Please save all of Virginias history, by leaving our monuments intact and historic memorabilia on display. The Commonwealths history should not offend anyone who takes the time to understand it and respect the changes that occurred. For instance Virginias State park history, the Commonwealth’s Roadways or the quaint country town with the history of its namesake and deep rooted genealogy of the people who lived there. The Monuments are no different, they speak of times gone by, appreciated by some, disliked by others. Maybe they are a symbol that change is needed and to remind us to do so, whatever the cause, our history brought us to this day in time. We need to respect each other’s heritage and appreciate how each native Virginian helped to shape all of us. Respectfully, Alan Crawford

I write in asking for your support of HB339, a charter amendment to allow the residents of the City of Falls Church to serve on our Boards and Commissions. I am also the Chair of the City Council's Appointments Committee where I have the privilege of interviewing interested residents who apply to serve on over 20 boards in the city. Each month when we interview residents, I am so impressed by the passion and skills of interested residents who are ready and willing to give back to their community and continue improving Falls Church as a great place to live. Removing the citizenship requirement is a small but meaningful policy change that would create greater opportunity for a wider pool of talent, voices, and perspectives to join our city's boards and commissions - which ultimately ensures that diversity is reflected in our city's policies and we better serve everyone in our community. Best regards, Letty Hardi Vice Mayor, City of Falls Church

City of Falls Church is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in all our policies and programs. This includes participation in the citizen boards and commissions. To achieve this goal an amendment to the City's Charter, Section 4.14 is required. Council approved, by unanimous vote, a resolution requesting this amendment. The City respectfully requests the CC&T Committee report out this amendment. We appreciate the positive consideration by the CC&T Charter subcommittee. To meet the status of “qualified voter” set in the City Charter, board and commission members are not required to be registered to vote, but must meet the requirements to do so. In particular, they must be a citizen of the United States. There are many citizens in the community who are affected by the decisions of the City’s advisory boards and commissions (i.e. transportation, environment, housing, human services, urban forestry and arts) and there is consensus among the community that those persons should be able to participate equally in the commission system. Due to our proximity to Washington DC federal government agencies, universities and international businesses many residents are state department employees and military personnel as well as targeted business employees and graduate students in the US on VISAs but do not change primary permanent residence to the City. Therefore, these residents do not have City of Falls Church voter qualifications but have invaluable knowledge and expertise to impart. The proposed language would remove “qualified voter of the city,” while retaining 18-years of age and residency within the city. If you have questions please contact Cindy Mester at cmester@fallschurchva.gov or 571-641-5586 (711 TTY)

I am writing in support of the bill to allow Falls Church City to change its charter to allow non-citizens to serve on the boards and commissions that provide critical input to the City Council on a range of issues. Our jurisdiction will benefit from the views of all residents, including those who are not citizens. I respectfully ask that you support this bill.

I was member of the Falls Church Housing Commission from 2019-2021. We had multiple times during my time on the commission when we as a commission wanted to welcome a non-citizen Falls Church resident onto the commission but were prevented from doing so by this commonwealth-wide red-tape. Democracy is about everyone having a voice in the forces that govern their lives. The activities of local governments govern the lives of all residents no matter their federal citizen status. To have local democracy, we need to be able to welcome non-citizens to the venues where such local decisions are made. There is no need for a centralized entity in Richmond to meddle with such an intimate local question as who we, as residents of our city, get to have on our own local committees. Please support HB339.

I write as a resident of the City of Falls Church about the City's proposed amendment to its charter to increase the diversity of views on the city's advisory boards and commissions. My name is Curtis Schaeffer, and I am a long time resident of Falls Church City. My career in international humanitarian work has taken me all over the globe and given me an appreciation for the importance of a diverse and dynamic community that comes from people of all types of backgrounds, nationalities and racial and ethnic groups. This is something that Fall Church City could certainly benefit from. I understand that the subcommittee is about to consider House Bill 339, sponsored by Delegate Marcus Simon, tomorrow, and that if passed this bill will permit the City to amend its charter to eliminate the citizenship requirement for its advisory boards and commissions. There are many non-citizens in the community whose voices would help our advisory boards and commissions better advise local government. We would maintain a residence requirement - but by taking this step would increase the likelihood that the views of recent immigrants and refugees are considered, as part of our local political process. I respectfully request that the subcommittee approve Delegate Simon's proposed amendment. This is an important measure for Falls Church City and indeed the entire area. It sets a precedent that will have long term impact. Thank you for your consideration.

