DemocratThe The Newsletter of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee

December 2014 Volume 1, Issue 10

Legislative Roundtable: Big Success It may have been only a few days before Thanksgiving but that didn’t keep FCDC members from turning out for the legislative roundtable that took place an hour before the general FCDC meeting. A majority of the Democratic General Assembly members who represent Fairfax County participated in a pre-session roundtable that was organized by the FCDC State and Local Affairs Committee. FCDC

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Holiday Message from the FCDC Chairman Sue Langley Please accept my wish for you and your family to have both happy holidays and a prosperous new year. Holidays are a great time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the next. Although Democrats had a tough year nationally, in Fairfax County we won three of the four contests on the ballot. Senator Warner and Congressman Connolly were re-elected, and Congressman- Elect Beyer replaces Jim Moran, retiring after 24 years of remarkable service. This is a lot of good news (Continued on page 2)

1 www.fairfaxdemocrats.org

Holiday Message from the FCDC Chairman Deadlines for Sue Langley The Democrat

January 2015 Edition (continued from page 1) Deadline Extended to to celebrate, as we learn from volunteers from all over Fairfax Friday, January 2, 2015 our 2014 experience and ener- County mobilize and turn out our gize now for 2015. voters. Make no mistake, these February 2015 Edition special elections are all about I'm looking forward to our Road Friday, January 30, 2015 turning out the base. Elections to Richmond brunch on January Articles/ photos must be like these are why FCDC exists. 4, and the special election for submitted as attach- Please make your own plan to Kathleen Murphy on January 6. ments to thedem- join Democrats from across the Now that all the 2014 election ocrat@fairfaxdemocrats. county in helping Kathleen to bills have been paid, it is time to org. All submissions are mark this one as a win for the subject to a word limit restock the treasury for our 2015 Democrats. and editing. For more program. Please join us for the information, contact the- Road to Richmond Brunch as we In November 2015, the general democrat@fairfaxdemoc prepare for next year’s elections. election will include at least 54 rats.org. races with Democratic candidates Volunteers are calling and door seeking election and our help, knocking to promote Kathleen from the constitutional officers, Murphy all over the 34th District the senate, the house of dele- for her special election on Janu- gates, the county board of super- ary 6. We can set the stage for a visors, the school board, and the winning year in 2015 by winning Published monthly by the Soil and Water District Conserva- this special election. Kathleen Fairfax County Democratic tion Board. We have great candi- came within a few hundred votes Committee dates in our incumbents, and we of defeating Barbara Comstock in 2815 Hartland Road, Suite 110 are actively recruiting challengers Falls Church, VA 22043 2013, so she has a real shot of in the remaining contests. Tel: (703) 573-6811 winning this election. Fax: (703) 560-7004 Our challenge in 2015 will be to Only a few weeks remain until http://www.fairfaxdemocrats.org get more of our Democratic vot- January 6. We win these special ers to the polls. Editorial Team: Terry Matlaga Bell, elections because Democratic Michael Fruitman, Linda Waller Views expressed do not necessarily Mark Your Calendar! represent those of the FCDC unless expressly approved by an appropriate 2015 Road to Richmond Legislative Brunch committee resolution. Sunday, January 4, 2015 11 AM to 1 PM Springfield Golf and Country Club Copyright@2014 8301 Old Keene Mill Road Springfield, Virginia Register Online at www.fairfaxdemocrats.org/R2R

The2 Democrat 2 FCDC Holiday Party: Legislative A Good Tradition Roundtable: A Success With traffic crowding the malls, Kathleen Murphy, Johanna Gar- errands yet to run and more cia, and Jennifer Boysko. (continued from page 1) items to check off our lists before The highlight of the afternoon settling in to celebrate the winter program had to be Senator holidays, still we found time to Warner’s offer to lead the group members got some early in- attend the FCDC Holiday Party at in singing two Christmas carols sights into what our repre- the home of Bob and Mary Ann instead of his speech on “the fed- sentatives have in mind for Hovis. eral budget.” More than 100 the 2015 legislative session. Among our dis- guests enthusiastically FCDC members also asked tinguished joined in singing Jingle questions of the state dele- guests were Bells and the Twelve gates and senators.

