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June 06, 2008
Vienna Is for Cat Lovers Comments (2)
VIENNA, Va. (AP) - Authorities have removed more than 40 cats from a home in Vienna.
Officials with the Humane Society in Front Royal asked police to check on the home after a woman recently brought dozens of cats to their facility to be spayed or neutered.
Animal control officers found 47 cats inside the home on Nelson Drive. Police say cat excrement and litter was spread throughout the home; a deceased cat also was found.
Police say 30-year-old Anisa Mustafa was issued a summons Friday for improper care of animals. She faces a maximum fine of $250.
Vienna police spokesman Bill Murray says most of the cats were taken to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. He says many of the cats have been adopted, but 19 had to be euthanized.
(Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.)
June 03, 2008
Laurie Cole: Morally Bankrupt & Dishonest to the Core Comments (6)
Laurie Cole voted against a new house last night at Vienna Town Council. Her statements were some of the most corrupt and unethical lies ever seen in Vienna Town Hall. We can't imagine who in Vienna actually thinks there is anything redeemable about Cole on either a political or human level. Others just as bad on this issue include Jane Seeman, George Lovelace, Carey Sienicki and Chuck Anderson. Video to follow.
June 02, 2008
Vienna Sued Over Fireworks Comments (7)
Vienna now will pay the piper. And to boot a nationally recognized attorney Joseph Cammarata is leading the case. Don't worry, we all know with the brain trust of Maud and Jane Vienna will be fine. Not.
Wait till everyone learns how sloppy Vienna is run. But it is our guess that the old geezers who keep these boobs in office are so decayed in the brain that they will never know or care how much Vienna has to shell out for its negligence.
May 31, 2008
Monday June 2 Vienna Town Hall 8pm Comments (3)
There is an appeal to be heard Monday night at Vienna Town Hall. An applicant wanted to build a new house in Vienna's flimsy historic district, something done by numerous other property owners. But this property owner was turned down by the Windover Board of Review. Monday is the appeal to Town Council. Bring popcorn!
May 29, 2008
Fireworks Suit Comments (14)
Did the people who were hurt last year at Vienna's 4th of July sue Vienna? Was there a settlement? Does anyone know?
May 28, 2008
Town Green Fountain Comments (11)
This site is no fan of the Town Green or the fountain installed there. But now that they have fixed the fountain has anyone observed the end result? Clearly, the fix has created a fountain operation never intended. It was bad to begin with, but now the water flow is messed up even more. Sure, it doesn't leak now, but look at it!
May 19, 2008
Official: House in Historic District for Sale Under the Big Lie Comments (13)
A house for sale in the Vienna historic district is currently being promoted with the detail that Thomas Jefferson planted trees in the front yard. The house? It was built in the 1970s. The tree story? 100% fabrication. For those people who like it a little more blunt: the people saying this are lying.
"Maud, please let me stop, everyone knows we are lying!"
Non-Partisan Is A Problem Comments (1)
The politicians in Vienna have always bragged about the wonderful non-partisan nature of Vienna. Why is it so wonderful? Non-partisan politics in Vienna has devolved to the point that no one is accountable to anyone. It's almost as if Vienna politicians have developed into one political blob that stands for nothing - either left or right. It would be nice to see Vienna politicians stand for something and be accountable. As of now it is a a smoke and mirrors racket that allows the current crop to hide behind a non-partisan label.
May 07, 2008
Should Vienna Exist as An Independent Town? Comments (17)
From a reader:
This morning I sent an e-mail to the mayor stating that for the first time in 30+ years of living in Vienna, I have chosen not to vote. It hurts. First, with no opposition, and no town matters to deal with, why bother. Secondly, to vote in this election would indicate support for the way the town conducts business. The town does not have my support. As I stated to the mayor, over the past few years I have grown to hate this town. I have the feeling that I will soon be moving, not the move I want to make, but to Fairfax Memorial. At least Vienna will be a thing of the past. As a last note, the Metro Section of the Washington Post had a nice little piece on local town elections. There was no mention of the Town of Vienna at all. I have stated several times in the past, that Vienna is a boil on the butt of Fairfax County and Northern Virginia. It should be lanced. Gilman Aldridge
Seal of Approval, Ignorance or Disgust? Comments (4)
From the papers:
Four unopposed incumbents were re-elected to two-year terms in a contest marked by low voter turnout. Only 745 of the town's 10,678 registered voters cast votes, a turnout of 7 percent.
May 01, 2008
Busy Month Comments (4)
April 2008 was the second busiest website traffic month ever for HistoricVienna.com.
April 28, 2008
Laser Show Safety Comments (4)
From a reader:
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MANAGERS OF FACILITIES WHERE LASER SHOWS ARE HELD: In order to safeguard your audiences, you should be aware of the safety requirements placed on the manufacturers and operators of laser shows by Federal, State and local authorities. To avoid possible liability for laser injuries, see that any shows in your facility have complied with the legal requirements. NOTE: The laser operator should provide to you the information about the class of laser to be used and its variance status. A laser product should have a label indicating its class. If the laser is Class lllb or IV, the company responsible for the laser should have documentation (an accession and variance number) from FDA granting a variance. you can contact the State authority (see Appendix Ill of this booklet) or FDA to verify the status of a company's variance. One person, either the laser company's operator, or where there is no operator, an employee from the facility, should be designated as laser safety officer. A laser safety officer should be in attendance Page 26 whenever a laser is in operation and should be responsible for shutting down the laser should any unsafe conditions occur. In order to properly set up and align a laser light system that can be operated safely, laser groups will need time in the facility before the show without members of the public present. They will need the electrical power and water supply set up early enough to test and align the equipment. Depending upon the complexity of the system, the preparation for a show may take up to several hours. Should a full inspection by FDA representatives be found necessary, it may require an additional hour or two prior to the show. This should be allowed for in the scheduling of performances. Should any accident occur with the laser, you should report the incident to the State authority and to FDA. FDA and State personnel are available to help you ensure that laser shows in your facility are run safely and in compliance with the law. Contact the FDA or the appropriate State office listed in Appendix Ill for more information. WHAT THE PUBLIC SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LASER SAFETY: Laser light shows can be exciting but they can also be hazardous if someone is accidentally struck (particularly in the eyes) by direct, reflected or even diffuse high power laser radiation. You have a right to enjoy a laser show knowing that your safety is provided for by the laser manufacturer, the laser operator and the management of the facility where the show is held. Should you have reason to believe that a show is not being run safely - that is, that the precautions spelled out in this booklet are not being taken - talk with the laser operator or people in charge of the facility, or call the State authority (listed in Appendix Ill). If you are aware of anyone being injured at a laser show, report it to the State authority or FDA.
April 22, 2008
A Pig Needs to Go in the Historic District Comments (2)
Read.
This pig sits in a front yard in Vienna now.
