Alexandria PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Alexandria, VA Permit #482 Gazette Packet Attention Postmaster: 25 Cents Time-sensitive material. Address Service Requested To: 1604 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314 Vol. CCXXIV, No. 50 Serving Alexandria for over 200 years • A Connection Newspaper December 11, 2008 Following The Money Proposed charter change would bring greater transparency to contributions from developers. By Michael Lee Pope Gazette Packet F or Councilman Rob Krupicka, one The flag bearers of the St. Andrews Society of Washington. of the most appealing aspects of Barack Obama’s presidential cam- On Parade paign was the Illinois senator’s Alexandria City Pipe’s and pledge to not take money from political Drums Pipe Major John Sprague. action committees or lobbyists. Inspired by Obama’s campaign-finance promise, Krupicka put together a plan that would prohibit acceptance of campaign contribu- Photos by Louise Krafft/Gazette tions from applicants who have business Grand before City Council. Marshall of “Members of the General Assembly can’t the 2008 raise money while they are in session,” said Scottish Krupicka. “And I wanted to approximate Christmas that in a way that wouldn’t decimate our Walk Willard fund-raising ability.” Scott with Developers balked at the idea, and Demo- state Sen. cratic Majority Leader Dick Saslaw (D-36) Patsy Ticer told Krupicka that the proposal would never and fly in Richmond, where the city government Alexandria would have to seek permission for a char- Sheriff Dana Lucca takes shelter from the cold ter amendment under Virginia’s “Dillon Lawhorne in a warm satchel. See More Transparency, Page 16 Woodrow Wilson Bridge: A No No This Weekend New through lanes ate congestion between local traffic and “Don’t be afraid of using the new through lanes if you long distance travelers. The operative open for inner loop. words are “designed to.” That depends are going beyond the Route 1 or Route 210 exits.” on individual drivers. The new through lanes on the bridge, — Ronaldo “Nick” Nicholson, project manager By Chuck Hagee those in the center of the dual spans, are Gazette Packet designed to expedite Beltway traffic that is ment of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project — emotionally as well as monetarily. O passing through the Metropolitan area. is the completion of the new Telegraph Road “Moving traffic onto the through ne down and one to go is the lat- “Don’t be afraid of using the new through interchange,” Nicholson said. “We have con- lanes will require reducing Beltway est traffic advisory pertaining to lanes if you are going beyond the Route 1 centrated on the quality of life issues of the traffic to a single lane,” said John the seemingly never-ending or Route 210 exits,” said Ronaldo “Nick” communities around us throughout this Undeland, director, Public Affairs, Woodrow Wilson Bridge construction Nicholson, project manager, WWB Project, entire project.” Potomac Crossing Consultants. Last project. Last weekend it was the outer loop Virginia Department of Transportation, dur- The new through lanes begin just west of weekend it was the Outer Loop. This lanes. This weekend it’s the inner loop lanes. ing a press briefing at the project’s head- Telegraph Road in Virginia to just east of weekend it’s the Inner Loop. The advisory pertains to the final con- quarters on Eisenhower Avenue. Route 210 on the Maryland side of the river. “We are encouraging people to stay struction details impacting the bridge’s “With the opening of these new through But, as with everything during this seven- through lanes — those designed to allevi- lanes the only remaining construction ele- year project the final gift comes at a price See Traffic Advisory, Page 14 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 11-17, 2008 ❖ 1 2 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 11-17, 2008 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Council Notebook Hard Times Budget officials are bracing themselves for the biggest govern- ment rollbacks in living memory. Last month the City Council approved the first rounds of cuts — $10.5 million worth of emer- gency cuts to the current operating budget. Later this week, city budget officials will identify $2 million more cuts out of the ex- isting budget. That’s only the start. Next year’s budget is likely to have a $45 million hole, one that will need to be filled by drastic measures that are certain to be controversial. The Library Board has already started talking about the possibility of closing one of its branches. The Department of Parks and Recreation could consider scaling back field mainte- nance or possibly closing a facility. Leaf collection and street clean- ing could be on the chopping block, as could the school crossing guards and bus routes. And then there are the layoffs. “We’re looking at eliminating more than 100 positions,” said Budget Director Bruce Johnson. “Some of those