Virginia Senior Days of Christmas, with The top discussion issues were Senator Mark twelve groups taking the education, energy, the econo- Warner and different singing parts in my and budget, the environ- Virginia Attor- the second song and eve- ment, and of course ney General ryone joining the chorus. healthcare. Roundtable partic- Mark Herring. Food and beverages for ipants were Senator Elected officials the event featured sa- Chap Petersen, Senator Dave included State vory appetizers and Marsden, Senator Adam Senators Dave sweets, beer, wine and Ebbin, Senator George Barker, Marsden, Bar- sodas, plus holiday Senator Jennifer Wexton, Del- bara Favola, and punch. All were prepared egate Vivian Watts, Delegate Chap Petersen, and donated by members David Bulova, Delegate Rip Delegates Mar- of the event committee. Sullivan, Delegate Marcus Si- cus Simon and Mark Keam, Coun- Special thanks to Sue Thomas mon, Delegate Mark Sickles, ty Supervisors , Cathy and her team, for organizing an- and Delegate Alfonso Lopez. Hudgins and , School other successful fundraiser as we Board members Ryan McElveen look to the 2015 campaign sea- The State and Local Affairs and Janie Strauss, Sheriff Stacey son ahead. Committee is planning other Kincaid, and delegate candidates roundtables.

Kate Hanley Family Shelter Receives Over 100 Gifts from FCDC

The holiday season was more joyous than it might otherwise have been for the children at the Kate Hanley Family Shelter. FCDC collected three full boxes, over 100 gifts of toys, clothes, and other children’s items for distribu- tion at the center. The Kate Hanley Family Shelter was very grateful for the wonderful donations. A special thank you goes to Matt Bell for coordinating this project and to those who donated so that the less fortunate children in Fairfax County can have a festive holiday season. The Democrat 3 3 Eighth District Congressional Committee Report First Vice Chair, Pixie Bell Eighth District Democrats extend congratulations Chair Alex Kirkland, Mason District Magisterial to Senator Mark Warner and Congressman-Elect Chair Rachel Rifkind, Mount Vernon Magisterial Don Beyer. District Co-Chairs Kate Spears and Destiny Aigbe, Mark and Don's victories occurred as a result of Dranesville Magisterial District Chair Greg Bran- the hard work of the volunteers on the Demo- don, and Providence Magisterial District Chair Paul cratic Committees of Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Jameson for their hard work! Church City, and the Fairfax Magisterial Districts in The Eighth District's Democratic turnout numbers the Eighth Congressional District. were critical to Senator Mark Warner’s success. Poll coverage, absentee ballot programs, precinct Arlington Democrats regret that Alan Howze's goal canvassing, Metro canvassing, phone banking and of a seat on the Arlington County Board was not voter contact, driving voters to the polls, and the realized on November 4. Arlington Treasurer Car- many outreach efforts to spread the Democratic la de la Pava and Democratic-endorsed Arlington message for Senator Mark Warner, Ambassador School Board candidates Barbara Kanninen and Don Beyer, and the Arlington Democratic candi- Nancy Van Doren were victorious on November 4. dates were crucial. No sooner did one election end on November 4, Virginia is definitely a battleground state. Eighth than Democrat Kathleen Murphy became the District Democrats know that we cannot be com- Democratic nominee for the 34th House of Dele- placent. We approach each election with a strong gates seat in the January 6 special election. Eighth determination to grow our Democratic Party and District Democrats voted unanimously on Novem- our Democratic Committees and our Young Demo- ber 17 to contribute $500 to Kathleen Murphy. crat organizations. All precincts must have pre- Eighth District Democrats will not meet in Decem- cinct captains and grass roots workers to carry our ber. Democratic message to our friends, neighbors, Abdel-Rahman Hamed recently resigned from the and new voters. Eighth Congressional District Democratic Com- Congratulations to Alexandria Democratic Com- mittee. Abdel-Rahman, who served on a number mittee Chair Clarence Tong, Arlington Democratic of the Kennedy-King Committees, is now attending Chair Kip Malinosky, Falls Church City Democratic law school in New York. Chair Peg Willingham, Lee District Magisterial 34th House of Delegates Special Election Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Kathleen Murphy, the Democratic nominee for the 34th House of Dele- gates, is reaching out daily to voters to inform them about the election, her issues, and why they should vote. She can not do it alone. Volunteer to help Kathleen. Visit Kathleen’s Murphy’s website for information and volunteer opportunities. Regular polling locations in the district will be open from 6:00 am – 7:00 pm on Tuesday, January 6. Fairfax County voters in the 34th District can vote early. Click here for dates and locations.

