Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis and Chap Peterson: Which Is Better for Vienna?

Anyone who is tied to ANY of the current Vienna politicians is NOT good for Vienna.

Does that answer the question?

I don't hear much outrage from Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis over the abuser driver fees and the special appointed regional taxing authority... both examples of Richmond's continued failure to govern fairly. Her time is up, imo.

Whichever candidate comes out in favor of forcing the town to allow us to pay our bills online at the website, gets my vote. Town of Vienna, please come to the 21st century and get on board with online bill pay.

Checks, envelopes, stamps, post office, blah, blah, blah. It all gives me a ginormous headache.

And, yes, Mother Maud, Merriam-Webster does now consider "ginormous" a word.

Harry Truman once said that if you give the people a choice between a Republican and a Republican, they will choose the Republican every time. But in this case, we have a choice between a Democrat and a Democrat. So with apologies to ol' Harry, the Democrat will undoubtedly win. Sorry, Jeannemarie.

Jeannemarie is in thick with the Vienna TC. During the recent TC election, she knew there was election fraud being conducted, and she could've had the people involved removed - but she didn't.

I'm not voting for her, and I urge everyone not to, either.

Numerous times incorrect statements are made on Hv which could be verified by a phone call to town hall. The size of the house on Plum St. is one example. Now I notice for the second time someone questions the towns failure to allow paying bills online. A check of the town home page explains that it can be done through a company but now also through visa. I can just see the town officials sitting back and laughing when they see these simple mistakes by posters. Note that the town web site encourages questions. I would suggest that we use that service more often rather than asking questions of posters.

Jean Marie is a RINO.

Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Re: wyltn- I would suggest that we use that service more often rather than asking questions of posters.

When are we getting all the meetings filmed and archived online? Yes, you are right, they are laughing at us, and that is why we need online video.

Just came back from a drive around my neighborhood. Neighborhood flooded with Chap Peterson signs. Drove by Maud and Jane’s houses. I did not see signs in their yards for Jean Marie. I wonder which candidate they will support. Remember Jane is a Republican. Maud claims to be one.

If anyone feels like a good laugh, you will enjoy this one. The comedic elements in this video are endless: the first husband, the daughter in jail, girl scouts and Tom Davis. Priceless.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSwsX5HV57U

Yes, you can pay by a credit card. I am well aware of that. CHECKS, baby, CHECKS. Most of us don't pay our utilites by credit card. I would love to know on a monthly basis how many people use their "credit card" system.

JeanMarie voted to raise your taxes even when VA had a surplus of money.

WHY?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F757X3SUmsU&mode=related&search=

She does not keep her promises to lower taxes.

Vote for a change!

VOTE FOR BETTER LEADERSHIP!

Jean Marie does not believe that all of her constituents deserve the same rights that she has.

so Ms. Smith... upon what do you base your statement that she wants to deprive people of rights? I can say the sky is purple, but it doesnt make it so. Come on, back your self up, support your statement. Isnt that what debate is?

Chap was on City Council in Fairfax City and he was not very effective IMO. In one of his current blogs he notes his support of Governor Kaine - and tries to minimize the Governor's role in the abusive driver fees that were recently made law. Lets remember that the Governor is the one that changed the bill prior to its final approval and made it so the fees only applied to VA residents.

Since everyone in Northern VA voted against raising the gas tax $0.01 a gallon to pay for roads, what did they expect was going to happen? Note that Chap endorses the $0.01 per gallon fee instead of the abusive driver fines.

I have met both Chap and Jeannemarie - they are both good people. Unfortunately they are both politicians. Chap has consistently voted to raise taxes - Jeannemarie has voted against them (except this driver fee law which she voted against the first time it came up). If Chap is elected you can pretty much bet he will vote in favor of legislation that will support localities putting in place more taxes.

I can back up my statement. She has voted against the rights of gay citizens to form the same kind of relationships that entitle the rest of us to health insurance benefits, favored tax rates, etc.

>>Unfortunately they are both politicians. Chap has consistently voted to raise taxes - Jeannemarie has voted against them (except this driver fee law which she voted against the first time it came up). If Chap is elected you can pretty much bet he will vote in favor of legislation that will support localities putting in place more taxes.

I'd rather have taxes than user fees. User fees tend to be abusive no matter how costly they are and they defer better/harder choices. The greater community benefits from its infrastructure, so the whole community should pay for it. Only then when the tax burden shared by all becomes to great for the standard of living so many assume they are entitled to, will people be forced to make better choices for their own good, for the good of their community, and for the good of the environment in which we all live. Judging a politician strictly by whether or not they voted to raise taxes is far too simplistic.