As a second generation American of Afghan descent, and the Chairman of the Falls Church Housing Commission, I feel it should be the right of every individual - resident, citizen and "non-citizen" alike - to shape their community by serving on a commission or board. This is why I ask that the City of Falls Church be able to amend their charter to remove the citizenship requirement for participation on boards and commissions. These are individuals and families who live within the limits of their City, who may work there, and who have kids that attend the local school. They may coach youth sports alongside the parents of their children's friends, shop at the local farmer's market together with their neighbors, and pay taxes just the same as they do. So, why not allow them the most selfless, patriotic, and American of all opportunities, to serve their community, and to publicly represent and take heed in the common interest of their neighbors. It is my belief that anyone that desires to participate on a commission or board, rather than take advantage of an abundance of communal affluence and other's passion for civic duty, should be able to do so - if elected or appointed - without obstruction. I thank you for your consideration on this matter, and urge that you allow the City of Falls Church to amend their charter to remove the citizenship requirement for participation on boards and commissions. -Joshua Shokoor, Chairman of the Falls Church Housing Commission

Good evening, I write as a resident of the City of Falls Church about the City's proposed amendment to its charter to increase the diversity of views on the city's advisory boards and commissions. My family and I believe that nobody in our community should be excluded from serving based on citizenship. Our community prides itself on welcoming diversity and being inclusive and this would be in line with those values. I understand that the subcommittee is about to consider House Bill 339, sponsored by Delegate Marcus Simon, tomorrow, and that if passed this bill will permit the City to amend its charter to eliminate the citizenship requirement for its advisory boards and commissions. There are many non-citizens in the community whose voices would help our advisory boards and commissions better advise local government. We would maintain a residence requirement - but by taking this step would increase the likelihood that the views of recent immigrants and refugees are considered, as part of our local political process. I respectfully request that the subcommittee approve Delegate Simon's proposed amendment. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Laura Brooks

Dear members of the Subcommittee on Counties, Cities and Towns: I am a resident of the City of Falls Church, writing in support of House Bill 339 sponsored by Delegate Marcus Simon. My husband and I moved to Falls Church in 1994 and have both been active members of the various civic, educational and religious organizations during our time here. One of the things we value most about living in the greater DC area is the diversity of its population. However, as we all know, it’s easy to support diversity in theory, but it’s more difficult-and more important-to support it in policy and deed. That’s why we support HB 339. It presents us with one of those rare opportunities to put words into action. By passing HB 339, we will show Falls Church City residents from all backgrounds, whether citizen or non-citizen, that we value their opinion and want to give them a voice in decision-making that affects their everyday life as much as ours. In addition, their voices will enrich our lives as well, providing us with increased diversity of thought in city deliberations. Please help us live into our values by voting in favor of Delegate Simon’s HB 339. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Hannah Jordan

Distinguished members of the subcommittee: I ask your favorable consideration of HB339, an amendment to the Falls Church City Charter that will expand the opportunity for those living in our community to serve on the City’s boards and commissions, which are advisory to City Council. This Charter change would, in particular, open our boards and commissions to those in the military and the diplomatic service who are living in the City and working at the Pentagon, State, etc. and retain permanent voting residence elsewhere in the United States. These individuals, as well as non-citizen residents, are important contributors to the civic and economic life of our City, and we would like to consider them for board and commission appointments. While I am speaking here for myself, I note that I joined in the unanimous vote of City Council to request this Charter change. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Best regards, Phil Duncan Member, Falls Church City Council

I am a resident of the City of Falls Church, writing in support of HB 339. Honestly one of the things I love best about my town is the international community. People from all over the world live here and contribute meaningfully to our city: volunteering in our schools and civic organizations, donating to our non-profits, and just being lovely friends and neighbors. People who are from other countries bring a wealth of new ideas and perspectives to Falls Church. We are really missing out by being barred from appointing them to our advisory boards and commissions. Thank you for your consideration, Jess Sabo

I write as a resident of the City of Falls Church about the City's proposed amendment to its charter to increase the diversity of views on the city's advisory boards and commissions. My name is Robert Cavanaugh and I live at 226 Midvale Street, Falls Church, VA 22046 with my wife and daughter. I understand that the subcommittee is about to consider House Bill 339, sponsored by Delegate Marcus Simon, tomorrow, and that if passed this bill will permit the City to amend its charter to eliminate the citizenship requirement for its advisory boards and commissions. There are many non-citizens in the community whose voices would help our advisory boards and commissions better advise local government. We would maintain a residence requirement - but by taking this step would increase the likelihood that the views of recent immigrants and refugees are considered, as part of our local political process. I respectfully request that the subcommittee approve Delegate Simon's proposed amendment. I feel this is an important step for the city to take a leading role in paving the way to enable all to participate , despite their country of citizenship. Thank you for your consideration. Robert Cavanaugh 703-973-2157 RobertJamesCavanaugh@gmail.com

I am writing as a resident of the City of Falls Church about the City's proposed amendment to its charter to increase the diversity of views on its advisory boards and commissions. My name is Bikram Ghosh and I live in Falls Church City community in Northern Virginia for the past 4 years. My wife and I came to this country 18 years ago as students and have been productive members of society. I understand that the subcommittee is about to consider House Bill 339, sponsored by Delegate Marcus Simon, tomorrow, and that if passed this bill will permit the City of Falls Church to amend its charter to eliminate the citizenship requirement for its advisory boards and commissions. There are many non-citizens like my wife and I in the community whose voices would help our advisory boards and commissions better advise local government. The City would maintain a residence requirement - but removing the citizenship requirement would increase the likelihood that the views of immigrants and refugees are heard and considered as part of our local political process. It is also a way for people like us to utilize our talents and time to serve our community. I respectfully request that the subcommittee approve Delegate Simon's proposed amendment. Thank you for your consideration.

