Del. Mike Watson - Session Newsletter 1-18-2013

Meeting with members of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance in Richmond 2013 Session January 18, 2013   Friends, We have now wrapped up ‘Week Two’ of the 2013 General Assembly session.  It has been an incredibly active and busy week, so much so that I’ve come to the opinion that we do the same amount of work as in a long-session, just in less time.  In all, it was a very successful week as I presented three bills to subcommittees, one for business, one for education, and one to address a historic asset issue in James City Co. I carried over a fourth bill, one supported by Newport News, for presentation next week as we work out its final language.   Additionally, we had an exciting week of events with the Business Development Caucus, the caucus that I co-founded with three other business-owner Delegates to promote business success and job growth in Hampton Roads and throughout the Commonwealth. I am excited by the overwhelming support and attention this group is getting now that we’re back in Richmond.  We’ve already had requests by the Governor, Secretary of Education, and several Delegates to include some of their bills in our legislative agenda.  We garnered statewide news coverage earlier this week, and have been invited to do interviews with various media outlets next week to discuss our group, mission, and bills. I’ll likely present several bills next week and will soon see some up for consideration by the entire House of Delegates.  Work in committees and in the House will be ramped up as we work to address over 2300 bills in the next few weeks before sending them to the Senate, then taking up their bills.  I also have a full line up of meetings with stakeholders, interest groups, and representatives from our district.   Among others, I’ve already met with several constituent groups including York and JCC Registrars, Retired Military Officers of the Peninsula, National Guardsmen from Hampton Roads, and the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance (pictured above). On a personal note, I did travel home for a short weekend last Friday night, caught up on some business on Saturday, and attended my son’s, Adam, Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Sunday afternoon before traveling back for a late evening meeting in Richmond.   We’ll be accompanying Cody, my eldest, back to Virginia Tech on Saturday to finish out his senior year. But, I’ll see him again soon when he travels to Richmond with the college for ‘Hokie Day’ to represent the Corps of Cadets as they meet with legislators.   We have started receiving responses to our survey and I welcome your thoughts.  If you haven’t filled one out, please visit www.DelegateWatson.com and submit yours as soon as you finish this newsletter.  Finally, I hope that you will share this newsletter with others by using the “forward” button at the bottom of this email.  As always, I appreciate your interest in my efforts here and am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in our district and for Virginia.   Have a great weekend. Mike     Contact Me:   As always, whether in Richmond or in the district, we are here to serve you. Until the 2013 session ends, you should contact my Richmond office at:  (804) 698-1093 or email: Delmwatson@house.virginia.gov     To keep up with our activities, legislative initiatives and important updates from the General Assembly, be sure to "Like" our Facebook page by clicking here.   or visit www.DelegateWatson.com   Do you tweet? Share this newsletter with your Followers     Questions?   Email Allison Baeuchler at:  Allison@DelegateWatson.com   This Newsletter paid for by Friends of Mike Watson   Bills presented to committees This week I presented three of my bills to House subcommittees, each with a positive outcome.   1. I drafted HB 1579 to place emphasis on the Historic and Scenic value of the James River and the historic region that is under consideration for tower and power line construction.  Recognizing that it is the duty of the SCC to make the final routing decision, I had to be cautious that my bill did not attempt to usurp that duty, but rather that it express the will of the General Assembly for full consideration.  HB 1579 was heard by a subcommittee of the Agriculture, Chesapeake Bay & Natural Resources committee on Wednesday evening. Following a recommendation by Del. Lynwood Lewis (D- Accomack) and a unanimous vote by the committee, Chairman Del. Lee Ware (R-Powhatan) agreed to draft a letter to the State Corporation Commission, expressing the committee’s support for the intent of my bill.   Now, the SCC will hear from the General Assembly in a few weeks rather than going through the entire legislative process and receiving notice in July, potentially after SCC action.  I believe that this is the most favorable outcome, an opinion that members of the James River Association shared during their Thursday visit to Richmond.   2.  HB1671 was drafted to address one of the many seemingly senseless business regulations.  Under Virginia ABC law, if the owners of a restaurant also have interest in a winery that is not located in Virginia, the restaurant is not allowed to sell that particular wine, even if purchased through a third party distributor.  This regulation is intended to enforce the 3-tier system which separates manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers and prevents a monopoly effect.   My bill will allow a VA restaurateur that has an interest in just one out-of-state winery to sell that wine in a single restaurant, keeping in place the requirement of purchase through a distributor.  On Thursday, HB1671 unanimously passed out of the ABC/Gaming subcommittee of General Laws.   3.  HB2094 establishes the Virginia Longitudinal Data System to assist schools, lawmakers, and businesses in evaluating the effectiveness of programs and curriculum throughout school and to the workforce.   