April 21, 2008
See This Orange? It Is Really An Apple. Comments (6)
From the Town of Vienna web site:
Visitors will enjoy the hometown atmosphere of Maple Avenue (Rt. 123) bustling with specialty shops, numerous restaurants, family run businesses and stores. Take a stroll down treelined Historic Church Street, or take a leisurely drive through Vienna's Historic District, including Windover Avenue via Pleasant Street. Visit Freeman House and Museum, originally a residence / general store built in 1859, or walk across the street to Centennial Park, home to an old restored W&OD caboose and bordered by the scenic Washington and Old Dominion Regional Park Trail. There is something for everyone so...come visit, shop and stay for awhile. The Town of Vienna welcomes you.
Is there anyone, other than the Town of Vienna Government shill who wrote the copy above, who believes Maple Avenue in Vienna gives off a "hometown atmosphere"? It is a traffic filled nightmare almost 24 hours a day. How does a sane person stuck in gridlock, staring at 1970s cinder block architecture, much of which is empty, wax nostalgic about "hometowns"?
April 19, 2008
Vienna Town Green: The Biggest Waste of Money in the History of the Town of Vienna Comments (10)
From a reader:
"I rode by the Town Green two times today - at 10:30am and 12pm - and it was completely empty. A beautiful, 80 degree Saturday afternoon and not ONE person on the Town Green. Seriously, not even a tired biker resting? What a waste of money."
An 85 year old woman named Maud fed her ego with millions of tax dollars. The Vienna Town Green is the biggest waste of money in the history of the Town of Vienna.
April 13, 2008
Race Baiting Comments (10)
Across the United States there is a debate about immigration. Every community faces its. This blog has seen it in regards to the Cedar Lane Shopping Center. And if everyone pauses for just a minute...they will see that while the immigration debate today is about those of Hispanic origin, 100 years ago it was about Irish, Italian, Polish, etc. Bottom line, things will work out as we all head toward a mixed gene pool in the centuries to come where every last person will be Mulatto. Now shift gears back to reality and consider this excerpt from the wires that makes an interesting point with hard numbers:
African-Americans are victims of nearly half the murders committed in the United States despite making up only 13 percent of the population, a report published Thursday showed. Around 8,000 of nearly 16,500 murder victims in 2005, or 49 percent, were black Americans, according to the report released by the statistics bureau of the Department of Justice. Broken down by gender, 6,800 black men were murdered in 2005, making up more than half the nearly 13,000 male murder victims. Black women made up 35 percent, or 1,200, of the nearly 3,500 female homicide victims. Young black men aged between 17 and 29 bore a disproportionately high burden in the grim statistics, making up 51 percent of African-American murder victims.
Is the messenger of these statistics a racist? Should these numbers be ignored? What should be done with them? Now bring it back to the Cedar Lane Shopping Center and one big question comes up: what are the numbers? If we find a preponderance of crime is coming from a mostly immigrant Hispanic area of Vienna, then the Vienna government with limited Policing resources needs to be aware of those statistics.
If there is a significant crime increase at or near the Cedar Lane Shopping Center it doesn't make any sense for the Vienna Police to increase patrols on the other side of Vienna where there has been no increase in crime...just to make some people feel better that there is some form of equality in evaluating crime statistics that are inherently unequal. There is a balance to be had. Everyone is not a bad guy, but there are bad guys and they need to go. There has to be better solutions than the most recent debate on this blog?
April 10, 2008
Town of Vienna Employees: Whistle Blowers Welcomed Comments (0)
Memo
To: Town of Vienna Employees
From: Vienna Voters
Subject: Corruption
If any Town of Vienna employee has evidence of corruption feel free to drop us a line. No matter how small or large the issue -- we want to hear from you (Anonymous contact is fine). Over the years this site's content has been built with your help, but the time is now to contribute even more. Sitting back and watching corrupt politicians (or senior Town management) do the wrong thing should not be part of your job description. Help Vienna voters shut down dirt.
April 09, 2008
Who Still Shops at Cedar Lane Shopping Center? Who Takes the Gamble? Comments (54)
We were sent this video today by Vienna Citizens Group:
Who still gets out of their car and shops here? Do parents actually take small children into the McDonalds and drug store in Cedar Lane shopping center? Not in the last 30 years has this type of activity been tolerated. Would it be tolerated if they congregated in the parking lot next to Maud's house?
April 04, 2008
Chevy Chase Bank and Empty Lots Comments (2)
Does anyone know the status of the empty commercial lots on either side of Chevy Chase Bank near the intersection of Maple Avenue and Glyndon?
March 24, 2008
Emtpy Stores? Comments (26)
We would like to inventory all empty stores on Maple Avenue and can use your help! Please add a comment and or address for each store vacant on Maple Avenue.
"As You Say Maud, 'F*** Vienna Businesses!'"
March 13, 2008
What Is Vienna's Grade? Comments (0)
From the 'Project for Public Spaces' comes this checklist to see how great your town is. How many check marks Vienna would get?
"Maud, do not let these uppity subjects of yours distract you with their ideas and checklists. You must stay on your mission. Never forget that you are omnipotent. Your subjects must always remain in fear and scared of you. Keep up the good work! Your comrade, Hugo"
March 09, 2008
Machine Trivia Question Comments (1)
Can anyone name the ONE Town resident to win a Town Council seat by knocking off a machine member in the last 31 Town elections?
March 06, 2008
The Machine Marches On Comments (3)
From the Fairfax Times:
Last year, Vienna's Town Council elections were contentious, expensive, and filled with drama, complete with election day irregularities and a dismissed poll worker. This May, three town council seats and the post of mayor are up for election, but sitting incumbents Michael Polychrones, Edythe Kelleher, Laurie Cole, and Mayor Jane Seeman are all running unopposed. "I like to think it's because we've been doing a great job," said Cole. Despite the lack of competition, the Fairfax County office of elections says it will still be keeping a close eye on Vienna's town election this year, to prevent a repeat of 2007. On May 2 last year, a poll worker at the Vienna community center was accused of misinforming voters about their choices, and reportedly filled in voters' ballots for them. The scandal has caused a change in the way Vienna's poll workers are selected. In previous years they were chosen from a list created by the sitting town council, but now they will be entirely chosen by the Fairfax Board of Elections. "Our office will be cracking down a little on the people in the polling place," said Judy Flaig, of the Office of Elections. According to Flaig, the training of Vienna's poll workers will also be emphasized. In an uncontested election, it can be hard to determine what issues are most important to voters. Virtually all of the running incumbents seemed to agree that the two most important issues were Vienna's budget and growth in Tysons Corner. The four candidates for Vienna's election are also the only four members of town council to join the newly formed Greater Tysons Citizens Coalition, an organization formed to monitor the Tysons Land use taskforce. "What happens there affects us," said Polychrones. Vienna's budget, affected by falling real estate prices and rising fuel costs like the rest of Virginia, is expected to be the focus of a lot of attention in coming weeks. "It's going to be very hard," said Kelleher.
February 25, 2008
Another Example of Maud's Zero Leadership Comments (10)
From the Washington Post a reminder for Maudasaurus that not all local governments are made up of incompetent boobs:
Falls Church Turns to the Future Council Gets Ready To Vote on City Center Redevelopment PlanBy Kristen Mack
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, February 25, 2008; B01Falls Church, long considered the hallway between Baileys Crossroads and Tysons Corner, wants people to stop there instead of driving through.
