Yes, there is life outside of City Council chambers. In the political world, the VA Republicans have selected a Mr. Jackson as our Lt. Gov candidate and Mr. Obenshein as our AG. The candidate for Governor was never an issue. Those of you who thought the Republican party in VA needed to moderate in order to remain viable, well, you're out of luck. Indeed, we appear to have doubled-down on social issues. All 3 are staunch social conservatives and Mr. Jackson has a way of articulating his social stands that make the life of democratic ad maker easy even if his stand on issues is the same as the other two. Mr. Obenshein appears to have introduced a bill requring women to report miscarriages to police. I dont think it's an exceptionally strong ticket.
It's early but none of them is really running *for* anything. I've seen longer "issues" pages for local races than Mr. Cuccinelli's issues page. It's kinda sparse for the Governor's job. The single biggest challenge for all 3 wil be to grasp the concept that there's far more to governance than abortion and "freedom" (well, freedom unless you have lady business – that needs to be watched with a sharp eye – its too dangerous to be left to the owner of said business). Mr. Cuccinelli is starting to turn that corner but, if his issues page is any guide, seems to be struggling a bit – and it isn't going to get easier as the Democrats are not likely to leave those issues alone. If our ticket gets around that bend and starts to execute on a broader agenda, we'll be fine and they might be able to bring a leadership role to Richmond. If not, I don't think it bodes well for useful action in the GA but I'm happy to be wrong.
However, if I'm not wild about the republican nominees, the Democratic nominees are just head scratchers. Democrats have been waiting for this moment for 4 years. Salivating to run against Mr. Social Warrior himself – Ken Cuccinelli – and the best game they can bring is Terry McAuliffe? T-Mac from the Bill Clinton era? If I were a democrat (and at least some number of you out there are convinced I am), I'd be furious. The machine that turned out Obama victories in republican districts two cycles in a row nominates a back bencher from the 90's? A disaster. If the Democrats select Sen. Northram for LG, that race might get interesting. I want republicans to win but I also think it's healthy for our state to have a vigorous, tough election that forces leaderhip positions from the candidates on the sticky issues of the day. We're all better for it and this ain't it.
A complete non-sequiter but what is with the weather? I was wearing long pants and a sweatshirt on Sunday night. I'm about a month behind in my preperations for a couple of cycling events this summer. Pretty sure I'm going to bail on the Diabetes ride – I'm just not where I need to be and I'm sick of riding in the cold. Saturday I did do about 20 miles in the rain but that was it. The garden is still a shambles. We haven't even cleared the tomato cages from last year. Over the winter we had grand designs on building some raised beds and producing a bumper crop of veggies but that's gone by the wayside. We'll be lucky to get some plants in the ground at all. Today it's muggy but not hot…and it's going to rain some more. Maybe I should plant rice? The mosquitos are going to be aweful and the cicada are just getting started…It's going to be a heck of a summer!
May 24, 2013 at 7:32 am
Andy, great assessment of the tickets. This promises to be an election where people will not vote for someone but rather vote against the other guy.
May 28, 2013 at 10:15 am
http://www.osbournathleticboosters.com/
The Osbourn High School Lady Eagles softball team deserves
a big Shout Out for winning the Cedar Run District and in the quarter finals
of the Northwest Region. They Eagles continue their march to the State Title
when they host Halifax on Wed. at 5 PM. Go Eagles!
May 28, 2013 at 7:53 pm
Let me suggest this: Back in the '08 prez election I had breakfast with some Washington operatives from both campaigns. In response to a question I noted at the breakfast that many who were going to vote for Obama loved him; that those who were going to vote for McCain were either simply voting R or were voting against O rather than for McCain.
I see a similar thing happening this time in VA. Although Cooch is a divisive figure he nevertheless has some very strong and true followers; they will be voting for him because they really do believe in him with their hearts. Terry, by contrast, has no "strong" following in my opinion. Those voting for him either dislike Cooch or simply choose to vote D. In other words the passion vote is behind Cooch not TM. The only thing that will push folks to vote for TM is fear of Cooch not love of TM. If Cooch can avoid fanning those flames (and if TM cannot sufficiently fan those flames) then Cooch will win.
May 29, 2013 at 7:02 am
Great piece! Hey, Andy! Here's an idea for being a political pundit in a couple of months: understand the M-MP Democrats have a canditate for the HOD50 Race. As we get closer, maybe write a piece comparing/contrasting incumbant vs. challenger? 🙂
May 31, 2013 at 8:22 am
I think Rich is a very insightful and intelligent guy, who I also believe will be proven correct this November. There is nothing about their ticket that will get their base excited. Additionally, I believe the long, hot, summer of scandals at the Federal level will depress the Democrat base, Engergize the GOP base, and turn Independents off to the "D" brand. At some level, this election will be a referendum on Obama, and right now, Obama's in "Lash yourself to the mast, and let the storm carry you where it will" mode.
June 5, 2013 at 11:53 am
Off-topic: Behind Prince William Hospital and imediately West and adjacent to Rolling Road, it looks like maybe 10-20 acres of woods have been cleared for a construction project. Are these for condos, houses, other? Haven't ready anything about it in the non-newspapers.
June 5, 2013 at 9:07 pm
Rich, welcome to the new Prince William Hospital Parking Lot!!!!!!
June 6, 2013 at 7:58 pm
No sh..! "They paved paradise, put up a parking lot." Well, perhaps not exactly but…. I presume that if a parking lot of that magnitude is being constructed, then there are corresponding plans to expand the hospital. Or am I applying too much logic? I mean, that thing approaches VDOT size.
