Democrat Senate Leaders Announce Plans
By Greg L | 23 November 2007 | Illegal Aliens, Virginia Politics | 73 Comments
Virginia Senate Democrats, while talking to the Washington Post about how they will divide up committee chairmanships for the next session of the General Assembly, seem to have outlined their legislative agenda for the year:
The divided General Assembly will meet Jan. 9 for 60 days to pass a two-year budget. Senate Democrats will promote an agenda that includes establishing a pre-kindergarten program proposed by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D); overhauling mental health laws after the Virginia Tech shooting; changing or repealing the costly, controversial bad-driver fees; and fending off attempts by Republicans to curb services to illegal immigrants.
Vastly increasing spending by adding another grade to the public school system has long been a priority of Governor Kaine — no surprise there. Responding to the Virginia Tech Massacre in some way so they can claim to have done something, whether that particular instance of “doing something” is advisable or not, is politics as usual. Overhauling the abusive driver fees is following through on the many campaign promises made by Senators during the last election season. But protecting the ability of illegal aliens to obtain taxpayer-funded public benefits? That’s a new one.
Democrats and their allies in the liberal media have been defending this indefensible (and under Virginia law, illegal) practice over the past year, and trying at every opportunity to downplay the importance of the illegal alien issue in voter’s minds. With the House of Delegates widely expected to again propose numerous reforms that will make Virginia less accommodating towards illegal aliens, Senate Democrats see it as their job to frustrate efforts to do this, taking over where a coalition of Republican “moderates” and Democrats left off last year. Last year only one bill on this issue made it out of the Senate, authored by Delegate Bob Marshall which established the Immigration Commission. This year voters are looking for more than studies — they want action. Senate Democrats are all but promising there will be none.
When the U.S. Senate promised it would deliver amnesty for illegal aliens, the public crushed Senate offices with calls, emails, faxes and letters expressing their outrage, and the Senate backed down. This year, the Virginia Senate seems to be poised to protect the ability of illegal aliens to obtain public benefits. It’s quite possible that the members of the Virginia Senate will learn exactly what it was like for their U.S. Senate colleagues should they try to do something as unpopular as ensure that Virginia encourages as many illegal aliens to reside here as possible by luring them with the prospect of getting subsidies for doing so.
This “the voters don’t really care about illegal aliens” mantra may fall apart pretty quickly this session.
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We have nothing to worry about regarding benefits to illegal immigrants.
Chuck Colgan is the #1 Senator.
Chuck Colgan is President Pro Tem now.
Chuck Colgan is the Chairman of Finance now.
Chuck Colgan says he does not support benefits to illegal immigrants. Chuck Colgan said his opponent’s campaign literature documenting previous votes granting various benefits were lies.
Chuck Colgan says the Democrats will be tough on illegal immigrants.
Greg, stop your fear mongering now!
Dick Saslaw, Chuck Colgan, and George Barker are going to crack down on illegal immigrants. The problem isn’t really bad as you think anyways, Colgan has verified most local latino day laborers are legal refugees during his scientific polling at 7-11s.
Billy Boy,
Now is the time for Senator Colgan to take action on his promised crack down on illegal aliens. Illegal aliens should not receive any public benefits period. Senator Colgan needs to take the lead on this. I hope you will agree. I’m hoping Senator Colgan will come through for us. We despartely need to change Virginia from a sanctuary state to a state that enforces the law.
Lets see if Colgan will keep his campaign promises to his constituents on doing something about the illegal alien problems.
FYI - The title should read “democratIC senate leaders”. Would you write “republic senate leaders”? DEMOCRAT is a NOUN = 1. One who favors a democracy. 2. One who believes in political and social equality.
I love it. I hope the Senate Democrats try to use benefits to illegal aliens as part of their agenda. This is the wedge issue we need and they will do us a huge favor by putting their House counterparts in some VERY difficult voting situations. This will sepererate the bad guys from the good guys in short order.
The irony. Our Senate Republicans helped the Democrats change their election fortunes, now the Senate Democrats will do the same for the Republicans. Nice.
Billyboy,
Would you like me to do a “fly by” over Patty’s?