I’m writing in support of HB 339. All residents of our community are impacted by local government decisions and pay taxes to support that government regardless of their citizenship. Allowing non-citizen community members to serve on boards is a way to help ensure that local government serves all community members.

I write as a resident of the City of Falls Church about the City's proposed amendment to its charter to increase the diversity of views on the city's advisory boards and commissions. I, like many am a daughter of immigrants and to think that their lack of citizenship prohibited them from participating on advisory boards and commissions that serve the purpose to help their community, is shortsighted by those creating the rules. I am grateful Del. Simon is seeking to ensure we have proper representation on advisory boards and commissions of those served and most directly impacted by the actions of those advisory boards and commissions. I understand that the subcommittee is about to consider House Bill 339, sponsored by Delegate Marcus Simon, tomorrow, and that if passed this bill will permit the City to amend its charter to eliminate the citizenship requirement for its advisory boards and commissions. There are many non-citizens in the community whose voices would help our advisory boards and commissions better advise local government. We would maintain a residence requirement - but by taking this step would increase the likelihood that the views of recent immigrants and refugees are considered, as part of our local political process. I respectfully request that the subcommittee approve Delegate Simon's proposed amendment. As a country of immigrants, we stood on their knowledge and this step will allow us to ensure we never silence a minority that brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to improve our communities. Thank you for your consideration.

I am a nearly ten-year resident of Falls Church City and am contacting you tonight about House Bill 339, sponsored by Delegate Marcus Simon. It is my understanding that, if passed, the bill would permit the City to amend its charter to eliminate the citizenship requirement for its advisory boards and commissions. I support this wholeheartedly and urge you to pass it. I am a university professor, the mother of two elementary-aged children and the proud daughter of immigrants. Listening to the voices of non-citizens, and those just as directly impacted by government decisions as the rest of us, is both humane and sensible. They are our neighbors and friends. They are a key part of the City’s community, economy and social framework. Their children play with our children. And they deserve to have input. Please eliminate the citizenship requirement for advisory boards and commissions. To do otherwise suggests that their voices are irrelevant and that they have no part to play in our local political process. I respectfully request that the subcommittee approve Delegate Simon’s proposed amendment. One of our City’s strengths is its diversity. Please help ensure that all voices are heard. Thank you for your consideration. Courtney Brkic Newbold

I write as a resident of the City of Falls Church about the City's proposed amendment to its charter to increase the diversity of views on the city's advisory boards and commissions. My name is Kristina Edqvist and I have three boys that attend schools in Falls Church City. I am Swedish and NOT an American citizen and I think it's very important and valuable to have as many different voices as you can to make the right decisions for your community. I understand that the subcommittee is about to consider House Bill 339, sponsored by Delegate Marcus Simon, tomorrow, and that if passed this bill will permit the City to amend its charter to eliminate the citizenship requirement for its advisory boards and commissions. There are many non-citizens in the community whose voices would help our advisory boards and commissions better advise local government. We would maintain a residence requirement - but by taking this step would increase the likelihood that the views of recent immigrants and refugees are considered, as part of our local political process. I respectfully request that the subcommittee approve Delegate Simon's proposed amendment. Thank you for your consideration.

I am writing as a resident of the City of Falls Church about the City's proposed amendment to its charter to increase the diversity of views on its advisory boards and commissions. My name is Swati Ghosh and I have been an active member of the Falls Church City community in Northern Virginia for the past 4 years. My husband and I came to this country 18 years ago as students from India and have been productive members of society. I understand that the subcommittee is about to consider House Bill 339, sponsored by Delegate Marcus Simon, tomorrow, and that if passed this bill will permit the City of Falls Church to amend its charter to eliminate the citizenship requirement for its advisory boards and commissions. There are many non-citizens like my husband and I in the community whose voices would help our advisory boards and commissions better advise local government. The City would maintain a residence requirement - but removing the citizenship requirement would increase the likelihood that the views of immigrants and refugees are heard and considered as part of our local political process. It is also a way for people like us to utilize our talents and time to serve our community. I respectfully request that the subcommittee approve Delegate Simon's proposed amendment. Thank you for your consideration.