positions have already been eliminated.” Lord and Lady Provosts New Blood John and Betty Letford of Dundee, Scotland with How long should someone serve on the Board of Architectural Dundee Councilmember Review? Does the Human Rights Commission need new mem- Ray Maycure and Karyn bers? Is the Library Board getting stale? Tovey. In an effort to create turnover on boards and commissions, City Council adopted a new plan Tuesday night that would create 10- year term limits for members of most of the city’s boards and Taste of commissions. During the upcoming General Assembly session, Sen. Patsy Ticer (D-30) will introduce a charter amendment necessary for creating term limits for the ones not limited Tues- Scotland day night for legal reasons. The plan was crafted by Councilman Tim Lovain, who said former members could reapply for the next available opening. “The problem is that when an incumbent applies for an addi- tional term, if we do not vote for the incumbent many of them Photos by Louise Krafft take it personally,” said Lovain. “And I can understand why they Highland dancer Tara Zinnick-Calico performs at the might.” /Gazette Packet steps of the scotch tasting room at the George Washing- The plan was opposed by many longtime members of city boards ton Masonic Memorial. and commissions who have been lobbying against the proposal for months. Vice Mayor Del Pepper and Councilman Ludwig Gaines voted against the term-limit proposal, explaining that council members should vote against incumbents if they want turnover. “I think this is a politically expedient way for us to legislate term limits,” said Gaines. “In essence we’re saying that we are reserving the right to do what we already have the right to do.” Signs of the Times Anyone who has been strolling King Street in recent days has seen the gigantic signs on 100 King, the now defunct restaurant set in a historic building now slated for auction. They’re hard to miss because the structure, originally known as the “Corn Ex- Chairman of the Board and COO of Burke Diana Grimsley, Jamie L.A. Pumpelly and change,” is festooned with two large banners and several signs & Herbert Charlie Collum with Amy and Susan McCaskey. about the auction, some of which are so large they can be seen Alden Philbrick. from a block away. “It’s really obnoxious,” said Councilman Paul Smedberg Tues- day night, directing staff to determine if the banners met the city’s zoning ordinance. “Just this afternoon, one of the large banners that goes across 60 percent of the building was hanging down onto the sidewalk, so it’s really a mess.” Hire of the Week In the current economic environment, when the city is consid- ering more than 100 layoffs, starting a new job as the director of human resources won’t be easy. But Cheryl Orr says she is up to the job. Introduced to City Council members formally Tuesday night, Orr has been the assistant director of human resources for Fairfax County, the director of human resources at Norfolk State University and the assistant director of human resources for the City of Norfolk. “I’m looking forward to a long tenure here,” Orr told council Jen Connolly stops to talk members. “No more one-year stints.” — Michael Lee Pope Lord Provost of Dundee Scotland John Letford and with a friend at the annual president and CEO of the Campagna Center Karen Taste of Scotland last Hughes at A Christmas Marketplace. Friday evening. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 11-17, 2008 ❖ 3 News Surprise Moran’s Dilemma Shane McCullar of Keller Williams was surprised last Thursday, Dec. 11, as Alexandria’s favorite House of Delegates while Virginia Commerce Bank pursuing the Democrats’ managers Linda Martin, son finds himself nomination for governor Danny Marx and John shows a remarkable lack of McManus presented him weighing decision confidence in his cam- with a check for $1,000. paign.” McCullar was the second of a lifetime. Although Marston said place winner in a recent that no Republican candi- Virginia Commerce dates have announced an Bank sweepstakes. By Michael Lee Pope intention to campaign for Gazette Packet the seat, Moran will face at least F Photo by Louise Krafft/Gazette Packet one Democratic opponent in the acing the November elec June primary for his House seat. tions in 2009, gubernato Late last month, Alexandria attor- rial hopeful Del. Brian ney Ariel González announced his Moran (D-46) has found decision to enter the Democratic himself impaled upon the horns of primary for the seat that Moran a political dilemma. Does he run currently holds in the House. A simultaneous campaigns for the native of New York City, González House of Delegates and the was appointed to the Early Child- Governor’s Mansion, making him hood Commission in October and look like a candidate with divided announced his campaign for the attention and unclear prospects? House of Delegates the following Or does he walk away from a seat month. in the House of Delegates he has “For many