Hello, Yupette,
I am totally disgusted with Zimmerman and his Groupies who put their own wants, special interests, and corporate cronies first on their priority list.
I own a bicycle and bicycle to work at least once a week.
People, our streets and roads are crumbling. They're a hazard to bicyclists and pedestrians and will soon be a hazard to motorists.
Where are our tax dollars going? Not on basic infrastructure maintenance and upgrades. Our taxes are being spent on sports, recreation, and entertainment projects promoted by Zimmerman, Fisette, Tejada, and Hynes. Latest from Fisette is another live theater to compete with the Artisphere. Latest from Tejada is a regulation indoor soccer field to be constructed at Long Bridge Park. And, according to County Transportation Staff, the projected cost of Zimmerman's Pike trolley has reached $300 million.
These four turkeys are going to meet tomorrow with their so-called County Manager (who told them when they hired her that she would never move to Arlington, no matter how much they paid her) to approve their '2012 Management and Planning Work Plan'. A plan for more trolleys, soccer fields, swimming pools, and live theater. Maybe 'Libby' will join them. After all, she went right along with Zimmy's plans for the Wakefield Recreation, Entertainment, Sports, and Remediation Center.
Karen S. 22206
Monday
Saturday
VDOT Presented 3 Major Options for I-66 to Transportation Commission
Hello Yupette,
On January 26th VDOT presented three major 'preliminary mobility options' for I-66 to to Arlington Transportation Commission. They are:
A. HOV Restrictions
I-66 lanes in both directions are designated Bus/HOV during peak periods. No new lanes added. In the peak direction, all lanes are Bus/HOV3+ only during peak periods (no change from CLRP). In the reverse peak direction, all lanes are Bus/HOV 2+ only during peak periods. In off-peak periods all lanes are open to all traffic.
B. I-66 Bus/HOV/HOT Lane System
Converts I-66 into an electronically tolled Bus/HOV/high occupancy toll (HOT) roadway.
Testing two options: (1) no new lanes (2) one new lane in each direction. Single occupancy vehicle (SOV) and HOV 2 vehicles tolled. Bus/HOV 3+ vehicles - no tolls. Tolls applies to all lanes in both directions, 24/7.
C. I-66 Capacity Enhancement
Two options that add a lane in both directions:
Option 1:
Peak hours, peak direction - New & Existing lanes Bus/HOV 3+
Peak hours, reverse peak direction - New lane Bus/HOV2+; Existing lanes general purpose.
Option 2:
Peak hours, peak direction - New & Existing lanes Bus/HOV 3+
Peak hours, reverse peak direction - New & Existing lanes general purpose
No restrictions in the off-peak period in both options.
[I-66 Arterials]
E. Arterial Capacity Enhancement
Enhance U.S. 50
Apply access management principles
Implement bus-only lane in each direction and improve bus service in the corridor (e.g., Priority Bus with 10-minute headway)
Bus lane may be introduced by utilizing the shoulders on U.S. 50.
Although coded as Priority Bus, this option will also reveal if demand warrants a higher-capacity mode such as light rail.
These are the major options, see VDOT's Web site for the other mobility options.
Thanks for your blog.
2100
On January 26th VDOT presented three major 'preliminary mobility options' for I-66 to to Arlington Transportation Commission. They are:
A. HOV Restrictions
I-66 lanes in both directions are designated Bus/HOV during peak periods. No new lanes added. In the peak direction, all lanes are Bus/HOV3+ only during peak periods (no change from CLRP). In the reverse peak direction, all lanes are Bus/HOV 2+ only during peak periods. In off-peak periods all lanes are open to all traffic.
B. I-66 Bus/HOV/HOT Lane System
Converts I-66 into an electronically tolled Bus/HOV/high occupancy toll (HOT) roadway.
Testing two options: (1) no new lanes (2) one new lane in each direction. Single occupancy vehicle (SOV) and HOV 2 vehicles tolled. Bus/HOV 3+ vehicles - no tolls. Tolls applies to all lanes in both directions, 24/7.
C. I-66 Capacity Enhancement
Two options that add a lane in both directions:
Option 1:
Peak hours, peak direction - New & Existing lanes Bus/HOV 3+
Peak hours, reverse peak direction - New lane Bus/HOV2+; Existing lanes general purpose.
Option 2:
Peak hours, peak direction - New & Existing lanes Bus/HOV 3+
Peak hours, reverse peak direction - New & Existing lanes general purpose
No restrictions in the off-peak period in both options.
[I-66 Arterials]
E. Arterial Capacity Enhancement
Enhance U.S. 50
Apply access management principles
Implement bus-only lane in each direction and improve bus service in the corridor (e.g., Priority Bus with 10-minute headway)
Bus lane may be introduced by utilizing the shoulders on U.S. 50.