This week, the city of 11,000 should find out whether that could happen. After public hearings tomorrow and Thursday, the Falls Church City Council will vote on an ambitious plan to remake its aging downtown, a goal of city leaders for nearly eight years.
Atlantic Realty, a Tysons-based developer known for such projects as Bethesda Corner, Plaza America in Reston and Ashbrook in Loudoun County, is proposing to tear up the city's center of vacant parking lots and buildings and replace them with an eight-story hotel, office buildings, apartments, a bowling alley and a Harris Teeter supermarket.
If approved, the $317 million project would be the biggest thing to happen to Falls Church since Metro extended the Orange Line there in 1986. In addition to attracting shoppers and diners from across the region, city officials say, they hope the revival of the downtown area will bring young professionals, first-time homeowners and empty nesters to buy condominiums, rent townhouses and establish roots in Falls Church.
Right now, Falls Church Mayor Robin S. Gardner says, the downtown is "not walker-friendly; there's no big open space. It's underutilized, and I don't consider it pleasant. There's nothing that would draw me here."
Falls Church's downtown, bisected by West Broad Street (Route 7), is not unlike other aging city centers that need rejuvenating. In recent years, Fairfax City, Herndon, Springfield, McLean and Annandale, among other places, have redone their downtown commercial areas or have been considering it.
One reason is to expand the commercial tax base to shift more of the burden from homeowners to businesses. Falls Church has one of the area's best school systems and has largely paid for that success through increases in the real estate tax rate and, until recently, higher residential assessments. The so-called City Center project would bring in almost $3 million a year in revenue once the project was complete.
The council voted last month to move Atlantic Realty's proposal forward but will take a final vote Thursday. If approved, construction could begin as early as summer if the developer and officials can resolve details about siting. The proposed schedule would take place in two phases, wrapping up by 2013, according to the developers.
For an investment by Falls Church of $6 million, City Center would add a million square feet of development to a four-block area near Broad and South Washington streets.
The proposal faces some uncertainty. No hotel chain has committed to the site, although developers have been talking to Marriott about putting a Residence Inn there. Harris Teeter has signed a letter of intent, not a contract.
Concerns about the project's financing led the Falls Church Planning Commission to recommend recently that the council reject it. Maureen Budetti, chair of the Planning Commission, said the panel also believed the downtown plan "felt rushed" and did not include the commission's involvement.
Budetti said the council is "pretty sold on the project. I don't know whether any of our specific concerns will be addressed."
"The council is going to have to reevaluate the project, especially in light of the planning commission's vote," said Nader Baroukh, a lawyer who lives in Winter Hill. "We want a city center, but this falls on its face. They have sold city land at garage-rate prices. The city has to have the stewardship to get the development it deserves."
Detractors have raised other questions. They say that the project's mix of 60 percent residential and 40 percent commercial development is unbalanced and that the project doesn't have enough parking, lacks access to transit and needs to include open space.
Jeff Peterson, president of the Village Preservation and Improvement Society, said the city is throwing in all the land it owns and buying additional land without getting a "public square or commons" in return.
"The height, mass and modern design elements of the proposed project all act to undermine the distinctive feel of Falls Church as a special place," he said, citing the architecture of the historic church that gave the city its name.
Adam B. Shulman, a partner at Atlantic, said: "This process has been long in the works. . . . It's not me coming in and saying, 'This is what you need.' It's us responding to what the city wants."
Added Gardner: "This is not our first go. We've had many iterations."
The uncertainty of the economy is another potential barrier. Some places that are hoping to rejuvenate their downtowns -- notably Herndon, Manassas Park and Springfield -- recently have scaled back projects or even killed them because of the real estate market slowdown and its drain on local government revenue. Falls Church's budget for the coming fiscal year will show a drop in revenue mainly because of the housing market slump.
City Manager Wyatt Shields said the housing troubles would not hurt the City Center plan because the city has not seen a marked slowdown in private investment.
"There may be several reasons for this: Confidence in the long-term strength of the Washington area economy is certainly one reason," he said. "But there are local factors specific to the city as well, such as our great location and our strong schools. Falls Church is a great place to live and work, and the market for high-quality mixed-use development here remains healthy."
On Thursday, Gardner said, the council will take the planning commission's recommendation into account. But she said she believes the timing is right for City Center.
"We are at a major crossroads, and this will determine where we are going," she said. "This is the right project for now."
Go ahead Maud, remind us again how successful the Town Green wasteland is!
February 19, 2008
Friends of Madison Comments (3)
An issue concerning many.
February 10, 2008
When Maud Passes On...This Is Her Gift to Us Comments (5)
All that is gorgeous about down town Vienna in only 4 pictures. Thanks Maud!
Architectural eyesores as far as one can see, a Town painted mud brown as part of government policy (no joke) and a zoning code so backwards (moronic would be a better description, but we are feeling nice today!) that it actually encourages blight. This is just some of the Maud's legacy.
January 18, 2008
The Reality of Press Behavior In Keeping Maud in Power Comments (4)
Some time ago a reporter named Jerry Schanke had a little run in here at HistoricVienna.com. No big deal you say? Yes, no big deal relatively speaking at the time Schanke submitted his one and only post. Now of course when he submitted his post he did so with a certain IP address, his internet phone number if you will.
And that story would have ended there if not for this post today from "Dogfacepotatobrain". You probably already guessed? Yup, same IP address as good ole Jerry Schanke of the Times Newspapers. Dogfacepotatobrain has also posted here, here, here, here, here, and here. Notice how the posts always occur around a Times Newspaper story?
We guess occasionally the casual and ill-informed reader of this blog will think that we stretch the connection between the Maud Machine and local papers. It's not a connection ladies and gentleman it's an incestuous union! End result of a paper on Maud's machine calling list? She wins cause nothing changes. At least it is a little clearer now as to who helps the old bag hold onto power.
Arthur W. Arundel (Age: 78; The Plains; Net Worth: 100 million) is the founder, chairman and publisher of Times Community Newspapers, a Virginia-based newspaper and digital media group that through acquisitions has grown to become one of the largest in the state. Group publishes 20 newspapers with a combined circulation of 271,000. Recent acquisitions include The Fauquier Citizen and The Culpeper Citizen. Arundel’s son, Peter Arundel, succeeded his father as CEO and heads company operations. Peter has led group’s expansion and started company’s online editions.
Is the behavior (read: manipulation by the press under fake names) uncovered the basis of how that Arundel family fortune was made?
January 03, 2008
Vienna Town Council Inbreeding Comments (2)
Feedback in:
Can anyone out there name a Council member or Mayor who was not appointed or anointed by his or her fellow Council members?
Everyone intuitively knows what happens if a population only breeds with itself.
December 21, 2007
Letter to the Editor; The Metro Comments (3)
A note to Cathy Hudgins, Hunter Mill (Fairfax County) Supervisor who "represents" Virginia commuters on the Metro Board.