years I have aspired held since 1996 to wage a cam- to utilize my abilities to better paign for governor, risking losing serve my community,” wrote the Democratic primary and end- González in an e-mail announcing ing the year empty handed? his candidacy to the Alexandria Either choice has its own set of Young Democrats. “My opportu- drawbacks. nity is right here, right now!” For now, Moran insists, no choice has been made. He plans A SIMULTANEOUS CAMPAIGN to make a final judgment in Janu- would not be unprecedented in ary, even though the politics of Virginia, with the most recent ex- 2009 are already in full swing. A ample being Del. Clint Miller (R- full year ago state Sen. Creigh 26). In 1993, Miller simulta- • One-of-a-kind shops Deeds (D-25) announced his in- neously campaigned for reelection tention to run for governor at the to his House seat while engaged • Gifts for the whole end of Tim Kaine’s term, and in a three-way Republican primary Moran has been positioning him- for governor against George Allen family self to run a progressive campaign and Earl Williams. Miller placed • Costumed carolers against the conservative Democrat third in the gubernatorial primary, from rural Bath County. But but was reelected to his seat in the • Holiday concerts Moran’s path to victory became House of Delegates. Moran and his more complicated last month supporters insist he will be victo- when former National Democratic rious in the June primary for the • Ride the FREE Committee Chairman Terry Democratic gubernatorial nomina- “Tell A Friend!” trolley from the McAuliffe filed a statement of can- tion, but following Miller’s ex- Metro to the didacy. ample of a simultaneous campaign “Terry McAuliffe has him run- would provide a safety net that waterfront ning scared,” said Chris Marston, would allow Moran to retain his 211 King St.• 703-683-2074 215 S. Union Street chairman of the Alexandria City role as leader of the Democratic water fountains, windchimes, Republican Committee. “Moran’s House Caucus. 703-683-0856 incense, statues, relaxing music plan to seek re-election to the See Dilemma, Page 9 The Best of the Best Candi’s Candies Integrated Life Path P from Virginia Coaching and ho Workshops to Dona Witten, PhD. by Personal | Professional | Relational M Spiritual ic h 703-836-3160 703-518-1718 Inquiries and brochures available from: ae 104 S. Union St. 107 N. Fairfax Street [email protected] l L e e P THE INNER ENCORE o p ARTS CENTER Consignment Boutique /e G •Journaling 110 S. Union St. a Origwininaln ainrtgw loocrakl baryt aiswtsard- ••DTrheea mAwrt oorfk 703-683-1756 zett Mpaininitaitnugrse Hbainrdd-hpoauinsetesd 7H03a-p97p5in-9e1s7s5 Open TShuunr.s .1-S2a:3t.0 1–15 ap..mm..–5 p.m. e Pac 211 King St., Featuring St. John, Armani, Escada, Chanel ke 703-548-3333 • 213 King Street 3rd floor 25% Off non-sale merchandise with ad t theinnerarts.com Brian Moran greets supporters during Mayor Bill Euille’s Sponsored by the Old Town Alexandria Retail Merchants’ Association Unity Breakfast last month. 4 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 11-17, 2008 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Kitchen and Granite Expo FREE SINK WITH Photo to come! PURCHASE OF SILESTONE COUNTERTOP (min 25 sq ft) 4615 Duke St. Alexandria, VA 22304 703-370-0037 T kitchengraniteexpo.com .C . W il l ia m s H ig h S c h o o l P h o t o Titans Army JROTC Drill Team and Color Guard marching at the Scottish Walk. Titans To March in Inauguration B ack in February, presidential candidate Obama’s swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20. The T.C. Barack Obama chose T.C. Williams High Williams’ drill team and color guard is a nationally School as the scene for a massive rally that recognized and award-winning unit that has per- energized Alexandria Democrats. Now that formed in numerous parades, football and basket- Obama has been elected president, his inaugural ball games — most recently performing in the Scot- committee has selected the T.C. Williams High School tish Walk last weekend. The unit received first place Titans Army JROTC Drill Team and Color Guard to at the Courtland High School Annual Drill Meet held participate in the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Pa- on Oct. 18 in Spotsylvania and earned third place rade. at the National High School Drill Team Champion- The parade will follow President-elect Barack ship held in Dayton Beach, Fla., on May 2. Bulletin Board To have a notice listed, e-mail Deadline for Toy Donations. Every may deliver gifts directly to recipients [email protected]. Call year, the Alexandria Office on or bring them to the City’s Human Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with Women organizes a holiday party for Services Center, 2525 Mount Vernon questions. mothers and children who have been Ave. for distribution by staff. The recently served by the Domestic epartment is also seeking volunteers Violence Program. Toy donations for to help sort and deliver