December 2006 Archives
December 31, 2006
When the Video Tape Goes Down, the Audio Tape Picks Up Comments (2)
Recently, we posted video of Frank Simeck attacking a video camera. Unfortunately, the video tape shuts down. The audio, however, kept rolling. As you listen to the audio tape (the audio, from a different source, picks up after video shuts down), it is worth noting how scared Town officials (i.e. Zoning Administrator) are of this web site. On that note, we wonder what we can expect from Vienna's leaders as we head into 2007! Hopefully, more corruption and attempts to keep their activities "secret."
"We Are Not Stupid"
Best Quote of 2006
Courtesy of Town Zoning Administrator
December 30, 2006
Vienna Rexall Drug Center Front Door Smashed In Comments (2)
Vienna Rexall, Maud's immediate next door neighbor, had their front door smashed in recently. Perhaps, one of the bank robbers who don't really exist were looking for an Oxycodone fix.
Slime Merchant Roy Baldwin Now on Commercial Architectural Review Board Comments (4)
From the Town of Vienna minutes:
It was further moved that Mr. Roy Baldwin be appointed to the Board of Architectural Review as the Attorney Member, to fill the unexpired term of Mrs. Becky Hartley, said term to become effective October 24, 2006 and expire February 5, 2008. It was further moved that David Lamphear be appointed to the Board of Architectural Review.
Isn't that special? Baldwin, a divorce attorney by trade, now will sit on the Vienna Commercial Architectural Review Board deciding what is garish or not. This Board, which includes the political three stooges Laine Hyde, Shirley Damon and Paul Layer, has to be one of the biggest assemblages of cronies Vienna has ever seen. We can't wait to see Baldwin talking about paternity tests in the middle of Laine Hyde debating the color red.
Here are some of Baldwin's skills that he will now apply to the architecture of Vienna businesses (from his website):
* Divorce, of course, but also:
* Premarital agreements
* Separation agreements (also called "property settlement agreements")
* Child support and spousal support proceedings
* Paternity proceedings
* Child custody and visitation proceedings, and
* Family abuse charges
Maybe applicants that appear before Baldwin can get free advice if they are beating their children or if they need a prenuptial agreement. Seriously, what was the zero qualification Baldwin promised to sit on this corrupt board and do Maudite's bidding? Is there some kind of a mandate that Vienna's governmental structure be filled with political creeps and losers?
December 22, 2006
Vienna Zoning Inspector Frank Simeck Assaults A Video Camera Comments (3)
This clip is from a meeting discussed earlier. The malcontent who attempts to break a video camera is Vienna zoning inspector Frank Simeck. The camera, the size used by TV news cameramen, was in plain view. The "it is not a deposition" comment sure is telling. Does that mean the only time Vienna residents can expect the truth is when Vienna Council members or Vienna Staff are under threat of perjury in a deposition?
It is worth noting that in the first rather boring 10 minutes of this video, Simeck stares at the camera on multiple occasions. Obviously, as the meeting progressed he knew something was said that he did want taped. That's when you see him motion to another Town staff member who seems to not care. Someone better put a leash on Simeck the loose cannon.
None of this is unexpected in Vienna. These people simply don't want record of their actions. That's how Maud runs the show. Open meetings? Not in Vienna. Back door arm twisting and corruption? You betcha.
NOTE: The video above is the end of the tape. The audio that picks up after the video is coming soon.
December 20, 2006
We Demand Laine Hyde "Tone Down" Her Red Lips Comments (3)
We have discussed on several occasions the Town of Vienna's anti the color red stance on their Commercial Architectural Review Board. One of the busy bodies on that board who pontificates about "no red" is Laine Hyde. What we don't understand is how Hyde can rule against the color red while showing up at these meetings with by our count three different "reds" on her person. Lips, watch and nails - all red. As Laine would say, "please tone down the red":
Three areas of "red" visible.
That is clearly "red".
Laine and Maud must seriously hate Christmas. The use of red, a color they both believe to be "garish", must be overwhelming for them during the holiday season.
"Do I have to remove my 'red' Laine?"
