Letters to the Editor for InsideNova.com

Improve hospital, don’t give it away

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Recently, editions of the Manassas Journal Messenger and the Washington Post carried a one page ad paid for by the Prince William Hospital and Inova, again promoting the merger of the two institutions.

Arts center should not be a priority

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

It is appreciated the article that Mr. Scarton wrote regarding the George Mason University Performing Arts Center. However, how, in good faith, can Prince William County “cough up” $26,400,000 in these acknowledged hard times for citizens?

Stop keeping up with the Joneses

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

After reading today’s opinion piece from The (Waynesboro) News Virginian, (Borrowers beware of government’s hand), I just had to chime in.

Writer demands proof from Pineda

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Mr. Pineda continues to rant about a lot of issues and topics most of which are not related to today’s illegal alien situation.

Rezoning agricultural land in the county

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

It was of great disappointment and deep hurt that the Prince William Board of County Supervisors (7-1) decided to rezone 152 acres of A1, agricultural land to Planned Business District in the Bristow and Brentsville community of agricultural, historical and residential living — especially as their appointed planning commissioners were completely in denial of this rezoning.

Homeland security begins at home

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

When I read Mr. Bradish’s April 29 letter, I was surprised that he had used another person’s quotation. Namely “What are we going to do about the foreigners trespassing in our country.” I believe that statement came from Geronimo or Sitting Bull; maybe Powatan.

Hooray for Kermit Dance and Sheryl Bass

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

My husband and I had the honor to help campaign and work the polls for Kermit Dance.

Writer disappointed in supervisors’ decision

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I am writing to express my disfavor with the vote cast by the Board of County Supervisors, in favor of closing down the Manassas Senior Day Program.

Dog bite prevention week is on its way

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

May 18 to 24 is Dog Bite Prevention Week. One way to create a dangerous dog is to chain it to a tree or doghouse and leave it to pace the same patch of dirt for years on end.

Unspoken portions of the county’s tax

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:01 EDT

Although Prince William County has finally approved the base rate percentage of the upcoming real estate tax, most taxpayers are not aware or conscious about the four other segments of fees (another form of taxes) that are attached to the annual real estate tax.

A job well done at Okra’s in Old Town

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Hats off to the owner and staff of Okra’s for a wonderful jazz(blues)fest recently. There was great music, food, crafts and activities for the kids.

Traffic is out of control on Woodbridge street

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

My mother in law lives on East Longview Drive in Woodbridge and I am over there almost every day and it is absolutely ridiculous at the traffic they way they run up and down that street.

Freedom of speech in Prince William County

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:01 EDT

In reference to a May 7 Potomac News article written by William Westhoff titled “Frank Principi is the hero of PWC,” in which Mr. Westhoff referred to “many obnoxious citizens.”

There is not enough room for all to come

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

In Wednesday’s edition, the Potomac News had three letters about illegal immigration.

Thank you everybody for your support

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I would like to thank all of those who supported me on May 6 in my campaign for Dumfries Town Council.

Barack Obama is the real thing

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The more the media attacks Barack Obama while giving a pass to Hillary “NAFTA” Clinton and John “100 Years” McCain, the more convinced I become that Obama is the real thing.

Jacobsen is his own perfect example

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Gary Jacobsen’s column “You, too, can be a columnist” in the May 6 addition of the Potomac News is right on target.

More information on Stephen Hawking

Sat, 10 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Stephen Hawking is a world renowned theoretical physicist whose work on black holes in the universe and his discovery of “Hawking Radiation” whose ideas or observations have extended beyond theoretical physics. I first saw this on the Larry King show where he was interviewed.

A delightful night at the new symphony

Sat, 10 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

On Sunday, I attended the first concert of the newly formed Dominion Symphony Orchestra and the concert was wonderful.

To those against illegal immigration

Sat, 10 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Those against illegal immigration, starting today, boycott all Mexican products, including our food, beer, tequila and our labor.