I too am interested to see how the campaign rhetoric and promises of the recent election will translate into action on the part of those who won office. It seems everyone was hard on illegal immigration when they were stumping, so hopefully they will live up to their words.
But then again, we are talking about politicians…
Krusty said on 23 Nov 2007 at 11:35 am:
FYI - The title should read “democratIC senate leaders”. Would you write “republic senate leaders”? DEMOCRAT is a NOUN = 1. One who favors a democracy. 2. One who believes in political and social equality.
Main Entry: dem·o·crat
Pronunciation: \ˈde-mə-ˌkrat\
Function: noun
Date: 1789
1 a: an adherent of democracy b: one who practices social equality
2 capitalized : a member of the Democratic party of the United States
SO WHAT’S YOUR BEEF? The above defination is from
Merriam-Webster
Smiling to 999, Krusty really hits the hard-hitting issues of the day, doesn’t he??
:)
…and if you check a little further, “democratic,” is “1. Pertaining to or of the nature of democracy or a democracy. 2. pertaining to or characterized by social equality and 3. advocating or upholding democracy. 4. a. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of the Democratic party, b. of, pertaining to or belonging to the Democratic-Republican party.”
You’re doing just fine, Greg….:)
What about Senate leadership from SWVA?
So why don’t you write “democratic” and be done with it. The name is, I believe, the democratic party. But then, what do I know? Thanks for the education!
Krusty said 2:19 pm:
“So why don’t you write “democratic” and be done with it.”
He had to give you something to complain about. He’s clearly playing softball for your benefit, Krusty.
Geez, Krusty, you still don’t get it. By definition, Republicans are democratic….:)
Krusty, one more try….:)
Our General Assembly always has been, is and hopefully always will be democratic.
The Senate will be controlled by Democrats, hence as Greg said, “DEMOCRAT SENATE LEADERS….” …and we hope that those Democrat Senate Leaders, aka members of the Democratic party, will decide to maintain a democratic approach to the issues, don’t you?
Thanks for all the smiley (smily) faces, which used to mean: have a good day. I’m having a VERY good day considering the education I’m getting here. Enjoy your turkey soup and/or sandwich. I’m sated.
You’re welcome….and one more…:)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democrat_Party_(phrase)
Hmmm.. doesn’t like the parenthises…
Just add “(phrase)” to the URL.
es-la-ley - I feel Greg uses the phrase in pejorative manner. It’s such a cheap shot!
Krusty said on 23 Nov 2007 at 4:32 pm:
es-la-ley - I feel Greg uses the phrase in pejorative manner. It’s such a cheap shot!
Krusty, have another martini (or two,) crawl out of the sack and call it a day. You can’t win!
Cuccinelli also got a bill out in 2007. His bill allowed zoning officials to (finally) get subpoenas to see who lives in those overcrowded boarding houses, so long as they can show probable cause. W/o that bill, those zoning investigations are stuck asking at the door “um, sir, can you tell me who lives here?” Answer: “No.” Darn, end of investigation.
Not anymore.
Can’t we just call Republicans Conservatives and Democrats Liberals and be done with it? Neither party represents the interests of the vast majority of voters. Both are whores for corporations and lobbyists, which is why things are not done about issues such as immigration. Ask the construction industry to give up their cheap labor? Never. I think the majority of the people on this blog know that, especially on the national level, the Republicans do nothing to stem the tide. Democrats do even less, but are possibly a little more upfront about it. Elected officials in Washington don’t represent people anymore.
Our PCE investigators (Mr. Chavez in particular) do not have the guts to get a subpoena. In fact, if the tenants say they are all related the PCE investigators leave and report that there is no violation. Typically they only come during the middle of the day to check for overcrowding when the tenants are not there. From my point of view this is a law that is not enforced. It’s crazy.
Biily Boy,
I was hoping to hear from you. I’ll check later.
Sorry,
Billy Boy,
I was hoping to hear from you. I’ll check later.
Sorry for misspelling. My fingers are too cold to type.
Anonymous:
Krusty, have another martini (or two,) crawl out of the sack and call it a day. You can’t win!.
Lol. You’re definitely persistent following the old Krustacean around.
West Gate Witch,
I think Patty is certainly deserving of a fly by.
Patty,
Sorry I missed you. I have told you before I agree Colgan needs to honor his commitments.