December 18, 2006
New Mastheads Comments (5)
We are working on an assortment of new mastheads for the site. There will be a rotation scheme. Two under consideration:
1. Example one.
2. Example two.
December 17, 2006
Laurie Cole Can't Get Vienna Power Lines Underground, But She Knows Train Tunnels? Comments (1)
It was reported recently that the Vienna Town Council:
"...approved a motion supporting TysonsTunnel.org's proposal that the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project build a large-bore tunnel under Tysons Corner instead of elevated lines, as planned. The resolution also calls for competitive bidding for the project's construction."
Huh? A tunnel may or may not be the right move for Tysons Corner, but why does a view from the Vienna Town Council mean anything? The Vienna Town Council can't even get their power lines on 123/Maple Avenue underground, but now they are train 'tunneling' experts? It did not stop there as Vienna's most profitable Town Council member Laurie Cole chimed in:
"Council member Laurie Cole said one section of the planned elevated lines would rise 65 feet to cross over Interstate 495 near Tysons Corner's two largest shopping malls. “I think that will be a pretty imposing aspect of our skyline,” she said."
Stop and think about that comment from Cole for a second. Laurie Cole has no record of achievement on ANYTHING when it comes to Vienna public works projects nor does she have any record of assisting in the redevelopment of our antiquated business areas. She has done NOTHING in Vienna except figure out ways to make herself personally wealthy through cozy relationships with developers while occasionally showing up at Council meetings wearing outfits resembling pajamas. But now all of a sudden she knows what is best for Tysons Corner's business district which just so happens to be OUTSIDE Vienna's border? On the ball fields Cole's comments would be called p***ing in the wind.
Power lines, tunnels, who cares. Just show me the money!
December 14, 2006
BB&T Bank Robbed 3x This Year Comments (3)
On this post we listed all 22180 bank robberies for the last year. However, we just found out we were missing one robbery from September 1, 2006. BB&T has been robbed THREE times in the calendar year of 2006. Maud's obvious response? No one was hurt, who cares. Of course yesterday a Fairfax County cop gunned down a would be robber. Any chance our Police will get the resources they need Maudasaurus?
SunTrust Bank Robbed December 7, 2006 Comments (3)
SunTrust Bank was robbed December 7, 2006. Rumor has it that Historic Vienna, Inc. is planning a bake sale for would be robbers. They plan to give the proceeds to robbers if they commit to stop robbing Vienna banks.
December 13, 2006
Frank Simeck Goes Ape Comments (2)
At a recent public meeting of nine people at Town Hall to discuss the historic district ordinance, four of which were Town staff, Frank Simeck the Town Zoning inspector crossed the line and attempted to damage a video recorder. While the camera was in plain view and while an audio recorder was in the middle of the conference table the entire time, it wasn't until the middle of the meeting that Simeck decided he did not like being taped. The video is not as outlandish as Bukont's 2005 meltdown, but it is telling. The power trip some of these people are on is unreal. Stand by for YouTube.
Frank, Open Meetings Are Good
Vote Tonight at Planning Commission Comments (0)
Tonight the Planning Commission has on its agenda:
ITEM NO. 1: Recommendation to the Mayor and Town Council on a proposed ordinance to amend the Code of the Town of Vienna, Chapter 18, Zoning, Article 11, C-1, Local Commercial Zone Regulations; Section 18-73, Special Conditional Limitations. (Deferred from the regular meeting of October 26, 2006.)
Maud You Gonna Lose Your Pork for the Town Green? Comments (1)
From article today titled Dems to Wipe Out Pet Projects in Bills:
(AP) Democrats tidying up a cluster of unfinished spending bills dumped on them by departing Republican leaders in Congress will start by removing billions of dollars in lawmakers' pet projects next month. The move, orchestrated by the incoming chairmen of the House and Senate Appropriations committees, could prove politically savvy even as it proves unpopular with other members of Congress, who as a group will lose thousands of so-called earmarks. "There will be no congressional earmarks," Rep. David Obey, D-Wis., and Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., said Monday in a statement announcing their plans, which were quickly endorsed by incoming Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and soon-to-be Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D- Nev. Earmarks are congressionally mandated projects such as grants for local governments, home-state universities and hospitals, roads, bridges and flood control construction, and economic development efforts not included in the president's spending proposals. Often called "pork" by critics, their sponsors defend inserting the projects into spending bills by claiming that, as elected representatives, they know more about the needs of people in their states and government programs than the president or bureaucrats in the executive branch. Such projects have exploded in number under GOP control of Congress over the last 12 years and at the same time have spawned a boom on Washington's K Street lobbying corridor, where consultants earn big fees by helping outsiders navigate the system.
