The Falls Church City Council Plans to move ahead and pass its most restrictive version of its gun ban despite the outcry and opposition from the community and without call in voice live public comment.  It appears to many in Falls Church that the City Council is going for a two for one, passing a law that violates rights protected by the 2nd amendment while not listening to folks as provided by rights protected by the 1st amendment.  The City Council is willfully not using technology the city has access to so that the council will not have to hear the live voices of itsRead More →

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Another local election draws near and with it are another group of Falls Church residents that are seeking to serve our community.  Falls Church FACTS has asked them to share with us and our readers a little bit about themselves, why they are running and how they hope to work to improve our community and schools. The City Council Candidates are: Phil Duncan, Letty Hardi, David Tarter and Stuart Whitaker.  It takes a lot of time to run for office and even more to serve so please take a little time to read their statements.  We may have varied perspectives on different issues but IRead More →

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There are alternatives to a $120,000,000 new school as discussed and identified through various community meetings.  However, the only option that is being advertised to citizens is the $120,000,000 option.   From the chart, it appears there are other viable solutions but the referendum is written for only the most expensive option.  We have a right and responsibility to look at all options in a thorough and intelligent way to minimize the financial risk while providing space for our growing population.    Ask your school and city leadership to give details of all the options – not just one.  Read More →

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Below is the statement read by Mr. John Leimone to City Council during public comment on Monday, July 24, 2017.  Mr Lemoine has worked as an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank and the International Monetary Fund. I strongly support the VPIS recommendation in the well-argued letter to you (City Council) to postpone any decision on a GMHS referendum until citizens have been thoroughly and honestly briefed on all aspects of this project, which because of the costs involved, poses an existential threat to the City’s future financial stability. Underlying this position are at least 4 major concerns: The Council and City Manager have glossedRead More →

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Open letter to City Council Members regarding the increasing operating costs for the schools.  Dear Council Member, Thank you for your service. I am concerned about the forecasted operational costs presented by Dr. Noonan and Mr. Shields at the Town Hall meeting. Below are the calculations that include the:   4% annual increase that Dr. Noonan said is required through 2030 2.5% city revenue growth that Mr. Shields said is forecasted for the same period.  The 2.5% takes into account all development in the pipeline. *  Note : this chart was revised based on input from Dr. Noonan; the school receives State and Federal subsidiesRead More →

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Arlington, like many local jurisdictions, depend on commercial development to fund the county’s needs.  The increase in commercial vacancies has been problematic in Arlington and the article indicates that high vacancies may continue until 2023.  If this is occurring in a neighboring jurisdiction that is very similar to FCC, what might we learn from this issue? The Arlington Economic Development Chief indicates that converting commercial property to residential brings in less revenue than commercial properties: “he cautioned that the conversions trigger more government services for residents and bring in less revenue than commercial properties.” Washington Business Journal ArticleRead More →

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