Based on his 35 year record I don’t think we have anything to worry about.
Anonymous said on 23 Nov 2007 at 10:59 am:
We have nothing to worry about regarding benefits to illegal immigrants.
Chuck Colgan is the #1 Senator.
Chuck Colgan is President Pro Tem now.
500,000 Legal Aliens in the Washington Metro Area, welcomed hear by the Bush Administration.
Along with them come their illegal relatives. Colgan didn’t make it up and he didn’t invite them here. George Bush hard core Conservative Republican President is responible. Remember from the first Bush campaign “Viva La Bush”. George Bush has done for Manassas, VA what he did for Texas and Jeb did for Florida.
Billyboy,
I took the liberty of doing a couple of “fly by’s”. I hope you don’t mind, I sure didn’t. She’s hot on your heels.
PCE works for the country government. If they are doing something you don’t like, or not doing something you want done, you need to complain to your supervisor, John Stirrup.
I am not sure I want to live in an area where local government can come to my door after close of business and demand to know who is staying over at my house. Somewhere due process has to kick in, otherwise we live in a Nazi state. There has to be a paper trail. These guys just can’t come pounding on the door at any time, day or night, and have access to anyone’s home. They aren’t the police.
Having said that, I do believe the BOCS needs to shore up their process for citizen complaints against overcrowding and other zoning violations.
Billyboy,
I agree with your assessment regarding Senator Colgan. I would encourage people to contact his office if they have concerns. I also agree regarding the Bushes. Again, in the words of Billy Joel….we didn’t start the fire….
Gee,
How do you expect PCE to enforce overcrowding when they don’t come by the house WHEN it is overcrowded? Look, these illegals know when these guys come around. I watched the tenants at 700 sneak in after 11:00 pm when the lights were out. Of course, they couldn’t turn off the street light. They know when to go into the house and when to leave. Unfortunately Dolph, one bad apple spoils everything. What is your bright idea to implement zoning enforcement? - call the Feds. Ha Ha Ha!!!
Dolph,
PCE is most definately are NOT the police. I must say I think PCE should work on the weekends though. I don’t think they should be banging on anyones door in the middle of the night as if they were the PWPD or ICE. Remember you witnessed Sr. Chavez at the correct address. That damn thing is still there.
There is definately due process. Let’s not forget the grass that was a good foot taller than the chain link fence before it finally got cut.
Billyboy,
I agree with your assessment of Sen. Colgan like my friend Dolph there.
I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving. I forget to list you with my other “honorable mentions” as Krusty called it.
How’s that email? Just stop by sometime. I know you know where to find me.-lol
By the way Dolph, if you aren’t overcrowding your house you have nothing to worry about. We are talking about OVERCROWDED HOUSES. Do you understand or do I have to come and draw a picture for you?
Billy Boy,
I hope the Redskins win. They need one.
By the way Dolph,
Looks like Connolly knows how to enforce zoning. Maybe he can give Michelle C. some lessons. Ha Ha Ha!!!
Lafayette,
If you are out there, guess what I saw this weekend? - four police cars on King George. Also, looks like one of the owner/tenants has been coming to 700 on a weekly basis. Notice the blue recyle bin. I think there are sleep overs there but can’t be sure. Also, the house next to it is up for auction in the coming weeks. We still have activity in Westgate.
Lafayette,
Looks like 05 might have another tenant in addition to the ones they have. Different car is parked in driveway.
By the way, I hope you had a good Thanksgiving!
Billy Boy,
I hope you had a good Thanksgiving too!
Patty,
The action on KG is picking up.
The “coke machine” is still there. Hmm
Your comment regarding Michelle C. You know you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.-lol
Dolph most certainly does understand OVERCROWDING.
Well, I did do quite of few foreclosure title searches in this past short week.
Patty,
Thanks, yes I had a good Thanksgiving, and I you all did as well.
Maybe, the new car at 05 is here for the holiday. My mom and I both noticed that car.
Patty,
Regardless of how you or I feel about zoning violations, there are regulations about how enforcement can investigate. These regulations protect all of us. I suggest stepping outside the obvious issue for just a second. What if zoning enforcement could just come pounding on the door…..and you angered one of your neighbors…perhaps ones you had reported. By law, if they reported you, the same thing could happen to you.