gifts at the FRIDAY/DEC. 12 the children and gift cards for their Human Services Center on Dec. 16, Application Deadline To Serve on mothers are needed. Bring 17, and 18 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call Arts Panels. The Alexandria unwrapped toys and gift cards to the Suzanne Kratzok at 703-838-0762, e- Commission for the Arts is seeking Office on Women, 421 King Street, mail volunteers with expertise in music, Suite 400 no later than Dec. 15. Call [email protected] or theatre, and dance to serve on 703-838-4911. visit www.ourkids-ourbusiness.org/ Resource Panels. Panel members are Deadline for Holiday Donations to thefundforalexchild for more expected to serve three-year terms Domestic Violence Program. information. and should be prepared to review Every year, the Alexandria Office on grant applications by the first panel Women organizes a holiday party for THURSDAY/DEC. 18 meeting to be scheduled in mid- to mothers and children who have been late- January. Individuals who are recently served by the Domestic Toys for Inmates’ Children. Each interested in serving should send a Violence Program. To donate to the year, the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office letter of interest and resume, or Children’s Holiday Party this year, provides toys and gifts to children of curriculum vita, to the Alexandria bring unwrapped toys and gift cards to inmates housed in the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, 1108 the Office on Women, 421 King Street, Detention Center to be distributed on Jefferson Street, Alexandria, VA Suite 400. The office is open Monday Dec. 18 at the Public Safety Center. 22314 or e-mail it through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Gloria [email protected]. Applications Call Shannon McGregor or Stephanie Hicks, volunteer/programs must be received by 5 p.m. Call 703- Romonchuk at 703-838-4911. coordinator, at 703-838-4111 ext. 519-3494. Meeting. 7:30 p.m. at Durant Rec 4904 or e-mail Center, 1605 Cameron St. [email protected]. Councilman Rob Krupika will address Healing Relationships: Guided SATURDAY/DEC. 13 the Upper King Street Neighborhood Meditation. 1 p.m. at Mindful Stories and Strategies for Tough Association. Free. Visit Hands Gallery, 211 King St. Guided Economic Times. 6 p.m. at 634 N. www.upperkingstreet.org for more. meditation workshop for healing and Patrick St. Learn how to stretch a reducing stress. $30. Facilitated by dollar. Free. 202-412-2692. Dona Witten, PhD, of Integrated Life TUESDAY/DEC. 16 Dreamwork: Decoding Dreams. 1 Path Coaching. Call 703-980-1878 p.m. at Mindful Hands Gallery, 211 Holiday Sharing Program’s Gift for more information and to register. King St. Learn how to better recall Delivery. The Alexandria $45. Sponsored by The Inner Arts Department of Human Services SUNDAY/DEC. 21 Center, call 703-975-9175 for more invites the public to help make the information and to register. holiday season brighter for low- Deadline for Holiday Toy Drive. income families, foster children, and The Alexandria/Old Town Office of seniors by participating in the City’s MONDAY/DEC. 15 See Bulletin, Page 37 Holiday Sharing Program. Donors www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 11-17, 2008 ❖ 5 News Fear of Traffic Gridlock Highlights BRAC Meeting Design includes the audience raised the question, “Best value for whom?” The primary concern transportation center. raised was the potential for aggravated traf- fic congestion not only upon completion of the personnel transfer but also during the By Chuck Hagee construction period of the 1.8 million square Gazette Packet feet structures that will comprise this new A addition to Fort Belvoir. lexandria citizens got their first personal exposure to what it ALTHOUGH THE PROJECT is antici- means to be part of the Base Re- pated to generate between 1,500 and 2,000 alignment and Closure (BRAC) construction jobs, Jerry Dawson of Duke procedure last Thursday evening, Dec. 4, Realty, owners of Mark Center and the 16- during a community briefing by U.S. Army acre BRAC site, pointed out that not all the and Duke Realty personnel on the future workers would be on-site at any given time. location of 6,400 federal employees at Mark “Many of the workers also ride pool and Center. The reaction was vintage Alexan- we have made arrangements for off-site dria citizen involvement. parking to minimize any adverse impact on Col. Mark Moffatt, deputy installation surrounding neighborhoods,” he said. commander for BRAC, Fort Belvoir, headed Noting that “Alexandrians are unique in a panel of representatives from the U.S. their interest in planning and development,” Army Corps of Engineers, the Washington Peter Scholz of Duke Realty said, “The con- Headquarters Services Group (WHS), and A rendering of the proposed multi-story building to house elements of templated 3,840 parking spaces that will ul- Duke Realty, that outlined what will take the BRAC 133 personnel complement was on