Hogan letter to editor requires a response

Sat, 10 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I do not normally feel the need to join in the discussion here, but Michael Hogan’s letter on May 7 gave me a brilliant idea.

Inaugural concert a great success

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

There is a new and extremely rare jewel in the crown of Prince William County in the form of the new Dominion Symphony Orchestra of Prince William, which gave its inaugural concert to a capacity crowd Sunday, May 4 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Woodbridge.

Show up for hearing on transportation

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The Commonwealth of Virginia will hold a public hearing on the downsized six-year transportation plan. The recent Virginia Supreme Court decision eliminates funding sources for the Northern Virginia Transit Authority.

Freedom of press and journalistic integrity

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I disagree with Mr. Jerome C. Burchard’s opinion piece published in the April 26 edition of this paper.

Governor revives metro rail to Dulles

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Common sense prevails at the U.S. Department of Transportation. The feds have now approved the subway extension to Dulles Airport. This decision should have been a “slam dunk” since Northern Virginia has the second worst traffic congestion in the nation.

Get the facts straight about immigration

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

In light of Mr. Stewart’s recent actions to solicit support from the public for his “rule of law” resolution, I would like to encourage the board to be vigilant about getting the facts concerning immigrants in Prince William County.

The wimps prevail in Prince William County

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I am so sorry Prince William became such wimps. It was great to know someone was actually trying to help true Americans, not the illegals who are sucking the life out of this once great country.

Who is it that really supports our troops?

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Last Thanksgiving Day, this newspaper published a column from one of our regular writers titled “Give thanks to the troops.” The gist of the column was that “giving thanks to our troops” meant anyone who opposed sending our troops to Iraq, for the privilege of getting killed or wounded, was accused of being a traitor.

Frank Principi is the hero of PWC

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

There is a new, heroic person in our community — Supervisor Frank Principi of Woodbridge.

Disgusted with Old Bridge Road issue

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I read with disgust the article concerning the sidewalk on Old Bridge road.

Thanks from Fire and Rescue employees

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

On behalf of the employees of the City of Manassas Fire and Rescue services, and the members of the IAFF Local 4466, we want to thank all who spoke out in our favor during recent public hearings.

An outsider can never really relate

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I grew up white and Puerto Rican in an all black neighborhood. Based on that experience, let me give some advice to Mr. Clinton: when you are not of a particular race or community, don’t ever get too comfortable with your position within that community.

Democratic numbers game and voter rhetoric

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Supposedly, Pennsylvania had approximately 4 million Democrat eligible voters, yet approximately 2,301,000, or about 58 percent voted.

Comparing people to Nazis is reprehensible

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

A letter written by George Kraus, entitled “Orwellian update from Prince William County” appeared on this page on April 27. Mr. Kraus referred to Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart as Obergruppenführer, and said he was using the Prince William County police force “...as his own personal brown-shirt militia.”

Double standard for D.C. madam

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I feel sorrow for the D.C. Madam.
I know prostitution is wrong.

Writer would trade Principi for Barg

Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I’m glad that Steve Halleman thinks that Frank Principi is such a Godsend to this county. Since Mr. Halleman thinks so much of Principi he should try and contact him by any means of his choosing and let us know how that works out for him. He also needs to read and pay attention to Steve Bradish’s comments. I agree with him wholeheartedly.

Worry about what’s important

Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:01 EDT

Instead of this paper’s concern over waivers for those who have committed felonies, maybe the paper should ask where do all the brave men and women in our armed forces come from.

Enough of your silly newspaper editorials

Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:01 EDT

Good gosh, give it a rest. Your editorials are getting sillier by the day. I rarely write these letters, but the latest in a long line of vitriolic editorials (“Stand up before it’s too late,” April 7) by the Potomac News prompted me to pick up my pen.

No more safety net for failed countries

Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The Board of County Supervisors is at a historic crossroads. It can fund and continue to enforce the “rule of law” resolution, or it can let it go by the wayside and watch this county and the rest of the region degenerate into a third-world slum.