The VLDS collects anonymous data along student’s paths through the school system, higher education, and workforce. It utilizes a system of statistical process control to evaluate the effectiveness of the programs implemented by legislators and educators.  I presented the bill Thursday night to an Education subcommittee that unanimously passed it on to the full committee.   Governor McDonnell has chosen to make HB2094 a part of his 2013 legislative agenda on job creation and workforce development.     Big Week for the BDC Each Monday morning the Speaker of the House of Delegates promotes the legislative agenda for the General Assembly session in a press conference held by House leadership to highlight certain bills or issues. Recognizing the importance of our pro-growth agenda, Speaker Howell asked the Business Development Caucus (BDC) to host the House press conference this week.  Caucus Chair, Del. Chris Head (Roanoke), started by discussing the BDC’s mission to pass legislation that promotes business  growth and success in order to foster new job opportunities. He concluded his remarks by announcing the launch of the new BDC website. I then presented our legislative agenda, covering four of the BDC bills in some detail and referencing several others.  It was a great opportunity to reach out to employers and potential employers across the state. It is our hope to let these employers know that they have a voice in the General Assembly. On Wednesday, the BDC held its first full caucus meeting of this session.  Over 20 members, representing both parties, members of business organizations, and lobbying groups participated.  We discussed bills that were filed as part of the BDC legislative agenda and reviewed additional bills from members who wished to submit legislation as part of the BDC package.  Following the meeting, I was approached by several business organization representatives who praised our commitment to addressing business concerns in the Commonwealth.  I look forward to seeing many of these bills progress through the legislative system.  If you would like to see the legislation we’re presenting, visit www.BDCVa.org     Judge Tracy Thorne-Begland confirmed On Monday the General Assembly confirmed several judges who had received appointments after our 2012 session.  Among them was The Honorable Tracy Thorne-Begland, the state’s first openly gay judge.  I think it is important that I discuss my ‘no’ vote on his confirmation.   Mr. Thorne-Begland was nominated during the 2012 session but failed to attain the necessary 51 votes for confirmation. There was much controversy over this vote, with accusations that he was rejected only because of his sexuality.  Personally, I decided to cast a ‘no’ vote last year after speaking with several retired military officers, now colleagues in the General Assembly, and after reviewing one of his previous media interviews.  Mr. Thorne-Begland had voluntarily joined the Navy and successfully sought to go through Aviation Officer Candidate School and Aviator’s School in Pensacola, FL, a commission that required a commitment of 6-years active military service at the cost of approximately $2.5m to taxpayers.  Upon completion of his training and assignment in Virginia, he chose to address his sexual orientation on national television, in violation of his enlistment contract and with full knowledge that it would cost him his commission.  Upon dismissal, he sued the Navy and was reinstated by the courts.  It is important to note that just prior to going public, he had received a waiver from his extended service commitment.  This meant that he was just months away from eligibility for honorable discharge, when he could have challenged Navy policy freely. Last fall, I met with Judge Thorne-Begland and explained my no vote.  I asked him to confirm each of these facts, and he did. I asked why he didn’t simply wait a few more months, fulfill his commitment, then challenge the policy.  He responded that he, “thought that (he) could fight the Navy more effectively from within”.  In my opinion, this decision to challenge the contract that he voluntarily sought cost United States taxpayers millions of dollars unnecessarily.  Furthermore, by attending Aviation school another otherwise qualified sailor did not have that opportunity.  As judge, he will hear contract law cases and is expected to follow the letter of the law in deciding each.  It was my opinion that his prior action demonstrated a disregard for the contract that he had signed and that another candidate should have been nominated for this judgeship accordingly. Having met Judge Thorne-Begland, I want to be clear that my opposition was not based on any concern for his ability to perform this job or his sexuality.  By all indications, he has demonstrated competence and fairness during his tenure as Judge and I am confident that he will serve the people of Richmond well.   Del. Watson holds tele-town hall meeting On Thursday evening we hosted a live tele-town hall conference with over 600 participants.  During a Wednesday night phone call to advise constituents of the event, we asked over 8,000 citizens in the 93rd district to join us.  I started the call by covering some of the early happenings in the General Assembly, the Governor’s agenda, and some of the bills that I’m carrying. For the next 30 minutes we took questions from the participants on multiple issues including education, transportation, gun rights, and uranium.   It’s important that you have the opportunity to keep up with legislative activities Richmond and we will continue to seek ways to make that as convenient as possible.  If you are interested in some of my daily activities as a Delegate, we make routine posts to our Facebook Page, facebook.com/MikeWatsonVA , and Twitter  @Watson4Delegate.  Of course, you are always welcome to send an email to         DelMWatson@house.virginia.gov or call (804) 698-1093. Contact Delegate Watson General Assembly Office Phone: (804) 698-1093     Email: DelMWatson@house.virginia.gov Mail: PO Box 6628 Williamsburg, VA 23188