display during a commu- timately be on the site actually represents place over the course of the next three years nity meeting of Fort Belvoir/Duke Realty representatives and Alexandria 20 percent fewer spaces than approved in as a result of Mark Center being chosen as citizens to discuss the relocation of 6,400 personnel to the Mark Center 2004 when the City master planned the site the new home of what is known as BRAC site. for a development of this size and charac- 133. ter.” As the last piece of the BRAC relocation Victory Center on Eisenhower Avenue in James Turkel, Corps of Engineers, told the He also noted, “BRAC 133 personnel will puzzle to fall in place, the Mark Center site Alexandria and the GSA Warehouses in audience in the Ramsey Elementary School generate less than 1,800 peak-hour com was officially chosen by the U.S. Depart- Springfield. “It was our conclusion that the auditorium on Sanger Street. ment of Defense on Sept. 29, 2008 over the Mark Center site provided the best value,” That met with mixed emotion. Several in See Designing, Page 11 Stressing Party Unity in Crowd of Candidates ACVA Promotes ‘12 Days of Virginia Young Democrats hold Several speakers said that they sues of particular interest to North- Holiday would work hard for Democratic ern Virginians, even though nei- annual fund-raiser in Alexandria. nominee regardless of whether it ther candidate lives in the region. Giveaways’ is the person they backed in the Bowerbank, who is a local gov- By Julia O’Donoghue years old. primary. ernment representative in South- Alexandria Convention & Visi- Gazette Packet The Young Democrats expanded “[Moran and McAuliffe], you are west Virginia, said he would try to tors Association has initiated a “12 I to 45 chapters across the common- not going to find finer Democrats address transportation and con- Days of Holiday Giveaways” pro- n the face of a potentially gru- wealth, the largest number of lo- than that. … This competition is gestion in Northern Virginia if he gram worth more than $12,000 in eling primary season, several cal branches it has ever seen, in going to make us stronger,” said was elected. prizes that include hotel stays, din- Democratic party leaders em- 2008. It also raised $176,000 to state Sen. Chap Petersen (D-35), “From the Springfield mixing ners at various Alexandria restau- phasized the importance of soli- assist President elect Barack who has endorsed Deeds, the third bowl to Cameron Street, I was rants, Potomac River cruises, and darity and political unity during a Obama’s campaign and several Democrat in the governor’s race. stuck in traffic on a Sunday after- a variety of other items. Virginia Young Democrats’ fund- Democrats running in local con- Moran was the only Democrat noon. I am not sure what that’s The grand prize is valued at raiser in Old Town Alexandria Dec. gressional races this year. vying for the governor’s mansion about,” said Bowerbank, who open $2,800. 7. But several people, including to attend the Young Democrats his campaign’s first field office in One prize package will be With 160 tickets sold, the event those in the Young Democrats, fear event. Alexandria. awarded every day between Dec. at the Chart House restaurant was the party could splinter in 2009 The candidate, 26, and Jan. 6. Rules for partici- “[Moran and McAuliffe], you one of the largest, if not the larg- after several years of high-profile who represents Al- pating in this holiday contest and est, of its kind the organization wins. exandria in the are not going to find finer detailed descriptions of the vari- had ever seen, said Executive Di- House of Delegates, ous prizes can be found at rector Christie Bieber. It was also AT LEAST THREE candidates — said it is important Democrats than that. … www.visitalexandriava.com. the first time the Young Democrats Del. Brian Moran (D-46), state that Virginia and the had held their annual fund-raiser Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-25) and po- country address glo- This competition is going to in the City of Alexandria, she litical consultant Terry McAuliffe bal climate change. added. — are vying for the Democratic If elected, he would make us stronger.” Correction “If we had known we had such nomination in next year’s guber- follow the pragma- a big crowd, the City Council natorial race. Two people are also tist model laid out — State Sen. Chap Petersen In last week’s Gazette would have made a change to keep running for lieutenant governor, by Democrats Mark Packet, the headline for Liv- bars open until 5 a.m. while you Virginia’s former finance secretary Warner and Tim ing Legend Jane Ring incor- were here,” joked Alexandria Jody Wagner and Russell County Kaine. Wagner said Virginia should be rectly noted her first name Mayor Bill Euille during his open- Supervisor John Bowerbank. “Virginia voters have founded a making a larger investment in that [Dec. 4-10, 2008, page 6]. ing remarks. “We are blessed and cursed with new Democratic