Happy ending at the bowling alley

Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Recently at the Manassas Bowling Alley on Mathis Avenue during the Friday A.M. Senior bowling league, Richard Ray became a hero by performing the Heimlich Maneuver on a bowler who was choking on a piece of donut.

Opinion belongs on the opinion page

Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Jerome C. Burchard takes this paper to task for its opinion of Prince William County’s illegal immigrant resolution; “Paper betrays its journalistic integrity,” April 26.

Paper hits right opinion on lower standards

Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The Potomac News editorial of April 23 decrying the lowering of our military standards as a result of the war in Iraq was right on target.

Why is program being nixed by board?

Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Isn’t it interesting that the Board of County Supervisors are willing to close a Prince William County Public School program at the Group Home for Boys and the Group Home for Girls (which is taught by highly-qualified Virginia certified PWCS teachers) and move to a program at a “faith” based private school without any public knowledge. Both of these programs have served PWC for over 20 years.

Thanks to the Flower Gallery of Manassas

Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I want to thank the Flower Gallery shop in Manassas for supporting the efforts of the group, Honor Flights. Honor Flights fundraise and arrange to fly our WWII veterans around the country to Washington, D.C., for the day to see their war memorial.

Olympic sport or not, don’t honor BMX racing

Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

BMX (not a mainstream sport) is an Olympic sport. So is bouncing on a trampoline (who can figure the IOC reasoning for anything they do?).

Congratulations to successful students

Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Six students who attend Battlefield High School in Haymarket, just returned from the 44th Annual Skills USA Virginia State Convention and Competitions held in Hampton, where five students placed high in different trade, technical and leadership fields. Daman Gill and Karim Sadek competed as a team in the Web Site Design contest and placed fourth overall in the state.

Writer has pride for her district supervisor

Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I am proud of my Supervisor, Frank Principi, for taking a stand.

Higher interest to get economy on track

Sat, 03 May 2008 00:00:01 EDT

Although we are in a recession, few political leaders will admit it. Interest rates have been falling but not for the benefit of citizens.

Writer happy about the resolution nullification

Sat, 03 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Happily, the Prince William Supervisors have nullified their recent mandate that county police check the immigration status of anyone suspected of being unlawfully in the country.

Doing whatever it takes to get elected

Sat, 03 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

If I ever run for office again — which I doubt I will because I don’t want my house searched again for some fictitious 17 year old girl I’m holding hostage against her will — I now know how to do it right.

Personal desires versus the best for all

Sat, 03 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Although it may be too late for publication prior to the county supervisors’ meeting, I thought it best to offer thoughts on the state of today’s citizenry.

Primaries are done, hopefully Hillary won

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:01 EDT

As you are reading this letter the results of the Pennsylvania primary are already history.

Commending police on a job well done

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

In his letter to the paper’s editor on April 22 entitled “On the anti-illegal immigration resolution,” Mr. Gregg White stated that one day a couple of weeks ago he saw a PWC police cruiser at the Marumsco Plaza.

Jacobsen defeats his own argument

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

In a column posted April 22, Mr. Gary Jacobsen writes about a legal concept wherein a person or company can be held liable for damages void of an overt causal act.

Many thanks from the ACTS food pantry

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Members of the ACTS Food Pantry and many families through out the eastern part of Prince William County extend thanks to faculty and students at the PWC schools that collected food on April 25.

Thanks from the Prince William Symphony

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:01 EDT

The Prince William Symphony Orchestra (PWSO) wrapped up its mainstage season last weekend with standing ovations to our Opera Gems concert.

Thank you for listening to your constituents

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:01 EDT

Thanks to the Board of County Supervisors for defeating the resolution proposed by Mr. Principi to change and possibly weaken our “rule of law” resolution.

Earth Day and our children

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the under-publicized Earth Day event at the new County Complex. The enthusiasm of the participants was high and the information shared was interesting.