This message was sent to alexanderofyork@ofva.us from: Mike Watson | P.O. Box 6628 | Williamsburg, Virginia 23188

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Planning Commission to hold Public Hearing on Draft Comprehensive Plan Update

 

January 16, 2013

 

FOR RELEASE AT WILL

 

     The York County Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing to receive public comment on the draft updated Comprehensive Plan titled Charting the Course to 2023: The County of York Comprehensive Plan. The public hearing will take place at the Commission's regular meeting on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at 7 p.m. in the Board Room at York Hall, 301 Main Street in Yorktown. The draft updated plan can be downloaded from the Planning Division website at www.yorkcounty.gov/planning.

     The Comprehensive Plan is the long-range plan for the physical development of the county, and the Code of Virginia requires that it be reviewed at least once every five years. The five-year Comprehensive Plan review began in February 2012 with a series of community forums conducted jointly with James City County and Williamsburg, followed by public meetings in May and June that were targeted specifically to York County citizens. The Planning Commission then held a series of work sessions from June through October to review and discuss the various elements of the Plan, and a telephone survey of county residents was conducted in August to obtain statistically valid data regarding general community goals relating to the physical development of the county. These efforts culminated in the preparation of the draft updated Plan.

     Those who wish to comment on the draft Plan but cannot attend the public hearing may submit their comments to the Planning Commission by using the contact information below:

 

                        Mailing Address:        York County Planning Division

                                                            P.O. Box 532

                                                            Yorktown, VA 23690-0532

                        Email:                          planning@yorkcounty.gov

                        Phone:                         (757) 890-3404

                        Fax:                             (757) 890-3418

 

     The Planning Commission will consider the comments it receives before taking action on the draft Plan. Once approved by the Commission, the Plan will be transmitted to the Board of Supervisors for consideration and final adoption.

     For more information, please contact the Planning Division using the information above.

 

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4-H camp registration; 4-H camp teen counselors needed; Calendar art at libraries

 

Beautiful York County Calendar Artwork at Libraries

 

January 11, 2013

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

     The winning entries in the 2013 Beautiful York County Calendar Art Contest are on display at the Tabb Library through January and the Yorktown Library during February. Stop by the Library and enjoy the artwork created by these talented York County students. Pick up your copy of the 2013 calendar, too.

     The Beautiful York County Calendar and Art Contest are coordinated by the York County Beautification Committee. York County students submitted entries that reflected the concept of recycling in York County or how recycling helps keep the county beautiful. Recycled materials were used in the artwork. Students whose artwork was chosen for the calendar also received monetary awards.

     For more information, visit our website at www.yorkcounty.gov/library or contact the Tabb Library at 890-5120 or the Yorktown Library at 890-5207. Visit the Tabb Library at 100 Long Green Blvd., Yorktown, VA 23693 or the Yorktown Library at 8500 George Washington Memorial Hwy., Yorktown, VA 23692. Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.

 

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York-Poquoson Junior 4-H Camp Registration

 

January 14, 2013

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

     Boys and girls ages 9-13 are invited to register for the York-Poquoson Junior 4-H Camp that is being held July 29-August 2, 2013. This 5-day and 4-night residential camp is conducted at the Jamestown 4-H Center and costs $225.00. 

     Camp Registration and payment will be accepted BY MAIL ONLY beginning January 21. Registration must be mailed to VCE-York/Poquoson Extension Office, P.O. Box 532, Yorktown, VA 23690, and be postmarked on or after January 21. No hand delivered, faxed or emailed registration forms will be accepted. 

     Registration is open until all camp slots are filled. Once all slots have been filled, children will be put on a waiting list. York County and Poquoson residents have priority until April 1.

     For registration materials visit our website:  www.yorkcounty.gov/vce or call 890-4940.

 

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York-Poquoson Extension Office Seeking Teen Counselors

 

January 14, 2013

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

     The York-Poquoson Extension Office is now accepting applications for teen counselors for the 2013 Jr. 4-H Camp, July 29-August 2. Interested teens who were at least 14 as of January 1, 2013 can visit www.yorkcounty.gov/vce to download an application.  Completed applications and $100 registration fee can be mailed to:

VCE-York

PO Box 532

Yorktown, VA 23690

 

     For more information, call the 890-4940.