It is important that we follow guidelines and laws when enforcing. What bright ideas do I have? None in particular. I would probably have zoning enforcement officers work staggered hours so they could talk to people when they are home from work and also on weekends, during what most of us consider normal hours. That’s about it because I am not familiar with the restraints of federal and state law.
I don’t think we need to exchange personal barbs when discussing neighborhood problems. It is non productive and probably not the kind of life I like to live.
Dolph,
Sorry, but you are still comparing apples to oranges. I would like to see what specific steps you would take if you were Michelle C. Calling Supervisors and the Feds doesn’t answer the question. There are laws in place. We are talking about enforcement. After all, they are called PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEMENT. It is a waste of time discussing this with you. You and I don’t agree on a lot of things. When I make a comment you automatically throw your criticism. If I said the sky is blue, you would say it was pink. Like I said it is a waste of time discussing zoning issues with you. I still can’t figure out what enforcement means to you. Of course, there are those who delight in changing the definitions of words.
Maybe Legal2 or someone else can give you the definition of enforcement. Dolph, first you say you don’t want someone knocking on doors at night then you say you want PCE to work a staggered shift. Which is it? Make up your mind and stick with what you decide. Quit playing both sides.
Patty,
I obvious am not Michelle C. I am assuming you are referring to Supervisor Caddigan. I already said I am not familiar with state and federal laws that might restrict steps the county can take. That is why there is a county attorney. Obviously the county zoning ordinances need shoring up or there would not be as many problems as we are having in the 2 communities.
Perhaps a place to start would be a private discussion with Mr. Stirrup as to why certain issues cannot be resolved. What is preventing them from being enforced and what, if anything, can be done about it. I believe he would probably be the best resource at this time.
Patty,
Please, I urge you to show a little more respect for your elders
(Billyboy & Dolph). I hope they don’t mind me saying that.
I really think Dolph has understanding of our laws. She is always bringing up good questions, and they make us stop and think for a minute. At least they do me, and I’m sure others too. Infact I’ve seen it said several times.
Patty,
Obviously you don’t understand hyperbole. Going to someone’s home after they get home from work is not the same as pounding on their door in the middle of the night.
My only point is that we have to be mindful of everyone’s civil rights, even those we believe are in violation of zoning codes. Whatever action that is applied to one resident might be applied to another. I feel certain that the county is well aware of this.
Dolph,
Thank you for your well stated reasoning. I know I sure don’t want my civil rights violated. I would think anyone would feel this way.
Heck, what do I know, right?
If the police suspect criminal activity at an address, don’t they get a warrant to search the premises. Harboring illegal aliens (and renting them rooms) is criminal activity. How about calling the police when there is a known full house of suspected illegals and request they check out the situation.
Patty,
I understand now your confusion with my statement about close of business. Please allow me to amend my statement to adjust the close of business time for PCE to be early evening hours after people are home from work. It is mighty difficult to discuss zoning violations if no one is home.
Hopefully those we elected to the BOCS will have solutions for the problems that residents bring to them. The elected officials will have to make it their business to know what is and is not allowable under state and federal law. I do not know.
What respect do I get from Dolph? None from what I’ve seen.
Lafayette, that property you saw on S. Lane where the house has been demolished and no sign of rebuilding, was reported to Zoning. (Why are Latinos buying up properties and razing the homes?) Zoning closed the case ensuring that no one lived in the garage. Then why are cars there all night and the garage is outfitted with 2 satellite dishes? PCE isn’t run well from what little I’ve seen out of them. Is calling PWCPD a viable option?
Zoning violations used to be relatively cut and dry for the average PWC resident…setback issues, businesses in houses, fence heights, the potential subdivision next door, etc. Overcrowding has only recently become a problem for zoning enforcement. It’s a tricky issue and this post by Anonymous at 11:57 illustrates how poorly the average citizen understands local governments’ powers:
“If the police suspect criminal activity at an address, don’t they get a warrant to search the premises. Harboring illegal aliens (and renting them rooms) is criminal activity. How about calling the police when there is a known full house of suspected illegals and request they check out the situation.”