4 The Democrat 4 National Affairs Committee Climate Prescriptions for Virginians warming and climate disruption may become a by Michael Reinemer, defining issue in the 2016 elections. National Affairs Committee, Braddock District In a new book, University of Richmond visiting scholar Stephen Nash argues that Virginians who With the Senate in the GOP’s hands beginning in are concerned about global warming “don’t need 2015, there will be even less hope for a to wait for a comprehensive federal response… 114th Congress taking action to reduce carbon or We don’t even need to get out in front of other methane emissions to check global warming. states – they’ve already shown the way.” His book, “Virginia Climate Fever: How Global Warm- To get the lowdown on what the midterm elec- ing Will Transform Our Cities, Shorelines, and For- tions mean for climate change and the 2016 elec- ests,” takes a very close look at how climate dis- tions, FCDC’s National Affairs Committee and ruption will affect Virginia– and what we can do Providence District Democratic Committee co- about it. hosted an evening discussion on November 6 ti- tled, “I’m not a scientist: bad policy and bad poli- Nash points to Maryland as a positive role model. tics.” Our neighbor across the Potomac is “already on its second round of bipartisan initiatives to cut green- The featured speaker was Melissa Harrison of the house gas emissions, adapt to climate change im- Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund pacts, and try to reap the economic benefits of who argued that in spite of the setback from the innovation while doing so.” A number of other midterm elections, the momentum for taking seri- states are also ahead of the curve. ous action to combat climate change is real. The majority of Americans, Harrison notes, recognize Virginia needs to catch up. The science debate is the danger of climate change and want to do long over. (The scientists won.) And the something about it. “controversy” over climate change has been pure- ly political. Now the real question is one that Nash In fact, several Senate seats were won by poses: “What needs to be done to avoid the “running clean” -- including Senator Jeanne Sha- worst impacts of climate disruption?” heen (D-NH), Gary Peters, Democratic Senator- elect for Michigan, and Susan Collins (R-Maine). “Virginia Climate Fever” explains what’s at stake With more pressure from the electorate, global for the Old Dominion. People In the News Congratulations to Rep. (D-VA- the nation including economic growth, jobs, infra- 11) who will serve as a Senior Whip for House structure, immigration reform, and education.” Democrats in the 114th Congress Hunter Mill Chair Resigns; Slate Announced Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer stated, "He is a Martin Taylor, Chair of the Hunter Mill District proven leader among House Democrats and his Democratic Committee, announced his resignation strong grasp of the issues and the legislative pro- effective in January 2015. Recently married, Mar- cess will add to the strength of our Whip team. I tin will be moving to Maryland, where his wife has look forward to working with him in this new a home. role." Michael Fruitman and Marilyn McAlice announced Connolly said, “I am honored to accept this lead- their candidacy for co-chair. Colin Shea announced ership position. I look forward to working with my his candidacy for secretary, vacated by Michael Democratic colleagues to press for action from the Fruitman. The election will be held on January 14. House Majority on many important issues facing