 

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Board elects Chairman and Vice Chairman; Concerts sold out; Arts Commission offers grants

 

2013 Cabin Fever Concert Series Sold Out

 

 

January 3, 2013

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

     Due to the overwhelming response for ticket requests, the 2013 Cabin Fever Concert Series has been declared a sellout for each scheduled concert. Sponsored by York County, this Fifth annual event will feature local entertainers in an informal, friendly and close performance setting inside the Yorktown Freight Shed located at Riverwalk Landing in Historic Yorktown. 

     For more information call (757) 890-3500 or visit www.visityorktown.org.

 

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Zaremba, Wiggins new BOS Chairman and Vice Chairman

 

January 4, 2013

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

     The York County Board of Supervisors elected District 1 Supervisor Walter Zaremba as its new Chairman at its January 2, 2013, meeting.  District 3 Supervisor Don Wiggins was elected Vice Chairman.

     Mr. Zaremba has served on the board since 1996. In that time, he has chaired or served as a member of numerous committees and boards, including the Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee, Regional Issues Committee and the Hampton Roads Mayors and Chairs. He has previously served as the board's Chairman in 2000, 2006, and 2009, and as Vice Chairman in 1996, 2002, 2005 and 2008.

     Mr. Wiggins is currently serving his third term on the York County Board of Supervisors. He served as Chairman of the Board in 2002 and 2010 and Vice Chairman in 2001 and 2009.

     The York County Board of Supervisors meets the first and third Tuesday of every month (excluding the first Tuesdays in July and November). Meetings start at 6 p.m.

 

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York County Arts Commission Seeks Applications for Grants

 

January 4, 2013

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

The York County Arts Commission invites all individuals and organizations to apply for grants in the arts that benefit the citizens of York County. Grant applications are available at the York County Parks and Recreation Office or on-line at www.yorkcounty.gov/parksandrec. The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 1, 2013.

Both project grant and challenge grant applications will be reviewed by the commission and funding recommendations will be made in spring 2013. Pending approval by the York County Board of Supervisors, funds will be appropriated in late summer during Fiscal Year 2014 (July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014).

The following criteria will be applied to each individual or organization to determine eligibility for a project grant:

·         Not-for-profit and exempt from federal income tax under provisions of the internal revenue code.

·         Produce, present, or support dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theater, museums, visual and related arts.

·         Perform or offer activities/services in Williamsburg, James City County, or York County that also serve the citizens of York County.

·         Performances, projects, or services are accessible to handicapped individuals and the public at-large.

·         Performances, projects, or services not held in Williamsburg, James City County, or York County, which are deemed by the Commission to directly benefit the citizens of York County.

 

The York County Arts Commission is once again offering a challenge grant up to $500 to promote citizen awareness of local and regional arts groups by showcasing their talents at various sites in York County. The grant provides funding and support to eligible individuals and organizations to create and present their work, to develop new programs, and to increase opportunities for visual and performing arts groups to promote interest in their organizations.

For more information, call the York County Parks and Recreation Office at 890-3500 or visit www.yorkcounty.gov/parksandrec.

 

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Board Seeks Applicants for Arts Commission; Outstanding Youth Award Scholarship deadline

 

Board of Supervisors seeks applicants for

York County Arts Commission

 

January 3, 2013

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

     The York County Board of Supervisors is currently seeking applications for future vacancies from county citizens interested in serving on the York County Arts Commission.  The York County Arts Commission serves as an advisory body to the Board of Supervisors for the cultural arts.  The Commission meets in October, January, June (if necessary) and July.

     York County citizens interested in applying for appointment to the York County Arts Commission may obtain an application at the County Administrator's Office at 224 Ballard Street in Yorktown, or by calling 890-3320. Applications may also be obtained and filed by using the County website. Enter the county's website at www.yorkcounty.gov, select "On-Line Services," and then "Board Bank Application."

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Nominations due February 13 for 2013 York County

Outstanding Youth Award Scholarships

 

 

January 3, 2013

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Citizens are invited to help celebrate some of the good news about York County's high school aged youth by nominating a deserving student for one of the county's $500 Outstanding Youth Award Scholarships sponsored each year by the Board of Supervisors and the Youth Commission. Nominations in the categories of Compassion, Courage, Community Service and Overall Achievement are due at the Parks and Recreation Office by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 13, 2013. 

Anyone - parents, grandparents, teachers, counselors, coaches, club sponsors, neighbors, employers, youth ministers, scout leaders and friends - can nominate a deserving high school student for one of these awards. Nominees must be residents of York County and currently enrolled in grades 9 – 12. Students attending public, private or home school are all eligible. A Selection Committee will review the nominations and choose an award recipient for each category. The four award recipients will each receive one of the educational scholarships and be formally recognized with their families and nominators at a reception in their honor and at a Board of Supervisors meeting in May 2013. 

The Board of Supervisors will send a letter and signed certificate to all nominees congratulating them on their nomination and informing them of their nominator. You can show someone that you care and that his/her character and accomplishments are appreciated by taking a little time to nominate them for one of these scholarship awards. 