I am writing to support HB339, which would offer ALL residents of Falls Church City the opportunity to volunteer on our citizen boards and commissions. Falls Church City is home to people from many backgrounds and nationalities and these different perspectives invigorate our public debates. We also have many State Department and military families as neighbors, some of whom keep their residency in other states. These residents should be allowed to contribute to their community by serving on our boards and commissions while they make their home in Falls Church. Many have expertise that is valuable for our City Council members making major decisions for our community. They should not be prevented from serving just because they vote in a different jurisdiction. Please support HB339. Thank you.

I support allowing residents to serve on boards and commissions. Every member of our community should have the opportunity - and the duty - to contribute to the good of our community, and every member should be represented on boards and commission, regardless of citizenship. Thank you.

I write as a resident of the City of Falls Church about the City's proposed amendment to its charter to increase the diversity of views on the city's advisory boards and commissions. I understand that the subcommittee is about to consider House Bill 339, sponsored by Delegate Marcus Simon, tomorrow, and that if passed this bill will permit the City to amend its charter to eliminate the citizenship requirement for its advisory boards and commissions. There are many non-citizens in the community whose voices would help our advisory boards and commissions better advise local government. We would maintain a residence requirement - but by taking this step would increase the likelihood that the views of recent immigrants and refugees are considered, as part of our local political process. I respectfully request that the subcommittee approve Delegate Simon's proposed amendment. Thank you for your consideration. Christina Zaveri

I have been a resident of the City of Falls Church for 17 years. I am a co-founder of Welcoming Falls Church, an organization whose goal is to encourage the community to be more welcoming to immigrants and refugees; and I serve as the Chair of the Falls Church City Public Schools ESOL Advisory Committee, a committee that advises the School Board in support of the City's ESOL students and families. I write today about the City's proposed amendment to its charter to increase the diversity of views on the city's advisory boards and commissions. I understand that your subcommittee is about to consider House Bill 339, sponsored by Delegate Marcus Simon, and that if passed this bill will permit the City to amend its charter to eliminate the citizenship requirement for its advisory boards and commissions. It strikes me that the City's ESOL Advisory Committee is a great example of why this move is a good ideas. Imagine how much better we would be able to advise the School Board, if we could have one or more non-citizen members, whose children are enrolled in ESOL classes. There are many non-citizens in the community whose voices would help our advisory boards and commissions better advise local government. This would maintain a residence requirement - but by taking this step the views of recent immigrants and refugees would be better considered, as part of our local political process. Regardless of how you feel about immigration policy - which can be complex and contentious - at the local level, there is little question that local bodies like the City Council and the School board would make better policy, if they could have better access to the views of people who are already resident in the community. I respectfully request that the subcommittee approve Delegate Simon's proposed amendment. Thank you for your consideration of my written comment.

As a resident of Falls Church City, Virginia, I urge you to allow all residents, whether United States citizens or not, to serve on local boards and commissions. Our community is served best when all members of the community are able to participate in local governance. The important and unique perspectives different residents bring helps make our community more inclusive for all who live here. Thank you.

I write as a resident of the City of Falls Church about the City's proposed amendment to its charter to increase the diversity of views on the city's advisory boards and commissions. We have lived in FCC for 10 years, and one of the draws to moving here was living in a small city so close to DC that has a strong sense of community, both in the city and in the schools. I understand that the subcommittee is about to consider House Bill 339, sponsored by Delegate Marcus Simon, tomorrow, and that if passed this bill will permit the City to amend its charter to eliminate the citizenship requirement for its advisory boards and commissions. There are many non-citizens in the community whose voices would help our advisory boards and commissions better advise local government. We would maintain a residence requirement - but by taking this step would increase the likelihood that the views of recent immigrants and refugees are considered, as part of our local political process. I respectfully request that the subcommittee approve Delegate Simon's proposed amendment. It is important that all voices and different perspectives be heard. Thank you for your consideration. Erin and Christopher Korves

I support HR 339. Citizenship should not be required to serve your local community not does it have any bearing on ones ability to faithfully carry out .such duties. We need capable individuals willing to serve on our city boards and commissions now more than ever . We do ourselves a major disservice to limit the pool of qualified candidates able to serve and contribute merely based on their citizenship. Many of these individuals have been our neighbors and friends and we should welcome their contributions

Support having more engagement from non citizens so they can contribute to their communities in this non voting manner

An amendment to the City Charter by the Virginia General Assembly is needed to allow broader membership on boards and commissions in the City of Falls Church. The City of Falls Church will benefit if a broader array of people living in our town are able to participate in the citizen boards and commissions that provide critical input to City Council on key local decisions. Many non-citizens live in our town, have valuable input, and are affected by the policies considered by the various boards and commissions. To include them and achieve greater and more diverse citizen input, we must amend the City's Charter, Section 4.14. I recommend that the House of Delegates approve this amendment to enable Falls Church City to make this decision for our own locality.

