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May 09, 2008
Laurie Cole & the Historic District Comments (9)
Council Member Laurie Cole's views and actions in regards to the Windover Heights Historic District were clear in the 2004 Sagatov case. How did she come to that conclusion when in 2001 Cole, then as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals, asked the Town Zoning Administrator this question:
"The Town's designation of the Windover Heights area as an historic area, does that impose any strictures [restrictions] on subdividing land, tearing down houses, protecting houses. Its not a preservation district is it?"
The Town Zoning Administrator responded:
"No. It's not. A good example is 308 West Street which was removed perhaps 2 years ago and there are two new homes in its place."
Laurie Cole clearly knows the Windover Heights Historic District is not a zoning ordinance. Cole also understands the words of the former Town Attorney from 1998 that were used to justify adding Charles Anderson's new house into the Historic District:
"The act of including or not including the property in the historic District is not a zoning or rezoning action and therefore, cannot be spot zoning. The age of the structure has no bearing on whether or not it should be included in the district. Your attention is invited to Section 18-280.2 of the Town's zoning ordinance concerning the boundaries of the Windover Heights Historic district. You will note that it is a historic district created by boundary and makes no reference to the age or character of the structures within the boundary.
November 05, 2007
Keeping the Machine Oiled: Robinson and Cole Pour in Some Grease Comments (16)
From the Sun Gazette:
Legislators also should resist efforts to force towns to hold local elections in November, said Council member Maud Robinson.
No surprise that Maud wants her machine run Spring election to continue. What is her argument for that? Well, she doesn't say. Also from the Sun Gazette:
Council members also reviewed a proposal by Finance Director Phil Grant to let residents pay for more town services by credit card. Grant proposed the town use Arlington-based Govolution, which handles Fairfax County's credit-card processing. The town charges convenience fees for online payments of water bills, traffic tickets, meter deposits and real estate taxes, but under the new proposal would have absorbed most fees for credit-card payments made over-the-counter at town facilities. But the Town Council opposed having the town absorb credit-card fees. Subsidizing an estimated $8,000 annually in credit-card charges “could pay for two speed humps,” said Council member Laurie Cole.
Cole worries about $8000, but spends $5+ million on a "Town Green" that no one uses. Laurie do you think no one sees the hypocrisy? Keeping the Town run like Mayberry is a clear part of keeping the machine running smooth. Transparency and ease of use? Not when you have ding dongs like Robinson and Cole running the show.
October 25, 2007
Laurie Cole: "Property Rights Mean Sh**" Comments (27)
From the papers:
"Town Council member Laurie Cole [said] that the town [should] consider registering landlords who rent property in Vienna but do not live in the town. The town could use Rhode Island's rules as a model, Cole said."
What other Nazi-like tactics you got up your sleeve Laurie? Maybe you could put "stars" on those out of Town landlords too? Better yet maybe you could put all of the out of town landlords and their properties into a new historic district with no rules or substance? We feel for you though. It must be hard waking up each day as an attorney with no real purpose. Dreaming up new ways to screw over people's property rights, inventing foolish laws, must be the ultimate high for you!
March 27, 2007
Bungee Cord Liability Comments (5)
Laurie Cole have you read this?
March 23, 2007
Laurie Cole Works Hard at Recycling Comments (17)
Laurie Cole in action pose from the Sun Gazette's Brian Trompeter:
"No RED Containers EVER! Maud does NOT like RED."
February 20, 2007
Vienna Recycling Bins? Comments (12)
Feedback in today from contributor "Town Green":
Laurie Cole wants Town of Vienna residents to switch to using blue recycling bins. She has personally tested them and said they are "convenient and easy to handle" (what's good for Laurie is good for... Laurie!). The current curbside recycling method being used around Vienna is to place paper/cardboard in paper/cardboard and mixed materials in plastic. Town workers then pick these up separately. Most residents simply re-use the paper and plastic that originally carried these recyclable materials into their homes to carry them back out to the curb.
February 19, 2007
Town Code Sections to Deal with Corruption and Conflicts of Interest Comments (1)
There are two Town Code sections that may be useful to deal with corruption and conflicts of interest:
Sec. 2-12 Authority to Fine and Expel Members: The Town Council may fine its members for improper conduct and, with the concurrence of six members, expel a member. (Code 1962, § 2-3) (Amend. 2-70).
