Stark Difference in Candidates!

Ken Cuccinelli
Republican Candidate for Attorney General

Steve Shannon
Democratic Candidate for Attorney General

Mayor's Summit a Big Hit!

Working as a Community for Tomorrow!

Over 200 Individuals representing scores of businesses and groups and personal interests in community sustainability participated in this day long conference.



The morning began early for the organizers, 7:15am, and officially at 9:00am for participants whose interests ranged from energy production to energy conservation, from car pooling to buy local, from recycling to bicycling, from policy theory for the future to action items on how we can make a difference ourselves beginning that day...


Notable for their presence were Harrisonburg City Councilwoman Carolyn Frank and Councilman Richard Baugh who both greatly contributed to the conversation during breakout sessions along with Planning Commission member and Harrisonburg Democratic Chairman Alan Finks.

Also participating were Democratic Candidates for VA House of Delegates:
Erik Curren (20th District-Bridgewater, Staunton, Western Augusta and Highland),
Gene Hart (26th District-Harrisonburg and Northern Rockingham),
and campaign representatives for:
Greg Marrow (25th District-Eastern Rockingham and Augusta, Waynesboro and Western Albemarle),
and John Lesinski (15th District-Shenandoah, Page, Luray, Woodstock, Strasburg, and Rappahanock)

Notable for their absence and obvious lack of interest in such efforts toward community improvement and future planning were VA Senator Mark Obenshain and Valley Delegates Matt Lohr, Todd Gilbert, Chris Saxman, and Steve Landes...


The event was attended by environmentalists and economists, by landscape designers and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) architects and builders, by city and rural citizens, by professors, teachers and students, by young people of all ages, and by carpenters, plumbers, lawyers, farmers, homemakers and a garage door salesman.

This is how American Government is supposed to work.

Of the people, by the people, for the people.

Thanks to all who participated.

Click here to visit the Official Summit Site

Movie at Mayor's Summit Today!

As part of the Harrisonburg Mayor's Sustainability Summit

From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view.

The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns.

The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.

The Story of Stuff Will be followed by time for us to discuss the ideas Annie Leonard presents in this excellent short documentary.

Where? First Presbyterian Church on Court Square

When? Today! Saturday, May 30

Show Times? 11:00am, 12:15pm, 1:30pm, and 2:45pm

Presented by:

and

Rockingham County Democratic Committee

Bike Rally for Big Brothers Big Sisters Today!

May 30, 2009

(Rain date: May 31, 2009)

Registration will begin at 9 a.m.
Departure will begin at 10:00 a.m.

In case of inclement weather check back here for postponement details.

Registration fee:
$25 Riders
$15 Passengers

Fundraise $100 and ride for free!

Ride to start at:
Blue Ridge Powersports
20 Heritage Drive
Harrisonburg, VA (Route 11 South)

Big Brothers Big Sisters makes a difference in the lives of youth. Children growing up today are faced with tough decisions at an early age. Big Brothers Big Sisters offers youth the support and guidance of a caring adult mentor.

For more information: Call 540.433.8886

Brian Moran in Harrisonburg Today

Join Brian Moran to discuss his main-street economic recovery plan and rural economic plan to restart the struggling economy WHEN: Saturday, May 30 4:30 p.m. WHERE: The Artful Dodge 47 Court Square Harrisonburg, VA 22801 If you would like to attend, please RSVP online. We hope to see you there!

Paid for and Authorized by

Virginians for Brian Moran.

Deeds: Carry On

Deeds for Virginia

Valley 4th of July! Volunteer Opportunities!

Valley 4^th Volunteers Needed

Plans are well underway for the annual Valley 4^th Celebration for July 4, 2009. Entertainment, vendors, a Beer Garden, the parade, and fireworks are scheduled for the event.

It takes a large number of volunteers to make this event happen. I am contacting you hoping that you will volunteer for at least one 2-hour shift throughout the day.

Many of you plan or attend events this day with family and friends, but we are asking that you only commit a 2 hour shift before or after your other plans.

This is a wonderful activity for a family, youth group or any other organization looking for a service activity.

We need people to do a little of everything—so there is the right kind of work for everyone. You could work in the hospitality room, information booth, place signs in strategic areas, help set-up stages, or participate in the pass the hats throughout the day.

The shifts begin at 9 am and run until 11 pm. Consider bringing family or friends with you to volunteer!

This is a great way to get to know the community and give back!

