October | 2014 | Wards Corner Civic League

October 2014 message and meeting info

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Martin Thomas Jr.

The October 2014 Wards Corner Civic League meeting will be held on the 20th at 6:45pm at the Fitness and Wellness Center on Newport Ave.

Invited speakers include Sonal Rastogi, Director of Libraries.

The president’s message:

Dear Neighbors,
This November 4th we will be electing several new leaders to our State and Federal government and voting on two important issues for our City. Here are the choices and issues.
For the US Senate the choices are:
Ed W. Gillespie (R)
Mark R Warner (D) Incumbent
Robert C. Jarvis (L)
For the 3rd House District
Bobby Scott (D) Incumbent
For 2nd District House of Representatives
E. Scott Rigell (R) Incumbent
Suzanne D. Patrick (D)

Proposed Constitutional Issue
Question: Shall Section 6-A of Article X (Taxation and Finance) of the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to exempt from taxation the real property of the surviving spouse of any member of the armed forces of the United States who was killed in action, where the surviving spouse occupies the real property as his or her principal place of residence and
has not remarried?

Election of School Board
Shall the method of selection the school board be changed from appointment
by the governing body to direct election by the voters?

Because of these important elections and our responsibility as a US citizen to vote in every election I am including a short piece from the website of Essortment.com regarding the reasons we should vote. I hope you enjoy it. “Voting in a local, state, or national election is an exciting opportunity provided by democratic nations to their citizens. There are many good reasons to vote, including the following: 1. Casting a vote allows an individual to express a choice among candidates who wish to become government leaders. It’s up to each voter to locate available information about each candidate and to make an informed decision about how to vote. Rather than allowing potential leaders to hide weaknesses and wrong-doing from public awareness, a democratic voting process urges citizens to get involved and to share viewpoints about who should lead. Failing to register a vote is tantamount to saying you don’t care. Few people truly remain oblivious to government leadership. Most have opinions about the way things should go, and they should use the voting process to express their preferences.

2. Voting provides a medium for citizens to support the democratic structure. If a majority of citizens chose not to vote, democracy might become a thing of the past, replaced by another form of government that might prove more elitist in nature. Registering to vote means that you believe in the democratic process and will participate in it to represent your right to freedom of speech.

3. Supporting the electoral process helps to reinforce your regional government. Showing that you care with your vote tells candidates that they must be accountable to the public. It also suggests that those who introduce issues for a vote must provide adequate information to
answer citizens’ questions and address their concerns rather than attempt to foist a half-baked idea onto the general public.

4. Showing up at the poll on voting day sets a good example to others. Remember, your children observe all that you do and will learn from your example, right or wrong as it may be. Civic awareness is an important part of their training and one of the early steps on the road
to maturity. Discuss the candidates with your family and make a point of mentioning your vote, or wearing the pin distributed at many polls that reads “I voted today.” Voting also sets a positive example to neighbors, friends, and family who may be uninterested in or unfamiliar
with the electoral system.

5. Finally, taking time to vote reflects pride in your nation and its government. The country becomes a beacon of liberty for the rest of the world who will be watching. Let everyone know that you care enough about your homeland and its leaders to have a say in the election’s outcome. Never surrender your right to speak your mind via the vote on Election Day.

If you are not currently registered to vote, call or stop in at the electoral office in Norfolk City Hall to get signed up. It only takes a few minutes, and even that step is likely to get noticed by those who are watching.”

Please become informed about these candidates and issues before you vote and please vote.

Finally I hope to see you at the next civic league meeting on October 20th. The Director of Libraries will join us and provide an update on all the great things happening at our Libraries. Please enjoy this edition of the Wards Corner Civic League newsletter. Our newsletter editor puts a lot of effort in producing our great newsletters.
Thanks,