And:
Sec. 2-53 (c) Any member of the public directly affected or aggrieved by circumstances, conditions or occurrences arising within the Town, and over which the Town can reasonably be expected to exercise control or influence, shall have the right to have placed on the prepared agenda of any regular or special meeting and have considered a separately numbered item appropriate to the problem or request to which it is desired to direct the attention of the Council. Requests from members of the public for inclusion of such items on the agenda shall be in writing and contain a brief description of the circumstances giving rise to same. If it is desired that the Council adopt a particular ordinance, resolution or motion, the same should be prepared and submitted with the written statement. Such written request shall be delivered to the Town Clerk or Town Manager at least twenty working hours, three working days, prior to the start of the meeting at which consideration is desired, Thursday noon for meeting following Monday; provided, that in cases involving an emergency, as found by the Town Manager, the twenty-hour requirement may be waived. Members of the public at whose request items are included on the agenda are advised to be present at the Council meeting during which their item is discussed in order to offer additional explanation and so that members may have the opportunity to question them. All material pertinent to items scheduled hereunder shall be distributed to members with the prepared agenda.
The question becomes: what is best way to proceed? It may be best to use Sec. 2-53 (c) to get placed on the agenda a request for new conflicts of interest legislation.
February 18, 2007
One Day a Reporter Beyond Brian Trompeter Will Ask Some Questions Comments (0)
A comment posted today:
Laurie Cole's political ambition begins and ends in Vienna. This track record she has assembled only works as a cog in the Maud machine. Imagine her trying to run for County or State office and explaining her assorted conflicts to a reporter not working for a "free" newspaper. She would be mince meat.
Agreed.
February 17, 2007
The Laurie Cole Way: Not Good for Vienna Comments (13)
This post on Cole's money grab brought in this feedback:
When is the last time you heard an elected official railing against the evildoers? Bukont and Cole can't answer simple rightful questions from residents about the Town's historic district regulations... what stone or colors are acceptable... but they can call you fu*king morans and evildoers. Isn't that special! Just who are you defending, Laurie Cole... the citizens of Vienna or your builder neighbor who remodeled your kitchen, built your new house, and floated your real estate sales for over a year? If a resident is an evildoer for wanting to know what color he or she is allowed to paint their house, what is someone who uses their position in Town government for personal gain by allowing zoning violations, waiving zoning regulations, defeating the intent of zoning laws, and even trying to rewrite the zoning code to benefit one developer Steve Bukont? The Town is spending years in preparation for zoning code changes to fuel redevelopment of Vienna's commercial areas, but somehow you need to hurry up and change just a few words in one section of the code so that Bukont can pile up soil berms and condos on the old 7-11 commercial site while you pile up the cash. Isn't that special!
February 16, 2007
Laurie Cole Hand In the Cookie Jar Comments (9)
Laurie Cole is a case study for public corruption.
- MAY 92: Steve Bukont buys 921 Glyndon Street. Price not recorded. Primary residence.
- JAN 93: Laurie Cole buys 200 Owaissa Court. Price not recorded. Cole and Bukont now are immediate neighbors.
- 1996: Laurie Cole appointed to Planning Commission.
- MAY 00: Cole buys 706 Spring Street for $185,000.
- APR 01: Bukont starts building new Cole house at 706 Spring Street.
- MAY 02: Cole elected to Vienna Town Council (VTC).
- MAY 02: Bukont applies for occupancy permit for Cole's house on Spring Street. Price Cole pays Bukont to build new house at Spring Street is unknown.
- JAN 03: Bukont buys 111-113 Church Street for $730,000. Commercial.
- SEP 03: Bukont receives site plan modification from VTC for 111-113 Church St. Cole votes yes for approval.
- SEP 03: Bukont receives site plan modification from VTC for 225 Locust Street. Cole makes motion and votes yes for approval.
- SEP 03: Cole declares "no continuing business transactions" with Bukont (MP3).
- JAN 04: Bukont buys 225 Locust Street for $450,000. Town houses.
- MAY 04: Bukont buys 919 Glyndon Street.
- APR 05: Bukont buys 200 Owaissa Court from Laurie Cole for $625,000. 200 Owaissa Court is next door to Bukont's primary residence.
- DEC 05: Bukont implodes as Chairman of Historic Review Board when questioned about his conflicts of interests and moneymaking role in Vienna government.