Nomination forms and complete program details are best available by downloading them from the York County Youth Commission's Web site at www.ycyc.info. Hard copies of the nomination forms are also available at the Yorktown and Tabb Libraries, Williamsburg-James City County Libraries, and the Parks and Recreation Office at 100 County Drive (23690).

Please call Parks and Recreation at 890-3500 if you have any questions regarding this program.

 

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[Peninsula-Patriots] Fw: ALERT** Groundwater Management/Groundwater Withdrawal Permit Proposed Rules**

Received today from friends in Essex and Middlesex Counties.

 

Subject: FW: ALERT** Groundwater Management/Groundwater Withdrawal Permit Proposed Rules**

Hi All,

 

Please read the entire email below.

 

All of Virginia is not affected! Counties east of Interstate 95 are being targeted for their water resources [and OUR private water resources].

 

To clarify, here are all the counties/towns affected/soon to be affected:

 

"The following localities are currently included in the Eastern Virginia Groundwater Management area:

the counties of Charles City, Isle of Wight, James City, King William, New Kent, Prince George,

Southampton, Surry, Sussex, and York; the areas of Chesterfield, Hanover, and Henrico, counties east of

Interstate 95; and the cities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Hopewell, Newport News, Norfolk,

Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg."

 

"The following additional localities are proposed for inclusion in the Eastern Virginia Groundwater

Management Area: the counties of Essex, Gloucester, King George, King and Queen, Lancaster,

Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland, and the areas of Arlington,

Caroline, Fairfax, Prince William, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties east of Interstate 95.

All of the localities listed above are localities particularly affected by the regulations."

 

Here is information on the second DEQ meeting on these proposed regulations:

 

Dec 4,2012 Tuesday 2:00 PM

Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ):   PUBLIC HEARING on Proposed Expansion of the Eastern Virginia Ground Water Management Area (Section 9 VAC 25-600 in the Virginia Administrative Code) to Expand this Management Area to Include the Counties of Essex, Gloucester, King George, King and Queen, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland, and the areas of Arlington, Caroline, Fairfax, Prince William, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties east of Interstate 95. http://townhall.virginia.gov/L/viewaction.cfm?actionid=2966&display=stages. and PUBLIC HEARING on Proposed Amendments to the Ground Water Withdrawal Regulations (Section 9 VAC 25-610) http://townhall.virginia.gov/L/viewaction.cfm?actionid=2965&display=stages   Period ends January 11, 2013 The Public Comment.   CONTACT: Melissa Porterfield: melissa.porterfield@deq.virginia.gov or 629 East Main Street P.O. Box 1105 Richmond, 23218 (804)698-4238 FAX: (804)698-4346

Spotsylvania County Holbert Building Board of Supervisors Meeting Room 9104 Courthouse Road Spotsylvania, VA 22553

 

Betty

-------------------------------------

From: dakotasky109@aol.com [mailto:dakotasky109@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 9:07 AM
Subject: Groundwater Management and groundwater withdrawal permit proposed rules

 

This is a lengthy message, but one I hope you'll read.  You may think you won't be affected because you do not withdraw 300,000 or more gallons of water per month.  But, think about future consequences of all this...the potential for ownership of all the groundwater by the government, the requirement that we would have to pay not only to have a well permitted and drilled, but also pay to withdraw the water.  Where would it end?

Trudy

 

Rules are being proposed by Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to amend and further regulate groundwater withdrawals and management of groundwater for those entities withdrawing 300,000 or more gallons per month in certain counties east of I-95.   Among the counties included are Middlesex, Mathews, Essex, King and Queen, Gloucester and King William.

The DEQ began receiving public comment on these proposals Oct. 22, 2012 and will be closed January 11, 2013.  Comments can be posted online (see links below) or given at public hearing.  The next public hearing will be Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 2:00 p.m. in Spotsylvania at the Holbert Building, Board of Supervisors meeting room, 9104 Courthouse Road.

 

You will note when you see the entire list of counties to be impacted by these regulations that neither of the public hearings are being held at a central location in the counties, but rather OUTSIDE the counties, which makes travel time and taking time from work to testify significant issues.  Also, publicity about the proposed rules/amendments has been extremely limited (not published to my knowledge in any newspaper among the counties listed.) 

 

I managed to get information published in the Southside Sentinel yesterday about the Dec. 4 hearing only because Tom and I quickly wrote and submitted a Letter to the Editor following our participation in the public hearing held Monday in Williamsburg, Nov. 26.  Editor Tom Hardin plans to do a full story on the proposed rules/amendments and the consequences in next week's issue. 

