Virginia Authors Chronicle History of Governor’s Mansion

RICHMOND – In 2013, Virginia’s Executive Mansion—the oldest occupied governor’s residence in all the fifty states—marks its 200th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, the Citizens Advisory Council for Interpreting and Furnishing the Executive Mansion is planning a yearlong series of special events at the mansion and on Capitol Square, capped by the publication of an official bicentennial history of Virginia's "First House" – a must-read for lovers of Virginia's proud past. This handsome coffee table book, written by historian Mary Miley Theobald with an introduction by novelist David Baldacci, and designed by Carol Roper Hoffler of Literati, will chronicle the mansion's important role as residence, office, and social setting for the past fifty-four Virginia governors. Conceived during the Revolutionary War, built during the War of 1812, and looted during the Civil War, the mansion has endured fires, threats, riots, and hurricanes. Research has unearthed a wealth of stories and illustrations never before published. Tales of famous guests, pets and pranks, and ghosts weave through two centuries of additions, modernizations, and changing interior fashions. Newly discovered photographs, drawings, paintings, and antiques from private and public collections throughout Virginia and around the country bring these stories to life. Interviews with all ten living First Ladies provided a peek into the upstairs lives of the commonwealth's First Families.

This official bicentennial book, as yet untitled, is scheduled for release in October 2012. Published by the Library of Virginia with the Citizens Advisory Committee, it includes a welcome from Virginia's current governor and first lady, Governor and Mrs. Robert F. McDonnell. Virginians are invited to submit stories and memories about their experiences at the Executive Mansion for the book. The deadline is January 5, 2012 and submissions can be emailed to executivemansion@governor.virginia.gov, or mailed to: Executive Mansion, PO Box 1475, Richmond, VA 23218.

The book will be sold at the gift shops at the Library of Virginia, the Capitol, and museums as well as at book stores and online. Proceeds will help the CAC continue its work of maintaining the building's historical integrity.

The Republican Party of King William County

Invites you to hear:   Dean Collings and Cecil Schools, Candidates for the King William Board of Supervisors

Thursday, September 15, 2011, 7:00PM,  The King William County Administration Building, 180 Horse Landing Road, King William

Dean Collings, Republican candidate for the King William Board of Supervisors 4th District and Cecil Schools,   Independent incumbent running for re-election in the King William Board of Supervisors 3rd District will share their views on Business and Economic Development, Emergency Services, and other issues important to the county.  Their remarks will be followed by a question and answer period.

Please invite your friends and neighbors to join us.  Call John Breeden (338-6384) for more information.

Delegate Peace joins fellow legislators in support of clinic safety regulations

Letters calls for adoption of the safety regulations for clinics that perform abortions CENTRAL VA- Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) joins his colleagues and members of the Conservative Caucus of the Virginia General Assembly to express unqualified support for clinic safety regulations drafted by the Department of Health.  Through a joint letter recently sent, Peace urges the Board of Health to adopt these vital safety regulations.

“Virginia’s abortion clinics have operated without reasonable guidelines and supervision for far too long, needlessly endangering women who make the difficult decision to procure an abortion.  By passing Senate Bill 924, the General Assembly sent a clear message.  This legislation requires the Board of Health to adopt regulations holding such clinics in Virginia to the same standards as outpatient care, that of reasonable health and safety standards,” asserted Peace.

During session, it was disclosed that at least two abortion clinics in Virginia are owned and operated by individuals without a license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth.  These individuals are under investigation in other states for putting the lives of women at risk.  The legislature responded by passing this important legislation.

The regulations proposed by medical experts at the Department of Health will help to safeguard the health of women who in unfortunate circumstances choose to abort their unborn child.

General Assembly members fully understand the complexities of the issue and have debated abortion center safety for nearly two decades.  Prior to passage, the Senate of Virginia debated the legislation over the course of two days and heard every plausible argument both for and against the bill.

The Conservative Caucus is composed of members of the Senate of Virginia and the House of Delegates that advocate and support low taxes and the reduction of government spending, promoting job growth, reducing crime and values based proposals.

Delegate Peace has a legislative record of supporting legislation which protects the principles of life, marriage, parental authority, constitutional government, and religious liberty.  He has been awarded a 100 on the Family Foundation report card each year since being elected.