Dear Ms. Hudgins:
I am writing to request your immediate resignation from the Metro Board of Supervisors. I find your support of a substantial increase in Metro fares to be reprehensible, particularly as Metro Rail continues to provide a continually deteriorating level of "service."
For example, tonight I had to wait more than 30 minutes in the Rosslyn tunnel before an Orange Line train to Vienna stopped by with even minimal room for a few passengers to squeeze in. Events such as these are increasingly common of late and can only be expected to become even more common as the winter season approaches.
The interests of Metro commuters would be served far better by board members who show that they have the best interests of the (voting, taxpaying) commuters from whom local governments forcibly extract tax payments to subsidize Metro, whether they choose to use it or not. That requires holding the feet of Metro "management" to the fire (as in actually firing some of these clowns if they don't stop making excuses for their abysmal performance--instead offering nothing but condescending claptrap in response to customer complaints).
Therefore, once again, I respectfully request your immediate resignation from the Metro Board of Supervisors.
Sincerely yours,
Allan D. Bennett, Ph.D., CFA
609 Tapawingo Road SW
Vienna VA 22180
December 09, 2007
Changing the Vienna Election from May to November Comments (4)
Once we get past the holiday season the effort to move Vienna's election to November will begin in earnest. The time has come to shut down Maud's rigged little club (otherwise known as Vienna's May election).
November 20, 2007
Rough Language Edits Comments (4)
Some rough language was allowed to go live recently here. Some of that should have been edited and it has now been fixed. It's one thing to point out incompetence, stupidity, corruption, etc., but over the top cursing is not the direction of this blog.
November 14, 2007
A Perspective on Jeannemarie's Loss Comments (19)
Jeannemarie was there at the May 2007 Vienna elections. She saw first hand what was happening. She appeared genuinely floored. She was disgusted. However, it did not last past that day because she ultimately needed Maud, dirty or not. And that is a main reason why she lost to Chap. She didn't lose to Chap over the Vienna elections, but she lost because she didn't stand for anything. She was a political animal devoid of substance. Perhaps Chap will be no better, but he deserved the shot.
November 10, 2007
Vienna Neighbors Form Group to Fight Maud's Foolishness Comments (35)
An article by Monty Tayloe from the Vienna Times:
A group of Vienna citizens have joined together and created a new Web site to draw attention to what they say is the biggest issue in Vienna that no one is talking about."Our quality of life in Vienna, Va. has declined. With the influx of what we believe are illegal aliens, there's been an increase in crime and gang activity, vagrancy and day laborers, and overcrowded apartments and flop houses in Vienna," reads the introduction to the Vienna Citizen Group's new Web site, www.viennacitizens.com.
Continue reading "Vienna Neighbors Form Group to Fight Maud's Foolishness" »
November 06, 2007
Vienna Election Change; Time to Toss Out Maudasaurus Comments (22)
The time has come to move Vienna's May election to a more typical November election. Vienna's May election brings out 10% of the vote. A November election would bring out 35-50%+ of the vote. Fortunately, State law allows citizens to put the change up for a vote as a ballot initiative. The plan is to place that on the ballot for November 2008. The process, however, will take work. If you are wiling to help out, let us know!
October 27, 2007
Chap and Jeannemarie March to a Vote Comments (25)
What is the conclusion as this wraps up?
October 23, 2007
The Younger Generation Is Now Reading! Comments (6)
From a posted comment today:
...I really do like this website! I'm only 20, but Ive lived here since I was 4 (along with my other family members) and had no idea about all this crazy mess with Vienna's "government." Thanks for the info and keep it coming!
Next time around? Everyone needs to vote out the dinosaurs! We need your help.
Jeannemarie Smacks Chap Around Some More Comments (20)
Read (PDF). If Chap has brochures ripping Jeannemarie too, send them along, we have just not seen them.
October 08, 2007
Vienna Sign Permits: More Silliness from Vienna Town Hall Comments (4)
From Vienna code:
During election campaigns, candidates and their supporters should be aware of the Towns´ regulations pertaining to political signs: Five temporary signs not exceeding 20 square feet total may be posted on residential property after receiving a permit and posting of a $25 bond. Signs may be erected up to 30 days prior to election day and must be removed within five days after the election. It is unlawful to place signs on street lights, telephone poles, markers or other signs, or to place a sign without a permit within 10 feet of the curb or edge of pavement. For more information about signs, call the Planning and Zoning Department at 703-255-6341.
Why is this not enforced ever in Vienna? It is unenforceable that's why. Free speech, a Constitutional protection, can't be limited by Maudasaurus' poorly worded code. All of these silly Vienna codes are designed to let the powers that be mess with their enemies and protect their buddies. It's all about subjectivity versus objectivity and guess what? Maud doesn't like anything that's objective!
October 07, 2007
Candidates for the Hunter Mill District Seat Comments (12)
Here are the (4) candidates running for the Hunter Mill District seat on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors:
Cathy Hudgins (D) - website
Marie Huhtala (I) - website
Spike Williams (I) - website
Geraldine Butkus (Green) - website
NONE of these people have anything to do with Vienna! Can there be a more uninspiring field of candidates? And once again, where is the Vienna Town Council? Our elected representatives in Vienna just keep their heads buried in the sand pretending Vienna is not part of Fairfax County.
October 05, 2007
Chap Peterson Slammed by Jeannemarie Over Ethics Comments (16)
The local race for State Senate is heating up. Read (PDF).
September 28, 2007
Vienna Businesses Lose Sales Comments (8)
From Fairfaxtimes.com:
Vienna businesses lose sales
By Monty Tayloe"It's just a mess. We're barely surviving," said a disgusted Cenan Pulak, sitting in the back of his Vienna bakery. Cenan's Bakery is in the Danor Plaza shopping center, just off Branch Road. Since the spring, Branch Road has been a wall of jersey barriers, temporary fencing and orange construction signs, as the Virginia Department of Transportation works to improve the roadway.
September 26, 2007
Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis and Chap Peterson: Which Is Better for Vienna? Comments (37)
Chap Peterson or Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis, which is better for Vienna?
Lot Coverage? Let the Exceptions Begin...As Usual Starting with Vienna Comments (7)
From the papers:
Vienna Council OK's Record-Storage Facility by BRIAN TROMPETER, Staff Writer (Created: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:38 AM EDT)The Vienna Town Council on Sept. 24 approved numerous waivers to allow a records-storage building to be constructed at the Nutley Street Property Yard.
The new building triggered provisions of several ordinances enacted after the town took possession of the 1.9-acre property in 1949, said Vienna Planning and Zoning Director Greg Hembree.
“The whole site is weird,” he said.
The council approved a setback of just 15 feet from the side property line - half of what would be allowed with a residential dwelling. The new building will be 70 feet from the nearest residence and is amply screened by an 8-foot fence and a series of pine trees, which may be located on an adjacent property, Hembree said.
Council members approved an overall lot coverage of 80 percent, which more than three times the 25 percent permitted in residential areas. Hembree said the property was about 90 percent paved when the town took ownership of it, and efforts have been made since to add greenery.