 

Tom and I testified at the first public hearing (of which we were aware).  Our testimony is below.  We were the only "public citizens" at the hearing.  Middlesex County's Administrator Matt Walker testified on key issues and also asked that the comment and hearing time be expanded to allow more public input.  He asked for a hearing to be held in a central location in our counties, such as Tappahannock.  

 

For more information go to the MPPDC Website or: http://www.townhall.virginia.gov/L/viewchapter.cfm?chapterid=1445or http://townhall.virginia.gov/L/Forums.cfm

 

 

 

*************************************************************************************

Groundwater Testimony                26 November 2012

I am Tom Feigum, Middlesex County.

Thank you for the opportunity to give my thoughts on proposed regulation of groundwater in Middlesex County.

Having found out about this hearing at the last Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission meeting less than two weeks ago, it is interesting that basically all political representatives to that body were deeply concerned about additional intrusion into their local jurisdictions.

For example, one county has been waiting for over two years to get approval for a groundwater well for a business that wants to relocate to their Virginia County. Two years later they are still waiting. Inquiries have been futile. Jobs are needed everywhere. The company could easily choose another state.

Our Delegate to the General Assembly attending that meeting expressed concern about the extended period of time needed for all paper flow at the Commonwealth level.

In our residential development we had application for two replacement wells approved, the wells drilled, pumps and piping with restrictors installed to reduce water flow, completed, and still over one year passed before we could get approval to put the water wells on line. The only reason for the replacement wells was the mineralization of two original wells thus reducing flow below the groundwater withdrawal level originally permitted and needed.

One question I have is the timing of this hearing. If a person has a concern as a tax paying resident of Middlesex County, you have to take a full day from work, sacrifice your pay, to try and save your property right of water under your property. That property right has been approved by the General Assembly twice and voter approved in the last election by a 75% margin. And yet I fail to see anyone identified here representing me the tax-paying citizen.

I would also mention that all information in the Middlesex County Comprehensive Plan relating to groundwater is a dozen years old or more, copied verbatim from the 2001 County Plan which was probably a year or more old in 2001. It's hard for me, as a citizen, to know what is current fact and what is a wild guess.

It was obvious to President Jefferson that errors had been made during the early settlement years of the 13 colonial states or commonwealths. With acquisition of the Louisiana Purchase he felt a need to correct those errors as much as practicable. One of those errors was water rights, another was mineral rights. No such action was taken regarding those rights in the 13 original states. It just might be a little late to start correcting that error in this proposed manner.

If the Commonwealth has yet to figure out that power lines can be buried, thus eliminating power loss to residences caused by falling trees, maybe this water management proposal is a tougher decision than you are properly ready to address.

As one of the many taxpayers in this country, we don't need another scheme to take more of our money and our rights away from us. We already have Social Security, Medicare, Post Office, and many more that as taxpayers we are expected to bail out. My concern is that those of us in the proposed management area will find ourselves without water unless we pay a high premium for it. That will destroy the value of our property. Then we are going to be forced to move to large metropolitan areas where government can assure us of an allotted amount of this precious liquid.

Maybe, just maybe, you need to give a lot more thinking to this proposal to make sure it serves the needs of the taxpayer, not the perceived need of Government.

What geologist, engineer, hydrologist was hired by the state to investigate, support and represent the position opposite to yours; i.e., that statewide, government management of groundwater is necessary?

My voice here is small. But, I and many like me are the ones who foot the bill for all this. I oppose these proposed regulations.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Trudy Feigum, citizen taxpayer

Hartfield District

Middlesex County, VA

 

Public Hearing:  Expansion of Groundwater Management Area

 

I wish first to state that I believe the quantity and quality of groundwater is of the utmost importance for the future well-being of Middlesex County.  I am responsible.  I want to and try to be a good steward of the environment.

 

The purpose of these proposed regulations appears to be in one sentence:  "Groundwater levels in[the] undesignated portion of Virginia's Coastal Plain are continuing to decline."

 

According to the Middlesex County Comprehensive Plan, adopted December 1, 2009, and revised April 20, 2010, "The Coastal Plain Physiographic Province, which underlies Middlesex County, stores more groundwater than any other geologic province in Virginia."

 

Further, "There are seven water-bearing aquifers underlying the County."  "Groundwater flows very slowly.  According to the United States Geological Survey, water within aquifers below the land surface in Middlesex County has been underground for an average of 2000 years."  We know the groundwater fluctuates in times of drought and that it's rechargeable.

 

The county's comp plan goes on to state, "The continued withdrawal of large quantities of water has resulted in a steady decline of groundwater levels." In particular, "Zone D groundwater level declines have occurred as a result of significant groundwater pumpage by the … paper mill at West Point.  The paper mill withdraws over 20 million gallons of water PER DAY from the ground.  …As a result, the directional flow of groundwater, which naturally flows from southwest to northeast, has been reversed in Zone D where it now travels towards West Point." 