- JAN 06: Bukont resigns from Historic Review Board.
- JAN 06: Cole defends Bukont after his resignation saying, "It is with great sadness that I see Mr. Bukont's resignation before us. Mr. Bukont and his wife are active, engaged members of our community. They have given generously of their time and talents to enhance the quality of life in our Town. The barrage of insinuation and innuendo recently directed toward Mr. Bukont is reprehensible. I am very sorry that he and his family have been subjected to it. There is always room for civil discourse concerning differing views in public affairs. But insidious, unfounded attacks on a person's integrity are beyond the pale of civil debate. Such conduct places a chill over the public forum. Citizens are understandably reluctant to undertake public service when their professional and personal lives may become the targets of such despicable attacks. Vienna is fortunate to count among its residents many, many talented individuals willing to contribute their time and abilities to the greater good of all of us. It would be a tremendous loss to our community if the threat of unwarranted vilification were to discourage such contribution. So I am speaking tonight in support and gratitude for those of our citizens, like Mr. Bukont, who give their time and skills in serving on Town Boards and Commissions. I believe it is important to speak out on this matter, mindful of these words of Edmund Burke, 'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.' I hope the other members of Council join me in my support of our citizen Boards and Commissions."
- JAN 06: Bukont's 111-113 Church Street assessed at $4 million.
- MAY 06: Cole supporters defend her.
- 2006: Bukont's 225 Locust Street controversy.
Cole seems to have forgotten that Edmund Burke also said, "Among a people generally corrupt liberty cannot long exist."
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!
May 15, 2006
Cole's Defenders Ignore the Stench Comments (2)
These defenses of Laurie Cole's money grab were seen recently:
- "Laurie and Harry Cole sold their property, WITHIN RIGHTS, at a FAIR PRICE, to a QUALIFIED BUYER [Steve Bukont]. Her "Sale" was totally legit and not unusual or deserving of question in any sense. Fairfax County records it as such, and there really shouldn't be this huge contentious question as to how and why it transpired..."
- "Mrs. Cole and her husband merely sold their home a year ago. Nothing unusual about that. It was a completely public deal which can be easily found on-line at Fairfax's website (I think that it was listed in the Post last year, too), so it's not like she was trying to hide anything. And when her attackers started slamming her on the eve of the election because in their warped and self-serving view the sale of a house, at market rate, is some kind of crime, I didn't see anything about her complaining about it (even though the slamming was highly personal and probably even libelous)."
- "I was really disappointed at the Historic Vienna website that attacked and that continues to attack Mrs. Cole on truly out there issues. The daily attacks would be funny, if they were not focused on a real person. The $200,000 piece was a real hoot. All real estate sales are noted on County records as to whether they are fair market or not. Just look it up, for crying out loud, no investigation is needed. That sale should have been examined by now. In 2002, many sellers were paid, and many buyers did pay, more than the tax assessment valuation for their houses and land. That is part of the economic reality of a housing bubble. If that were to occur in 2006, now that the assessments have caught up to and in some cases surpassed true market value, then, okay, I would see a reason to ask questions, but I still would not judge the seller without all the facts. My neighbor sold his house for $120,000 over assessed value in 2005 to a total stranger who came to the open house. Did he make money? Of course. Did he make it improperly? Of course not. If he had sold it ealier [sic] in the decade, I am sure the disparity between assessment and purchase price might have been greater. Digging back to a 2002 transaction that was probably fair market just to smear a candidate is a low tactic."
- "You made the $200k an issue. You asserted that it was an unseemly profit and a sweetheart deal. But it turns out that it was no more than anyone else made, so there was no sweetheart deal. It's not a crime to sell or buy a home. Should any past, present and/or future business relationships between people running for town counsel [sic] and other parties be disclosed, such as partied [sic] suing the town and having business pending before the town counsel [sic]? Everyone deserves to have full disclosure of these relationships, right? We better make sure that we never elect anyone to the town counsel [sic] who ever has had or ever will have any business with anyone who may have or will have any business before the town counsel [sic]."