So Jeannemarie flip-flopped on user fees. Sounds to me like she has no guiding principles, and made the wrong decision for the wrong reasons.

I think that you need to look again at jeannenmarie's records on taxes "facts."
She too voted to raise them.

Anne:

Just to clarify - didn't our whole state (me not included) vote to prevent same sex partnerships of any kind at the last election?

vienna mommy,
to clarify, a majority of the state senate voted for a broadly worded state constitutional amendment to ban same sex partnerships of any kind. It says,“This Commonwealth and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance or effects of marriage.”
Devolites was one of the senators who voted for the amendment. once it was passed, it went before the voters, who also passed it. Devolites has a history of voting for anti-gay legislation, but now that her district is becoming more liberal, she's trying to overcome her poor record. recently she proposed an anti-employment discrimination bill (SB820) but that failed to pass. just for the record, I am not gay, but i fail to see how allowing gay marriage would have anything to do with my marriage.

Reaching the most affluent audience in the Washington D.C. Metro Area.

Devolites Davis, Petersen Go at It in Debate
by BRIAN TROMPETER, Staff Writer
(Created: Friday, September 21, 2007 5:18 AM EDT)

State Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites Davis (R-34th) and her Democratic challenger, Chap Petersen, attacked each other's positions on firearms, transportation financing and the Dulles Metrorail project at a Providence District Council debate on Sept. 18 at Thoreau Middle School.

The candidates' pointed exchanges underscored the importance of this race, which is being fought between two experienced local politicians in a swing district.

Devolites Davis cited her accomplishments during the past decade in the General Assembly, which includes six years as 35th District delegate and four years as 34th District state senator.

“I think our leadership has been great,” she said, noting Virginia is among only nine states with a AAA bond rating.

Devolites Davis said 146 bills for which she was chief sponsor have been signed into law by three different governors in the past decade. She said she was proud to have been involved with this year's transportation-financing bill.

“It's been 21 years since we have had any additional transportation funding in Virginia and I led the charge to get that done,” she said.

Petersen, a former Fairfax City Council member, served four years as 37th District state delegate and made a failed bid for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in 2005. He said he was running to provide new leadership in the General Assembly.

“I believe in this state, I believe in Fairfax County, I believe in a broader vision of what we can do with this great state called Virginia,” he said.

Petersen talked about his master plan for the state, “Virginia 2.0,” which focuses on energy efficiency and environmental protection.

Petersen said he favored a tunnel under Tysons Corner for the upcoming Dulles Metrorail project.

“I believe that we should not permit an above-ground rail through Tysons Corner. Period. Full stop,” he said. “I believe that the project that we do build in Tysons Corner should be subject to competitive bidding. Period. Full stop.”

Devolites Davis said she also supports a tunnel in Tysons and that it was unfortunate that public's wishes have been ignored.

But potentially losing $900 million in federal moneys for the project might force the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to seek cost-saving solutions, such as running rail lines on the Dulles

Toll Road median and making one stop at Spring Hill Road in Tysons, instead of the planned four stations, she said. That one station could be fed with a light-rail network, she said.

The candidates disagreed on whether the state will have a budget shortfall next year and what should be done if there is one.

Petersen said legislators should rein in Medicaid costs. He suggested Virginia enter a multi-state compact to drive down Medicaid prescription-drug prices.

Petersen also favored letting local government deliver state services and eliminating boards and commissions routinely unattended by legislators.

Devolites Davis said the General Assembly should not raid the state's rainy-day fund and instead should embrace Gov. Kaine's idea of trimming 5 percent from state agency budgets.

“We have grown and grown,” she said of the state budget. “We have a surplus right now. This is just a little less of a surplus [than was expected]. Certainly they can cut from all the agencies.”

Both candidates said they opposed the abusive-driver fees that were passed this year to help finance state transportation projects.

Devolites Davis said she voted against the fees and thought it “ludicrous to count on people's bad behavior to fund long-term, sustainable items.”

Petersen called this year's transportation bill a “debacle.” A transportation solution should be statewide, not regional, and financed with a higher gasoline tax, which would obtain revenues from tourists and out-of-state drivers as well as local residents, he said.

“Just because we live in Northern Virginia, doesn't mean we should have to pay an extra layer of taxation to get the same state services of everybody else statewide,” Petersen said.