 

Otherwise, it appears and is reported that Middlesex County's groundwater availability is adequate.  If this is the case, why is the Commonwealth of Virginia not requiring an alternate water source for the paper mill?  Why is it that if, as it is stated in these proposed regulations that the aquifers are all interconnected, must all citizens in Tidewater be negatively impacted, even penalized by this large user of groundwater?  Why wouldn't this be the case in other nearby counties?

 

According to the DEQ, "groundwater levels in proposed management areas are continuing to decline two to four feet per year."  Is the scientific research available to prove this, or has DEQ relied on computer models with their highly questionable estimated outcomes?

 

Middlesex County's adopted Regional Water Supply Plan states, "Middlesex County's groundwater is sufficient and rechargeable from rain. In 50 years this county will be using but 50% of its available groundwater."

 

Middlesex County's comp plan also states, "The Code of Virginia…permit(s) local jurisdictions to create groundwater protection area overlay districts in which land use regulations specifically designed to protect groundwater can be applied." 

 

I believe these proposed DEQ regulations will remove governance from our elected officials in Middlesex and place more governance in the hands of faceless government employees.

 

Stated in the purpose of the proposed regulations is, "There are no disadvantages to the public from managing the groundwater resources."  In almost the next sentence the statement is made, "All withdrawers of groundwater, unless exempted by statute, are required to obtain a permit, which places additional regulations on withdrawers of groundwater occurring within the management area."

 

In our housing development, a permit was obtained to drill two replacement wells due to mineral build-up and subsequent lack of flow.  The permit was issued in a short span of time and work commenced.  But, once the wells were completed and ready for use, it took over a year for DEQ to grant permission to withdraw water!  Lack of adequate staff to complete the permitting process is a big disadvantage to me, the public.  Now, due to further regulations on withdrawers, more time will be needed for the permitting process.  At the same time, I see the proposed economic impact of results in an estimated increase of six employees at an estimated cost of $240,000.  I am a taxpayer.  This will directly impact me!  After all is said and done, will I be assured a more timely response?

 

There will be further impact--how about the:

*Compliance cost on regulated users, application fee of $1200, and after 10 years, subsequent permits of $6,000?

*Aquifer test between $10,000 and $25,000?

*Geophysical log $1,200?  Camera survey $1,000 to$2,000?

*Monitoring wells $50,000 to $100,000?

*Unknown costs to develop alternate water sources?

*Additional employment of six people @$40,000?

*Government entities paying higher costs passed along to their end users—that would be me!

*Pre-application meetings/more information required?

 

And you say there will be no impact on the citizens of this area?  I beg to disagree!

 

I'm also concerned about "After 10 years current users may be required to

reduce their withdrawals or no permit will be issued in the future." 

 

This tells me it is more than likely that the housing development where I live, although permitted for 500,000 gallons per month, based on the number of current residents and potential residents, may find itself able to withdraw less than what is currently being used.  This begs the question: with government management will it be determined the groundwater is needed elsewhere and allowed to be diverted?   Am I saying I believe the government wants to take full ownership of the groundwater in my county and this country? Yes, I am!

 

The potential economic impact of these proposed regulations left me scratching my head.  There will be more government employees and potentially less "private" economic development.  Am I to believe this is good? 

 

It is stated, "There is insufficient data to accurately compare the magnitude of the benefits versus the costs."  Verbiage goes on that benefits by far outweigh the costs. Then comes the statement, "Groundwater is a valuable economic resource due to its many beneficial uses." 

 

Who better to determine its economic value than the government?  And who better to benefit from the sale of this water than the government?  

 

"Permit fees and compliance costs may reduce the use and value of private property in the proposed expansion areas."  Who's representing me in this "acquisition of my property rights?" 

 

I am a citizen.  I own private property.  That is what makes the United States different from any other country in this world—the right of our citizens to own private property! These regulations suggest that as valuable a resource as groundwater is to every single one of us, there could be a negative impact on private property with expanded management by the government.  There is no way I could ever support the reduction—planned or accidental—of private property rights.  I am, therefore, not in support of these proposed regulations to expand the DEQ's groundwater management area.

 

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7th Annual Christmas Market on Main to be held Saturday, December 1

 

November 20, 2012

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

     Yorktown announces the 7^th Annual Yorktown Christmas Market on Main Street, to be held Saturday, December 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

     Located on historic Main Street, the Christmas Market will feature arts and crafts vendors with unique shopping opportunities, living history exhibits, strolling musical entertainment, classic cars, chef demonstrations, roasted chestnuts, food and more. Historic buildings and museums, including the Custom House, Yorktown Victory Center, Yorktown Battlefield, the York County Historical Museum, the Gallery at York Hall and Grace Episcopal Church will be open and decorated for the holidays.