A 0.58-acre section of the property is being used for the new Sarah Walker Mercer Park, which, if included in the calculations, brings total lot coverage down to 55.84 percent, Hembree said.
The council also approved a tree-canopy waiver for the site, which has no trees. The town normally requires 20-percent tree coverage after a 20- year growth period in residential areas.
The 1.31-acre section of the site used by the property yard also is home to an existing brick building, a greenhouse, water storage tank and several smaller storage buildings. The site served as the town's primary property yard before the new Northside facility opened in 2002.
The proposed 14-foot-tall, 1,800-square-foot storage building would be just 6 feet from the site's brick building - 4 feet shorter than the normally required offset if the building were residential.
The storage building's close proximity to the other building was necessitated for vehicular access, and is allowable because it does not serve as a residence, Hembree said.
“It's a low-volume building that will be sitting there, quietly holding plans,” he said.
Because of cost factors, the new building will not have an environmentally friendly “green” design, said Vienna Parks and Recreation Director Cathy Salgado.
August 31, 2007
Fairfax Overtakes Loudoun on Household Income Ranking Comments (2)
From the Sun Gazette:
The median household income in Fairfax County is now $100,318, the highest in the nation, according to new federal figures. The median income, based on 2006 data and reported Aug. 28 by the U.S. Census Bureau, shows that Fairfax household income is more than double the the median national figure of $48,451. Loudoun County, which a year before had reported the highest median household income in the nation, dropped to second, at $99,371. Rounding out the top five communities were Howard County, Md. ($94,260); Hunterdon County, N.J. ($93,297); and Douglas County, Colo. ($92,125). “Median income” means that half of households in a community earn more, half earn less. It is not the same as average household income.
August 30, 2007
There Are "Wide Stances" in Vienna Too Comments (0)
There is one group responsible for the disaster that is Larry Craig and his wide stance: Idaho voters. They kept putting him back in office for all these years knowing full well the guy had issues. Argue as you might, this guy was ignored due to the self interest of the Idaho voters. A long standing Senator equals power for select groups and whether Craig was a loose canon or not, those groups could care less as long as they had their boy in there to do their bidding. And its not just Craig. Republican or Democrat, we see the same blind eye routine everywhere by voters who want their power bacon brought home.
That setup brings us to Vienna. Jane Seeman and Maud Robinson are as big of a disgrace as Larry "Wide Stance" Craig, but until they literally get caught on camera doing something so over the top illegal, Vienna voters will look the other way. Of course when Jane and Maud do have their proverbial political wide stances uncovered, the over 80 Vienna voters will just say: "I can't believe it. We never expected that!"
Any Updates? Comments (2)
The Town of Vienna was supposedly investigating:
1. The 4th of July disaster
2. May 2007 election corruption
Does anyone have any update on what the Town Council is doing here? They said publicly there would be investigations, but this is also the same group who could not water the now dead trees at the Town Green.
August 14, 2007
Newark Killings of College Kids Raises Issues for All Communities Comments (23)
Illegal immigrants recently executed three college kids (article) in New Jersey. Question: do we have illegal immigrants in Vienna with comparable rap sheets? Are we doing anything to find out?
These are not partisan questions. They are common sense questions aimed at possibly preventing any such thing from happening in Vienna.
Defendant Jose Carranza, who is charged with killing three college students and wounding a fourth, stands in state Superior Court in Newark, N.J., during an appearance Friday, Aug. 10, 2007. Carranza pleaded not guilty to the crimes. (AP Photo/Mike Derer, Pool)
August 09, 2007
Web Traffic Update Comments (10)
June 2007 was a record for visits to this site. A close second was July 2007. While a relatively few number of people feel safe posting, it seems a huge number of people feel comfortable stopping by to read. This site has been up since November 2005 and for July 2007, smack in the middle of summer, to be the 2nd busiest month ever speaks to people's desire for information in this Town.
June 28, 2007
Are We Allowed to Call a Liar a Liar? Comments (3)
A new poster calling him/herself 25-year-resident posted tonight:
"Historic Vienna" and "Deep Throat" apparently believe that rudeness and name calling are tactics that can help them win rhetorical points. Those techniques are having the opposite effect. Congrats to Steve Rigby for his futile effort to speak dispassionately here. Best effort in a losing cause. And OBTW: Are the sponsors of this blog the same people who wanted to rezone Historic Vienna so that they could build condos and/or townhomes there? The same people who got trounced in the recent local elections [More here: 1, 2, 3, 4]? Just wondering.
Steve Rigby is a guy who works for one of Maud's long time board members Shirley Damon. Damon also likes to put lies out. Is that name calling? The evidence is on this site. It's not hard to digest. You can also see the Mayor lying too. Is calling someone a liar who is actually caught lying name calling? If so, expect us to continue the name calling. In terms of historic district condos, you are right!
June 23, 2007
Vienna Raises Water, Sewer Rates; Highest Around Comments (6)
From the Connection and Scott J. Krischke:
Over the course of the last 23 years, Vienna resident and planning commission member George Creed has watched his quarterly water bill triple, and after a 5-1 council decision at a June 4 public hearing, he’ll watch that rate rise just a little higher next year. Vienna’s Town Council voted in favor of a staff recommendation to raise water and sewer service rates for town residents by 15 and five percent, respectively, for the coming fiscal year, beginning July 1. The rate increase will cause an annual combined rise for the average Vienna resident will be $59.28 as a result of that raise, according to town documents. The move made Town of Vienna residents the highest payers for water in the region, and the second-highest for sewer services, according to data collected from several regional agencies.
Continue reading "Vienna Raises Water, Sewer Rates; Highest Around" »
June 17, 2007
TOV Job Descriptions Comments (12)
This link contains job descriptions for the Town of Vienna. We know a candidate who wants to apply for the position of Historic Administrator (doesn't that sound important?), but it seems to be the only job description missing. Who is the current Historic Administrator and what does he or she do?
June 09, 2007
High Interest Alert Comments (0)
June 8th was the busiest day ever here at HV in terms of total visitors. In fact, yesterday saw 29% more visitors than any other day since the inception of this blog in November 2005. Why the interest? Clearly, this audio (posted late on June 6th) was the draw.
June 06, 2007
"Anyone Call the Police?" Comments (9)
Fairfax County's Electoral Board, consisting of Electoral Board Members and the Office of The Registrar, met following Vienna's May 1 election. Their monthly meeting included candid conversations about this year's election.
Listen Now (MP3). This is 7:26 minutes (8.6 MB) of "talk" that Mother Maud and Mayor RedHunter ain't going to be happy about. Props goes to the County for talking honestly about Vienna politics.
Best lines from the meeting: "Anyone call the police?" [Statement made after hearing about Rhoda Stevens], "it looks a little sketchy" [Statement about Vienna politics] and "What happened yesterday is not fair".
On top of this, from the Sun Gazette this week:
[The Town Council] Asked Town Attorney Steven Briglia to review questionable actions taken by some election officers during the May 1 town election and present a report on the matter. “It's very important that voters have confidence in our electoral process,” said Council member Laurie Cole.