- "I do not think a $200 profit is either an "unseemly profit" or a "sweetheat deal" [sic]. I actually think it is exactly, precisely what I would have expected a property in the location of Mrs. Cole's former neighborhood to have sold for at that particular time. There is nothing alarming about it at all. In fact, it is perfectly normal. Certainly, Mr. and Mrs. Cole had the right to sell to whomever they chose. That is, after all, one of the basis tenents [sic] of "Property Rights". Again, I am not at all alarmed that the Coles sold a property to Mr. Bukont. Citizens sell lots to builders all the time. Again, this is perfectly normal, and nothing to be alarmed about."
Amusing to hear Cole defenders talk of property rights isn't? No mention of conflicts of interests either? No mention that Cole was the lone Council member with such a tangled web to one builder? And why all the defenses? "The lady doth protest too much, methinks."
Think about this in reverse. Go back a few years. Imagine it is sometime during the 1990s. Cole is filling roles on the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals. She will soon be elected to Town Council. She lives right next door to Steve Bukont. She is now and will continue to vote for Bukont projects.
Imagine if Laurie Cole had said at that time that 1.) she planned to have Bukont build a new kitchen in her old house prior to 2002, 2.) Bukont would build her new house in 2002 for an undisclosed sum, 3.) she would vote for Bukont's commercial building and town house projects in 2003 and 4.) then would sell her old house to Bukont in 2005 for $625,000 with no agent involved. If she would have laid this all out as her plan before it ever happened people would have smelled the conflict of interest from a country mile. Cole spinners can work this any way they want, but Cole was an elected official engaged in conflicted behavior to pad her pockets.
May 04, 2006
Dick Nixon Meet Laurie Cole Comments (3)
Nixon Was Reelected in a Landslide in 1972
Nixon Resigned on August 9, 1974
The Vienna elections might be over, but several Vienna Council members have not escaped scrutiny. Issues coming soon that will expose the seamy behind the scenes include:
1. Laurie Cole's real estate profits will be exposed. The investigation has just started.
2. Maud Robinson's quest to keep the unconstitutional historic district going will fall apart as litigation proceeds.
While these simple sounding statements might not sound "huge", both issues, as they unfold, will reveal a tawdry and corrupt side of Vienna political life. Oh sure, we understand many people would rather not hear about this stuff as they can't believe it is true. Patience dear, patience.
April 30, 2006
Laurie Cole: "Show Me the Money!" Comments (5)
Laurie Cole Says, "Show Me the Money!" We say, "Resign now."
Let's Play Jeopardy! Answer: $625,000. Question: How much was Laurie Cole paid by Steve Bukont in 2005 for her home?
We all knew that Steve Bukont built Laurie Cole's new house in 2002, but we did not know until today that Laurie Cole was also Bukont's immediate contiguous neighbor prior to moving in 2002. Now we can reveal that Bukont paid Cole's husband $625,000 for her old house in 2005 when the County assessment was only $394,000! No agent was involved in the deal. The appearance of a $200,000+ premium paid to Cole and a complete lack of public disclosure is troubling. Why wait three years to sell the old house to millionaire developer Bukont with no agent? Good question. How much more money has Cole made on other "connections" in Town government? The investigation of this is just starting and it stinks to high heaven.
We mince no words: Laurie Cole should immediately step aside from Vienna politics. If Cole wins reelection in 2006, an immediate investigation will proceed. If Cole wins reelection, her profiteering from her Bukont association will be a daily issue. Cole has lost all credibility. Has she padded her pockets while bringing into question every one of her votes?
A quick refresher on Cole events of the last few years:
1. Steve Bukont built Laurie Cole's new house in 2002. How much did he charge Cole?
2. Roy J. Baldwin, a close associate of Cole, has tried to spread rumors that this site is out to profit in some manner. The reality? Baldwin's buddy Cole was getting rich in the incestuous world of Vienna government.
3. Review Board Chairman Steve Bukont called citizens f**king morons in 2005 forcing his resignation. Cole later defended foul-mouth Bukont:
"It is with great sadness that I see Mr. Bukont's resignation before us. Mr. Bukont and his wife are active, engaged members of our community. They have given generously of their time and talents to enhance the quality of life in our Town. The barrage of insinuation and innuendo recently directed toward Mr. Bukont is reprehensible. I am very sorry that he and his family have been subjected to it. There is always room for civil discourse concerning differing views in public affairs. But insidious, unfounded attacks on a person's integrity are beyond the pale of civil debate. Such conduct places a chill over the public forum. Citizens are understandably reluctant to undertake public service when their professional and personal lives may become the targets of such despicable attacks. Vienna is fortunate to count among its residents many, many talented individuals willing to contribute their time and abilities to the greater good of all of us. It would be a tremendous loss to our community if the threat of unwarranted vilification were to discourage such contribution. So I am speaking tonight in support and gratitude for those of our citizens, like Mr. Bukont, who give their time and skills in serving on Town Boards and Commissions. I believe it is important to speak out on this matter, mindful of these words of Edmund Burke, 'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.' I hope the other members of Council join me in my support of our citizen Boards and Commissions."
