Alexandria Politics

City Attorney Gave Green Light to Hensley Before All Documents Were Reviewed

Federal grant from 1970s provided barrier to private development of public land.

Recently unearthed documents from city and state archives show Joseph Hensley Park is protected by the Land and Water Conservation Act, which financed development of the city-owned property in the late 1970s.

Opinion: White House Bound

Commentary

While studying diesel engines at school in Spartanburg, S.C., in 1954, Thomas* received the highest class grade — which came with the promise of getting to serve in the White House. And though the Army’s promise never came to fruition, Thomas and his two best buddies (who happened to receive the next two highest grades) did get to accompany a group of scientists at the North Pole for experimental work.

Candidates Agree on Amendment for Voting Rights, Disagree on Executive Order

Restoration of civil rights on the agenda for next governor.

Should nonviolent felons have their right to vote automatically restored? What exactly is a nonviolent felony? What kind of process can be considered automatic?

City Attorney Determines No Impediment to Hensley Lease, But Record Remains Unclear

State officials are still digging through archive to trace federal funds from 1970s.

The history of Hensley Park has become a battlefield in recent weeks, as city leaders clash with opponents of a proposal to hand over open space to a developer who wants to build a sports complex.

Silence of the Court: Virginia Supreme Court Denies Access to Audio Recordings

Lack of transparency is explained as effort to shield personal conversations.

The Virginia Supreme Court operates in silence, denying public access to audio recordings of its oral arguments.

On the Campaign Trail

Year after year, members of the General Assembly consider efforts to restore voting rights to nonviolent felons. But year after year, the effort is killed — usually by House Republicans.

Wasteful Spending: Alexandria Faces Difficult Decision on Raw Sewage

Cleaning out of Hunting Creek could cost $100 million to $300 million.

Every year, Alexandria dumps 10 million gallons of raw sewage into Hunting Creek.

For First Time in Recent Memory, No Competition Open Commonwealth's Attorney Seat

No Democrat challenges Bryan Porter in primary; no Republican steps forward for general.

Back in 1979, the competition to become Alexandria's next commonwealth's attorney was fierce.

Bench Warmers

Local judge spearheads Substitute Judges Institute.

Attorneys from across Northern Virginia gathered July 9 at Manassas Regional Airport to participate in the Institute for Substitute Judges, a seminar designed by Alexandria General District Court Chief Judge Becky Moore to provide intensive training to better prepare attorneys to serve on the bench.

Developer Wants to Lease Public Land for Private Gain

Should Alexandria approve a 40-year lease for Hensley Park?

Should a stretch of public land in the Eisenhower Valley be transformed into a private sports complex?

Unless courts intervene, new statewide division will take control of Jefferson-Houston next year.

Is Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell's effort to take over Jefferson-Houston School constitutional?

Petersen to Governor: Explain, Deny, Return or Resign

Petersen first Virginia legislator to suggest McDonnell resign over alleged wrongdoing in accepting gifts from prominent donor.

The tipping point for state Sen. J. Chap Petersen (D-34) was the $6,500 Rolex watch.

Terry McAulife Launches Healthcare Platform at Inova Alexandria Hospital

Affordable Care Act is a key point of distinction between candidates for governor.

Democratic candidate for governor Terry McAuliffe found himself in the emergency room this week, but it wasn't because of a medical crisis.

Alexandria Gazette Packet