How does this affect the Town Green? A $200,000 loss is how it is affected. Maud's benefactor for this pork, Tom Davis, is now powerless. It will be interesting to see what happens...
December 12, 2006
More Bank Robberies Comments (2)
Last week saw more 22180 bank robberies. Once we get the details of which bank was picked off last week, we will post the Police reports. Vienna, rest easy. Maud has a plan.
December 11, 2006
The Vienna Inn Stirs the Passions Comments (2)
This post on the Vienna Inn brought forward this feedback:
"I find it hard to believe the Town would demolish that area. Do you have some substantial proof that the Town has actually discussed that possibility, and how would they acquire the land?"
And this:
"This seems to be a big smoke screen - no way the Inn is going anywhere. It would be political suicide. No matter what you think of it the place is a landmark in this community and has just too deep of a following."
Some facts for those skeptical of Jane Seeman and Maud Robinson's true development intentions:
1. The Town organized a committee that studied all of Maple Avenue for redevelopment for 3 years.
2. The Town received that committee's report and promptly disbanded it. Report here.
3. The Town ignored their own committee and hired a consultant to study from only Lawyers Road to Beulah Road.
4. The Town received that study and promptly reduced the scope of redevelopment even further to between Lawyers Road and Park Street where there are almost no tear down structures.
5. The intent of all of these studies is to redevelop Maple Avenue from the current average height of 3 stories to 4-6 stories and to fix assorted zoning anomalies.
See where this is going?
All Town Council members want to concentrate new Vienna redevelopment at or around the new Town Green. Whether or not there are any decent pieces of land there for anything substantive is not something they apparently consider. The Council has clearly ruled out redevelopment on larger lots ready for redevelopment such as the Marco Polo lot, Wolf Trap motel lot or the Tara Thai building lot as those parcels are not within the randomly decided boundary between Lawyers and Park.
The Vienna Inn is a target for redevelopment - their political suicide or not. Vienna Town Council members know that the Vienna Inn business owner does not own the land on which the Inn sits. The Abraham family (prior owner of the Vienna Inn) owns the land still. The Council seems to have had discussions with the Abraham family. If you were the Abraham family what would you do? If the Vienna Town Council offers the Abraham family a much higher density for their property do you really think they will keep a lease with the Vienna Inn?
December 10, 2006
Chad Bishop Defender Appears to "Spin" for Him Comments (4)
Chad Bishop has his defenders. This post brought in this feedback:
"Once again anyone who happens to offer an alternate point of view to the owner of this site or someone who posts here is immediately slammed as a 'moron' or foolish. Good job keeping your site open to opposing views. What you fail to recognize is Chad may be someone on a commission who might support your cause. Instead of trying to work with him to improve a situation you clearly don’t like you immediately call him a hypocrite for trying to voluntarily work for the community. This is why your cause will be little more than an entertaining website. You publicly flog those who might be in a position to help you."
Everyone can read your opposing view. Now maybe we can get down to specifics? No one is helped by Chad sitting on a corrupt board just because he has political ambitions. If Chad wants to help, he can resign. If Chad really wants to help he can write a letter to the editor slamming the historic district like his prior comments. Will he do that? Can you explain to us how a 30 year old guy who has already acknowledged the idiocy of this board and this district will be able to make a 'heels dug in' Maud Robinson start acting like a fair person? If Chad wants to sit on a corrupt board slamming his neighbors' property rights, he can expect to be slammed back. Do you have better logic to put forward?
The Windover Heights Historic District is in the courts now. Bishop knows that. Bishop is not some innocent volunteering for the community. He is a politician sitting on a political board. He has no authority to remedy anything. He never reached out to ANY neighbor before sitting on this board. Explain to us immediately how Bishop can help the situation. If you can't be specific it won't surprise us.
December 08, 2006
The Vienna Inn's Reach to Russia Will Soon End if Jane & Maud Have Their Way Comments (0)
In response to this post, one long time resident responded with a reminder of the international reach of the Vienna Inn:
Before or at the time Roger Seeman got sick he made a trip to St. Petersburg USSR (or Russia). He told the story at a council meeting that while there he saw a Russian youth wearing a Vienna Inn T-shirt. He questioned him about it and found the person had been to the US. I suspect Jane was with him on his trip.