Laurie Cole (Verbatim Town Council Minutes 1/06)
Nice speech Mrs. Cole, but you failed to mention that you were paid $625,000 by Steve Bukont less than a year before. Were your words and actions bought and paid for? NO ONE would have taken Cole serious if she had under full disclosure revealed how much cash Bukont paid her. How many votes has Cole cast for Bukont while serving roles on the Planning Commission and Town Council? Sit tight, we will find out.
More evidence? Here is an audio clip (MP3) from Fall 2003 where Cole says she has "no continuing business transactions" with Bukont at the Council meeting where Bukont got approval to build his new Church Street building. Does selling your house to Bukont for $625,000 count as a 'business transaction'? Bukont makes money. Cole makes money. Who else is padding their pockets in this circus?
Lastly, if you are a Laurie Cole supporter, this site is not necessarily against you. There is no way you could have known she was making such large amounts of money sitting in the catbird seat of Vienna government.
April 12, 2006
Laurie Cole Thinks You Are Stupid Comments (3)
Laurie Cole thinks you are stupid. Huh? That sure sounds inflammatory! No, it's not inflammatory. Let us explain. Cole is a smart woman. She has a law degree. She appeared on the TV show Jeopardy. She obviously has enough brainpower to know right from wrong. Unfortunately, Laurie Cole's arrogance blinds her to doing the right thing.
Laurie Cole at Recent Council Work Session
How do we justify these statements about Cole? Watch how she "finesses" a simple question with lawyeresque dodges and half-truths in this video:
As we said yesterday, this video shows a clear leadership distinction between Cole and Council challenger Blair Jenkins. But, let's break down Cole's words from the video. She was asked a REAL simple question:
QUESTION: The historic district has more houses which are not historic than which are historic. Why not just designate the individual houses as historic instead of a whole neighborhood? You allowed the old firehouse [on Church Street] to be torn down which was historic. Comments?
1. Cole states in the video that since a lawsuit is pending against the District she can have no comment. She says it's not for her to say anything.
Our comment: What does a lawsuit pending have to do with anything? Mrs. Cole you make the laws in Vienna. You are the legislator. Don't you have the ability to stand up and solve problems or is your solution to let the courts do your job for you?
2. Cole states in the video that the District was adopted to recognize one of the original residential neighborhoods in Vienna. She says it is a neighborhood district and is not directed toward particular houses.
Our comment: This is a flat out lie. Mrs. Cole has voted against two new houses in the District since 2004. She voted no twice without any objective rationale. So while Cole says the code itself does not direct toward individual houses, Laurie Cole clearly directs her votes against individual houses. Who will Cole punish next?
3. Cole states in the video that the District is "meant to preserve OR protect OR reflect OR recognize a part of Vienna's history and so it is a neighborhood based ordinance"
Our comment: Here is where Cole's arrogance really shines. Here is where she really thinks everyone is stupid. Under Cole's logic the District is to preserve OR protect OR reflect OR recognize. Which is it Mrs. Cole? Do you pick the one you feel good about that day? Does the Historic District law just blow in the wind? In terms of so-called 'preservation', reflect on Cole's prior words here.
4. Cole states in the video, "It [the District] is valid under the State of Virginia laws until proven otherwise."
Our Comment: Leaders should lead. Leaders should not "hint" that there might be a problem with a law - they should fix it. These kinds of "pass the buck" answers make Vienna look bad. Did anyone on the current Council offer any insight regarding the Historic District? Unlike Cole, Edythe Kelleher did give an answer:
We would like to see Kelleher expand more, but at least she did not nonsensically plead the fifth like Laurie Cole.
March 19, 2006
Vienna Faces A Choice: Maud or the Real World Comments (2)
Maud Robinson Prefers 1960s Style Strip Malls. Why?
