Comments on: Let’s Go To The Video Tape! (#1) http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/ Blog-Fu for Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park politics. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:48:38 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.3 By: Chrissy http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-17222 Chrissy Thu, 26 Jul 2007 09:41:33 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-17222 Just a thought-Has anyone of you requested to ride along with an officer on their shift? Maybe that can give us some insight to what the officers go through on their shift. I grew up in Manassas Park and knew most of the officers. Even though the City has grown, the police force has not. Well, maybe their police headquarters has, but not the man power. If the few officers they have are either busy assisting another citizen on their emergency of course it will take longer to respond to other incidents. I imagine the dispatcher would know how to prioritze the calls that come in. Just a thought-Has anyone of you requested to ride along with an officer on their shift? Maybe that can give us some insight to what the officers go through on their shift. I grew up in Manassas Park and knew most of the officers. Even though the City has grown, the police force has not.

Well, maybe their police headquarters has, but not the man power. If the few officers they have are either busy assisting another citizen on their emergency of course it will take longer to respond to other incidents. I imagine the dispatcher would know how to prioritze the calls that come in.

]]> By: David Ruttenberg http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-7611 David Ruttenberg Fri, 02 Mar 2007 03:53:16 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-7611 Our private investigator has the evidence secured in his custody. Our private investigator has the evidence secured in his custody.

]]> By: Greg L http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-7423 Greg L Mon, 26 Feb 2007 03:23:06 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-7423 The police were offered the evidence, but they refused to take it. They didn't even confiscate what by all appearances was cocaine and left it at Rack & Roll, where they destroyed it. What if the "suspects" were actually working for the police? Does that seem plausible, given the circumstances here? The police were offered the evidence, but they refused to take it. They didn’t even confiscate what by all appearances was cocaine and left it at Rack & Roll, where they destroyed it.

What if the “suspects” were actually working for the police? Does that seem plausible, given the circumstances here?

]]> By: Philly Phorever http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-7422 Philly Phorever Mon, 26 Feb 2007 03:09:51 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-7422 What if the "suspects" (remember everyone is innocent until proven guilty) snorted all of the evidence? The officers would look silly in court trying to justify arresting someone based on hearsay. Yes, the owner may have seen them snorting, but without evidence the case to incarcerate them is futile. What if the “suspects” (remember everyone is innocent until proven guilty) snorted all of the evidence? The officers would look silly in court trying to justify arresting someone based on hearsay. Yes, the owner may have seen them snorting, but without evidence the case to incarcerate them is futile.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-7410 Anonymous Sun, 25 Feb 2007 14:04:20 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-7410 Next time some asshat wants to do some coke in/on the bar, grab a pool cue and smack them one. Tell the cops (if they show up to investigate) that he was doing coke, and you want him searched right there in front of witnesses who saw him doing it. Next time some asshat wants to do some coke in/on the bar, grab a pool cue and smack them one.
Tell the cops (if they show up to investigate) that he was doing coke, and you want him searched right there in front of witnesses who saw him doing it.

]]> By: a nonny mouse http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5529 a nonny mouse Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:25:03 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5529 By the way, I was a little leery about buying a house in Manassas Park (living in this area for 19 years--PW County and then Manassas, I couldn't possibly miss the reputation, undeserved or not, that Manassas Park has) but I did anyway. By the way, I was a little leery about buying a house in Manassas Park (living in this area for 19 years–PW County and then Manassas, I couldn’t possibly miss the reputation, undeserved or not, that Manassas Park has) but I did anyway.

]]> By: a nonny mouse http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5528 a nonny mouse Wed, 03 Jan 2007 03:19:22 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5528 Yes, I live here. I have watched my property taxes more than double in 5 years. Yes, I live here. I have watched my property taxes more than double in 5 years.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5527 Anonymous Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:48:46 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5527 This is why it's appropriate to talk about ways to clean up the local corruption in the same sentence as the possibility of Manassas Park being re-absorbed back into Prince William County. If the good citizens of Manassas Park want to stay a viable independent entity with ANY hope at all of attracting and expanding the commercial tax base, then there needs to be a public outcry to end this obvious local political corruption. It needs to start with contacting the US Attorney's office in Alexandria to begin the long, overdue probe of this tavesty of justice. You will NEVER get an investigation started on the local or state level -- they just won't get involved. "Ignore it, it will go away" won't work in this situation. Fixing it before it's too late can begin from within (by Manassas Park residents asking the federal authorities for help), or can be left to outsiders to take the initiative once things get so bad and corrupt that the jurisdiction can no longer function legitimately. I guess from some of these comments above that one possible outcome (retrocession of the City back into the County) won't sit too well with alot of the citizenery. This is why it’s appropriate to talk about ways to clean up the local corruption in the same sentence as the possibility of Manassas Park being re-absorbed back into Prince William County.

