12 Candidates: Say Yes to 8 and Let the Other Ones Ride

May 2, 2010

Did you ever have to make up your mind?
Pick up on [some] and leave the other one[s] behind.
It’s not often easy, and not often kind,
Did you ever have to make up your mind?

Then you bet you better finally decide,
Say yes to [some] and let the other one[s] ride.
There’s so many changes, and tears you must hide,
Did you ever have to finally decide?
– The Lovin’ Spoonful

It’s almost time — if you’re a City voter you have to finally decide which four of eight City Council candidates to vote for on Tuesday, May 4.

There has not been a race like this within recent memory. With so many candidates working so hard to win your vote, it’s only right that as many people as possible go to the polls and that they be informed.

Also pictured at bottom left are the four candidates running for School Board. No problem deciding that race, since there are four seats to fill.

On the City Council side, while there are no easy choices, there is a wealth of information available on the web. We suggest your research include the following: Read more

GMHS Music Department Earns Blue Ribbon Award

May 2, 2010

Congratulations to the George Mason High School Music Department on receiving The Blue Ribbon Award from the Virginia Music Educators Association. The purpose of the award is to recognize schools throughout the Commonwealth who have superior performing ensembles. (Superior performances as evidenced by district assessment ratings from each of their performing ensembles.)

This year, the chorus, concert, percussion and symphonic bands all received straight superior ratings from four judges at competition. The Blue Ribbon Award signifies the attainment and implementation of the highest ideals of music education.

Finance Guru Discusses Concerns for Falls Church

May 2, 2010

The Falls Church Times recently posed questions to Richard Sommerfeld, chairman of Falls Church City’s Long-Range Financial Planning Working Group (LRFPWG), regarding his views on financial issues important to the City.   In the interview, Sommerfeld notes his concerns over the City’s financial situation and the action the City should take to address that situation.  Our conversation with him appears below.

FCT:  Why was the Working Group created, and what is its mandate?

Sommerfeld:  The Working Group was established by the City Council in October 2009 to work with the CFO in developing forecasts of long-range revenue and expenditure requirements, as well as analytical tools and reports.  We are there to analyze the potential ramifications of revenue and expenditure policies and budgets on the City’s financial condition.  Our analysis and recommendations within the context of capital spending options and whatever those implications may be. Read more