5 The Democrat 5 In Memoriam to Those We Lost in 2014 , The First Woman Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Jean Packard, the first woman Soil and Water District Conser- since the days when it was the to be elected Chairman of the vation Board (WSCB). She “Annandale” Committee, Jean Fairfax County Board of Super- spent several terms both as an was awarded the 11th DDC’s visors and a prime mover in the elected member and also as an award for Outstanding Civic environmental development of appointee to the Board of Di- Achievements in Fairfax County the County for over 60 years, rectors of the Fairfax County in 2007. died at her home in Fairfax on WSCB. The Fairfax County Fed- The Jean R. Packard Occoquan October 21. She was 91. Center at Occoquan Regional In the early 1970s, Fairfax Park was recently named for County was regarded as strictly her to honor her longtime a bedroom-community, devel- efforts to protect the Occoquan opers had few restraints or re- watershed. sponsibilities, when the Board Born Jean Roberts in Cincinnati, of Supervisors had been shaken she attended Ohio State Col- by zoning scandals, Jean and lege before World War II and her fellow activists– Jim Scott, left to join the Women’s Army Herb Harris, Audrey Moore, Joe Corps where she did public out- Alexander, Martha Pennino, reach for female pilots who Alan Magazine, Rufus Phillips ferried aircraft from U.S. manu- among them -- steered a new facturing plants to air bases in course for enlightened devel- Above picture was recently re- England. After the war, she opment. published on insidenova.com. returned to Ohio State for one An ardent advocate for the pro- more year, then went on to tection of natural resources, eration of Civic Association Montana State University, Jean began as a citizen activist honored her as Citizen of the where she graduated with a in the 50s, petitioning for coun- Year in 1985. degree in journalism. Jean ty trash pickup for the Lee For- married Fred Packard in 1951 est Civic Association that she For 24 years she served on the and they moved to Fairfax. chaired. During her time as board of the Northern Virginia Fred, who died in 1981, served president of the Fairfax County Regional Park Authority and as the first director of the Fair- Federation of Civic Associa- was a founding board member fax County and the Northern tions, she went on to help of the Northern Virginia Con- Virginia Regional park authori- thwart the push for rapid over- servation Trust. Jean was also ties. She is survived by her development by slowing down on the National Board for the daughter, Jean, in Fairfax. Sierra Club and was active in sewer service until water treat- “Jean was a true trailblazer to the leadership of the League of ment could safely handle the women leaders in Fairfax Coun- supply. Women Voters, and a longstanding member of the ty,” said Chairman Sharon Bulo- In addition to her role as Chair- Fairfax Committee of 100. A va. “She was a forward- man of the Board of Supervi- member of the Braddock Dis- looking, passionate steward of sors, Jean was the first woman trict Democratic Committee the county’s parks, water and in Virginia to be elected to a natural resources. . .”

6 The Democrat 6 FCDC Sustainers Honor Roll Join FCDC’s Sustainer Thank you to our donors who have made a commitment to support the opera- tion of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee . Society… and make a commitment to Champions support the ongoing operation Burma Bochner. Rick Bochner. Tom Greeson . Donna Rostant . of the Fairfax County Demo- Marie Ridder cratic Committee with month- ly or annual contributions. Winner’s Circle FCDC needs you as a long term sustainer to assure fu- Nancy & Omar Kader . Sue Langley . Victoria and Steve Lee . ture Democratic victories. Nancy & Rex Simmons . Hon. Scott Surovell Take a moment today and Benefactors pledge your financial support. Visit http:// Bill Ackerman . James Ebbitt . Robert Haley . Hon. Gerry Hyland . fairfaxdemocrats.org/wp- Cathleen McCabe. Mary Lou Melley . Jehanne Arsian & Robert Tsien . content/uploads/2012/01/ Bryan Graham Sustainer-Society-Form.pdf and join today. Leadership Circle

