Candidates Should Look for Creative Ways to Meet Needs
Editor,
As the City elections approach, I want to urge each candidate for City Council and School Board to look for creative ways to meet our needs in the Falls Church City Public School system.
An excellent example is the grant funding the City obtained from the State of Virginia for improvements at Thomas Jefferson Elementary. It was a win-win situation, and I was pleased with how the School Board, City Council and City staff worked together to make it happen. Amidst the constant complaining we hear about city government, that is an example of how city government can work well, and the candidates should attempt to emulate it.
Dana Edwards
Falls Church
‘Immoral’ for F.C. to Profit From Water System Sale
Editor,
Regarding the reported Water System Sale – Is the capital bond debt included in the $44m+ sale? After draining $58 million that could and should have paid off the bonds, the recent rate rise is claimed to refill the depleted capital account. Thus Fairfax citizens end up paying twice. While the judge ruled that F.C. legally does not have to refund the overcharges, it is unethical and immoral for F.C. to profit from the sale on the backs of Fairfax senior citizens who are living on fixed incomes, the poor, and unrepresented at the expense of the wealthiest municipality in the nation – the top 1% of the 1%.
John Naman
Falls Church
Question to F.C. Council Candidates on Going Forward
Editor,
Our question to the City Council candidates will be what they will do to continue the financial improvements we have recently experienced. Only a few years ago we were in the tank with no sense of how to climb out. We had a number of “Oops” moments when the City announced unexpected budget shortfalls and therefore unexpected tax hikes. But it seems we’re doing better now. There is even talk of a possible surplus – and, of course, how to spend it! Please don’t take us backwards. Tell us what the City Council did to make things better and how you’re going to build upon that. That will be our question to each candidate.
Mark and Jennifer Resta
Falls Church
Pete Schourek Hero at Little League Opening Day
Editor,
On a beautiful spring morning last week, boys and girls from the area gathered to mark the opening day of Falls Church Kiwanis Little League. My surprise that morning was not the smiles and excitement on kids’ faces, but learning that the Falls Church area produced 11-year major league veteran Pete Schourek. In an age where professional athletes are too often in the news for the wrong reasons, it was refreshing to see Mr. Schourek take time to speak to the little leaguers and to reflect on his days growing up playing baseball in Falls Church. Following the festivities, Mr. Schourek took time to stay around to sign autographs and answer questions. Thank you, Mr. Schourek, for reminding us that there are positive role models among the seemingly ubiquitous stories of spoiled athletes, failed drug tests, and disgraced coaches.
Erik Pelton
Falls Church