Monday night at a Vienna Town Council work session, the Vienna Town Council discussed the Maple Avenue Vision with an engineering firm proposing a feasibility study for the revitalization of Maple Avenue. During the meeting Vienna's abundance of one-story strip malls was broached and the comparison was made to Clarendon's new low-rise Market Common development. Watch carefully (video) what Maud Robinson has to say about this jewel of Clarendon:
Robinson states on the video:
"...it was very hard to find anyone there on a beautiful sunny day, there were a lot of glitzy shops that didn't seem to have any customers."
This can only be characterized as propaganda. Why would she say something so patently false? It would not be over the top to characterize Robinson's statements as lies. Not only is this development packed with people, restaurants and shops, it has won substantial awards. Does this mean we accept it all for Vienna blindly? No. But why does Robinson have the need to make things up to defend her position? Is her only political skill "fear mongering"?
For example, in defending Vienna's older strip malls, Robinson says they are good for "mom and pop" shops. Last we checked Vienna strip malls housed the likes of Giant, Safeway, Popeyes, Radio Shack, 7-Eleven, Subway and the list goes on and on. Strip malls are ugly, pedestrian unfriendly, parking lot choked eyesores. However, Vienna does not have to be stuck. There are options.
For those not familiar with Market Commons, here are some pictures:
Market Commons in Clarendon, VA
Market Commons in Clarendon, VA
Market Commons in Clarendon, VA
We are assuming Robinson, who is now on the record as favoring 1960s strip malls, would much rather keep this Vienna eyesore of a landmark:
Vienna Strip Mall: An Example of Maud Robinson Preferred Devleopment
Is anyone paying attention to what Maud Robinson is actually saying and doing? The people of Vienna have a clear choice: follow Maud Robinson and likes of Laurie Cole down dead ends OR accept the real world and make Vienna a better place.
Vienna Strip Mall: An Example of Maud Robinson Preferred Devleopment
December 21, 2005
Laurie Cole Gets a Big House. Do You Too? No. Comments (1)
Laurie Cole's New House Built by Steve Bukont
Laurie Cole voted against this house, but the picture above is her new million dollar plus house built by Steve Bukont. Does that make sense? Does that seem fair?
This is the kind of nasty and unfair politics Cole plays. Here are two other views of Cole's new house: View 1 and View 2. Do you want to be the next person Cole treats unfairly?
November 29, 2005
Laurie Cole Bored Comments (0)
This is a telling piece of 2005 video. The video is from an appeal before Town Council. Carey Sienicki (green tank top) and George Lovelace debate while Laurie Cole watches bored. Beyond the comedy of it all, why is this important? Sienicki sits on Windover Heights Board of Review. None of what Sienicki says to Lovelace is ground in law. She makes up rules.
November 28, 2005
Robinson, Cole & Lovelace Vote to Lower Property Values; Is Your Home's Value at Risk from Them? Comments (5)
We recently wrote about Frank and Joan Lillis attempting to lower property values.
Unfortunately, they had backing from the Vienna Town Council in the form of Maud Robinson, George Lovelace and Laurie Cole. These members of Vienna Town Council voted in 2004 against the now completed $1.8 million dollar house. Here is the gorgeous new house:
Click to Enlarge
What sane person would vote against this house? Cole, Robinson and Lovelace did. They should be ashamed. They had no legal reason to vote against it. Here is the house torn down before the new one.
Next time you think about voting for Laurie Cole, Maud Robinson or George Lovelace don't forget their vote to lower property values. These three if left to their own devices would make your house worth less money. How can George Lovelace expect to get elected Mayor in 2006 campaigning to lower property values?
Here is the type of house Lovelace, Cole and Robinson would prefer at 313 Windover Avenue. Does any of this make sense?
November 26, 2005
How Do the Rules Work? Comments (0)
Recently Laurie Cole was asked at a Town Council meeting:
"Mrs. Cole, you brought up the idea of natural wood...As you're sitting up here tonight — all seven of you — how do you determine whether or not natural wood is more appropriate versus painted green or painted red? How do you determine one is better than the other, one is more appropriate, one is more historic? How is that determined?"
Town Council members were instructed not to answer by the Town Attorney. Why did he do this? Three cheers for open and honest government! Does it make any sense that this Town Council can't legislatively fix their laws? Why do they need to waste tax dollars to defend lawsuits on laws they already know are broken? Why not just fix the problem?
