OPINION: Thanks, League of Women Voters!

Many thanks to the Falls Church League of Women Voters for bringing to residents’ attention changes planned to the City Center by the project’s developer.  City Center is a big deal for Falls Church — the largest development in the city in years.  Residents should be aware of changes and have an opportunity to understand them.  Clear explanations of the changes should be made widely available, and major alterations should reopen the special exception process by which the project was approved.  Kudos to LOWV for staying on top of this important issue.

Dems Sweep AND FC Wins Turnout Challenge

It was an historic election as Barack Obama became the first black president of the US as well as the first president born outside the continental US, the first to be too young to have attended Woodstock, and the first to have a last name ending in a (non-silent) vowel (learn more from the Reliable Source).

However, Obama trailed fellow Democrat Mark Warner and only edged Jim Moran as Dems swept the race for Falls Church.  Obama received 70% of the Falls Church City vote while Warner claimed 75%, and Moran 68%.

And there is a bust of Thomas Jefferson headed to Falls Church City as city officials in Charlottesville conceded they had lost their somewhat rash voter turnout challenge.  Falls Church recorded 82% of active voters voting, exceeding Charlottesville’s still respectable 69%.

League of Women Voters: Pump Up Your Voting Skills

Have you been reading news stories about the long lines that are expected at the polls? Tell your family, friends, and neighbors they can make the Nov. 4 election day more efficient by pumping up their skills on Falls Church City’s eSlate voting machine.  Our League is sponsoring hands-on demonstrations with a mock slate of candidates that include Abraham Lincoln and Betsy Ross. You can stop by to try out eSlate:

- Wednesday, October 8, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Mary Riley Styles Library

- Tuesday, October 14, 10-2 p.m., Community Center

- Thursday, October 16, 3-7 p.m., Mary Riley Styles Library

- Monday, October 20, 3-7 p.m., Community Center

For a virtual experience on eSlate, check out the front page of the city’s web site: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/.  You can also take eSlate for a spin at the city’s Office of the Registrar of Voters (300 Park Ave.) during weekday business hours, and on Saturdays, October 25 and Nov. 1, when the Registrar’s office will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

October Membership Drive

Get the latest scoop on what’s happening with the City and the Schools.   An informational forum is scheduled for Thursday, October 16th at 7:30 PM at the Broadway Condominium.    Wyatt Shields, City Manager and Hunter Kimble, Asst. Supt. for Finance and Operations will speak and be available for questions.  This is a wonderful opportunity to get first hand information.

The Broadway is located on West Broad Street, between Lee Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Enter at the front door on Lee Street. Enter Code 100 to gain entry to the building. The Club Room is off the lobby to the left. Parking is available on the street, or in the parking lot behind 703 Park Avenue, courtesy of Dr. Michael Silveus. (Enter off of Park Avenue or Lee Street.)

We encourage members to attend and to bring non-members to the event.  Refreshments will be provided.

For additional information on the League of Women Voters of Falls Church, visit www.lwvfallschurch.org.