Crime Report

PAGE 8|JANUARY 5 - 11, 2023

COMMENT

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church

By Supervisor Penny Gross

This week marks two years since the deadly assault on the Capitol Building and on our democracy. Fortunately, both the Capitol and our democracy survived that assault, albeit with scars and some trepidation. The videos from the siege burn in memories, and the televised hearings by the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol brought new information and insight into the machinations of the Trump Administration that set up and supported the assault by our own citizens. Sometimes it was hard to turn away from the revelatory hearings; other times, it was difficult to imagine that officials in leadership positions could be so venal. Fortunately, there were some heroes among the witnesses. Who can forget the elections worker and her mother, from Georgia, who expressed how they were just doing their jobs, yet subjected to death threats? Or the Republican chairman from Maricopa County, Arizona, who demonstrated an ethical approach to election integrity, at the risk of his seat? Or White House aide Cassidy Hutchison who, in multiple appearances, electrified the committee with her descriptions of White House officials’ activities during the riot?

The assault on democracy and elections continued in last November’s elections, with wild accusations and multiple legal challenges in many states, and many victories by razorthin margins in both parties. The ballyhooed “red wave” turned out to be a trickle, but indicated that the nation still is split, nearly down the middle. The next 22 months leading up to the 2024 presidential election provide ample time to reiterate the reasons why our democracy was created and how to retain and maintain democratic ideals more than two centuries after the foundational documents were adopted. Some recent court decisions seem to be peculiar interpretations of those foundational documents; just because some rights were not mentioned specifically in the Constitution should not mean that millions of people are limited in their privacy or ability to choose their health care, spouse, or where to live. Rather than a red wave, we should be advocating and supporting a red, white, and blue wave. The American flag flies over us all, not just a few.

As the New Year begins, the Fairfax County Police Department has provided a new information campaign for an existing effort – the Firearm and Ammunition Safe Disposal Program. Police often are called to assist residents when they have firearms or ammunition they no longer wish to keep. Sometimes these items belong to an aging family member, or are from military service, or simply not wanted in the house anymore. The quickest and easiest way to get rid of such items is to call the non-emergency police dispatch number – 703-691-2131 – and request an officer respond to your home. Leave the weapon and/or ammunition in a safe location, and direct the officer to it. The officer will ensure that any gun is unloaded and rendered safe before taking possession of it. Although not a preferred method, residents also may deliver a gun or ammunition to their local police station for disposal. Call the station first to notify them of your intentions, place the unloaded weapon in the trunk or rear of your vehicle, separate from any ammunition. Be sure to have identification with you. Do not bring the weapon or ammunition into the station. You should speak with the front desk staff, and then an officer will be called for assistance. Always treat every weapon as if it is loaded; keep it pointed in a safe direction, and keep your finger off the trigger. Getting rid of dangerous items from one’s household is a great New Year’s resolution!

 Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

City of Falls Church CRIME REPORT

Week of December 28, 2022- January 01, 2023

Drunk in Public, W Annandale Rd, December 29, 4:08 AM, a male, 34, of the City of Falls Church, VA, was arrested for Drunk in Public.

Larceny, Wilson Blvd, between 10:49 AM, December 29 and 6:44 AM, December 30, unknown suspect took an unattended blue Twin bicycle

Drunk in Public, W Broad St, January 1, 8:20 AM, a male, 46, of Alexandria, VA, was arrested for Drunk in Public.

Larceny, S Washington St, between 2 PM and 4 PM, December 29 unknown suspect(s) took an unattended blue Kent bicycle.

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Senator Dick Saslaw’s

Richmond Report

We are officially into the New Year and legislators will soon return to the Virginia State Capitol for the General Assembly. There will be no shortage of issues debated, including women’s reproductive rights, workforce development, the environment, and how best to be fiscally-responsible with taxpayer money. Hot button bills will be introduced to capture the hearts and minds of voters for Virginia’s state house elections on November 7, 2023.

On December 15, the Governor addressed a joint meeting of the House and Senate money committees. Legislators are now tasked with revising the spending plan based on the most current data and forecasts to close out this fiscal year and gear up for the next. Thoughtful stewardship, due diligence, and conservative spending have been the criteria best positioning Virginia’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

In his recent remarks, Governor Youngkin told us to “buckle up” for his proposed approach to address many unmet needs and challenges facing Virginians. Simultaneously, he is proposing tax relief for wealthy individuals and successful businesses. Virginia’s balanced budget is rooted in formulas found in the Constitution, the Code of Virginia, and existing regulations. Make no mistake that Virginia’s economic well-being will not be the equivalent to a December joyride on Santa’s sleigh.

Starting January 11, the General Assembly will begin its thoughtful consideration of how best to address revenue and state spending that enhance the quality of life for Virginians. Data driven forecasts, the Commonwealth’s bond rating, its obligations, and long-existing unmet needs will all compete when we sift through the many amendments.

It is important to note that Virginia has consistently been ranked among the best places to do business. While it is a good sound bite to suggest lowering corporate income taxes, this has not been the top desire of Virginia’s business community that I encounter. Rather, they seek a trained workforce with meaningful investments from the government in public K-12 through higher education. Across this country, there is a workforce shortage. The critical question is how to train and upskill new and existing workers into their respective fields.

Public policy must be inclusive and not be mired in homophobia nor restrict access to healthcare. Hidden in the fine print of Governor Youngkin’s budget proposal is language to support his campaign’s secret support for rescinding reproductive rights as well as criminalizing the medical procedure necessary to terminate a pregnancy. To be honest, it comes as no surprise considering he “couldn’t talk about the issue” during the 2021 campaign but now publicly states he would willingly and gleefully sign any restrictive legislation that comes to his desk.

It is good to know this Administration is looking at addressing some of the most pressing problems in our Commonwealth – access to healthcare, mental health and behavioral issues, public safety, learning loss, and the workforce pipeline to cite a few. Addiction is a lifelong battle for many Virginians if it doesn’t kill them first. Workforce development starts at the earliest ages including Pre-K learning and/or affordable childcare for working parents. Recruiting, training, and retaining law enforcement, medical practitioners and educators are priorities that will ultimately make Virginia competitive in the global economy.

Public safety should not be compromised because first responders are compensated at levels that limit the pool of those willing to work in public service. Many medical professions are also facing vast shortages in qualified staff because programs to train the next generation of workers quickly and efficiently do not exist.

We have a lot of work to do during this short legislative session. As the Majority Leader in the Senate, I will continue to work with Senate Democrats and colleagues from across the aisle who share a longterm, responsible vision so that all Virginians have equal opportunity to learn and earn while choosing Virginia as the best place to live and raise a family.

 Senator Saslaw represents the 35th District in the Virginia State Senate. He may be emailed at district35@sen-