By Bill Edgin: Growing up in Tomball, TX, I knew I was gay by the time I entered high school. But I also knew to bury this secret deep and never tell anyone, as I had been taught from an…
The Supreme Court did not solve gerrymandering in Virginia — here’s how to do it
By Brad Swanson: The recent Supreme Court decision allowing Virginia legislative elections to go ahead this year under a map drawn by a court-appointed expert doesn’t solve the problem of gerrymandering. Only a state Constitutional amendment taking district-drawing power away…
Fairfax County Democrats seek unity in aftermath of primary
Now that the Democratic primary is over, Fairfax County Democrats are seeking to unite the party behind winning candidates in the runup to the Nov. 5 general election. Hunter Mill District Democratic Committee was first off the mark, holding its…
McKay, Descano among Democratic Primary winners
Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay won the Democratic Primary for chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Tuesday night, beating opponents at-large school board member Ryan McElveen, Georgetown Law professor Alicia Plerhoples and developer Tim Chapman. The race for Commonwealth’s…
Under my leadership, says Plerhoples, Fairfax will be a greener county
By Alicia Plerhoples: Alicia Plerhoples is a candidate for chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in the Democratic primary on June 11. Fairfax County is one of the best educated and wealthiest communities in the country. Fairfax voters…
My experience sets me apart, says Ray Morrogh, seeking re-election as Commonwealth’s Attorney
By Ray Morrogh: Ray Morrogh is Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County and candidate for re-election in the Democratic primary on June 11. In my 35 years of experience as a prosecutor, I have approached each case with the same guiding…
Primer for the Primary
The Democratic Primary will take place from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11. Participation is open to any registered voter and you don’t need to re- register or sign up with the Democratic Party in order to cast a…
Del. Kaye Kory helps minority-owned pet store stay in business
By Susan Laume: Support from the community, including from state Del. Kaye Kory (D-38), has saved a Latino woman-owned pet store in Barcroft Plaza shopping center from closure. The pet store, Chico’s Natural Pet Market, faced shutdown when the owner,…
Lifting up families, electing Dems, gun safety are themes of fundraiser
By Karen Kirk: It’s time to take the “Virginia miracle” into America’s mainstream and win back the Senate and the presidency, said U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro at the Fairfax County Democratic Committee’s Jefferson Obama Annual Dinner Sunday night in McLean.…
Steve Descano has a plan to bring criminal justice reform to Fairfax County
By Steve Descano: Candidate for Commonwealth’s Attorney in the Democratic primary on June 11 Since the 1960s, Fairfax County’s criminal justice system has been led by the mistaken notion that “tough-on-crime” policies reduce criminal behavior and improve outcomes for our…
“It’s not too late” for Northam, says Kofi Annan. But is the gov. listening?
By Brad Swanson: Kofi Annan is puzzled. He’s the president of the Fairfax County NAACP, one of the largest and most active chapters in the Commonwealth, and winner of a prestigious prize as the best chapter in the country. Yet…
Should values lead justice? Fairfax prosecutor candidates clash
By Brad Swanson: Democratic Party candidates for criminal prosecutor clashed in a debate Friday, May 24, as challenger Steve Descano painted a vision of “progressive justice” while incumbent Ray Morrogh, represented by a staff attorney, insisted on the importance of…
Supervisor Chair candidates agree on policies, debate on leadership
By Brad Swanson: The four Democratic Party candidates for Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chair met on Friday, May 24, to debate the issues and found themselves largely agreeing on the need for affordable housing, universal pre-kindergarten, school trailer elimination,…
Fairfax Dems’ call on Northam to let trans soldiers serve arrives too late
By Brad Swanson: The Fairfax County Democratic Committee voted unanimously on Tuesday, May 21, to urge that Gov. Ralph Northam allow transgender troops to serve openly in the Virginia National Guard — not knowing that just a few hours earlier…