If the good citizens of Manassas Park want to stay a viable independent entity with ANY hope at all of attracting and expanding the commercial tax base, then there needs to be a public outcry to end this obvious local political corruption. It needs to start with contacting the US Attorney’s office in Alexandria to begin the long, overdue probe of this tavesty of justice. You will NEVER get an investigation started on the local or state level — they just won’t get involved.

“Ignore it, it will go away” won’t work in this situation. Fixing it before it’s too late can begin from within (by Manassas Park residents asking the federal authorities for help), or can be left to outsiders to take the initiative once things get so bad and corrupt that the jurisdiction can no longer function legitimately. I guess from some of these comments above that one possible outcome (retrocession of the City back into the County) won’t sit too well with alot of the citizenery.

]]> By: Anonon http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5526 Anonon Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:53:12 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5526 I appreciate your perspective Greg, but if this has served any purpose, it has been to fire me up to do more here in Manassas Park to help keep this an independent jurisdiction. I think this whole blogging experience leads me to never, ever want to run for political office (not a chance would I expose myself or my family to this), but I am going to be doing some more volunteering to build a better community. I also hesistated to weigh in on the officers pictured, feeling that they needed their privacy. Officer Mosher accompanied me to court and offered his testimony on my behalf when I was a victim of a minor crime - he was nothing less than professional and supportive throughout the court process. Officer Qazi is our community relations officer and has been visible and helpful in my neighborhood as well. They are good men and I continue to respect them and their efforts in Manassas Park. I appreciate your perspective Greg, but if this has served any purpose, it has been to fire me up to do more here in Manassas Park to help keep this an independent jurisdiction. I think this whole blogging experience leads me to never, ever want to run for political office (not a chance would I expose myself or my family to this), but I am going to be doing some more volunteering to build a better community.

I also hesistated to weigh in on the officers pictured, feeling that they needed their privacy. Officer Mosher accompanied me to court and offered his testimony on my behalf when I was a victim of a minor crime - he was nothing less than professional and supportive throughout the court process. Officer Qazi is our community relations officer and has been visible and helpful in my neighborhood as well. They are good men and I continue to respect them and their efforts in Manassas Park.

]]> By: Greg L http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5524 Greg L Tue, 02 Jan 2007 21:44:47 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5524 I've broached the topic of retrocession only because I'm concerned about the long-term financial stability of Manassas Park City as an independent entity. Otherwise, I'm a fan of keeping local government small, responsive and accountable. I'm pretty sure that most others here would agree with that. Right now the residential/commercial tax base ratio is about 85%/15% which is severely out of line with what other financially stable localities tend to have. MP has an A+ bond rating, which makes it really difficult for the city to borrow when it needs to. These are tough challenges. In the face of these challenges the allure of bringing in some sort of "white knight" such as OTB to fill in the financing gaps puts residents in a real bind. They may not want to see their taxes raised through the roof, and the quick-fix alternative of local gambling is about the only short-term solution. Of course it has major downsides, some of which we're seeing in this story. I hope MP residents will consider all the options as they navigate through all of this. None of them are easy. All of them have impacts. The menu of available options may be shrinking, however. I’ve broached the topic of retrocession only because I’m concerned about the long-term financial stability of Manassas Park City as an independent entity. Otherwise, I’m a fan of keeping local government small, responsive and accountable. I’m pretty sure that most others here would agree with that.

Right now the residential/commercial tax base ratio is about 85%/15% which is severely out of line with what other financially stable localities tend to have. MP has an A+ bond rating, which makes it really difficult for the city to borrow when it needs to. These are tough challenges.

In the face of these challenges the allure of bringing in some sort of “white knight” such as OTB to fill in the financing gaps puts residents in a real bind. They may not want to see their taxes raised through the roof, and the quick-fix alternative of local gambling is about the only short-term solution. Of course it has major downsides, some of which we’re seeing in this story.

I hope MP residents will consider all the options as they navigate through all of this. None of them are easy. All of them have impacts. The menu of available options may be shrinking, however.

]]> By: Anonon http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5523 Anonon Tue, 02 Jan 2007 21:34:55 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5523 And do you live here? And do you live here?

]]> By: a nonny mouse http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5522 a nonny mouse Tue, 02 Jan 2007 21:15:46 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5522 I used to agree that MP shouldn't be folded back into PWC but frankly I'm not so sure anymore. I used to agree that MP shouldn’t be folded back into PWC but frankly I’m not so sure anymore.

]]> By: AWCheney http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5521 AWCheney Tue, 02 Jan 2007 20:53:36 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5521 Then perhaps good people shouldn't have turned a blind eye to this for so long. If they hadn't, perhaps it would never have been allowed to go this far. Then perhaps good people shouldn’t have turned a blind eye to this for so long. If they hadn’t, perhaps it would never have been allowed to go this far.