Hey Laurie, how about an independent source for the investigation? Briglia, the Town Council's attorney, you are serious? Why not a committee including citizens and Town outsiders? This "incest is best" routine of yours is getting old.
Note: When one of the winning candidates is referred to as being 80 years old in the audio clip, that is incorrect. Maud is 85.
May 31, 2007
Washington Post: More on May 07 Election Comments (11)
From the Washington Post today comes the continuing saga:
By Bill Turque, Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, May 31, 2007; VA05Oversight Underplayed
On its Web site, the county's Office of Elections declares that it is "committed to providing each citizen of Fairfax County with the opportunity to exercise his or her right to vote in an efficient and equitable manner in accordance with the Constitutions of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Code of Virginia." Fairfax Electoral Board Chairman Robert J. Sparks Jr. had a more low-key approach in mind when voter complaints surfaced after the May 1 Vienna elections. Several voters said the town's longtime election officers attempted to interfere with their decisions, telling them how many candidates to vote for or hovering behind them as if trying to see their selections. The flap brought to light Vienna's long-standing practice of having Town Clerk Carol A. Orndorff and the Town Council -- whose membership happens to include her son, Michael J. Polychrones -- choose their own election judges. That's something the electoral board does not permit the county's other towns to do. After news stories about the election, Sparks e-mailed board secretary Margaret K. Luca to say, in essence, that the panel should lie low. "What came through [in the stories] was that the inside game that is Vienna politics looks pretty shabby in print," Sparks said in a May 7 message, obtained by town activists under the Freedom of Information Act and first posted by the political blog Historic Vienna. "For now, I do not think there is much that we need to/should say or do, other than, if forced to say something, gently letting the Vienna folks know that we're looking into it, considering various options, etc., which means we may not know what the new system will be, the old system is over. The more we do/say now, the more we create another news story. "For now, let's let it cook and see if the Vienna folks heal themselves," Sparks concluded.
May 26, 2007
Vienna Budget Increases Unneeded Comments (6)
From the Vienna Times, an editorial from Vienna resident Ron Corso:
In your article last week regarding the Town of Vienna budget, you indicated that no one made any comments on the budget. That is incorrect. You ignored my many letters to The Times, some of which you published in the paper or on your Web site, that pointed out that the Town has been on an unprecedented spending spree for several years. In addition, I have respectfully tried to call to the Town's attention the effect of budget increases on homeowners. To update you on the state of the budget, the Town manager made a change in the budget message by making what appears to be a late change and probably a lot of people like myself were not aware of this situation. His budget message, published on the Town Web site, states that the tax rate would increase from 18.62 cents per $100 of assessed value to 19.61 cents. The Web site statement as of 2:58 p.m. on April 28 is as follows: "The Fiscal Year 2007/08 budget is based on a rate of 19.61 cents, an increase of 1.08 cents per $100 of assessed valuation or 5.83 percent." However, the last Town newsletter has a revised tax rate of 20.22 cents, an increase of 1.6 cents. What this means is that instead of the tax rate increasing by 5.3 percent (the Town manager's arithmetic doesn't equal his stated 5.83 percent), the tax rate according to the newsletter will increase our taxes by 8.6 percent. The stated reason for the change in the newsletter version is that the Town is eliminating the auto decals, which will save each residence $20 per year for each vehicle. While the new tax rate will probably result in about the same amount of money out of our pockets, it is still difficult to understand why our tax rate is increasing at either the 5.3 percent or 8.6 percent. It's interesting that the newsletter version of the budget message has left the phrase quoted above out of the newsletter. It makes one wonder if that's because 8.6 percent increase just before an election might not have played well to voters. That is interesting given its timing. Furthermore, if you look at the Town budgets since our home assessments began to increase dramatically, you'll find that Vienna has increased the taxes on homeowners over 10 percent per year. When compared to any other measure, whether it be the inflation rate, salary increases, the CPI, etc., those are unacceptable tax increases. Yet the Town has made no effort to curtail spending. The taxpayers continue to get pummeled and we are in fact going backwards when you consider what is happening to our costs given gasoline, heating, medical and other expenses. And, the Town doesn't care, it keeps spending. Ron Corso Vienna
Ron, you can't beat this crowd with logic and common sense!
May 25, 2007
Inside Politics Comments (4)
From the Examiner today:
Fairfax Co. to step up Vienna election oversight, e-mails showDavid Francis and William C. Flook, The Examiner
2007-05-25Fairfax County elections officials plan to drop the long-standing tradition of letting Vienna select its own poll workers, e-mails obtained through the Freedom of Information Act show, a move that follows controversy over the small town’s elections.
After news broke on alleged voter interference during the May 1 Town Council election, the e-mails show a private discussion between officials over how to keep news stories from appearing in the media and how to “quietly” step up oversight of the town’s electoral process. The county oversees Vienna’s annual election.
“For reasons lost in the mists of time, we had a practice of deferring to the Vienna folks, whom we thought were sending us a slate of even-handed election officials,” Fairfax County Board of Elections Chairman Robert Sparks wrote on May 10. “Turns out some of them were ill-informed about the rules, to put it nicely, and acted on that misinformation. The way we should work, I suggest, is to go to the Vienna folks quietly in the near future and let them know that the old days are over. We are going to be more actively involved in vetting those who serve as elections officers in future elections.”
The county Board of Elections on Tuesday verified the authenticity of the e-mails, which are posted at www.historicvienna.com, a local blog.
The contention is summed up in a complaint filed at the State Board of Election. It alleges a poll worker told a voter at the booth to “vote for three,” a reference to the maximum number of candidates a person could cast a vote for. With only two challengers, filling the out three entries would have sent a vote to an incumbent, each of whom won by wide margins.
The poll worker was removed that day, though the state later faulted the county for not taking action fast enough. The worker has since denied any wrongdoing.
“What came through [in news coverage] was that ... Vienna Town politics looks pretty shabby in print,” Sparks wrote on May 7.
In an e-mail the following day, Sparks urged Fairfax County Board of Elections Secretary Maggi Luca, who had become the defacto spokeswoman, not to let a reporter “get you to say anything directly critical of Vienna.”
“Anything critical (or seemingly critical) means he goes to them for comment, and the ping-pong game is on with the press writing a new story every day,” he wrote.
May 24, 2007
Vienna Poll Workers Comments (10)
Vienna poll workers from 1980 to 2006 (XLS).
May 23, 2007
Recommended, Submitted, Requested, Appointed Comments (0)
Every year the Town publishes an excerpt in their newsletter listing the polling officials for that year. Each year they use a word to lead off the sentence announcing the names. Here is how they have described it since 1980 in the Town newsletter:
1980: Requested [these election officials]...
1981: Requested...
1982: Appointed...
1983: Requested...
1984: Submitted...
1985: Requested...
1986: Requested...
1987-2007: Recommended...
Yes, they have been consistent on their terminology for sometime, but considering the origin of this "selection" process dates to the dawns of time, it is relevant that they have used four different words to state how they made their picks. Note: Did Roger Seeman serve on Council during the eighties?