Dear Virginia General Assembly members, I write today to give written testimony in favor of HB339. Civic engagement is an important aspect of participating in American democracy. In addition, all residents of the US should support their communities, even if they are not American citizens. I urge you to pass HB339 as a way to assimilate our newest residents, exemplify democratic values to all immigrants, and ensure diverse voices and perspectives help inform local politics and political decisions. As the child of an immigrant, I distinctly remember feeling embarrassed when I learned my father wasn't able to vote. He eventually became a US citizen and a regular voter. I welcome the opportunity for people like my father to engage in civic society as a step on their path to becoming Americans. Sincerely, Allison Hyra

Comments Document

City of Falls Church is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in all our policies and programs. This includes participation in the citizen boards and commissions. To achieve this goal an amendment to the City's Charter, Section 4.14 is required. The City respectfully requests this sub-committee and subsequently the full CC&T Committee as well as the House of Delegate approve this amendment. To meet the status of “qualified voter” set in the City Charter, board and commission members are not required to be registered to vote, but must meet the requirements to do so. In particular, they must be a citizen of the United States. There are many non-citizens in the community who are affected by the decisions of the City’s advisory boards and commissions and there is consensus among many staff and board and commission members that those persons should be able to participate equally in the commission system. To allow membership on boards and commissions to be more inclusive of the city population, an amendment to the City Charter by the Virginia General Assembly is required. The proposed language would remove “qualified voter of the city,” while the residency within the city is retained. City Council Resolution endorsing this Charter Amendment is attached. If you have questions please contact Cindy Mester at cmester@fallschurchva.gov or 571-641-5586

Thank you for opportunity to speak against HB904. I’m Steve Trivett, a resident of Ashland VA. I live six hours from Pound. Why do I care? Because, I’m 10 years into serving on Ashland’s Town Council and in my 2nd term as Mayor. I’m also in my 2nd term as VML’s Town Section Chair and of course, a citizen of a Town, so towns matter to me and I hope towns also matter to you. Pound has elected their own local officials for about 80 years- they value their Town. Even with well-intention elected official’s best efforts hampered by Council peer discord and dysfunction, they all still value their town. True that poor management by past Pound leaders have compounded today’s challenges and that is indeed not fair to the citizens of Pound. But, repealing their Charter negates Pound’s future on account of past errors and that is also not fair to the citizens and businesses of Pound. Del. Kilgore has shared about news accounts of their floundering, but just as they are starting to get a grip on a lifeline, HB904 would drown Pound right out of existence. This bill purports to give Pound a year. Indeed, Chief Patron, Del. Kilgore, characterizes it a wake-up call to the Town. Well then, message received, so give Pound a year to fix what’s wrong without this duress. Del. Pillion, Pound’s Delegate, can monitor their progress this next year. If it's failure instead, he can take up Pound’s demise in 2023. But for now, there’s a better way to assist Pound. I’ve been talking to some of Pound’s past and current leaders and following their challenges for a couple of years. There’s plenty of determination in Pound to carry out a ‘re-set’ for accountability and positive performance for Council, Mayor, and citizens alike. Numerous ‘friends of Pound’ such as myself, will be offering our support to their task as well. Please allow a chance to accomplish their re-set! Another serious impact of HB904- this bill raises serious concerns about protections and connections within relationship between each Town and County all over Virginia as it very much favors a County by dooming a Town.

hb904 Repeal This a continuation from my previous comments: 9). Mayor Carson has made the comment numerous times she is very well competent of being the Mayor of Pound, Va. She was a Military Mayor, Ms. Carson was never in the Military, she was a military spouse. Each housing area has it a Mayor of their own. The definition of a Military Mayor is as follows;The Mayor is a Liaison from housing to the the Commanding General of the post to ensure the Soldiers housing is order upon deployment and redeployment. She also would plan functions for the Soldiers. Sounds to me like she was just a planner! 10.) She has said numerous times that she has volunteered her time to make the Town Hall a presentable place for the community and not getting paid a penny for anything. Well the Town of Pound put her on the payroll making $300.00 per week, whether she was present or not. She resigned at her own will when she lost a FOIA request to attorney Tim McAfee. She was taken to court. How can she be a professional and make decisions for the Town of Pound when she couldn't answer a request? 11.) Ms. Carson fraternizes with the female community service worker in the town. The worker has made the comment around the citizens that the Mayor sure is good to her, she buys her lunch everyday. 12.) A keyless entry was placed at the Town Hall from door, The locksmith that was called didn't have the correct tools to fix the door, said he would have to come back a week later to repair it. Chief Wilcox, said we the have someone that can repair it. He called an ex-council member that is not a locksmith is a gunsmith by trade. So how could this individual by qualified to install the lock? The citizens found this out in the December 2021 meeting. 13.) They have been gofundme accounts set up to assist the Mayor with her personal law suit against the citizens petition trying to remove her from office. The fund was for her personal gain. Another gofundme account was set up when the 10 residents took the Town of Pound to court over an illegal appointment in September. The gofundme accounts was set up by the same individual. 14.) Donations were solicited for the Town of Pound Christmas parade in 2020, I do wonder if any receipts were kept specifying where the money went, if the citizens and business were given receipts? If not, how was that money spent and where? 15.) Ms. Carson also reported in a town council meeting that she has 2 individuals assist her in sending out Town of Pound water bills? So those individuals volunteered their time and had access to the account numbers and personal information for the citizens at the request of Mayor Stacey Carson.16.) During Public expression, individuals are allowed to speak in support of the Mayor that doesn't even live in corporation, and they are making decisions that our tax money is spent for. They should have no say so in how he Town is operated. Very seldom you may have a tax paying citizens speak. 17.) The Mayor has sabotaged prior and prior council members, employees, Police Department, public works and Attorneys to benefit herself and her ways. The town is not getting any better. You as our lawmakers were voted on by the citizens of the Commonwealth to help citizens. Support the Wise County Board of Supervisors. The Town of Pound isn't getting any better, I am asking each of to please reconsider hb904, and vote to repeal the Town of Pound Charter on July 01, 2023.

