Alexandria Politics

Alexandria Politics

Subscribe

Public Interest Vs. Absolute Discretion

Lack of transparency forces some to consider lawsuits just to get information.

Brook Besha is at his wit’s end. It’s been almost four years since the Fairfax County Police Department shot and killed his son. But even today, he still does not have access to the investigation conducted by the Arlington County Police Department.

Tease photo

Developer Moves Forward with Plans to Redevelop Waterfront Property

Carr Hospitality seeks approval for concept even though zoning has yet to be approved.

One of the ghosts haunting the Alexandria waterfront is Samuel Cummings, international arms dealer who owned a warehouse now at the center of a controversial redevelopment proposal.

Tease photo

Inaction May Cause Federal Officials to Create Health-Care Exchange for Virginia

January 2013 is the deadline for the commonwealth to create authority for exchange.

Virginia is suffering from deadline fever, although Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell is calling for a second opinion.

Week in Alexandria

As the race to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Democratic Sen. Jim Webb heads into the long hot political summer season, both candidates are trying to capture the attention of Northern Virginia voters.

Tease photo

President Comes to the Area

Obama rallies his supporters during the campaign stop at Centreville High.

Before President Barack Obama addressed the huge crowd inside Centreville High, Saturday afternoon, Jerry Foltz of Wellspring United Church of Christ gave the invocation.

Tease photo

Military Matters

American Legion hosts Kaine forum to address veterans issues.

Former Virginia governor and Democratic candidate for senate Tim Kaine met with veterans and active duty military members of American Legion Post 24 in Alexandria July 9 in a roundtable discussion focusing on unemployment and other issues facing service members and their families.

Board Appoints Student Liaisons

This week marked the beginning of a one-year term for two new student non-voting members of the School Board. In early June, the board voted to appoint two student liaisons, who competed for the slots through an application and interview process. Due to their credentials, Charlotte Clinger, a rising senior, and Edom Tesfa, a rising junior, were chosen from a group of nine potential student candidates to take on this major commitment.

Gorsuch Re-Elected Board Chairman

At its organizational meeting on July 2, the Alexandria School Board voted to re-elect Sheryl Gorsuch as chairman and Helen Morris as vice chairman for the remainder of 2012. The current board will serve through Dec. 31, after which members elected by City of Alexandria voters on Nov. 6 will take office.

Tease photo

Despite Failing Grade on Transparency, Law Enforcement Officials Resist Opening Access

Advocates for public access remain frustrated by persistent lack of transparency.

Back in March, Virginia received a failing grade from the State Integrity Investigation as the result of a systematic lack of transparency.

Week in Alexandria

This election year will be like none other in the city’s long history, as the City Council election will take place in November for the first time. It will also feature a special election to fill a vacant seat in the House of Representatives in which a City Council member will be on the ballot.

Business Matters

How about this heat? Like death and taxes, this weekend’s heat wave is an inevitable fact of life. But it’s also an opportunity to make money.

Tease photo

17 Year Old's Political Career Shows Persistence

Evan Draim's efforts allowed him to win a delegate position in this year's Republican National Convention

While most 17 year olds were getting ready for prom or playing a varsity sport, Evan Draim was making phone calls, shaking hands, and giving speeches. That was because throughout spring, Draim was a campaigning to win one of the three delegate positions in Virginia's 8th congressional districts. "I wanted to show that the Republican party is interested in younger voters and is interested in the issues that they care about," said Draim about his interest in Republican politics.

Tease photo

Arlington and Alexandria Agree to Move in Different Directions on Corridor

Street car to move forward in Arlington; its future is uncertain in Alexandria.

Some say time heals all wounds. For leaders in Arlington and Alexandria, it may also be the solution to a disagreement about how to move forward with a regional transit system.

Business Matters

Seating is now on the menu at Del Ray Pizzeria, where customers can order thin-crust pizza in a restaurant with thick selection of chairs.

Council Notebook

City Council members have taken a bite out of crime.

Video