Earth Day and our children

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the under-publicized Earth Day event at the new County Complex. The enthusiasm of the participants was high and the information shared was interesting.

Keep the board together as it is

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

When I was elected to the Manassas City School Board two years ago, I was somewhat unsure of what I was getting into.

Help from a couple of good samaritans

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Fri. April 18, I was attempting to walk to my car in Montclair but my left leg was giving out on me and I was ready to fall.

Relationship between the Caps and me

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

For me it’s the personal relationship I formed with the Capitals as a young child. In a weird way I have my parents to thank.

Defining who has the ‘right’ to bear arms

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

With the passing of time this has gotten to be a more serious issue.

Why no coverage of BMX racing?

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The Freedom National BMX race was held on a recent weekend at the NOVA BMX track behind Pitzner Stadium in Woodbridge.

Thank you for all of the support

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

What a magnificent day Saturday, April 19 was. The first annual Kyle Wilson Walk for Fitness was a tremendous success. We are deeply touched and awed by the support we received from family, friends and the community.

Rule of law resolution works; don’t end it

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Woodbridge Supervisor Frank Principi wants to kill the “Rule of Law” resolution under the guise of compassion and tolerance, in order to maintain a cadre of slave labor for the business community and to create a steady stream of “victims” the liberal empathy machine can consistently respond to.

Thank you Principi for your courage

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I want to say “thank you” to Frank Principi, the Woodbridge Supervisor. I am glad to see that my supervisor has the moral courage to stand up against the anti-illegal immigration policy and for his principles, even against the majority on the board.

Support the Manassas Senior Day Program

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Last year there was overwhelming support from the Prince William County community, the Commission on Aging and the Manassas Senior Day Program Task Force to keep the Manassas Senior Day Program for special needs seniors open in Western Prince William County.

Not surprised, but disgusted with Principi

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I’m not surprised but I am disgusted that our Woodbridge Supervisor Frank Principi apparently fell out of bed, hit his head and came to the conclusion that though it’s working extremely well, we need to stop the police from checking for legal status when they stop any person suspected of committing a crime, traffic violations included.

Save these two successful programs

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Last year, because of a budget deficit, the Manassas Senior Day Program was one slated for elimination. But citizen support for the elderly and infirm in the western end of Prince William County led to the Board of Supervisors’ supporting its continuance.

Bottom fishing on illegal immigration

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

In his letter of April 19, Vic Poillucci went bottom fishing when he said, “before 1965 about 95 percent of immigrants came from Europe to work, pay taxes, and assimilate into our culture. The ‘new breed,’Latinos, Russians and Asians have arrived with their hand out. They know how to get bennies...”

Reader differs with veteran affairs

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Many of us have served our country honorably. The Department of Veteran Affairs thinks some have served more honorably than others.

Reader sympathizes, but does not agree

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

While I am sympathetic to the many families who lost sons and daughters at Virginia Tech, I am not sympathetic to the payoff they are to receive. The actions of Cho were not the fault of VT or the citizens of Virginia.

Disappointed at possible staff cut

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

My son is a graduating senior at Woodbridge Senior High School and a proud member of the JROTC Viking Battalion.

Orwellian update from Prince William County

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Having saved West Gate from the scourge of Mariachi music, Cowboy Corey Stewart’s Mexican Roundup is seeking greener pastures in the tarmac wilderness of Highway One parking lots where Prince William County police units have been observed rousting out groups of Hispanic males congregating there.

Ed Pratt for Manassas City School Board

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I am writing to endorse the candidacy of Ed Pratt for the Manassas City School Board. I served with Ed from 2002 to 2006 on the School Board and found him to be a most effective board member.

Support of Nancy West for Dumfries Council

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I am writing in support of candidate Nancy West for the Dumfries Town Council.

Principi’s true colors are shining through

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

It sure has not taken long for Woodbridge Supervisor Frank Principi to show his true colors. He went door to door and people told him they wanted something done about the illegals and loiterers hanging around all the 7-Eleven and the Plaza and the Mexican Restaurant on Route One.