Dignitaries, Legislatures and Elected Officials: I am contacting you today in hopes that you will pass hb904 and repeal the Town of Pound before July 01, 2023. I have listed information that you may be unaware of. 1.) Mayor Stacey Carson has no regard to Virginia Law, She currently drives a black hummer with illegal tint and expired Virginia tags effective Sept. 21. 2.) Sending out checks the bank will not honor. 3.) Shut down Town of Pound Government during the peak of tax season. I received my Real Estate Taxes in October 2021. The due date to have them paid was November 30, 2021. I made several trips to the Town Hall they were a sign on the door, Town Hall offices closed per Mayor Stacey Carson. Her cell phone number was listed by she didn't answer it. I have yet to receive my personal property taxes. 4.) What exactly is my Tax Money going for. We have no Water, Sewer or Police protection. The Chief of Police has stated in my meetings, that he was not hired to Patrol, he as hired only to organize the evidence room and that is all he is going to do. He hired Cindy Mullins as his secretary and later gave her the position of Crime Prevention Officer. Exactly what does a Crime Prevention Officer do, she has never been sworn in, she has never went to the school or a business and give them tips on crime prevention. She hasn't implemented "The McGruff" program in the town per Code of Virginia Cha. 868 9-173.17. They are no way even to reach the Police Department, we have to call Wise County Sherriff's Department for assistance of needed. It has taken since July 2021 to organize an evidence room by 2 people. They are not at the Town Hall so you can speak to them,. Sounds like someone is wasting Town Funds. 5.) Ms. Carson is continuously down grading or emergency services in the town. I hope and pray our Emergency Services ie Fire and Rescue continues to give the Town of Pound the excellent services that provide the town even with her down grading the departments. 6.) Miss Carson has placed and continues to place individuals and guests in a hostile environment at council meetings by yelling, screaming, and since July 2020, she has continues to talk bout her being abused. The town has business to conduct and don't need to hear about her personal life. 7.) An ex-council member reported in the December Meeting that he had visited business in Town of Pound and they had written letters to Mayor Carson that they were refusing to pay their taxes until an Audit is completed and they would like to see the results. That seems to me as individuals in the business are refusing to pay taxes. I guess the citizens question is who gave him the authority to do that, or did he take it upon himself? Seems to me that the business owners feels like the citizens, what are they getting for their money? 8.) This town is a disgrace to live in, It is nasty, as an handicap individual you can't even walk on the sidewalk for the uneven concrete, the doors aren't even wide enough to access a wheel chair. The laughing stock of Wise County, Southwest Virginia and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Town of Pound is in newspapers, state and local of the events that are taking place. Just pick up a newspaper and you can read it, how embarrassing is that?

Comments Document

Honorable Delegates, I respectfully ask that you oppose HB 904, repealing Town of Pound’s charter.

Please save all of Virginias history, by leaving our monuments intact and historic memorabilia on display. The Commonwealths history should not offend anyone who takes the time to understand it and respect the changes that occurred. For instance Virginias State park history, the Commonwealth’s Roadways or the quaint country town with the history of its namesake and deep rooted genealogy of the people who lived there. The Monuments are no different, they speak of times gone by, appreciated by some, disliked by others. Maybe they are a symbol that change is needed and to remind us to do so, whatever the cause, our history brought us to this day in time. We need to respect each other’s heritage and appreciate how each native Virginian helped to shape all of us. Respectfully, Alan Crawford

I am writing to respectfully ask that you not support HB904. The town has been besieged with many problems over the last few years. Most of these can be attributed to a few people that have served in the town council that turned a blind eye to mounting issues. There are many people in the town that have and are currently trying to turn the situation around. It will be a monumental task. This is a situation that will have to be monitored closely but, I believe it can be accomplished without the drastic measure of rescinding the town's charter. Thank you.