Chris Ambrose. Judy & Paul Anderson . Chris Baden-Mayer & Joseph Mayer . Champion Level Sean Barnett . Pris & Al Bornmann . Gregory Brandon . Roy Brooks . $166 per month/ Barbara & Chuck Caputo . Richard Chew . Martin & Janet Fadden . $2,000 per year Nancy & Fariborz Fatemi . Hon. Penny Gross & Hal Gross . Michael Howard . Patricia Jack . George Jones . Nancy & Omar Kader . Herb Kemp . Winners Circle Level Hon. Kaye Kory . Gene & Addy Krizek . William Lahue . Hon. Ilryong Moon . $100 per month/ $1,200 per Hon. Janet Oleszek . Ginny & Rob Peters . Nancy & Edward Rice . year Rachel Rifkind . Ian Rivera . Ken Sharma . Hon. Lins & Nigal Smyth . Benefactor Level Margaret & Howard Soroos . Robert Surovell . Jane Tarrant . Judy Thorne $50 per month/ Friends $600 per year

Carole Appel . George Becerra . Pixie Bell . Alex Blakemore . Leadership Circle Level Frank & Jane Blechman . Andrea Bridgeman . Ellen Cantor . Janet Carver . $25 per month/ George Cook . Meg Copernoll . Karen Craft . Ralph Craft . Sherry Dana . $300 per year Lowell Endahl . Ronald Enlow . Earl Franks . Gabriel Goldberg . Nadja Golding . Friend Level Ken Gubin . Gloria Haher . Elisabeth Holmes . Mary Jablonski . $10 per month/ Morgan Jameson . Richard Joyce . Hon Mark Keam . Alex Kirkland . $120 per year Hon. George Lamb . Bettina Lawton . Keith Lutman . Bruce & Rita Macdonald . Wendy Maiwurm . Bridget Murphy . Kathleen Murphy. Lola Quintela . Robena Reid . Edward Robichaud . Matthew Robinson . Raleigh Romine . (Please note FCDC member- Cherie Root . Alan Salisbury . Shana Singerman . Todd Smyth . Ellen Strauss . ship is not included in sustain- Robert & Valerie Sutter . Allen Taylor . Lynn & Mark Terry . er contribution.) Henry Thomassen . Florence Upson . Janet Vasak . Susie Warner .

Bruce Waxman . Susan Weltz The Democrat 6 7 In Memoriam to Those We Lost in 2014

Paul E. Gagnon Paul Gagnon passed away on No- was appointed as the Lee District ginia Soil and Water Conservation vember 15. He was 60. He served representative to the Fairfax- District (NVSWCD). A Celebra- on the Lee District Association County Commission on Organ tion of Life Drop-In is scheduled Civic Organizations (LDACO) and Tissue Transplantation. His for Sunday, January 11 from 1:00 Board of Directors as 2nd vice wife, Johna Good Gagnon, is the pm – 7:00 pm at the Franconia chair, 1st vice chair and chair. He Lee District appointed repre- Governmental Center Community also served as chair of the Lee sentative to EQAC and is elected Room, 6121 Franconia Road, Al- District Land Use Committee. He as a director to the Northern Vir- exandria, VA 22310.

Warren I. Cikins Warren Cikins died on December from 1975 to 1980. Supervisor in the compromises, he says, that 13. He was 84. A former senior Gerry Hyland, who worked with the work gets done, repeating administrator at the Brookings Cikins stated, “Warren is viewed often a truism he attributes to Institution,Fairfax County WarrenDemocrats Cikins lost was many a as beloved a person hard who-working cares and current who andArkansas former committee Congressman members Brooks in two-term elected member2014. We of pay the tribute works to toward whose consensus.who passed The away will during Hays, the his year. former boss and men- Fairfax County (VA) Board of Su- of the group is going to prevail tor. pervisors, on which he served above his own point of view.” It is Jean Packard Paul Gagnon Gladys Keating Sally Kiefer

Drew Kleibrink Theodora “Teddy” Goodson Marty Farmer Mame Reiley

Mary Cahill Warren Cikins

8 The Democrat 8