Paper betrays its journalistic integrity

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

There’s a good deal of commonality shared by propagandists, politicians, papers and, in their own fashion, public opinion polls.

Manassas Senior Day program targeted again

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Recently, we were informed that the Prince William Board of County Supervisors will vote April 29 to close the Manassas Senior Day Program. Last year affected families were given nine days notice before the vote; this year, six days notice!

The paper is neither fair nor balanced

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

While reading your unfair and unbalanced newspaper the other day, I came across your correction section where your paper stated: “The Potomac News wishes to present a fair and accurate news report each day.”

What a community cannot do without

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:01 EDT

Certain things a community cannot do without. These include quality leadership and fiscal conservancy. Prince William has been suffering in both areas.

Dear fellow citizen voters of Manassas

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Lend me your eyes. Let me take you on a journey that will hopefully lead you to joining me in supporting Ed Pratt’s return to the Manassas City SChool Board.

Set the record straight on Via

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Brenda Via has served on the Dumfries Town Council for four years. During this time, Brenda Via has helped move Dumfries forward with her record of voting, her position on police department matters, new development and redevelopment.

Independent thinking from our leadership

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I assume the following quote in your article about Mr. Bushnell is accurate: “I think we are needed even more than when we got here,” Bushnell said of he and his running mate.

Courage to brave inconsiderate drivers

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I applaud the hundreds of people who supported the Prince William County March for Babies on Sunday.

A letter honoring Earth Day 2008

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

In honor of Earth Day, it is important to note that mounting evidence indicates that global warming is affecting not only the polar ice caps but our own communities as well.

Complexities of economic woes

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The global economy is experiencing massive perturbations. There are numerous and complex reasons for this.

Don’t undermine your own resolution

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I expected interest groups that aide illegal behavior to use the county’s budget deliberations to undermine support for the illegal alien enforcement initiative, but I did not expect members of the County Board of Supervisors to join them.

Praise for anti-illegal immigration resolution

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I’m writing in response to a letter from Gregg White. In your letter you stated that you were sitting in the drive through of your bank when you witnessed a PWC police officer doing his job.

Celebrating our diversity as a people

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

We are the world, young and old, born and unborn.

Key to the vitality of county area

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Travel and tourism is vital to the prosperity of Prince William County/Manassas, Virginia.

On the anti-illegal immigration resolution

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

There seem to be some varying opinions among our county supervisors on what are the effects of the resolution on businesses coming to the county and on the perception of people outside the county on whether our county is racist.

Frederick supports West for Dumfries

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I’m privileged to represent the Town of Dumfries in the House of Delegates, and I’ve enjoyed working with the town’s leadership during my time in office to make Dumfries a better place to live, work and raise a family.

What were the editors thinking?

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Page A1 on Sunday had an article about the Virginia Tech shootings, “Are we able to stop campus killers?” by Rex Bowman and Michael Martz). Certainly good food for thought on the first anniversary of the rampage.

Writer bemoans lack of constituent service

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

As a Coles District resident, I supported Marty Nohe for supervisor when he ran for office more than four years ago and again last November.

Tips on what one person can do

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

In response to George Kraus’ letter “Questioning the people we choose to mourn” — I belong to Weems Neighborhood Watch. I walk daily past a memorial to Victor Moreno Orosco near the spot where he died. I also walk past Landgreen Street where Khawaja Ahmed was killed in February.

When in Manassas, watch your speed

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

For the nearly eight years I have resided in Manassas, I have endured the disregard of motorists who ignore the posted speed limit of 25 mph and treat residential streets as if they are motor speedways.

Quality credentials for council member

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Nancy West has excellent qualifications for a seat on the Dumfries Town Council.

People intent on defying our laws

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

This letter is written in response to the Potomac News, op-ed piece of April 12, “Making things worse.”