How do you go about proving that particular residents are here illegally? How do you prove that they (the residents) are not related? The onus is on you - the caller - to support your charges. You’d better think of the repercussions of having a police log filled with unsubstantiated complaints
and follow-ups aimed at one demographic of our society. It looks like a lawsuit in the making of Thanksgiving meal proportion. And the tab will be picked up by you and me with our tax dollars. That’s why local governments have to proceed with caution.
Patty,
I don’t think Dolph has disrespected you at all. You two simply don’t agree on most issues. I don’t think disagreeing is disrespecting. You know, I don’t agree with some all the time.Sometimes you just have to AGREE to DISAGREE. Or there is always the IGNORE BUTTON.**IMHO**
legal2,
I agree with anonymoustoo on calling police for overcrowding. I heard Michelle C. say at one BOS meeting. They will check out properties early in the morning if they a have a good time to observe. I don’t have much faith that that actually happens. I’ve said for sometime, and I think Dolph also mentioned it earlier. Zoning needs to have broader hours and days of operation. Zoning should be investigating 7 days a week. Start at about 4am M-F, and end at 7pm. Not to mention a flex schedule is often very welcomed by employees.
Just for the record, are we speaking of *Maureen* Caddigan at the BOS meeting? I agree, especially when so many of the offenders in these “dwellings” work early morning, construction. I would say 4 am, 7 days/week.
Patty,
I have never been disrespectful or nasty to you, to my knowledge. I am sorry that you feel I have. While we do not always agree on some issues or candidates, I believe that you would be hard-pressed find where I have been rude to you. On the other hand, many of your posts to me have been combative and aggressive. Specifically, my support of Senator Colgan on this blog brought about a barrage of insults in my direction under your name.
However, that’s ok. We may each support the candidate of our choice. Many people throughout the world do not have this luxury that so many of us take for granted. I don’t consider myself an angry person and I make every attempt not to let the blog rantings disturb my inner peace.
I don’t see how we possibly disagree on neighborhood issues and zoning violations. Our disagreement, if any, would be how to handle the violations. I prefer the ‘honey catches more flies than vinegar’ approach.
anonymoustoo said on 24 Nov 2007 at 10:28 am:
Zoning violations used to be relatively cut and dry for the average PWC resident…setback issues, businesses in houses, fence heights, the potential subdivision next door, etc. Overcrowding has only recently become a problem for zoning enforcement. It’s a tricky issue and this post by Anonymous at 11:57 illustrates how poorly the average citizen understands local governments’ powers:
Notice on the chart below which counties lead in the number of violations…
http://www.vaco.org/sitefiles/pdfs/front%20page/housing_commission_survey.pdf
Anonymous@12:04,
Thank you very much for this link. I was impressed the Fairfax with over 900 violations reported took the time to state how the code could be improved with more forceful legislation. Prince William County needs to follow suit and be specific about how state law needs to change.
Most of what you are seeing included in Fairfax County comes from the Town of Herndon.
See
http://www.dhusch.com/Overcrowding.htm
The Town has been aggressively prosecuting offenders for about 5 to 6 years.
legal2,
I am speaking of Michelle Casiato from Neighborhood Services. She gives the “bogus” quarterly reports in violations. That woman is out of touch in my opinion. Rumor has it she make a six figure income. She’s a waste of taxpayer dollars.
It takes quite awhile for her to pass along new information to PCE Inspectors.
This is the best place I think to post this now. I was at the WestGate Giant earlier, and couldn’t help but to notice some new signs regarding shopping carts. They read, I am also going to post the pictures.
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE SHOPPING CARTS FROM THE PARKING LOT….They are posted in both English and Spanish. They also include VA State Code.
Josh,
Your Giant might have had a big a$$ bird, but does it have these “jazzy” signs? Or are the shopping carts a “Western End” Thing and you don’t understand.-lol
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2290424740102412507fsTsfi
Lafayette,
That looks pretty clear cut to me. Is it a misdemeanor to remove the carts from the lot? I cannot read the small print. Hopefully there will be a person or 2 outside to reinforce these signs.
Patty, I don’t understand, if you have issues or a specific problem with PCE, why don’t you call Supervisor Stirrup’s office? You were so great in your praise about him prior to the election, so why can’t he address your issues?