 

Governor McDonnell Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Hurricane Irene

RICHMOND — Governor Bob McDonnell has declared a state of emergency in Virginia in preparation for Hurricane Irene, which is anticipated to affect the Commonwealth over the weekend. Depending on the storm’s final track, there is the potential for flooding from both rainfall and storm surge in the eastern part of the state. Winds could potentially reach hurricane strength in the Hampton Roads area; tropical storm force winds could extend much further inland. The ultimate impact of Irene on the Commonwealth will be dependent upon the storm’s exact track, which continues to be subject to change over the next 48 hours prior to landfall. A slight deviation by Irene to the east or west would have a significant impact on observable weather in the state. Eastern Virginia residents who live in low-lying areas should be ready to evacuate ahead of the storm. Citizens should listen to local TV and radio stations for instructions, such as an evacuation order for specific areas, details about evacuation routes and locations of evacuation shelters. If an evacuation is ordered for your area, take your emergency supplies with you, including all medications. For a list of suggested emergency supplies you should collect for your family, visit: http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/getakit.

The Commonwealth does not plan to reverse lanes on Interstate 64. Residents should review the evacuation routes for their area to determine the best route for their families. In the event that a mandatory evacuation is necessary in specific areas, citizens will be provided further instructions through local and state authorities.

A state of emergency is declared under state law so that state resources can be made available. The governor’s emergency declaration ensures a fully coordinated state response to support local initial recovery efforts. A declaration also decreases time needed to get personnel, equipment and supplies on scene.

Speaking about the State of Emergency, Governor McDonnell noted, “We are issuing this state of emergency today as a precautionary measure in order to ensure that we are ready for any potential effects of Hurricane Irene in the Commonwealth. Over the last 24 hours, a number of weather models have shifted the forecasted track of Irene slightly to the west, increasing the potential for inclement weather and potentially dangerous conditions in portions of Virginia. At this time, I encourage all Virginians to gather items they may need this weekend in case of power outages and disruptions in public services and to make sure their family members and friends are also prepared for this storm. In conjunction with our federal, state and local partners we are monitoring Irene closely, and we will issue further statements and orders as necessary in accordance with the final projected path of the hurricane. At this time, 48 hours before any possible impact of Irene, it is imperative that, in an abundance of caution, all Virginians, state agencies and localities prepare for this storm.”

State agencies are preparing by in the following ways:

  • · The Commonwealth has activated the Virginia Evacuation Coordination Team for Operational Response to assess the storm’s potential impact and to take necessary actions.
  • · The Virginia Emergency Operations Center is coordinating the state’s response with increased staffing available 24 hours a day and is now at Response Condition, due to Tuesday’s earthquake.
  • · Virginia State Police personnel have been placed on stand-by and will be pre-positioned to the areas where they will be needed based on the final projected path of the hurricane. The Virginia State Police Swift Water Rescue Team is standing by in strategic locations.
  • · Chainsaw crews from the Virginia Department of Forestry are standing by with emergency response personnel and to help with debris removal.
  • · Virginia Department of Transportation crews are ready to clear roads and ensure roads are safe for travel.
  • · The Virginia National Guard has been authorized to bring personnel on state active duty and begin prepositioning resources.
  • · The Virginia Department of Health is coordinating with hospitals and long-term care facilities to ensure that they are prepared for storm impacts.

Emergency preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. For information about preparing for Hurricane Irene, visit www.vaemergency.gov. For general information about the storm, dial 211.

 

Speaker Howell Statement Regarding Governor McDonnell's Announcement of $544.8 Million for FY 2011 in Agency Savings and Surplus

-- $234.1 million in Agency Savings Alongside Previously Announced Revenue Surplus of $310.7 million -- -- Second Consecutive Year Virginia has Posted Substantial Agency Savings and Higher than Expected Revenues --

RICHMOND, VA - Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today issued the following statement in response to Governor Bob McDonnell's announcement of FY 2011 agency savings:

Alongside the Governor's July announcement of $310.7 million in FY 2011 surplus revenues, today's announcement of $234.1 million in agency savings and balances adds up to an overall FY 2011 surplus of $544.8 million.  Since taking office, the House Republican Caucus has worked with Governor McDonnell to responsibly tend to Virginia's financial health by controlling costs, eliminating unnecessary expenditures and upholding Virginia's constitutional balanced budget requirement, all without raising taxes," said Howell.

"While we are pleased to build on last year's $403 million surplus, we must continue to plan for the future and prepare ourselves for future economic contingencies.  Both the Governor and our Caucus recognized the importance of frugality and good government long ago and we've weathered the recession and recovery better than other states owing to that recognition.  Moving forward, we need to be proactive in safeguarding the Commonwealth's AAA bond rating and we must make deposits into the Rainy Day Fund to save for unforeseen future contingencies," said Howell.

Overall FY 2011 agency savings include unspent funds appropriated to various agencies as well as agency savings generated through good management practices.  The $310.7 million surplus announced in July consists principally of higher-than-expected revenues, generated in large part by personal and corporate income tax collections.