My name is Tony Quintana, and I am in the Lovettsville Town Council. I fully support HB 1028 as a measure to update The Lovettsville Town Charter. Much dialogue has been held and disagreements documented. In all, the final product submitted to your assembly for approval is one generated after much debate and consideration. While it does not please all the electorate, it collects a compromise that will permit The Town of Lovettsville to operate more effectively its governmental function. I strongly encourage your vote in favor of this important and needed piece of legislation. Thank you, Councilmember Tony Quintana The Town of Lovettsville, VA.

I am a Lovettsville Town Councilwoman and I would like to ask for your support on HB1028, the Town of Lovettsville Charter revisions. We worked for almost an entire year with many discussions and revisions to come to the final product we have presented to you. Town residents had numerous opportunities to contribute to these revisions and many did so. I feel that the revisions submitted represent the wishes of our town. Thank you for your support.

Like my wife has provided in her comments, I too have followed the Lovettsville Town Charter updates over the last 7 months, see no issues with what was changed and appreciate the near 2 dozen opportunities that the Town Council and Mayor communicated to my community regarding these updates. As a voter and in-town resident, I fully support the changes to the Lovettsville Town Charter as presented in HB1028 and ask all members of the Virginia General Assembly to pass this into law ASAP. Mr. Robert Merhaut Lovettsville, Virginia

As a voter and in-town resident of Lovettsville, I have followed the Town Charter update process over the last seven months. The Town Council gave the public more than ample opportunity to provide feedback on the Charter, made changes based on that feedback while by and large changing to follow state law on a number fronts. As such, there is little controversy on what is being updated and this bill should be passed into law with no objections. Thank you for your consideration and support for the changes of the Lovettsville Town Charter as presented in HB1028.

As a citizen on Lovettsville I support these changes and want to see this pass. It is important to bettering our community.

As a qualified voter in the Town of Lovettsville, I fully support HB1028 to update the Lovettsville Town Charter as presented and request that it be adopted into law.

As a qualified voter in the Town of Lovettsville, I fully support HB1028 to update the Lovettsville Town Charter as presented and request that it be adopted into law. Thank you for your time.

As a qualified voter in the Town of Lovettsville, I fully support HB1028 to update the Lovettsville Town Charter as presented and request that it be adopted into law. Thank you.

As a qualified voter in the Town of Lovettsville, I fully support HB1028 to update the Lovettsville Town Charter as presented and request that it be adopted into law.

As a qualified voter in the Town of Lovettsville, I fully support HB1028 to update the Lovettsville Town Charter as presented and request that it be adopted into law. Thank you.

As a qualified voter in the Town of Lovettsville, I fully support HB1028 to update the Lovettsville Town Charter as presented and request that it be adopted into law.

As a qualified voter in the Town of Lovettsville, I fully support HB1028 to update the Lovettsville Town Charter as presented and request that it be adopted into law.

As a qualified voter in the Town of Lovettsville, I fully support HB1028 to update the Lovettsville Town Charter as presented and request that it be adopted into law.

As a qualified voter in the Town of Lovettsville, I fully support HB1028 to update the Lovettsville Town Charter as presented and request that it be adopted into law.

Dear Delegates; I am a resident of Loudoun County . I live in Philomont, Virginia. I formally retired as a career City Manager several years ago. Since that time, I worked the past 16 plus years for the Town of Lovettsville as the Interim Town Manager and Town Manager. During my time working in the Town of Lovettsville I worked with several Town Councils including the current Town Council on making changes to the current Town Charter. The goal of the Town has always been to bring its Charter into compliance with State law as situations changed. I have personally participated in the drafting of several versions of the proposed revisions to the Town Charter resulting in proposed HB1028. Most recently Delegate LaRock has introduced HB 1028 on behalf of the Town. This legislation has gone through several iterations of public review and public hearings and has received significant local resident input. The Town Council in fact agreed to make changes based upon local resident input. The Bill upon passage will bring the Town of Lovettsville in conformance with the vast majority of local Towns throughout the Commonwealth. In addition, HB1028 makes several changes to the Town Charter that reflect the shift in Town Municipal elections from May to November by referencing the date specified by general law for municipal elections. I believe the changes being proposed are necessary. I am asking for your consideration and support of this important piece of legislation . Respectfully, Samuel A. Finz Philomont, Virginia

I humbly ask all committee members to read the several letters sent to Delegate LaRock and Senator Bell in regards to this resolution. There were many citizens concerned with many aspects of the way the Town Council pushed and rushed this resolution to the session.