Jane Seeman is now right there with Maud. She wants the area where the Vienna Inn sits to be leveled as that is where Vienna's two most powerful leaders view Vienna's new Town Center. Think anyone in Russia knows (or cares) of the Freeman Store?
Jane and Maud want the wrecking ball to hit here!
Special Treatment for Laine Hyde; Is This What You Get Being Maud's Buddy? Comments (0)
Laine Hyde appeared before the Windover Heights Board of Review one time. Here is an excerpt of the minutes of that meeting where Syd Verinder, then Windover Board member and former Town Council member, asks what the guidelines are for the historic district. He is told there are none by the Town planner:
Mr. Verinder asked Ms. Steingasser if she could give him a brief overview of what the Town’s appropriate standards are. Ms. Steintgasser explained that the Town really does not have a set standard, but rather looks at what will blend in with the surroundings at any particular location.
There you have it. That is the junk law that the Town of Vienna is spending tax payers' dollars to defend. Think they will win the case?
December 06, 2006
Maud Robinson Targets the Vienna Inn for Destruction; Marty, An Old Lady Wants You Gone! Comments (9)
While it is only a table scrap of land hardly worthy of any real development, Maud Robinson and her Town Green cronies on Council have targeted the Vienna Inn and the few antique stores next to it for destruction. The Town of Vienna thinks those land parcels are where future more intensive development must go. The Vienna Inn is the only true historic landmark left in Vienna and isn't it ironic that the supposed Mrs. Historic Maud wants it leveled?
Vienna Gadfly Props Up Chad Bishop's Hypocritical Life Choices Comments (4)
In response to this post, we got this feedback:
Get real! You all are lambasting Chad Bishop for trying to do something more for the community, when all you do yourself is sit behind a computer and blog about it. You attack his credibility and you call him ignorant when you actually know nothing about his motivations or background. As a lifelong resident of this area, with many family members involved in several community organizations, isn't it possible that this man is simply trying to be civic minded and change a downward spiral?? If you knew Chad at all, you would know that the last thing this guy is after is political power. The Town of Vienna is a gem in Fairfax County and the suburban sprawl that is Northern Virginia. What is so disgusting about a young member of the community trying to find away to help protect that? Before you point a finger, maybe you yourself should do some research. And oh, by the way- are you really going to attack his credibility as a Church Minister Because he involved with local politics? Selling his soul? Come on. One would think that having a person with a soul get involved is just what this town needs and applaud Chad's attempts to make a differnce [sic]- however naieve [sic] they may be. Besides, his political and religious convictions have nothing to do with one another- ever heard of the First Amendment? The Bishops are model community members who are doing everything they can to ensure that their children can experience Vienna and all of its charm the way it was when they grew up here themselves.
Whoever wrote the above is either a moron or pretending to be one. Bishop is making the community better by sitting on a corrupt Board that he himself admits is wrong? Explain that to us. To your other points:
1. We know his motivations because he has made them clear.
2. His background is right here.
3. In one breath you say he is not after 'political power', but then say what's wrong with being involved in "local politics". Which is it?
4. The Windover Heights Historic District doesn't have anything to do with sprawl or preventing it. The feedback above sounds like a notorious Knoll Street resident who drinks the Maud Kool-Aid.
5. Religions are all about doing the "right" thing in life. If Chad wants to be a youth minister, supposedly showing young people how to lead a proper life, we say that those same young people should know that Chad is a hypocrite in his Vienna political life. Please keep trying to separate Chad's actions in your mind.