]]> By: Anonon http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5520 Anonon Tue, 02 Jan 2007 20:43:17 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5520 "Maybe a good clean sweep of Manassas Park will create enough political will to eliminate Manassas Park as an independant political entity and have it absorbed back into Prince William County, or at the very LEAST remove the cancer of corruption and send them to “Camp Fed.”" Nice. This is the kind of rhetoric I have feared. I purposely didn't move to PWC proper. We limited our home search to Manassas Park and Manassas because we wanted to be part of a smaller school system and community. That is my fear - that this crap, wherever it comes from, will destroy that. Makes me wonder if outside forces are motivating all this. I know, I know - you have evidence, Ruttenberg is a saint, and I am fool for believing in my community. Investigate, report people, have it investigated further, bring charges and lawsuits - I really don't care. But don't even suggest that my town should be folded back into PWC - I would fight like hell against it. And I don't think I am alone in that sentiment. “Maybe a good clean sweep of Manassas Park will create enough political will to eliminate Manassas Park as an independant political entity and have it absorbed back into Prince William County, or at the very LEAST remove the cancer of corruption and send them to “Camp Fed.””

Nice. This is the kind of rhetoric I have feared. I purposely didn’t move to PWC proper. We limited our home search to Manassas Park and Manassas because we wanted to be part of a smaller school system and community. That is my fear - that this crap, wherever it comes from, will destroy that. Makes me wonder if outside forces are motivating all this. I know, I know - you have evidence, Ruttenberg is a saint, and I am fool for believing in my community. Investigate, report people, have it investigated further, bring charges and lawsuits - I really don’t care. But don’t even suggest that my town should be folded back into PWC - I would fight like hell against it. And I don’t think I am alone in that sentiment.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5519 Anonymous Tue, 02 Jan 2007 19:07:43 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5519 Greg L -- The Virginia AG's Office really doesn't have a division that deals with local political corruption. Instead, send all your links and any information you would like to include (unfortunately it can't be e-mailed, it must be hard copy sent USPS) to: U.S. Attorney's Office -- Eastern Virginia Asst. US Attorney Chuck Rosenberg Justin W. Williams US Attorney's Building 2100 Jamieson Avenue Alexandria, Virginia 22314 ph 703.299.3700 fax 703.299.2584 They have a local political corruption unit that has been very effective across the Commonwealth -- they'll coordinate with the FBI. Their Richmond office under Asst. US Attorney Comey FINALLY cleaned up Richmond City Government. Former Mayor Leonidis Young (Fed prison -- embezzlement, Former City Councilman Chuck Richardson (Fed prison -- heroin), Former Councilwoman Gwen Hedgepeth (Fed prison -- taking political bribes) former Mayoral Chief of Staff Joel Harris (Fed prison -- bank fraud)....those were just the big names. Department heads have also been tried, convicted, and sentenced over the years. That is what finally brought about the sweeping changes and political will to set the stage for Doug Wilder's election to Mayor-at large (instead of chosen among Council members) to finish the job of cleaning up the mess. Maybe a good clean sweep of Manassas Park will create enough political will to eliminate Manassas Park as an independant political entity and have it absorbed back into Prince William County, or at the very LEAST remove the cancer of corruption and send them to "Camp Fed." Greg L –

The Virginia AG’s Office really doesn’t have a division that deals with local political corruption.

Instead, send all your links and any information you would like to include (unfortunately it can’t be e-mailed, it must be hard copy sent USPS) to:

U.S. Attorney’s Office — Eastern Virginia
Asst. US Attorney Chuck Rosenberg
Justin W. Williams US Attorney’s Building
2100 Jamieson Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 22314

ph 703.299.3700 fax 703.299.2584

They have a local political corruption unit that has been very effective across the Commonwealth — they’ll coordinate with the FBI. Their Richmond office under Asst. US Attorney Comey FINALLY cleaned up Richmond City Government. Former Mayor Leonidis Young (Fed prison — embezzlement, Former City Councilman Chuck Richardson (Fed prison — heroin), Former Councilwoman Gwen Hedgepeth (Fed prison — taking political bribes) former Mayoral Chief of Staff Joel Harris (Fed prison — bank fraud)….those were just the big names. Department heads have also been tried, convicted, and sentenced over the years.

That is what finally brought about the sweeping changes and political will to set the stage for Doug Wilder’s election to Mayor-at large (instead of chosen among Council members) to finish the job of cleaning up the mess. Maybe a good clean sweep of Manassas Park will create enough political will to eliminate Manassas Park as an independant political entity and have it absorbed back into Prince William County, or at the very LEAST remove the cancer of corruption and send them to “Camp Fed.”

