Peace Progress A Monthly 97th District Update: April 2009 In this issue:Message from Chris Get Involved Mark Your Calendars Public Service Announcement Constituent Services New Media Services
Message From Chris
Peace Comments on Vote Against Changes to Virginia's Unemployment Insurance Laws
Delegate Chris Peace (R-97th District) offers his perspective regarding his vote against permanent changes to Virginia's unemployment insurance laws during the General Assembly Reconvened Session. The changes would have allowed Virginia to receive only short-term, temporary federal funding to support long-term expansion.
"The mainstream media's coverage of Virginia's 2009 Reconvened Session has mischaracterized the real issue related to unemployment insurance laws in Virginia.
"The Governor amended legislation previously passed during the regular session of the General Assembly. He proposed permanently changing our unemployment insurance laws just to receive $125 million in temporary federal funds. I along with my fellow House Republicans believed that this short-term federal stimulus money would lead to job losses rather than affecting real stimulus or job creation. When federal funds expire our Commonwealth would be responsible for funding this mandate. This Federal government bribe was rightly turned away.
"Virginians are experiencing tough economic times. My House colleagues and I are aware of the hardships that come when jobs are lost. This is why we worked this past session on meaningful, comprehensive and free market initiatives that extend tax credits to businesses that create new full-time jobs here in the Commonwealth, and approved funding for economic development incentives to attract new businesses to Virginia. The budget which was passed also accelerates capital projects and could create up to 3,400 new jobs. This type of economic development is the best thing we can do for those currently out of work. When this recession is over we can look back on this moment and say we chose getting Virginians working again."
Get Involved
**If you would like to serve on my 97th District Advisory Committee please contact my office. I need support from many people active in the communities of the 97th. I desire input from constituents, local leaders, the business community, the faith-based community, educators, and more. I feel that to effectively serve the people of the 97th District and the Commonwealth, it is important that I develop a clear understanding of all of the issues and how they will impact the citizens of our district and Virginia. Advisory Committee meetings will be held on a regular basis. If interested in serving please contact my office at 804-730-3737 or e-mail me at info@chrispeace.com or julie@chrispeace.com
Norman Sulser is the 97th legislative district chair. He can be reached at msulsern@verizon.net
Mark Your Calendars
Caroline: May 8th, 2009, Saturday) Madison Ruritan Club's - (AYCE) Seafood Festival Saturday, - 1 pm - 5 pm Located behind Ladysmith Elementary School. Proceed one block West from Route 1 (Jeff Davis Hwy) on Ladysmith Road, turn left on Allen St and follow signs to Madison Ruritan Building. Adults: $25.00 Children: (6-12) - $12.00 Under 6 - Free Price includes; Fried Fish, Fried & Roasted Oysters, Fried Scallops, Steamed Shrimp, Clam Chowder, Hush Puppies, Cole Slaw, Hot Dogs and beverages: Beer, Tea, Soda Advance Tickets Only, NO tickets will be available at the gate - NO REFUNDS Tickets available at: Ladysmith Pharmacy & the Hair Jungle Call 804-448-3111 or 804-448-0587 or email mailto:madison_ruritan@bealenet.com for tickets or more info Deadline for All Ticket Sales is May 2nd
Hanover: Bring out your 4 legged friend to the WOOF WAG WALK event at Taylor Park. The Woof Wag Walk special event is scheduled for April 25 at Taylor Park in Ashland. This fun-filled event for you and your dog features pet-oriented vendors, pet adoptions, contests, doggie fashion show and more. The event runs 9am-2pm at Taylor Park on Saturday April 25.
Henrico: KidFest: Attention kids! Come out and enjoy a day in the park just for you. Enjoy games, arts and crafts, information booths, and more, all tailored just for kids! Catch the high-energy alternative show by up-and-coming young artists Mission Six along with the rock 'n roll tunes of the talented blues rock guitarist Grant Austin Taylor. Be sure to peruse the art exhibits by local galleries that feature children artists. Concessions will be available for purchase. Information: Rachel Leyco, 501-5134. Sat, May 16, 1-4 p.m. No rain date. Deep Run Park. Free.
King and Queen: The Walkerton Community Fire Association BBQ Dinner: Walkerton Community Fire Association holds an annual BBQ dinner in May on the 3rd Sunday from 4-7 p.m. For more information please contact Ed Wilson at 769-2060.