6. You spend the time to write a rambling Chad Bishop defense, but then call Chad naive. That is a hoot!
December 05, 2006
They Will Say Anything Comments (1)
The Vienna Town Council passed a resolution on November 5, 1979 that stated:
"WHEREAS: There exists in the Town of Vienna a structure known as Moorefield House which was constructed in the late eighteenth century and originally served as the home residence of Jeremiah Moore, a Baptist Minister who risked his personal freedom and fortune to secure the principle of religious freedom in Virginia and in the United States, and WHEREAS: The Moorefield house has been designated by the Virginia historic landmarks Commission as a historic landmark, but is in a state of advanced disrepair and deterioration, and WHEREAS: the Town Council of the Town of Vienna, Virginia (Town Council), recognizing the historic significance of Moorefield, did on September 15, 1979 hold a public hearing to obtain public comment on the question of whether the Town of Vienna should or should not undertake the reconstruction and restoration of the Moorefield House, and WHEREAS: A substantial majority of persons who appeared at the hearing of September 15, 1979, including representatives of residents living in the Moorefield neighborhood, and Centreville district Supervisor, Martha V. Pennino, indicated strong support for restoration of the property, for use as an archaeological interpretative center. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town Council finds it appropriate and desirable that restoration of the Moorefield House for use as an archaeological interpretative center, or other closely similar function, be undertaken as promptly as possible, but expresses concern that the Town is not in a position to fund any major portion of the cost of restoration from existing financial resources, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Town manager is, therefore, requested to investigate and report back to the council on what sources of funds may be available for funding the proposed restoration, including Federal, State, County and private sources and whether it is possible to schedule for public advisory referendum the question of Town of Vienna participation in such funding, and if an advisory referendum be impermissible, then what procedures are necessary to schedule a binding referendum on whether the Town of Vienna should issue bonds to fund its share of the restoration cost."
When it comes to historical politics, Vienna leaders will do and say anything at any time, but they never take action. Sure, we have proved time and time again that these people are frauds, but that doesn't mean we will stop adding details to our case any time soon. Corruption must be rooted out.
Bookstore Debate: Mental Patients Are In Control Comments (1)
Recently, a debate was had. On one side we had a Vienna resident saying that Vienna could really use a bookstore, it's own Borders or Barnes & Noble. The other person said, "No, we don't need that, the Freeman Store sells books." The person with that view has a husband on the Board of Directors of Historic Vienna, Inc. Better yet; the husband was once named Vienna citizen of the year! Ladies and gentleman, the power reigns in Vienna are currently held by fools who actively work against the overall betterment of the community. We don't need a bookstore because the Freeman Store sells a few dozen books about making rock candy and phony Vienna histories? Yes, someone in power really thinks that way.
December 04, 2006
Historic Vienna, Inc. Ruse in Action Comments (0)
On March 17, 1986 Historic Vienna, Inc., the Town funded historic scam manned by Laine Hyde, said that it:
"...looks forward to a day in the not too distant future when we can all see the Moorefield House restored and standing in tribute to one of Vienna’s earliest residents and one of this nation’s colonial heroes. Again, we urge you not to abandon your efforts to achieve restoration of Moorefield. In light of the ever advancing tide or development throughout this area, the preservation if our significant historical landmarks and values becomes an increasingly important legacy for future generations."
Of course, we all know that the only Vienna house ever on a State or Federal historic register was torn down under Laine Hyde's leadership. There can be no bigger historic phony in Vienna than this Hyde character. She must wake up every day and pray that the Washington Post doesn't write a story about the organized and tax payer funded ruse she runs at Historic Vienna Inc.
December 01, 2006
Why Would You Hire Arthur 'Chad' Bishop? Comments (4)
We are almost to the one-year anniversary of then Chairman Steve Bukont's melt down on the Windover Heights Board of Review. Unable to answer the most basic of questions (i.e. is this house historic?), Bukont ran out of the Council chambers at Town Hall screaming four letter Freddie’s at Town residents. It was a disgrace. Unable to replace Bukont for over 10 months, Chad Bishop finally elected to sit on this Board and replace Bukont.
We have a question for Vienna society in general: Why Would You Hire Arthur 'Chad' Bishop?
1. Bishop forces his neighbors to appear before his 'no rules' review board.
2. Bishop admits the Historic District is toast.
3. Bishop teaches children at a church, but sells his soul for political power.
Is this kind of man you really want to trust for either a job or frankly anything in life? If Chad Bishop is so infatuated with political power that he is willing to serve as a political prostitute on the Windover Heights Board of Review, what can you expect from Bishop when it comes to other areas in life? Apparently, Bishop wants to pretend he is a man of honor in one walk of life, but in his spare time he has no problem jamming a knife into his neighbors' property rights.
We expect Bishop will trot out the ignorance excuse for his participation on this Board, but that won't work. There are 15,000 people in this Town and 14,995 were ethical enough to not take this job from Maud.