Whenever a citizen calls a BOCS member with a specific problem, it can be labeled as a “Board Tracker” with a case number, the BOCS Aide’s contact info as well as a hard return date in which the specific agency MUST generate a response that includes a solution or action that was taken. That response is then forwarded to the particular BOCS Aide’s office and then to the citizen.
I know PCE has had these, I work for a PWC agency and I’ve gone with PCE to addresses listed as “trackers”. So why you can’t get satisfaction out of Mr. Stirrup’s office I don’t know.
Lafayette,
I sure hope that will help with the baskets over your way and also on SM Dr.
I haven’t seen as many since summer has been over. Good pic. Finally, Giant is doing something. I like the idea of a parking lot spotter for a while, until people realize the carts are not to be removed. K-Mart needs to follow suit.
I notice that Fairfax and Prince William have a larger number of violations than Henrico, for example. However, Fairfax and PWC enforce under both the building code and zoning. The building code is rather lenient…occupancy based on square footage of certain occupiable space as opposed to relationship of occupants.
Anon @3:22
I would think this is a misdemeanor offense. I had a hard time reading small print on sign too. I will try to get another non-glare shot next time I go to Giant. Actually, here it is..
Under Virginia State Law 18.2 102.1 it is unlawful to remove shopping carts from the premises without the consent of the store manager.
Thank You For Your Cooperation.
Dolph,
The carts are still being spotted over in WestGate. I hope K-Mart follows suit along with the Global Mart.
I am glad to Giant try to take some sort of action to curb this problem. I hope it eliminates the problem all together.
corr
to SEE Giant try..
anonymous said on 24 Nov 2007 at 3:22 pm:
Lafayette,
That looks pretty clear cut to me. Is it a misdemeanor to remove the carts from the lot? I cannot read the small print. Hopefully there will be a person or 2 outside to reinforce these signs.
Now the PWC Police have to be brought into the loop and take action against anyone seeb rolling down the street with shopping cart removed from a business. Ten to one if you call the PD, and ask about the carts, no one will know if it is a violation of the law or not. I called them up one time and complained of loud music at midnight. The dispatcher said the county did not have a noise ordinance but they would check it out. HUH?
corr: anyone seen rolling
Herndon Bob said on 24 Nov 2007 at 1:32 pm:
Most of what you are seeing included in Fairfax County comes from the Town of Herndon.
See
http://www.dhusch.com/Overcrowding.htm
The Town has been aggressively prosecuting offenders for about 5 to 6 years.
You can tell by the decline in the number of complaints from 2004 to 2007 that the system must be working. It would nice to know how many of the complaints resulted in prosecutions and/or fines.
999,
The PWPD must be brought into the loop. It was a real challenge when first started calling on the ice cream vendors. The dispatchers are entertaining at times. I will be forwarding the info regarding the signs at Giant to our Superivisor’s office on Monday, and see if we can’t bring the PWPD up to speed on shopping carts. You know I think we might see an influx of shopping carts with the shopping season upon us.
I havn’t see any summary numbers in a while. I can tell you that they win most all of the cases taken to court. The fines issued are not all that great for most of the cases, but every once in a while we do get a good one.
The last press coverage was
http://observernews.com/stories/current/news/101907/overcrowding.shtml
A summary of the overcrowding ordanences are
http://www.dhusch.com/Herndon_Virginia_101/HV101_Residential_Occupancy_Regulations.htm
Herndon Bob,
Thanks for the links. Very informative.
Herndon Bob said on 24 Nov 2007 at 4:31 pm:
I havn’t see any summary numbers in a while. I can tell you that they win most all of the cases taken to court. The fines issued are not all that great for most of the cases, but every once in a while we do get a good one.
The last press coverage was
http://observernews.com/stories/current/news/101907/overcrowding.shtml
A summary of the overcrowding ordanences are
http://www.dhusch.com/Herndon_Virginia_101/HV101_Residential_Occupancy_Regulations.htm
Looks like Herndon has got it right. Perhaps PWC can use this info to strengthen it zoning codes re overcrowding. From what I have been reading, PWC zoning needs a lot of work to be able to enforce overcrowding ordinances.