Fairfax County Slams Vienna Officials in Email Comments (10)
"...the inside game that is Vienna Town politics looks pretty shabby in print."
- Chairman of the Fairfax County Electoral Board, May 7, 2007The recent Washington Post article on the May election revealed the Vienna power structure for what it is: corrupt. Following that Washington Post Article emails were exchanged among Fairfax County electoral board leaders about the nature of Vienna politics.
1. The Chairman of the Electoral Board Robert Sparks writes to the Secretary of the Electoral Board Margaret K. Luca about the Washington Post article (READ: PDF).
2. A day later Brian Trompeter is asking about the Vienna election and the Chairman of the Electoral Board Robert Sparks writes to the Secretary of the Electoral Board Margaret K. Luca again (READ: PDF).
3. Then after Deborah Brehony requested to appear before the Electoral Board at their June meeting, the Chairman of the Electoral Board Robert Sparks writes to the Secretary of the Electoral Board Margaret K. Luca yet again (READ: PDF).
The County is clearly disgusted with Vienna politics.
So are we. ...Those silly challengers and their sour grapes.
PS. This document (PDF) is the exchange between the Vienna Town Clerk and County officials about how the selection process went down. The 2006 reference is a typo.
May 19, 2007
State of Virginia Faults County on Vienna Poll Problems Comments (15)
From the Examiner (image 1 and image 2):
William C. Flook, The Examiner 2007-05-18 07:00:00.0 Current rank: # 81 of 6,412 Fairfax County -The Virginia State Board of Elections this week criticized Fairfax County election officials for failing to promptly remove a poll worker accused of misconduct during Vienna’s May 1 election.
Continue reading "State of Virginia Faults County on Vienna Poll Problems" »
May 13, 2007
Election Procedures to Change After Complaints in Vienna Comments (9)
From the Sun Gazette comes Brian Trompeter's angle on Vienna Election corruption:
The Fairfax County Office of Elections will change some of its procedures after some voters reported election officer misbehavior during the May 1 Vienna Town Council election.
Continue reading "Election Procedures to Change After Complaints in Vienna" »
May 12, 2007
"Overzealous" Is One Way to Describe Corruption Comments (5)
From the Vienna Times:
Despite a strong vote in favor of the status quo, things are still going to be changing in Vienna. Due to the efforts of a Vienna poll worker, the town will no longer be selecting its own poll workers, ending a tradition that has gone on so long that no one at the Fairfax County Electoral Board can remember how it started. According to electoral board Secretary Margaret Luca, the woman instructed a voter who submitted a ballot for only one candidate that the person had to select three. "That's bad information. It says on the ballot 'select not more than three.' You can submit a ballot for nobody if you want" Luca said. According to candidate Deborah Brehoney, one witness said that the poll worker reached over their shoulder and voted in their place. When the incident was reported to Luca, the worker was asked to leave the polling place. "I wouldn't think that she will serve as an election worker again," Luca said. Vienna election officers have traditionally been recommended by the Town Council from a list approved by the Board of Elections, but this incident has changed that. "We will simply appoint the election officers for the town from now on," Luca said. "[She] is a good citizen, she just got a little overzealous," Lovelace said of the poll worker. "What happened was wrong. Even if we had won, we would still be screaming about this," said Brehony. "I sincerely hope that next election we return to normalcy," Robinson said.
"Vienna Not For Sale!" Huh? Comments (6)
Vienna Town Council member Mike Polychrones made this post election comment:
"I think really what this election symbolizes is that Vienna citizens are not for sale. I'm definitely very happy [with the results]."
What does that mean? Another resident affirmed Polychrones:
"...Vienna is very engaged with the rest of Fairfax. The difference is, Vienna is engaged for the right causes and on behalf of citizens, not developers, unlike the county government. Of course Vienna has fought development Fairfax county wants to do, because the Fairfax board of Supervisors has been so totally bought by the developers that will overwhelm us all. Mr. Polychrones got it right - Vienna is not for sale. Thank goodness!"
Vienna is not engaged with Fairfax County. That is nonsense. Fairfax County Supervisor Cathy Hudgins just shakes her head in disgust when the subject of Vienna's self-imposed isolation is broached.
May 11, 2007
Senior Citizen Politics in Vienna Comments (10)
An email came in from a relative new contributor to HistoricVienna.com regarding senior citizen politics:
Even before I knew anything academically about economics, I never understood resistance to change on the part of Senior Citizens. Growing up in Fairfax County and living here or close by over the last 45 years, I can recall bond referendum after bond referendum for school expansion shot down by the oldsters. It always seemed to be that the retired (or nearly retired) crowd always bitched about “TAXES, TAXES, TAXES we can't have any more schools because it costs us too much in TAXES!” In McLean, they even turned an elementary school into a retirement home! Then in the 90s, when the younger families started to move back in, the county was stuck bringing trailers in to meet demand at the other schools. This same attitude drives the political process in Vienna. Here is my rebuttal to that:1.) We got nothing to complain about here regarding property taxes – try living in New York, Connecticut or Wisconsin.
2.) Most of the suburban housing sold in the McLean and Vienna area in the late 1950's and early 1960's was sold on twenty year mortgages, so when all of those people became empty-nesters in the 80's, they had no mortgage. All that was left was the taxes and other than a rent-controlled apartment in NYC, there's no better deal out there.
3.) This one is cold but true: If you don't have the luck of dying suddenly at home, you need rising property values. If the day comes when assisted living is the only option you've got, you'll need to sell that 500-750K teardown.
4.) The reason why you have that 500-750K teardown to sell is the family that moved in next door (maybe into the last teardown) because they could send their child to a public school (already paid for) that is the rival of most private schools in the country.
Perhaps one of the reasons why I have never understood the whole senior mindset, is that my parents never succumbed to it. They haven't given up their own education (at 85+) and their worst fear about retirement was not being around young people. They still live in the house that I grew up in and although my Dad has certainly never been a fan of taxes, he is practical - "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch." and "You get what you pay for."
November Elections for Vienna Comments (2)
While Vienna incumbents tout 23% as a high voter turnout, they really know that number is terrible. Low turnout in May elections is a problem across Virginia and a solution is available.
BY BRIAN KIRWIN PUBLISHED JULY 31, 2006 - THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT, OPINION COLUMNIs local government closest to the people? Or maybe the question should be, “Is local government close to enough people?” That’s the core of the discussion as cities consider holding local elections in November instead of May. Virginia Beach recently joined several localities in moving City Council and School Board elections to November. Held in even-number years, they’ll join races for president, the U.S. House and Senate.
May 10, 2007
Propaganda 101 Comments (3)
While the Vienna election was won by Maud using scare tactics on the over 80 set ("Stich and Brehony want high rises"), the Connection's Scott J. Krischke gives his best Joseph Goebbels' version of how the election was won:
Town Votes to Retain Its Character Incumbents highlight opposition to major redevelopment as key to victory. By Scott J. Krischke May 9, 2007It’s been 30 minutes since the local polls closed for the 2007 Vienna Town Council election and the halls of the local community center that played host to it are silent, save for the low hum of a silver vacuum cleaner over the thin carpeting.