The candidates approached gun control from different angles.

Devolites Davis said she favored giving local governments the right to ban firearms in their buildings. One firearms group recently held gun raffle at the office of Supervisor Penelope Gross (D-Mason), who could do nothing to stop it, she said.

Petersen voted kill three bills in the House of Delegates that would have allowed such authority, Devolites Davis said.

“Although he ran in southwest Virginia and wanted to attract those votes when he was running statewide - something that he'll do again, judging by the state of Virginia map on all of his paraphernalia - I voted with Fairfax County,” she said. “I put Fairfax first.”

Petersen countered that a 2002 state law prohibited local authority to regulate firearms.

“Personally, I believe guns have no place on public property, they have no place in schools, but I'm not going to vote to approve laws that violate the state law,” he said.

Petersen said Virginia must do better to keep firearms out of the hands of people who have criminal backgrounds or are under restraining orders for domestic abuse.

Regarding illegal immigration, Petersen said protecting U.S. borders is a federal issue and that state benefits should be available only to legal residents. Employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens should pay civil penalties and forfeit their state and local business licenses, he said.

Devolites Davis said because the federal government does not have the manpower to enforce immigration laws, Virginia state police should be empowered to take actions toward deporting illegal aliens.

Former City of Fairfax Mayor John Mason said he supports Devolites Davis because of her effectiveness in the General Assembly.

“From my viewpoint, it's less about partisan politics. It's about who has a proven track record,” he said. “I couldn't ask for anybody more responsive to the city than Jeannemarie.”

Fairfax-area resident Erich Steinbeck said he found the debate “balanced,” but intends to vote for Petersen because of his stance on abusive-driver fees.

“Sometimes you must tax,” Steinbeck said. “Jeannemarie says absolutely no taxes, like all Republicans. But we have to pony up a little tax to keep our bridges from dropping.”

I got your mail, Jeannemarie... 2 big pieces in one day. You jumped all over Chap for taxes and said next to nothing about your accomplishments in office and your plans for the future. One item that stuck out was you said that you've done a lot of special favors for individuals. Why am I not surprised. How about stating your positions on various public policy issues... stick your neck out a little bit! Your no taxes, no illegal immigrants, sorry about the tunnel schtick is not very vote worthy.

Got another one:

"Jeannemarie helped increase funding for county schools and given schools the tools they need to hire and retain the best teachers."

Endorsed by teachers, eh? Beside just being so much hot air, I wonder what teachers think of your grammer.

So far your claim to fame is a transportation plan that gives regional taxing authority to an appointed board. How convenient is that! I think I prefer Chap's approach... he's willing to confront the rebs in Richmond, putting general taxation on the table and himself on the firing line. Perhaps not politically smart for him, but who needs another politician that lets Richmond send them home empty handed looking for more local tax dollars and claiming victory? And meanwhile, who is letting VDOT turn the Beltway into a toll road? Another Greenway-like exploit based on another "BAD LAW" coming out of Richmond? Abusive driver fees? I'll take Chap's mud over this bullshit any day, Jeannemarie!

i would hope that elected officials would work for the public good; not provide favors for individuals. that she thinks special favors are something to be proud of tells us what she thinks her job is.

I think you folks that "Chant for Chap" need to read his so-called Vision and what he says on taxes. It's nothing but fluff with no real substance. He has no intention of doing anything about reducing taxes. He spouts a lot about making government more efficient and all the usual rhetoric that will never get done. If that is an option, then why hasn't the Governor done something about it???? It will taxes and more taxes with Chap.

Those fluffy white dogs are awfully hard to resist. I can almost imagine one of them piddling on my carpets. "Bad dog, Mr. Bo Jangles!"

Is it me or does it look like Jeannemarie got Tom Davis neutered, too?! The picture looks like a publicity still for the Mrs. America pageant starring Mrs. Virginia, Jeannemarie Devolites Davis. I'd never guess those two are serious politicians.

Can somebody complete JDD's family photo? All you need is Photoshop and Jail Booking Pics!!!

And, what is this nonsense about illegal immigration being a Federal responsibilty - the same party line as we get from the dodger Kaine? If you can't face this issue head on, you do not deserve to represent any of us in the legislature. Illegal immigration is everyone's responsibilty and if the Federal Government won't do anything, then we have to do something at the local level. I'm sick and tired of being politically correct. If you sneak across the border, you are here illegally and you need to go home. That's not racism, that's the law of the land. My parents came here legally and so should everyone else who wants to be an American, something we don't see enough of from the "new" immigrants.