Although coded as Priority Bus, this option will also reveal if demand warrants a higher-capacity mode such as light rail.
These are the major options, see VDOT's Web site for the other mobility options.
Thanks for your blog.
2100
Friday
Thursday
Wednesday
Tuesday
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Monday
Kelly, Arlington Republicans Moving to the Right
Hello Yupette,
More than 4,300 Arlington voters (and it appears that many who voted are Independents) turned out on a miserable day to participate in the Democratic Caucus.
But what about the Arlington Republican Party and it's candidate for County Board, Mark Kelly?
Mark is no longer employed by the Heritage Foundation. He now works on the Hill as Legislative Director and Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Tim Huelskamp. Congressman Huelskamp is a Tea Party Republican who is way to the right of the Republican leadership in the House. He represents the 1st Congressional District of Kansas.
So what kind of legislation is Congressman Huelskamp sponsoring? An amendment to the 2012 Defense Department Appropriations Act that would prohibit Navy Chaplains from performing same-sex marriages. A bill that would prohibit the NRLB from certifying labor elections. An omnibus agricultural bill that would remove most EPA restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions, pesticides, and particulates.
Oh, although Congressman Huelskamp doesn't want any restrictions on gun ownership, he hasn't sponsored a bill defunding ATF - yet.
So that's who Mark Kelly works for now. Thanks for your blog.
Bethany
Sunday
Saturday
Friday
Thursday
Bondi Lists D.C. 'Nonprofit Roundtable' As Only Economic Interest
Hello Yupette,
A perusal of Melissa Bondi's 2012 Statement of Economic Interests, filed with the Clerk of the Arlington County Board on December 13, 2011, shows that Bondi listed the Nonprofit Rountable of Greater Washington, where her position is Project Coordinator, as her only economic interest.
She responded to 'personal interest' questions as follows:
A. My personal interests are:
1. Residence, address, or if no address, location: 2624 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington VA 22201
2. Other real estate, address, or, if no address, location: N/A
3. Name or principal business activity of each business in which stock, bond, or equity interests is held: N/A
Thanks for your blog.
anon.
No Endorsement for Democratic Caucus Candidates
Hello,
Arlington Yupette will not endorse a candidate for the Democratic Caucus scheduled for today and Saturday.
After attending three candidates debates and watching the AIM-Patch televised debate we have concluded that the Democratic candidates for County Board aren't part of the solution, they're part of the problem.
We ask that Melissa Bondi's possible violations of Virginia's election laws be investigated by the State Board of Elections. If she is to remain appointed to Arlington's advisory commissions and committees we ask that she make a full disclosure of her finances, residencies, and voting status - in Arlington and elsewhere.
We cannot endorse Libby Garvey, Peter Fallon, or Melissa Bondi. They have served on boards, commissions, and committees for over a decade. They don't take responsibility for the problems they helped create.
Kim Klingler and Terron Sims have also served on several major advisory commissions and committees. But this service hasn't translated into significant improvements in the overall quality of life for Arlingtonians, nor in significant improvements in fiscal accountability and public safety.
For these reasons we will not endorse a Democratic candidate for County Board in this week's Democratic Caucus.
A.Y.
Arlington Yupette will not endorse a candidate for the Democratic Caucus scheduled for today and Saturday.
After attending three candidates debates and watching the AIM-Patch televised debate we have concluded that the Democratic candidates for County Board aren't part of the solution, they're part of the problem.
We ask that Melissa Bondi's possible violations of Virginia's election laws be investigated by the State Board of Elections. If she is to remain appointed to Arlington's advisory commissions and committees we ask that she make a full disclosure of her finances, residencies, and voting status - in Arlington and elsewhere.
We cannot endorse Libby Garvey, Peter Fallon, or Melissa Bondi. They have served on boards, commissions, and committees for over a decade. They don't take responsibility for the problems they helped create.
Kim Klingler and Terron Sims have also served on several major advisory commissions and committees. But this service hasn't translated into significant improvements in the overall quality of life for Arlingtonians, nor in significant improvements in fiscal accountability and public safety.
For these reasons we will not endorse a Democratic candidate for County Board in this week's Democratic Caucus.
A.Y.
Wednesday
Tuesday
Mark Kelly Will Be Lone Republican Running in March 27th Special Election
Hello Yupette,
News from the Arlington County Republican Committee is that Mark Kelly was the lone Republican candidate to file for County Board as of noon today. So it's likely the Republicans will cancel their caucus and Mark will be their candidate for County Board.
It's been expected that the Republicans would field a candidate this year and Mark would be that candidate. Thanks for your blog.
Jennifer
News from the Arlington County Republican Committee is that Mark Kelly was the lone Republican candidate to file for County Board as of noon today. So it's likely the Republicans will cancel their caucus and Mark will be their candidate for County Board.