As the early summer sun goes down on the first day of May, election officials work behind closed doors to determine a winner. A woman and her young son walk briskly through the community center, the toddler’s small hand clutching his mother’s fingers as the two pass the only other person left in the hallway.
May 06, 2007
Washington Post Article About Vienna Election Irregularities Comments (30)
As you read the article below from today's Washington Post ask yourself when the Vienna election policy of Maud selecting her own poll workers was changed? The election was last Tuesday.and County officials say the policy has now been changed. When did that happen?
Vienna Voters Complain of Irregularities at PollsBy Bill Turque
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, May 6, 2007; C05There are elections every year in Vienna, and they usually unfold with "Groundhog Day" predictability.
About a quarter of the central Fairfax County town's 10,000 registered voters come to the polls and return the incumbents to office. And that's what happened Tuesday as three members of the six-person town council -- Maud F. Robinson, George E. Lovelace and Daniel M. Delinger -- easily defeated two challengers, Susan Yancey Stich and Deborah T. Brehony.
The aftermath of the balloting, however, has been anything but routine. It has been marked by a series of complaints about the conduct of the town's longtime election officers. There have also been questions about their unusual selection process, which includes vetting by the town clerk and incumbent council members.
Continue reading "Washington Post Article About Vienna Election Irregularities" »
Obscene Talk Comments (21)
One reader writes:
"Now that the election is over, this site seems to be melting down into useless name-calling. can we identify some things we'd like to accomplish & then figure out how to accomplish them?"
Good feedback! However, there appears to be a REASON for some of the post election negative remarks on this blog.
May 05, 2007
No Cable TV Comments (21)
A poster arguing against cable TV in Vienna wrote:
"...no one but you would watch a televised meeting, and no one gives a rat's [...] about you, so it would be a colossal waste of money. I'd expect YOU of all people to be against colossal wastes of money. The town could invest that "TV money" in a hedge fund and make like 70 trillion dollars. You wouldn't want Maud to spend 70 trillion dollars on televised meetings, would you? How's that?"
That is one argument against televised meetings in Vienna. Perhaps there are more?
May 03, 2007
Not Old v. Young, But Wealth Warfare Comments (19)
Much of what is playing out in Vienna is not exactly old v. young or young v. old. The real challenge Vienna is an internal class or wealth struggle. Fight as many might, no election can stop new $1+ million dollar houses - which after all was THE reason for the #4 ranking that everyone seems to brag about! There would have been NO #4 ranking if Tommy Staats, Steve Bukont, Pat Stack, John Sekas and Deborah and JP Brehony (to name a few) had not built in Vienna over the last 10 years. Period.
But the chorus at the polls was loud. Older, fixed income Vienna residents, many living in the Town for 40+ years, truly thought their vote was to stop new houses from being built. Who will tell them it doesn't work that way?
There is a huge disconnect in Town. The older, fixed-income people want no change while at the same time its happening all around - mostly unplanned. The Town Council revels in their #4 ranking, knowing exactly where it came from, but then campaign to their base and in turn go after the very people who have turned Vienna around.
Politics in Vienna. It's clearly not much of mystery.
May 02, 2007
Election Feedback Comments (14)
Election feedback from a reader today:
Let's look at Maud's last two elections:May 2005...May 2007
Deborah T. Brehony 0...866
Dan M. Delinger 0...1,655
George E. Lovelace 454...1,633
Maud F. Robinson 452...1,416
Susan Yancey Stich 0...858Registered Voters 10,249...10,523
In Person 551...2,286
Absentee 10...65
Total Votes 561...2,351
Turnout % 5.47%...22%Well, it looks like something turned out the vote this round, and it sure wasn't the good weather. I'd say it was the competition. Thank you Brehony and Stich for participating! I appreciate your effort.
Given the motivated turnout, I suggest the incumbent base... the senior citizen garden club more or less... is 15% of the registered voters... about 1600... probably less considering many of the anti-base voters threw their third vote for an incumbent. That's hardly a safe number... and can not accurately represent the needs of the greater community of 10,000... that's just 1400-1600 people voting for their retiree interests... trash pickup, pharmacy, groceries, banking, doctor visits, and haircuts... a tidy fixed lifestyle with no surprises... and then you die leaving Viennaland to whomever. The future of Vienna is not their concern... that's why today our children still walk to school in the streets with the traffic.
Poll Worker Rhoda Stevens Does Her Civic Duty Comments (15)
All of Vienna should feel proud today about our dear neighbor Rhoda Stevens. Stevens was a polling official yesterday. After several incidents Stevens was removed by State Election officials as a poll worker. The incidents? Telling voters who to vote for as they pressed the buttons. Telling them they had to vote for three people because if they didn't, "the challengers would win". It doesn't appear Rhoda's impropriety swayed the election as the vote totals are pretty clear, but it does say something about Maud's machine and the voting process in Vienna.
Perhaps the best part of Steven's "work" yesterday? Her using a public phone to call home to have the political sign in her front yard taken down late in the afternoon as she was being removed from the polling place (see picture below). Once again, none of this swayed an election it appears, but the fact that it happened, the fact that a close friend of Maud's felt the need to cross the line, is sad.
While some critics might position this post, and the fact that it was even written, as "black helicopter talk", don't expect this site to back away from the truth any time soon.
Rhoda Stevens of 303 Edwin Lane, Vienna
Rhoda Stevens (and hiding of course)
May 01, 2007
Incumbents Win Comments (56)
The incumbents all won, but not without controversy.
April 29, 2007
The New Town Green Has No Fence; Why? Comments (7)
Please walk down and see the new Town Green. Look at where the tiny grassy area is located. Now imagine sitting there with a three year old child. Now imagine that three year old darts from your side - something EVERY three year old does. Now look where Maple Avenue is 35 feet away with no fence there to stop a child from being run over. While this may seem like a small issue to Maud and the rest of "the out of touch with reality set", it is representative of the SLOPPY and UNPLANNED way this Town operates. We can't keep being STUPID. We now have a $10 million dollar "park" that NO mother in Vienna will EVER take a child to unless that child is on a leash!
Vienna Will Soon Offer Discounts on Child Leashes!
April 27, 2007
Prominent Citizen Speaks Comments (11)
A prominent Vienna citizen, someone who has lived in Vienna for 50+ years and who has the respect across both aisles, had a blunt comment about Maud's new Town Green:
"Where is the GREEN?"
Good point. It's clearly not only this little ole website ticked off about this boondoggle expenditure of $10 million dollars by Maud Robinson.
April 26, 2007
Ray Daly Responds With Defeatist Tone Comments (5)
The other day we asked these questions:
Would you like sidewalks in Vienna?
Would you like more outdoor cafes and restaurants?
Would you like a book store in Vienna?
Would you like your basement and yard to not flood every time it rains?
Would you like entertainment in the evening at local establishments?
Would you like so