. check of your property a part of your daily routine. Check to make sure your home is secure, with doors and windows locked. Take all valuables out of your car and make sure your doors are locked. Also regularly check to make sure your home security features (lights, cameras) are working correctly. Learn more.

Land Use Update

REMINDER: Provide Input on Piney Run Tributary at Lamplighter Way Stream Restoration Project

Fairfax County is holding two public meetings to review design progress on the Piney Run Tributary at Lamplighter Way Stream Restoration Project (click on map for larger view). Information about the project can be found here. There are two upcoming meetings for resident input:

Virtual Meeting – Thursday, Jan. 4, 7 p.m. The virtual meeting can be accessed via this link.
Onsite Meeting – Saturday, Jan. 6, 10 a.m. Meet at the Pink Trail entrance at Center Harbor Road.

For more information email Project Manager Aaron George, Stormwater Planning Division, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, or call 703-324-5802, TTY 711.

Health and Human Services Update

Elder Fraud Prevention Workshop Jan. 10

Insight Memory Care is hosting a workshop on how to avoid falling victim to fraud and the steps you should take if you have been victimized. The workshop is hybrid with options for attending in-person or via Zoom on Jan. 10, 1 to 2:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Mazwey Education and Support Center, 3955 Pender Drive, Ste. 100, Fairfax. Register here and virtual attendees will receive Zoom information prior to the workshop. For more information call Melissa Long, 703-204-4664 x141

How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill

A summary of local nonprofits in Hunter Mill District with links to needs, events and resources.

3 Things to Know Today

Maybe Snow, Maybe Not...

A storm is predicted to impact our area this weekend, with possible snow in the forecast. A reminder to stay informed and prepared for whatever comes our way, with winter weather preparedness tips and resources.

Winter Water Tips From Fairfax Water

With cold weather comes the danger (and expense!) of frozen and burst pipes. Fairfax Water provides several tips on how you can prevent freezing in your water lines. Learn more.

Affordable Housing Application Waitlists Open Jan. 8

The waitlists will open on Jan. 8 for these affordable housing properties:

One University, two-bedroom apartments, 4518 University Drive, Fairfax
Audubon Apartments, efficiency (studio) apartments, 7951 Audubon Avenue, Alexandria
Rental Assistance Demonstration Project-Based Voucher units. Two-bedroom apartments located at multiple sites countywide.

Learn more.

Stay Informed and In Touch

Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn

Huntermill@Fairfaxcounty.gov

703-478-0283, TTY 711

fairfaxcounty.gov/huntermill