tradition. … To- state’s college and university sys- The name of the photogra- In several ways, 2008 has been the multitude of candidates that gether we can continue to move tems. Virginia ranks 32nd among pher for Jane Ring’s photo a banner year for Virginia Young have stepped up,” said Sean Virginia forward,” said Moran. the 50 states when it comes invest- was omitted; the photo was Democrats, a group made up of Holihan, the Virginia Young Demo- Bowerbank and Wagner also ment it makes per pupil in higher taken by Nina Tisara. political party activists 13 to 35 crats executive vice president. spoke. Both tried to focus on is- education, she said. 6 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 11-17, 2008 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Specially Congressman Sentenced to Five Days Vito Fossella’s May DUI Officer Jamie Gernatt testified that the congressman cooked has a strong odor of alcohol, a flushed face, blood- arrest concludes, shot eyes and lips that were stained red. Fossella, who decided not to run for reelection this year, ad- but appeal is expected. mitted to having two or three glasses of wine. A pre- liminary breath test that registered a blood alcohol Christmas By Michael Lee Pope content of 0.133, and an Intoxilyzer machine at the Gazette Packet Mount Vernon police station registered his blood-al- T cohol content of 0.17. he phrase “equal justice” is one of the cor- “This is a machine,” Phillips said of the Intoxilyzer, nerstones of American jurisprudence, but adding that it misspelled the name of the officer who carats not every defendant who appears at the operated it that day. “It can go on the blink just like Alexandria city courthouse feels treated any other machine.” equally. Take Rep. Vito Fossell (R-N.Y.). Although he In 2000, the Virginia General Assembly increased was found guilty of driving while intoxicated in Oc- the mandatory minimum sentence for a DUI offense tober and sentenced to a five-day jail sentence this from 48 hours to five days in jail. Although Fossella’s She’ll love an extra large serving week, Fossella is appealing the decision to the Cir- defense team tried to argue that glitches in the on Christmas morning! cuit Court. As a result of the appeal, the congress- Intoxilyzer machine should create enough doubt to man will not report to the jail on Dec. 19 as General prompt Judge Moore to cast aside the mandatory Court Chief Judge Becky Moore initially ordered, a minimum sentence, the prosecutor in the case ar- HOLIDAY HOURS sentence that would have had him leaving custody gued that the court was bound by the dictates of the M-F 10am-6pm on Christmas Eve. General Assembly. SAT 10am-6pm “He was treated differently,” said Jerry Phillips, one “When the General Assembly set the threshold for of the three attorneys the con- mandatory jail time at 0.15, they SUN 11am-4pm gressman brought to the court- did so knowing that there was a “I’ve been sworn to house with him Monday morning. margin of error in the Intoxilyzer, “It’s as clear as the big nose on my follow the law and just as there are in most scientific face.” devices,” wrote Assistant Fossella was arrested in the early so I must impose Commonwealth’s Attorney David B&C Jewelers morning hours of May 1 after an Lord in a pre-sentencing memo- Alexandria police officer observed jail time.” randum. 3652 King Street, Alxandria, Virginia 22302 his white Honda Civic zoom After an eight-hour DUI hearing Phone (703) 379-6010 • Fax (703) 379-8136 through a red light on Seminary — General Court Chief Judge in October, Moore scheduled a De www.bcjewelers.net Road. On the stand in October, Becky Moore See Congressman, Page 36 Pictures with SSSaaannntttaaa Saturday December 13th 12:00 -3:00 PM Celebrate Holiday Magic with the merchants at Bradlee Shopping Center BBrraaddlleeee CCeenntteerr King Street, just west of Quaker Lane in Alexandria www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 11-17, 2008 ❖ 7 Opinion Alexandria Gazette Packet Christmas Begins in Alexandria www.AlexandriaGazette.com Newspaper of Alexandria An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered to homes and businesses. 1604 King Street Scottish Christmas Walk is the gateway to the Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Like almost every organization serving holidays; good works result. NEWS DEPARTMENT: people in need, the Salvation Army has seen a To discuss ideas and concerns, dramatic increase in demand this year in all Call: 703-917-6431 F Fax: 703-917-0991 its programs. But with Christmas e-mail: or tens of thousands of local people, academic success at each grade Editorials around the corner, they are short of [email protected] the sounds of the bagpipes and the level. contributions for 200 children. Steven Mauren colors and joy expressed in The weekend also supports local To donate specifically to The Salva- Editor, 703-917-6431 [email protected] Alexandria’s annual Scottish Christ- businesses by attracting