[Andy-Thanks for allowing the off topic discussion.]
June 7, 2013 at 3:27 pm
I could swear I remember a presentation to Council by hospital personnel regarding the expansion no so long ago but darned if I can find it since Council minutes can't be searched within online. Perhaps call Liz Via-Gossman, I'm sure she would know he plan.
June 7, 2013 at 6:15 pm
From Nov. 2009 Land Use Committee Minutes:
PRESENTATION AND UPDATE ON PRINCE WILLIAM HOSPITAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Ms. Via-Gossman introduced Ms. Cynda Tipple, COO of Prince William Hospital, who presented to the Committee an update on the development plans of the hospital since its merge with Novant Health of North Carolina. The request being asked of the Land Use Committee is a recommendation to Council for a letter of support for the Certificate of Public Need (COPN) for the Prince William Health System's improvements and expansion.
Ms. Tipple reviewed the service areas for the Manassas and Haymarket campuses, outlined improvements that are planned for each location, and stated that an $80 million investment has been made to affect improvements in Manassas over the last few years. Improvements planned for Haymarket include the development of an inpatient facility to complement the Manassas facility.
Following the presentation, Chairperson Way asked if Committee members had questions.
Vice Mayor Harrover asked whether renovations or new construction projects are planned for Manassas. Ms. Tipple stated that there will be a mixture, and stated that there is no current plan for increasing the number of beds. Ms. Tipple stressed the need for the hospital to convert semi-private rooms to private rooms.
Vice Mayor Harrover asked if the City will have representation during the master facility planning process; and Ms. Tipple responded that there is no plan to involve the City at this point.
Councilmember Wolfe asked whether the map showing service areas for the hospital campuses represents current customer trends, market share, or anticipated customer trends. Ms. Tipple responded that the map shows current residential draw for hospital services.
Chairperson Way asked about the number of beds the Manassas campus currently has and approximately how many there will be after the rehab. Ms. Tipple responded that there are currently 153 beds in service and Virginia license allows for 170; however, she cannot give a precise number at this time. Ms. Tipple stated that the hospital system's commitment is to continue to grow and develop the maximum number of beds in the right configuration
Mayor Parrish thanked Ms. Tipple for the information provided and stated that the City wants to continue to cooperate with the hospital system and partner in its growth. Mayor Parrish added that Manassas was a major part of Novant's being here.
Councilmember Bass asked for clarification on whether it is projected that Haymarket will have some services that Manassas does not offer. Ms. Tipple responded that the intent is to have Haymarket be a small community hospital that will provide general care, not necessarily specialty care.
There was further discussion concerning the plans for expansion of the Manassas campus and the projected time frame. Ms. Tipple stated that there are no details at this point and no time frame is available.
Chairperson Way requested that Ms. Tipple provide a copy of her presentation to Ms. Via-Gossman and stated that Council will draft a letter of support from the City with specific reference to the Manassas campus.
June 7, 2013 at 6:20 pm
Here's more on the expansion, from 2011 Washington Business Journal:
http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/print-edition/2011/06/24/prince-william-health-charts-97m.html?page=all
June 7, 2013 at 9:12 pm
There was a more current update on Novant Prince William Campus (the now correct phrase for it) given to the LUC on May 23rd. They are in the process of overhauling their Master Plan which includes the new Parking Lot. The Lot will have lighting and a shuttle bus and mainly be employee parking at this point so more patients/visitors can park closer to the buildings.
They are also still moving forward with the plan to convert to single-patient rooms with about 130 total beds on the Campus…and some of those beds are already in the Counseling Center and Maternity. Once the Parking Lot is done, that will give them room to start working on the front facade of the main building. Their goal is modernize the look, and also create "neighborhoods" within the building such a Heart & Vascular, Maternity, etc. Also will create two corridors: the ones the patients are transported on, and a consolidated public one for the waiting areas, gift shop, and new cafeteria….seperate them mainly to protect privacy of those who are inpatients.
Some of the alignment of programs will start occuring after the Haymarket Campus is completed with the new 60-bed hospital in January 2014. Meanwhile, back on the Prince William Campus, they are looking at possibly replacing the existing tower with the patient rooms & ICU. For years they have talked about building a new ICU on top of the new OR since the OR was built with that in mind. PW Campus will remain though as their Cardiac Services & Orthopedic Centers.
June 8, 2013 at 8:12 pm
Very informative (as usual) Ray. Thank you.
June 9, 2013 at 10:02 am
Rich, the funny thing about Novant PW Campus is this: they talk about all they want to do, and yet try to be vague on some of the details. I had to laugh all through the battle of when the Sudley Road/Hosptial Sector Plan was being fought, that wha the hospital kept dancing around was already known by some as far back as 2000.
Years ago, when you entered the main lobby, over to the right by the Gift Shop was a model of the "Future Prince William". It showed the present Maternity Wing, the present ER and OR, replacement of the tower, and even a parking deck. After awhile, the model was removed and in one of the hallways, was the artist interpretation of what the "new" hospital would look like….and also the design plans (sort of like what Community Development does on the 2nd Floor of City Hall with plans).
I mentioned that more than once to various people – to include Hospital Execs – through the Comp Plan Section meetings, and either got blank looks or just smiles like I had spanked them for not knowing. What the City needs to do is ensure the next City member of the Board of Trustees holds Novant to the fire in sharing of information, and then also that member make regular reports to the Council at meetings where it can be seen by the public.
June 12, 2013 at 9:32 am
June 12,1992
Virginia Railway Express (Manassas Line)
Inaugural Ceremony and Train Ride
Happy Birthday VRE!