Maud and Jane, Please place a sign in your yard indicating your support for either Jean Marie or Chap. Why are you waiting so long to name your candidate? In the past both of you always placed a sign prominently in your yard telling me how to vote. A loyal confused Maudite

Confused Maudite:

Lack of endorsement of either Chap or Jean Marie by Mayor Seaman and Councilwoman Robinson indicates to me that Chap is their choice. Typical how quick Goober and Gomer forget how much Jean Marie and Davis helped with Maple Avenue and the Town Green

Just the facts Jack

There's been some back and forth about Jeannemarie's lack of support for gay rights issues in this discussion. I'm no supporter of hers, but I can't support Chap either. He is a member of Truro Church, the Fairfax house of worship that separated from the Episcopal Church over the ordination of a gay bishop.

As someone who cares about equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation, I spoke with Chap's campaign about this issue. The response was that Chap was baptized there, as were his children, and the family ties are too strong to break away. You will note that Chap is not including his religious affiliation in his campaign materials. This was not the case in his previous campaigns. (He told my wife personally during his last campaign - whether it was in print I'm not sure). Chap obviously feels that this affiliation with homophobes and bigots masquerading as Christians will hurt him and depress the liberal base votes he would otherwise get from unknowing Democrats.

A person can worship where they want, in just about any way they want. However when that person is a politician who lacks the courage to stand up for what is right, they don't deserve to represent us. Truro church has a secessionist philosophy that doesn't reconcile well with a democratic society. This is an issue of civil rights, of tolerance, acceptance and respect. Chap can believe whatever he wants, but he has no business representing this district. He doesn't share my values, and that of many Democrats, and won't get my vote.

Jeannemarie is Catholic. She must support pedophile priests. This is the only conclusion I can come to if she does not change her denomination immediately.

I would like her to come out publicly as Unitarian.

>>but I can't support Chap either. He is a member of Truro Church, the Fairfax house of worship that separated from the Episcopal Church over the ordination of a gay bishop.

Seems like a waste of time to me to nit pick religions. Jeannemarie is Catholic... where do they stand on sexual orientation, adultry, divorce, pediphile priests, etc., etc., etc. At least the Episcopalians have evolved enough to begin accomodating gays no matter how rocky that beginning is for any one congregation.

Humans have evolved genetically to be spiritual and believing beings. Faith and religious community have been fundamental to our survival on this planet and hence, to our genetic evolution... for better and for worse. Despite the good, religious practice includes much myth, misconception, predjudice, distortion, abuse, and endless other jibberish and nonsense. Now that modern life has become comparatively comfortable, many can afford to cast off these burdens of religion... but not without great difficulty. It is hard to rewire one's brain to confront tradition, culture, upbringing, community, family, and the genetic evolution of your species (its far far easier to just be 'born again' when your very own salvation and survival depends on it). And you risk throwing out the good with the bad. Instead, accept what works for you and accept others for what works for them... but understand where everyone is coming from and just how flawed and evil religion has been and will continue to be. If you want democracy, be tolerant and promote the separation of church and state... we still have a long and treacherous way to go.

"Jeannemarie is Catholic. She must support pedophile priests. This is the only conclusion I can come to if she does not change her denomination immediately." VIENNA MOMMY -- DID YOU REALLY WRITE THIS. DO YOU REALLY THINK ALL CATHOLICS SUPPORT PEDOPHILES? WHAT KIND OF LOGIC IS THAT. I ALWAYS THOUGHT YOU WERE ONE OF THE MORE DIM-WITTED POSTERS - THIS JUST PROVES IT.

VIENNA MOMMY -- DID YOU REALLY WRITE THIS. DO YOU REALLY THINK ALL CATHOLICS SUPPORT PEDOPHILES? WHAT KIND OF LOGIC IS THAT. I ALWAYS THOUGHT YOU WERE ONE OF THE MORE DIM-WITTED POSTERS - THIS JUST PROVES IT.

Sarcasm: A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.

appalled:

You are too dumb for words.

Amen Town Green!
According to CSPAN we all need to be perfect or we can not have an opinion?
Civil rights, and equality sound like they are only important if you agree with them. All others should be burned at the stake. It sounds like you are being the judgmental one.
Maybe next time you or your wife talk to Chap you can get him to sign something so you can have a Gotcha moment.

Appalled you are rapped a bit too tight!