Comments Document

As a twenty-five-year resident of Portsmouth and a civic activist therein, I write to oppose the changes to the Portsmouth City Charter contained in the bill before you today, HB 1117. What Delegate Don Scott has submitted at the request of the Portsmouth City Council is in essence a solution to a non-existent problem. During the entirety of the time that our city charter has had a recall provision, it has only been successfully employed twice to remove a local elected official, and in both instances the official removed was the same individual. (The "Politics" heading in the Wikipedia entry for James W. Holley III provides summary accounts of the two recall campaigns.) Clearly, the existing language in the charter has not facilitated a systematic or indiscriminate employment of the recall tool to overturn the outcome of regular local elections. When city council held a public hearing on the proposed charter changes on September 14, 2021, only four citizens, I among them, turned out to speak on the item. The official minutes of that meeting reflect that citizen opinion was unanimously opposed to the rewording. (I have attached the relevant portion of the meeting minutes for your review.) In addition, I urged council to submit the proposal to the electorate in a referendum, an alternative method of vetting it provided under the charter, but they declined. My presumption is that they expected the citizenry would not find the modified recall provisions acceptable and were determined to make the changes regardless of the desires of their constituents. Rather than looking out for the best interests of the citizens as a whole, council's action appears self serving, for the effect of the new language is to impose additional barriers in a process that has been demonstrably hard to accomplish in its present form. Delegates, rather than tinkering with our charter for no discernible improvement in the quality of life for the residents of Portsmouth, I ask you, as many fellow citizens have asked our council members, to invest your energies in initiatives that will reduce the rate of serious crime and violence in our commonwealth generally and Portsmouth particularly. Our city council had no popular mandate for sending you the measure that currently occupies your attention, just a desire, it would appear, to insulate themselves from accountability to those they purport to represent. I urge you, therefore, to reject HB 1117 as inimical to the public interest.

HB 1117 should not be approved. City Council this year took significant backward steps in Government accountability and citizen respect. First, in HB 564, it seeks approval to amend its Charter to allow Councilmembers to interfere with the actions and decisions of individual City employees (including procurement officials) without regard to the City Manager or to City law. In HB 1117, it seeks approval to amend its Charter to gut local Council recall provisions. In its presentation to the Senate on the companion to HB 564, its Senate Patron emphasized that Council merely seeks to align its interference laws with those of the other Hampton Roads cities with similar laws. In HB 1117 Council seeks to create an outlier grossly out of step with the other Hampton Roads cities with similar laws. Only Hampton and Norfolk have local recall laws and compare as follows: Hampton citizens may recall a councilmember at any time, for any reason, without court approval, with a petition signed by 25% of the citizens who voted in the last council election and a simple majority vote; Norfolk is the same but has a 15% petition signature requirement; Portsmouth was previously the same with a 30% requirement but now proposes to eliminate completely the absolute right to recall and to substitute instead a recall based upon only 4 very limited grounds and requiring a court trial and concurrence by a judge. HB 1117 is not designed to accomplish anything noble, and certainly not to enhance or even preserve citizen democracy or the rule of law; rather, just as with HB564, it is designed to strip away existing rights of citizens, and the existing protections afforded to our City Manager form of government, just to enable a select few on Council to act with complete impunity notwithstanding their violation of City laws (including civil service and procurement) and their disregard of the desires of our citizens. Please do not join in this extraordinary affront. Please vote NO on HB 1117. I would welcome the opportunity to speak individually with any Committee members.

Increasing the # to recall only serves to keep bad folks in power, definitely not needed for Portsmouth. Having the reputation that it does, new management is desparately needed,

Please save all of Virginias history, by leaving our monuments intact and historic memorabilia on display. The Commonwealths history should not offend anyone who takes the time to understand it and respect the changes that occurred. For instance Virginias State park history, the Commonwealth’s Roadways or the quaint country town with the history of its namesake and deep rooted genealogy of the people who lived there. The Monuments are no different, they speak of times gone by, appreciated by some, disliked by others. Maybe they are a symbol that change is needed and to remind us to do so, whatever the cause, our history brought us to this day in time. We need to respect each other’s heritage and appreciate how each native Virginian helped to shape all of us. Respectfully, Alan Crawford

This is submitted regarding the destruction and removal of monuments in Virginia. Dear sirs, It is high time to restore the damage the Visigoths, who in the recent bacchanalia of destruction, attempted to erase the history of this great Commonwealth. You are regarded by many of its citizens as a breath of fresh air in this new administration, It is my hope that you take a careful look at undoing the horrendous damage wrought to our monuments . I might remind you of the obvious; nobody ever voted to undertake this vandalism. Do not allow the actions of corrupt persons, acting on their own volition, to destroy our history and our heritage. Respectfully, Maj. Bruce Wallace Raich, USMC (ret)