The Town Crierwill ring in the market at 10 a.m., followed by a performance of The Fifes and Drums of York Townto officially open the market.

     Santa Clauswill greet folks along Main Street from 10 to 11 a.m. and again from 1 to 2 p.m. Strolling entertainment begins on Main Street at 10:30 a.m. with the Dickens Trio, a strolling instrumental and caroling ensemble dressed in period costume. The Santabonestrombone quartet will follow at 12:15 p.m. performing a selection of holiday arrangements with brass instruments. The entertainment on Main Street will conclude with acoustical guitarist Chris Basford,presenting an array of tunesat 1 p.m.  Look for Santa Claus at Riverwalk Landing from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

     Living history will be an ongoing theme at the market on December 1.  Members of the 1^st Regiment of the Virginia Volunteers of the North-South Skirmish Association will provide a display of Civil War-era artillery at the corner of Main and Church Streets from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Civil War Belles of Dixie will be strolling the Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., dressed in period costume, and relating to visitors the trials and tribulations of "keeping the home fires burning" while the gentlemen were away at the war. The York Privateers will offer interactive programs from the sailors of the 1700s.

     The Peninsula Model Train Club will join us again this year with its display of model trains in the lower level of York Hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Local collectors will display classic European cars along historic Main Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. York County's earliest original fire truck, a 1955 Dodge, will also be featured.

     There will be no shortage of shopping and dining opportunities during the market. Crafters will line the streets with holiday arts and crafts for sale, including a wide variety of items ranging from: Christmas greens, wreaths, trees and arrangements; jewelry, purses, fabric dolls, dresses and accessories: children's books, hair bows, and headbands; birdhouses, wine bottle plates, embroidered items, alpaca products, handmade soaps & lotions; photography, tea cups birdfeeders and lamps; pottery, cedar furniture, gift baskets, and, of course, Christmas ornaments.

     Food will be abundant and guests will have the option of sampling select menu items from the historic Yorktown dining establishments and market vendors.  Don't miss the wonderful Holiday candy-making demonstration "Sugar Plums will dance in your heads" at 2 p.m. at Carrot Tree.  Lunch and dinner specials will be offered as well from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.  A selection of seasonal treats will also be available from market vendors including: New England Clam Chowder, Greek food items; coffee, peanut brittle, jams and jellies; hot pepper sauce, homemade crackers, seasonings, spice blends, and dips; candy, chocolate fudge, popcorn, confections and peanuts. Plus, visitors will have the chance to sample complimentary fresh-roasted chestnuts (while supplies last) being served along Main Street.

     The shops along Main Street and at Riverwalk Landing will be open for shopping.  The Yorktown Shoppe will feature three local artists.  Marlene Whiting, known for her Brandywine miniatures, will introduce a new line of ornament creations. She will also sign Brandywine pieces which are available for purchase in the Shoppe. Ebb Pate will demonstrate and discuss his paintings of Yorktown and Williamsburg. Hilda Jacome will display her varied art and be available for portrait sketches. Light refreshments will be served. 

       Black Dog Gallerywill be decorated and offer holiday entertaining items including seashell trees and wreaths, original photo frames and unique holiday gift ideas. Festive holiday refreshments will be served from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Stop by their booth at this year's market and see some of their beautiful trees and wreaths. The Gallery at York Hallhosts the "Christmas in Yorktown" exhibit featuring local artists as well as art from the Senior Center of York.  Featuring new book by Author, DeeDee Wright "A Heroes Keepsake: Memories of Christmas at War."  Additionally, local artist Linda Miller will provide a Botanical demonstration in the Gallery.

The Sommerwell Market located in the Sommerwell House will be open and features apothecary products including books, spices, herbs, and handmade glassware from Jamestown Glasshouse. Civil War replicas and other 150^th anniversary merchandise are available. 

     Free transportationwill be available for the Christmas Market. The Yorktown trolley will run its normal route stopping at several locations throughout town. Trolley hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors may park in any public parking area throughout historic Yorktown. Handicapped parking is located on the lower level of the Riverwalk Landing parking terrace, York Hall, the National Park Service Visitor Center, and in limited quantities at all other public parking areas. The trolley is handicapped accessible.

     No rain date is scheduled for the Christmas Market.  Should weather pose a threat to the event, please call the event weather hotline for the most current information at 890-3520.  For directions to Yorktown and a more detailed schedule of events for the holiday season, call 890-3500 or visit www.visityorktown.org.

     The Christmas market is co-sponsored by York County and the York County Historical Museum.

 

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