House Republican Caucus unanimously elects leadership team, nominates Howell for eighth term as Speaker
0The Virginia House of Delegates Republican Caucus unanimously elected its leadership team at an organizational meeting Sunday and nominated Delegate William J. Howell (R-Stafford) for an eighth term as Speaker. Majority Leader Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights), Majority Caucus Chairman Tim Hugo (R-Fairfax) and Majority Whip Jackson Miller (R-Manassas) were each also elected unanimously. “I am grateful to my colleagues in the Republican caucus for their nomination, and I hope to earn the support of the entire House of Delegates when it convenes for the 2016 session,” said Speaker Howell. “Serving as Speaker is one of the highest honors of my…
Sports Backers Supports Bike/Trail Intiative
0Sports Backers supports Bikeways and Trails Plan that will become part of Chesterfield’s Comprehensive Plan. According to Sports Backers, who have collected over 1,100 signatures in support of the Bike/Trails, a safe, accessible network of bikeways and trails that connects residents with places of work, schools, retail centers more is sorely needed. Over the last few months, Sports Backers has been engaging with residents from all over Chesterfield County, hearing their stories and why they want to see Chesterfield County become a more walkable, bikeable place to live. The stories we’ve heard reflect the diversity of the county – we’ve…
Despite looming Confederate plate recall, flag enthusiast remains dedicated
0By Brittany Britto Capital News Service Flag day meant a special celebration for Jay Barringer as a child. His parents would humor him as he decorated his front lawn with flags for all of his neighbors in Bahama, North Carolina, to see. The tradition for Barringer lives on. But now, his collection includes several controversial flags. The 51-year-old, who has lived in Eldersburg, Maryland, for almost 30 years, rotates his growing collection of flags on two flag poles that hang from his front porch. Sometimes, he celebrates his neighbor from Taiwan with a Taiwanese flag, or the veteran who lives…
Annoyances
0I read on an arrest report last week that a man had been arrested for making annoying phone calls. You cannot help but wonder what those calls were about. I can understand threatening phone calls being a problem, maybe overzealous sales calls, political robo-calls or the survey calls that “will only take a few minutes of your time.” How about the join in on our town hall conference calls, should they be considered annoying? I think so. Then there are the relative wanting to borrow money, poor pitiful me, can’t get a word in edgewise calls, they all are definitely…
Overdose problem grows in Chesterfield
0Within the last few weeks, three heroin overdoses were reported in the Chester area. Two thirds of the drug-addiction epidemic is in what we call the “good neighborhoods,” not necessarily the inner city or the strip of Jefferson Davis Hwy. that runs through Chesterfield. The suburban areas that we think are immune to heroin addiction are not. In 2014, in Chesterfield alone, 53 heroin overdoses were reported by Chesterfield Police, according to Elizabeth Caroon, public affairs officer for the police department. In 2015, in just 10 months, heroin overdoses were reported at 76 – a 43 percent increase. According to…
Development, rezoning news
0The Board of Supervisors have cancelled the November 18 public hearing regarding a civil enforcement program for violations of law regarding passing of a stopped school bus. Various zoning issues will also be considered. Check the BoS or planning commission website for moer information. A zoning applications is in process for a special purpose park to be located along the James River connecting to the Ironworks Park at the old stone bridge just off of Jefferson Davis Hwy. This site is just south of Chippenham Pkwy. The Shoosmith Landfill is requesting for the second time that the company be permitted…
Voter turnout as expected in most voting districts
0While some results of last week’s election were expected, such as contests with unopposed candidates, others were not. Here is a rundown of the results in southeastern Chesterfield: Board of Supervisors in the Bermuda and Matoaca districts did not have opponents. Dorothy Jaeckle and Steven Elswick received 8,151 and 11,622 votes respectively. In the Dale District race Jim Holland won over Cliff Bickford by 2,032 votes (6,303 to 4,270 respectively) . Mr. Bickford succumbed to Mr. Holland four years ago in a race that yielded only a 932 difference between the candidates. In the two other supervisor races, Christopher Winslow…
Support for more bikeways, trails
0To the Editor: In regard to the Bikeways and Trails chapter [in the Comprehensive Plan], I have found there is great support for a more walkable and bikeable Chesterfield County. Everyday I see people trying to cross Ironbridge Road without crosswalks or sidewalks. Our county has not developed well for the many forms of transportation people already use, and it is time to put in place a plan for the infrastructure we need for years to come. The Bikeways and Trails chapter will provide guidance for coordination among departments with new development and when older areas are fixed. Sometimes I…