Between agency savings and surplus revenues, the Commonwealth has over half a billion surplus dollars, most of which is designated through contingency language in the Appropriations Act.  The surplus will be spent, in part, on the Rainy Day Fund, the Virginia Water Quality Fund, the Natural Disaster Reserve, additional funding for Sheriff's departments and repayments to the Virginia Retirement System.  Additionally, the Governor has seen fit to create a Federal Action Reserve Fund, which will serve as a financial safeguard in the event that federal spending decisions have a substantial impact on the Commonwealth.

"We thank the Governor for his ongoing efforts to reduce spending and implement common sense management practices, which save money for the Commonwealth and Virginia taxpayers.  While the economy continues to recover, none of us knows what fortune tomorrow brings.  Our Caucus will continue to work with the Governor to prudently plan for all future scenarios," said Howell.

 

Virginia Named Top Pro-Business State for 2011 by National Study

~Pollina Corporate Real Estate Annual Study Picks Virginia as ‘Model’ For Pro-Business States; Commonwealth Wins by Largest Margin in History of Study ~ Study: “Virginia is the unquestionable brightest star on the American flag when it comes to being pro-business……..Virginia is truly in a class by itself.”

RICHMOND – Virginia has been named the most pro-business state in the country by the Pollina Corporate Real Estate study: “Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States for 2011: The Rise of the West.” Virginia won the 2011 top-ranking by the largest margin in the history of the study. This marks the third straight year that Virginia has held the top spot in the Pollina rankings. In July, CNBC also named Virginia as America’s “Best State for Business.”

Brent Pollina, Vice President of Park Ridge, Illinois-based Pollina Corporate Real Estate (www.pollina.com) and author of the study, noted, “Virginia can certainly be emulated by other states, which should view Virginia’s economic policies as a coloring book. All they need to do is stay between the lines of the coloring book, and they, too, can create a powerful pro-business environment.”

Commenting on the top ranking, Governor McDonnell remarked, “The number one priority of our administration is helping the private sector create the new jobs our citizens need. Virginia is ‘wide open for business,’ providing a nationally recognized pro-business environment which includes low taxes, limited regulation and litigation, a highly educated workforce, a strong economy and a great quality of life. We are dedicated to attracting businesses from around the country and the world to Virginia. We want them to move here, create jobs here and grow here. The recognition given us by this study will only help in that bipartisan effort.

“To be named as the top pro-business state in this respected national survey for a third consecutive year is exciting. But, to be lauded as ‘the model for the rest of the county’ by its authors shows we are not only doing things right, we are providing a roadmap for how states can navigate these difficult economic times and create pro-business environments that allow the private sector to create jobs and spur economic health. We will continue our efforts to attract investment, foster job growth, and provide a model location for business investment for years to come.”

The Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States for 2011 are: 1) Virginia 2) Utah 3) North Dakota  4) Wyoming 5) Nebraska 6) Kansas 7) South Dakota 8) Missouri 9) South Carolina and 10) Indiana. The study, considered the most comprehensive, unbiased and unvarnished by the economic development industry, is the “Gold Standard” for evaluating and ranking states based on 32 factors controlled by state government, including taxes, human resources, education, right-to-work legislation, energy costs, infrastructure spending, workers compensation laws, economic incentive programs and state economic development efforts. Two new factors—state budget deficit and state property tax index—along with a comprehensive State Report Card have been added to this year’s study.

The full study can be found at http://www.pollina.com/top10probusiness.html

 

Speaker Howell Statement on Delegate Glenn Oder's Resignation from the Virginia House of Delegates

RICHMOND, VA - Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) today commented on the announcement of Delegate Glenn Oder (R-Newport News) that he has accepted a position as Executive Director of the Fort Monroe Authority and will resign his seat in the House effective August 31, 2011: "Delegate Glenn Oder announced today that he will resign his seat at the end of the month to begin work as the new Executive Director of the Fort Monroe Authority. Since 2001, Glenn has ably served the 94th District in Newport News and brought his considerable insight, talent and humor to the House Republican Caucus in Richmond. My colleagues and I will miss him."

"Delegate Oder served on the House Committee on General Laws, the House Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns and was Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee. His strong legislative career often focused on infrastructure and common sense initiatives and his hard work with Governor McDonnell and I on this year's transportation legislation will continue to serve citizens of the Commonwealth for years to come."

"Glenn will begin his work as Executive Director of the Fort Monroe Authority in Hampton, VA this September. The Fort Monroe Authority is set to assume management responsibilities for Fort Monroe and to operate the sight for preservation and recreational use."