King William: SPRING FEST 2009 When: Saturday, May 2, 2009 4-9p.m. ( Rain Date May 3, 2009 ) For more information, call 804-769-0808 Where: King William County Court House Live music by Sunshine City and The Lost Vagabonds, children's play area, classic cars, arts & crafts, community booths, great food and Fireworks. Also, see the LifeEvac III helicopter fly-in (schedule permitting), and visit the King William Historical Museum. Festival will take place at the historical King William Court House. Bring your lawnchairs and enjoy the day. Parking is at Hamilton-Holmes Middle School with free shuttle service to the festival. Handicap parking will be available at the Court House.
New Kent: April 22 Providence Forge Ruritan Catfish Fry 4-8 pm at the Providence Forge Recreation Center at 9900 Carriage Road. Fried Catfish and Trout, Hush Puppies, Beans, Cole Slaw and beverages. Meal served at 5:30 pm. Music by the Milltown Boys. Tickets $20 available from Club members or call Gammon Well at 966-2615.
Spotsylvania: The Spotsylvania Parks & Recreation Department in conjunction with the Hershey Corporation, the National Recreation and Park Association, and the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society, will sponsor a track meet on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at Courtland High School Track. Events will begin promptly at 4:00p.m. In the event of significant weather, the meet will be re-scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 4:00p.m. Please note the program will NOT be postponed due to drizzle. In the event of inclement weather, an announcement will be made over WFLS (93.3FM), WBQB (101.5 FM), WJYJ (90.5 FM), WGRX (104.5) and WGRQ (95.9) and the cancellation line at Parks and Recreation (898-8546) as soon as a decision to postpone has been made. Please listen carefully to the announcements.
Hanover County Sheriff's Office: Public Service Announcement Contact: Deputy Jim McLaughlin (804) 365-6335
The Hanover County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Services Unit would like to remind you that spring has sprung and with that comes people who will be trying their best to take your money in many different ways. There will be many people passing through the county that will try to scam you out of your money this spring and summer.
The scam might begin by offering home repairs, such as repairing your roof, asphalting your driveway, sealing your driveway, removing trees, trimming trees, or even repairing utilities.
Please remember you contact someone to make a repair don't let them contact you. How would they know you need a repair?
The best way to handle this is not to answer the door if it is someone you don't know. Use the peephole in your door; remember there is no law that says you have to open your door.
When having any repairs done always get three quotes; always ask for and check references, then check them through the Better Business Bureau.
Do not sign any paperwork (contract) without reading the entire document. If you don't understand it, have a lawyer or trusted friend read it.
Don't give anyone cash or money up front without a contract (even if it is a family member). Remember there are many different ways to say fraud.... IT'S NOW OR NEVER! (Don't pass up this deal, no time left.) IT'S A SECRET! (Don't tell anyone else; I can't give them the same deal.) CASH ONLY! (I can only take cash. No Checks!) THIS IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE! (It probably is!) SOMETHING FOR NOTHING! (That's probably what you will get in return!)
Constituent Services
I am always happy to assist residents of the 97th District in dealing with state agencies. As your Delegate, I want to make sure that your government is working for you and that your rights are respected. While I cannot require an agency to make a specific determination on your behalf, I am happy to assist you with cutting the red tape and getting you the answers you seek. My office can serve as a liaison between my constituents and the state.
My office takes the responsibility of serving seriously. My staff is available during the week to assist you with your concerns; I am also readily available. I encourage you to contact us. Please continue to contact me whenever you have concerns or issues of importance to our community and the Commonwealth.
I may be reached at: Capitol Office: PO Box 406 Richmond, VA 23218 Phone: 804-698-1097 Fax: 804-698-6797 E-mail:delcpeace@house.virginia.gov
District Office: 7494 Lee Davis Rd, Suite 16F PO Box 819 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 Phone: 804-730-3737 Fax: 804-730-5049 E-mail: delcpeace@house.virginia.gov
***Please make note of the legislative e-mail address change. To insure consistency among all Virginia government entities, the General Assembly of Virginia is changing all website and email addresses from the 'state.va.us' naming convention to virginia.gov. Therefore our new e-mail address is delcpeace@house.virginia.gov
New Media Services
Please visit my website and find me on Facebook:
If you are a member of Facebook, please login and sign on as a supporter on my page. You may find my supporter page: Christopher K. Peace by using the search box in the top right-hand corner of the main page after you login. Once on the page, click the "Become a Fan" button in the upper right hand corner.