A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church

Public hearings and public health are centerpieces in Fairfax County this week. The Board of Supervisors conducted three lengthy sessions of public hearings about the proposed FY 2006 county budget on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. About 200 people presented views on everything from the need to provide funding for affordable housing to a demand to reduce the tax rate to 60 cents!

The Board of Supervisors has committed to reducing the real estate tax rate by 10 cents, from $1.13 to $1.03, and is working to identify additional budget cuts that would allow further reductions. At the same time, demands for affordable housing dollars and funding to address storm water runoff are increasing. For the first time, the Board is looking at allocating one cent of the tax rate, or approximately $17.9 million, for each of these programs. The Board of Supervisors will mark up the budget on April 18, and adopt the final version at its regular board meeting on April 25. These budget deliberations will be televised live on cable Channel 16.

This week also is Public Health Week in Fairfax County . Public health staff is an important component of our first responder system. Just like police officers and fire and rescue personnel, health department staff members must be able to respond to many emergencies, both natural and manmade. Last month, when it appeared that anthrax was discovered at a Department of Defense mailroom in the Skyline area of Mason District , Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Fairfax County Health Director, and her staff, was called in to assess the risk and treat potential victims. Although it turned out to be only a scare, our well-trained public health personnel were an important part of the emergency response.

The Fairfax County Public Health Department also is responsible for important public safety inspections. Food service establishments, swimming pools, wells and septic systems all fall under the mantle of the environmental health inspector. The Community Health Care Network, which administers the county-run health clinics for low income residents, is a Health Department responsibility. Health inspectors also help the community with West Nile virus, vector control, and HIV/AIDS programs.

On Tuesday, as part of this week’s observance of Public Health Week, I visited the Lincolnia Senior Center in Mason District to celebrate the 25 th anniversary of the Adult Day Health Care program in Fairfax County . Bright sunshine streamed through the plate glass windows of the center as more than a dozen senior citizens, some using walkers or moving slowly, sang the national anthem and then did modest physical and mental exercises to keep their bodies healthy and minds alert. Health Department employees helped the participants move to music, or exercise on equipment that resembled a seated elliptical machine. Staff even set up a portable bowling “alley” that provided some challenging fun with full-size pins and balls, albeit made of lightweight plastic. There was a real sense of delight about the program among both staff and participants. If you would like more information about the Adult Day Health Care program at the Lincolnia Senior Center for yourself or a family member, please call 703/914-0226.

Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed here.