"Our Caucus is very sad to see Glenn go. A true public servant, Glenn is going where he can do the most good for the Commonwealth and I can say with confidence that the Fort Monroe Authority is in great hands. I thank Glenn for his years of service and wish him and his family all the best as they embark on this new chapter of their lives."

Virginia House of Delegates Issues Memorializing Resolutions to Congress

Three Resolutions Express Frustration with Federal Government CENTRAL VIRGINIA- During the 2011 Session of the Virginia General Assembly earlier this year, the Virginia House of Delegates passed a number of pieces of important legislation, including House Resolution 46, House Resolution 72 and House Resolution 73.

HR 46, patroned by Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Hanover) expresses the sense of the Virginia House of Delegates that the Congress of the United States be urged to honor state sovereignty under the 10th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and claims sovereignty for the Commonwealth under the Tenth Amendment over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States. This measure passed the House by a vote of 65-33.

"The Tenth Amendment was included in the bill of rights as a protection for the people against federal overreach in the same way the second amendment protects our gun rights or the first our free exercise of religion," stated Peace. "It makes it very clear that all duties and rights not given to the federal government are reserved to the people and the States."

HR 72, passed by a vote of 64-33, memorializes the Congress of the United States to address the proposed regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency in regards to greenhouse gas emissions.

HR 73 memorializes the Congress of the United States to address the issues of liability, auto warranties, food inflation, and other economically deleterious effects of the current federal ethanol policy and to request that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency withdraw its waivers until all pertinent testing on the impacts of e-15 is completed and satisfactory.

Clerk of the House, G. Paul Nardo, will transmit copies of HR 46, HR 72 and HR 73 to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States, United States Senate and the members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation.

A memorializing resolution expresses to Congress the sense of Virginia delegates on these important public policy matters. Peace supported these measures because he has pledged to be a leader in safeguarding the freedoms of "we the people" who are sovereign in this country.

Virginia Ranked No. 1 in Economic Growth Potential in Business Facilities' 2011 State Rankings Report

Report Cites Governor McDonnell’s Executive Order #1, Creating Economic Development and Jobs Creation CommissionBusiness Facilities Editor-in-Chief Jack Rogers: "Virginia has staked a claim as a national center for advanced manufacturing."

RICHMOND – Business Facilities has ranked Virginia best in the nation in economic growth potential in its 2011 State Rankings Report. The rankings are based on an assessment of incentives programs, availability of a skilled workforce, growth strategy, cooperation between business, government and higher education and the growth potential of the location’s targeted industries.

The report cites Governor McDonnell’s executive order no. 1, which established the Chief Jobs Creation Officer and the Economic Development and Jobs Creation Commission, saying “In one of his first acts after he became the state’s chief executive last year, Gov. Bob McDonnell issued an executive order creating a state Economic Development and Jobs Creation Commission as part of his mission to improve the state's business climate.”

The Economic Growth Potential in Business Facilities’ 2011 State Rankings Report is available online at http://www.businessfacilities.com/news/2011-rankings-report-va-la-top-field-in-growth-potential.php

Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on the Election of Justices to the Supreme Court of Virginia and Judges to the Court of Appeals of Virginia and Circuit Courts

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today issued the following statement regarding the General Assembly’s election of justices and judges: “I welcome the news that the General Assembly has filled the vacancies on the Supreme Court of Virginia.

It is an historic day for Virginia to add two women to the Supreme Court, only months after the appointment of our first female Chief Justice. The election of Judge Cleo E. Powell as the first African American woman elected to the Supreme Court of Virginia, and previously to the Court of Appeals of Virginia, is a great moment in the life of our Commonwealth. Judge Elizabeth McClanahan, who has served our Commonwealth as Chief Deputy Attorney General and on the Court of Appeals of Virginia, brings valuable appellate experience and legal acumen to the Supreme Court of Virginia.

Additionally, I am glad to see that two of Virginia’s foremost legal minds will now join the Court of Appeals. Steve McCullough brings to the bench a history of service to the Commonwealth and experience, first as a law clerk to former Chief Justice Leroy R. Hassell, Sr. and then in the Office of the Attorney General, including service as Solicitor General of Virginia. Having practiced with Glen Huff, I know well the valuable experience and expertise he brings to the Court of Appeals.

I also applaud the election of Glenn R. Croshaw, W. Revell Lewis III, and Judge Richard Y. AtLee, Jr. to the Circuit Court bench. In particular, having served alongside Glenn Croshaw in the Virginia House of Delegates, I appreciate the legislative experience that Glenn will bring to the judiciary.

I congratulate these newly-elected justices and judges on their election. I also thank the General Assembly for taking action to fill these vacancies so that justice can continue to be served in our Commonwealth.”