]]> By: Greg L http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5514 Greg L Tue, 02 Jan 2007 14:18:16 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5514 JR: "It seems obvious at this point that any place in Manassas Park that is teaming with police is by definition teaming with illicit activity." I think this is overstating things quite a bit. I would be shocked to discover that the majority of the Manassas Park police department is crooked, and I can't imagine that could possibly be the case. Whether a substantial portion of the leadership in the city and in the police department is remains an open question, but I assume a majority of the rank-and-file Manassas Park police officers are good cops and good people. I just wonder what it takes to get an official investigation actually moving by the FBI or the state. How much more am I going to have to put online? JR: “It seems obvious at this point that any place in Manassas Park that is teaming with police is by definition teaming with illicit activity.”

I think this is overstating things quite a bit. I would be shocked to discover that the majority of the Manassas Park police department is crooked, and I can’t imagine that could possibly be the case. Whether a substantial portion of the leadership in the city and in the police department is remains an open question, but I assume a majority of the rank-and-file Manassas Park police officers are good cops and good people.

I just wonder what it takes to get an official investigation actually moving by the FBI or the state. How much more am I going to have to put online?

]]> By: AWCheney http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5510 AWCheney Tue, 02 Jan 2007 10:33:58 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5510 Mr. Rand, David has always tried to do the right thing with regard to cooperating with the authorities, which makes what they have done to him even more heinous. What else could he, as a business owner, do but call the police when he discovered criminals, and criminal activity, on his premises. What would you have done? Mr. Rand, David has always tried to do the right thing with regard to cooperating with the authorities, which makes what they have done to him even more heinous. What else could he, as a business owner, do but call the police when he discovered criminals, and criminal activity, on his premises. What would you have done?

]]> By: jack rand http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5509 jack rand Tue, 02 Jan 2007 10:01:41 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5509 Well Robert S. I think it is pretty clear that Anonymous is referring to Mr. Ruttenbergs insistance on inviting police in to his establichment. It seems obvious at this point that any place in Manassas Park that is teaming with police is by definition teaming with illicit activity. I cannot understand why Mr. Rutternberg upon discovering men snorting coke in the middle of his facility immediatly calls the cokeheads dealers to his establishment (or maybe I'm missing the point anonymous is trying to make). Well Robert S. I think it is pretty clear that Anonymous is referring to Mr. Ruttenbergs insistance on inviting police in to his establichment. It seems obvious at this point that any place in Manassas Park that is teaming with police is by definition teaming with illicit activity. I cannot understand why Mr. Rutternberg upon discovering men snorting coke in the middle of his facility immediatly calls the cokeheads dealers to his establishment (or maybe I’m missing the point anonymous is trying to make).

]]> By: Robert S http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5506 Robert S Tue, 02 Jan 2007 05:59:19 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5506 Would someone <i>please</i> just think about the <i>CHILDREN</i>???? LOL Anonymous, thanks for the laugh - its great fun to hear one American try to deny the rights of another American by bleating about THE CHILLED RIEN!!! Sigh... Well, as with most that blithely toss out that kind of rhetoric, your main accusation is mighty ambiguous. Would it be possible for you to explain what, exactly you mean by 'illicit activity,' what specific evidence you have to support that claim and perhaps even justify why you feel the town should shut this man's business down? Would someone please just think about the CHILDREN???? LOL Anonymous, thanks for the laugh - its great fun to hear one American try to deny the rights of another American by bleating about THE CHILLED RIEN!!!

Sigh… Well, as with most that blithely toss out that kind of rhetoric, your main accusation is mighty ambiguous. Would it be possible for you to explain what, exactly you mean by ‘illicit activity,’ what specific evidence you have to support that claim and perhaps even justify why you feel the town should shut this man’s business down?

]]> By: TwoCentsWorth http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5496 TwoCentsWorth Mon, 01 Jan 2007 18:20:49 +0000 http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2006/12/31/lets-go-to-the-video-tape-1/#comment-5496 This cesspool of police activity is a lot more common than you might think. It has existed at lesser levels for many years in my area (metropolitan St. Louis). The situation has almost always been instigated by politicians who are "wired" into the police dept, and are willing to crucify anyone to fill the old pockets a little more. I have always maintained that the "snitch" form of government along with plea-bargaining would produce this kind of abuse and it looks like these guys have perfected the system. This cesspool of police activity is a lot more common than you might think. It has existed at lesser levels for many years in my area (metropolitan St. Louis).
The situation has almost always been instigated by politicians who are “wired” into the police dept, and are willing to crucify anyone to fill the old pockets a little more. I have always maintained that the “snitch” form of government along with plea-bargaining would produce this kind of abuse and it looks like these guys have perfected the system.

]]>