It's been expected that the Republicans would field a candidate this year and Mark would be that candidate. Thanks for your blog.
Jennifer
Monday
Sunday
Saturday
Friday
Thursday
Wednesday
Tuesday
Monday
Sunday
Bondi Hit With Big IRS Tax Lien
Hi Yupette,
I was researching some land records in Paulie Ferguson's office last week when an acquaintance who works for Paulie asked me if I was aware that Zimmy's heir-apparent - Melissa Bondi - was hit with a huge lien against her home ($19,252.23 to be exact) by the IRS last March 29th.
Very interesting. Didn't Paulie Ferguson endorse Melissa, along with Zimmy and Walter Tejada? What's THIS all about? Sheesh.
Ken
Saturday
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Friday
DOD Reductions Mandate An End To Extravagant County Board Spending
Hi Yupette,
The Defense Department is facing significant reductions in its budgets over the next decade, totaling $487 billion. The Army alone will be cut by 14%.
Time for a moratorium on any new spending by the County Board for new vanity projects - Pike trolley, purchase and renovation of a $25 million office building, spending $100-$200 million more on Long Bridge Park, continuing to operate the Artisphere, and so on.
Added to the DOD budget cuts are a freeze in pay for civilian federal workers and anemic creation of good paying non-federal jobs.
Only County Board candidate who I see as being responsive and responsible regarding the new economic reality is Audrey Clement. That's why I'm voting for her in March.
Linda - 22207
The Defense Department is facing significant reductions in its budgets over the next decade, totaling $487 billion. The Army alone will be cut by 14%.
Time for a moratorium on any new spending by the County Board for new vanity projects - Pike trolley, purchase and renovation of a $25 million office building, spending $100-$200 million more on Long Bridge Park, continuing to operate the Artisphere, and so on.
Added to the DOD budget cuts are a freeze in pay for civilian federal workers and anemic creation of good paying non-federal jobs.
Only County Board candidate who I see as being responsive and responsible regarding the new economic reality is Audrey Clement. That's why I'm voting for her in March.
Linda - 22207
Thursday
Tuesday
Monday
It's a big, bad world...
...will 2012 ring in the red?...
It's a big world...but everyone is aiming to expand for a bigger world. Toyota of course intends to get back on track. Hyundai/Kia will hit 7 million units (see the Bloomberg story). GM will stay on top, with VW close behind, or maybe a bit ahead. Honda is simply hoping to recover, and awaits the performance of new models. Nissan is doing well, Chrysler is helping Fiat stay afloat. PSA (Peugeot) – well, because they're neither in the US nor in Japan, I tend not to hear much about them. Of course Mazda and Mitsubishi, dependent on exports from Japan, will be lucky to stay afloat in the face of a strong yen. Suzuki looks more and more like an Indian company, not important globally.
Of course the global market will expand in 2012 – we hope. Europe however is likely to see full-fledged recession, and I think it's optimistic that NAFTA won't feel a cold wind. (New England: brace yourselves for a nor'easter of historic proportions.) Japan – well, the economy will be slow and the number of licensed drivers continues to decline. China's growth will surely be slower than in 2011, while India remains small and (unlike India) has done little to improve the infrastructure that helps make car ownership functional. Brazil may do OK. All this means that the major markets will on the whole be stagnant or, in the case of China, slower but with much greater supply and hence softer pricing. (For the major economies in 2012, I find the December 15, 2011 prognosis of Morgan Stanley's Global Economic Forum thoughtful, particularly in its effort to integrate the projections for individual countries to provide a globally consistent story reflecting the integrating effects of trade and capital markets.)
Now we're not looking at a repeat of 2009. Indeed, on a total unit basis there will be growth.
I think the industry may face another shock, lower energy prices. After all, while emerging markets continue to emerge, if more slowly than in 2011, the developed markets will be moribund, depressing demand in what in the aggregate remains the biggest market for energy. Meanwhile, a period of high prices boosts investment in exploration and extraction / recovery. The output of those efforts takes a few years to start showing up in the market. Upon completion financial imperatives mean those projects will be hungry for revenue and will produce even if they face a soft market. Well, it's now been four years. That may be good news to the Detroit Three in the US, but it will mean that overall the market for energy-efficient vehicles will soften. Yet that's where the industry's players have poured their R&D. Sure, R&D is a long-run strategy that isn't expected to generate much of a short-term pay-back. However, it has short-run profit implications when it doesn't generate any up-front return.
It's hard for me to see 2012 bringing in more black; I can't tell a consistent upside story for the industry on a global basis. Single markets are less and less capable of driving results; we have entered an era where firms need more than their home market to generate profits. (A caution: for years the effective home market for Toyota and Honda has been the US, not Japan. That may also be the case for BMW.) However, I'm not (quite) pessimistic enough to say that 2012 will ring in the red.
Mike Smitka
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