thousands of people tion Army in Alexandria, call 703-836-2427 or mas Walk mark the true beginning of the holi- along with their wallets to the city. And any- mail your donation to 1804 Mount Vernon Michael Lee Pope Reporter, 703-615-0960 day season. one who visits for events of the Christmas Walk Avenue; Alexandria, 22301. [email protected] The weekend of events, including the parade will no doubt want to return. Hopkins House (www.hopkinshouse.org) Chuck Hagee of thousands, offer tangible evidence that Al- is a local charity that provides preschool ser- Reporter, 703-549-1216 exandria is a community like no other, a re- Two More in Need vices for children aged six weeks to five years [email protected] markable place to live, and a place so many and offers family education workshops for par- Rebecca Halik Editorial Asst., 703-917-6407 want to visit. Every year, the Salvation Army in Alex- ents. They are in need of donations of facial [email protected] The weekend supports the Campagna andria collects and distributes toys to more tissue, diapers/pull-ups, wipes, batteries, con- Mark Giannotto Center and the services it provides to more than 1,500 Alexandria children who need holi- struction paper, and crayons. Call 703-549- Sports Editor, 703-917-6409 than 1,500 children and families in Alexan- day assistance. Without this program, many of 4232; 1224 Princess Street, Alexandria, 22314. [email protected] dria. Since 1945, the Campagna Center pro- these children would get no presents at all over ADVERTISING: vides critical services that allow children to the holidays; they also receive clothing and — Mary Kimm, To place an advertisement, call the ad arrive at school ready to learn and pursue food vouchers. [email protected] department between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. Letters to the Editor Display ads 703-838-0302 Classified ads 703-917-6400 Employment ads 703-917-6464 Keep Status Quo under the leadership of Mayor tending civic meetings, listening to Supports Health, Julie Ferrill Euille. On important issues they citizen problems, and seeking so- Display Advertising, 703-927-1364 To The Editor: have understood the principles of lutions. Paul Smedberg brings a Education [email protected] I offer one piece of advice to responsible governance — and strong understanding of finance at Jane Hughes Display Advertising, 703-838-0302 those who will be attending the applied them. a time of economic crisis in the To the Editor: [email protected] Jan. 31 Alexandria Democratic As individuals, they bring a City. Finally, Justin Wilson during I am delighted that Councilman Ginger Krup caucus to select candidates to run healthy balance of skills and inter- a relatively short time on Council Tim Lovain is running for re-elec- Display Advertising, 703-702-1372 for City Council in the spring: Keep ests to their work: Ludwig Gaines has established himself as an in- tion to Alexandria City Council. I [email protected] the Current Council! has proven to be a forceful spokes- novator with fresh ideas. have known Tim for at least 25 Andrea Smith With all due respect to the chal- person for lower and middle-in- In sum, the Council “status quo” years and have found him highly Calsamssiitfhie@dc Aodnnveercttiisoinnnge, w70sp3a-9p1er7s-.6c4om01 lengers, the present Council come citizens. Rob Krupicka has is good and likely to get even bet- intelligent, energetic and always Barbara Parkinson members have accounted them- the energy and foresight to solve ter in the next term. Democrats thoughtful. Employment Advertising selves well. While probably no knotty problems such as the di- should remember the old adage: In these difficult times we are 703-917-6418 one, including me, has agreed lemma over taxi cabs. Tim Lovain’s “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” fortunate to have this Council [email protected] with them 100 percent of the knowledge of transportation al- member who has professional ex- Publisher time, the six have worked coop- ready has paid off for the West Jack Sullivan perience on transportation and Jerry Vernon eratively and effectively together End. Del Pepper is notable for at- Alexandria budgetary issues and thus is Editor & Publisher Alexandria’s representative on the Mary Kimm Transportation Planning Board. Editor in Chief Steven Mauren And it also helps that he has deep Photography: roots in the City’s non-profit com- Louise Krafft, Robbie Hammer Art/Design: munity where he served long be- Zohra Aslami, Geovani Flores, fore running for Council. Laurence Foong, John Heinly, Citizens concerned about John Smith, Stu Moll, Wayne Shipp Production Manager: Alexandria’s schools, should know Jean Card that Councilman Lovain has three Editor Emeritus: young daughters in the City’s pub- Mary Anne Weber lic schools and is very supportive of CIRCULATION: 703-917-6481 the system and aware of its needs. Circulation Manager: On Council Tim Lovain has Ann Oliver sought to protect Alexandria’s CONNECTION