By Julie Galdo: Hispanics are six times more likely to get sick from coronavirus in Fairfax County than non-Hispanic whites, according to data from the Fairfax County Health Department. It has been widely reported that COVID-19 is having a disproportionate impact on ethnic minorities in many parts of our country and the world. But the stark truth is we have…
By Rep. Gerry Connolly: First and foremost, I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. I wanted to give you a quick update on what I’ve been working on during the coronavirus pandemic and of course make sure you know that if there’s anything you need during these difficult times our office is here to…
Starting Tue., Apr. 28, small businesses in Fairfax County hurt by coronavirus can apply for emergency loans up to $20,000 at 0% interest. The $2.5 million program is funded by Fairfax County and administered by the non-profit Community Business Partnership. For more information and to apply, click here. The loans can be used for working capital, equipment, rent, debt payments,…
By Bob Leggett: Immigrants in northern Virginia now account for over 27% of the population and contribute almost $60 billion to the local economy, according to a new government report. The report finds that immigrants in our region are well educated and make up over 40% of all entrepreneurs in the region. In addition, over 50% have earned their U.S.…
By Susan Laume: Fairfax County voters turned out in large numbers for Super Tuesday’s Democratic primary vote, and decisively supported Joe Biden. Biden won 49% of the almost 250,000 votes cast, followed by Bernie Sanders with 23%. Elizabeth Warren and Michael Bloomberg trailed with 12% and 11% respectively. Countywide, 34% of registered voters cast ballots. Turnout far exceeded the 2016…
By Rep. Gerry Connolly: When I first ran for office here in Fairfax County in 1995, it was a Republican place. Democrats could and did win elections, but the default was Republican. Today, there are just four remaining Republicans representing any part of Fairfax County — Clerk of Court John Frey, Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity, Vice President Mike Pence, and…
By Brad Swanson: Fairfax County will seek bids shortly to install solar panels at more than 200 school and government buildings, aiming to decrease electric costs and curb greenhouse emissions. Solar panel installers will be asked to propose terms for “power purchase agreements” (PPAs) under which they will install panels and supporting equipment — at their own expense– at sites…
By Brad Swanson: You should not look too closely into the making of laws or sausages, runs the saying attributed (incorrectly) to Germany’s “Iron Chancellor”, Otto von Bismarck. But what would he have thought about the convoluted process of making Democratic Party candidates for Fairfax County elected offices? Overall, there will be more than 50 offices on Fairfax County ballots…
By Karen Keys-Gamarra The author is an at-large member of the Fairfax County School Board and is running for re-election in November. Actions speak louder than words. That’s true in Fairfax County, where we boast diversity that is reflected in our schools, businesses and communities. This county has the 10th largest public school system in the nation and its students experience…
The stakes are high in this year’s primary election on Tuesday, June 12. Six candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination to unseat a veteran incumbent, Barbara Comstock, in Congressional District 10. If you live in CD 10 — which touches Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun, Clarke and Frederick Counties –your voice should be heard. We all benefit from your participation.…