NEWSPAPERS, unique built environment, as well L.L.C. as the health of its natural envi- Peter Labovitz President/CEO ronment. He represents the City on e tt the Council of Government’s Mary Kimm e Publisher/Chief Operating Officer z a (COG) Committee on the Chesa- 703-917-6416 G / peake Bay and Water Quality, the [email protected] t ff Trash-Free Potomac Alliance and Jerry Vernon a Publisher/Executive Vice President Kr the Virginia Municipal League’s 703-917-6404 e Environmental Quality Committee. [email protected] s oui We are lucky to have a strong Wesley DeBrosse Lo by Chaitvye C oTuimnc iLl oanvdai vne raym foorntugn tahteo stoe NationaDl SeCabolbensit,er o7 Fl0lue3rn-5k18-4631 ot serving us. I urge your continued [email protected] h P support of this fine Councilman. John Lovaas Snapshot Special Assistant for Operations 3:31 p.m., Dec. 1, Lee Street Marian Van Landingham A Connection Newspaper 8 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 11-17, 2008 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News The Ultimate Christmas Gift! Political Dilemma WWII WARBIRD RIDES by Fighter Command This Christmas Give the Gift of Flight! From Page 4 Politics. “If it gets to be March or “This is something that I love,” April and it’s creating a problem •Experience the Shenandoah Valley from said Moran. “I have accumulated for Brian Moran in his race for the Cockpit of a WWII Warbird a great deal of seniority in the governor, I think he will probably •Hands on Flying House, which benefits my con- drop out of the race for House of •Aerobatics stituents.” Delegates. For now, this is a trial •Sightseeing Flights Alexandria Committee Chair- balloon.” Visit Our Website or Call today to woman Susan Kellom asked Order Your Gift Flight Certificate! Moran to wage a simultaneous REPUBLICANS HAVE reacted to campaign this fall, citing examples the possibility of a simultaneous www.giftflight.com Conveniently located at such as Lloyd Benson, Lyndon campaign by challenging Moran’s 1-540-635-2203 Winchester Regional Airport Johnson, Joe Lieberman and Joe resolve. Although the GOP has al- Save This Ad Biden. After McAuliffe began to ready rallied behind Attorney Gen- seek support for a potential can- eral Bob McDonnell, Democrats didacy during the Democratic Na- are facing a three-way primary tional Convention in Denver over that could force Moran and Deeds the summer, Kellom said, she be- to spend a great deal of their cam- came concerned about maintain- paign war chests just to keep up ing continuity in the Alexandria with McAuliffe, who got his start delegation to Richmond. in politics serving as the finance “Politics is the art of uncer- director for former President tainty,” said Kellom. “I thought it Jimmy Carter. would be better if we maintained “It’s time for Brian to concede stability the 46th District until we that Terry McAuliffe is capable of knew for sure what the outcome purchasing the Democratic Party of the gubernatorial primary will gubernatorial nomination and be be.” done with it,” said Republican po- Miller’s simultaneous campaign litical consultant Mike Lane. “If he in 1993 offers some precedence, doesn’t believe in himself, why although most candidates seeking should voters believe in him?” higher office relinquish their seats Meanwhile, Moran’s gubernato- in the General Assembly to wage rial campaign has continued to statewide campaigns. For ex- gain momentum this week. On ample, Del. Chap Petersen (D-37) Monday a Rasmussen Reports sur- gave up his seat in the House in vey of 500 likely voters taken on 2005 to seek the Democratic nomi- Dec. 4 showed that Moran is the nation for lieutenant governor, a only Democratic candidate who race in which he came in third would beat McDonnell in a head- place behind Leslie Byrne and Phil to-head match-up, with the poll Puckett. After losing the primary, showing Moran at 41 percent to he was forced to step down from McDonnell at 37 percent. Then on his House seat although he staged Wednesday Moran received the a comeback by successfully chal- endorsement of former Rep. L.F. lenging incumbent state Sen. Payne (D-5), who was the chair- Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis (R- man of Mark Warner’s 2001 cam- 35). paign for governor. “There’s not much of a prece- “Brian Moran has a proven dent even for running simulta- record of fighting for Virginia fami- neous campaigns in Virginia, even lies,” Payne said in a written state- for something like a simultaneous ment released by the campaign. campaign for the House and attor- “He has a two-decade long record ney general,” said Cordel Faulk, of public service to Virginians and director of communications for the was a chief partner of Mark University of Virginia Center for Warner and now of Tim Kaine.” www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 11-17, 2008 ❖ 9 10 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ December 11-17, 2008 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com