Please contact Mary Slade at dukesprof@gmail.com with the shift time that you are available with any work preference or to ask any questions.

Participate in the Future!

Kai Degner on the Mayor's Sustainability Summit from Scott Rogers on Vimeo.

Our community is rich with people, organizations, businesses, and projects committed to environmental and energy sustainability. As mayor, I have received more comments, questions, and ideas that fit into this larger theme than any other. Renewable energy, local foods, preparing for a post peak-oil world, green space, bike share programs, energy conservation initiatives, climate change - they’re all part of this conversation. What would be possible by connecting projects, people, businesses, and ideas to intentionally focus on more sustainable living in Harrisonburg and the central Shenandoah Valley? Let’s find out.

Saturday May 30, 2009 is slated for the first Mayor’s Sustainability Summit for Harrisonburg and the central Shenandoah Valley.

What

• A community summit, hosted by Mayor Kai Degner
• To discuss ideas and solutions for environmental and energy sustainability
• Click the video above!
  

Who

• This is an open invitation event!
• Over 300 people with many interests, talents, and resources
• A growing list of partner organizations - from business to advocacy to faith-based - will make this a day of rich conversations about ideas and solutions

Where and When

• Saturday May 30, 2009
• 8:30am Registration, and plenty of coffee
  First Presbyterian Church on Court Square in downtown Harrisonburg (directions).
• 9:00am Opening Session
• 11:00am-4:00pm Breakout Sessions in downtown restaurants
• 4:00pm Get back together at the church.

Click here to visit the website!

Proud and Honored to Partner in this Historic Event

Seven Generations

Rockingham County Democratic Committee

Poll - Chickens in the City

Chickens in the City...

Where do you stand?

What is your opinion on allowing ownership of chickens in the city of Harrisonburg?
	I support people being able to have chickens in the city.
	I oppose people being able to have chickens in the city.
	I don't care either way.
	I think this whole controversy is ridiculous beyond belief.
	What?
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Deeds Endorsed by Washington Post

Mr. Deeds on June 9
Of three qualified candidates in the Democratic primary, the rural state senator is the best choice.

WHO IS the best candidate for Northern Virginia?

Judge by appearances and there are two obvious possibilities in the Democratic primary for governor: Brian Moran, the former Alexandria prosecutor who served a dozen years in the House of Delegates, and Terry R. McAuliffe, the Richmond outsider who has lived in McLean for roughly 17 years.

Not in the running would be R. Creigh Deeds, an unassuming state senator from a district closer to West Virginia than to Fairfax City. However, delve a bit deeper, and the answer might surprise you. In 18 years in the General Assembly, Mr. Deeds has time and again supported measures that might be unpopular with his rural constituency but that are the right thing to do, for Northern Virginia and the state as a whole. He has demonstrated an understanding of the problems that matter most, the commitment to solve them and the capacity to get things done.

Mr. Deeds may not be the obvious choice in the June 9 primary, but he's the right one. Unlike his opponents, Mr. Deeds has made clear that he would make transportation his first priority, vowing to tackle this region's greatest challenge while his political capital is at its height. His record suggests that he could make headway.

Both Mr. Deeds and Mr. Moran supported the plan of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D), ultimately gutted by the state Supreme Court, to generate millions in transportation funding. Last year, however, as both candidates were laying the groundwork for their campaigns, Mr. Deeds courageously voted for a proposal that included raising the state's gas tax, unchanged since 1986; Mr. Moran helped kill the bill by opposing it in committee. (Mr. McAuliffe says that he's not opposed to raising revenue for roads, but as with every other state issue, he has no record.)

Mr. Deeds is in a unique position to persuade rural legislators to support a transportation funding proposal. As he once told The Post, "A gentleman from Lunenburg County called me up to say, 'I don't want my taxes to go up so they can build roads in Northern Virginia.' I said, 'Who do you think is paying for your schools?' Right now, the economic engine that has been driving Virginia has serious transportation woes. It's in the interest of every single Virginian, no matter where he or she lives, to fix that problem."

Read the entire endorsement

Bonus Pay for Electrocuting U.S. Soldiers?

U.S. Army paid bonuses to KBR despite questions

(Reuters)

Pfc. Justin Shults displays his burn wounds. Shults was electrocuted in a shower facility in Iraq, and is now suing KBR. (Photo: AP)

The U.S. Army paid "tens of millions of dollars in bonuses" to KBR Inc, its biggest contractor in Iraq, even after it concluded the firm's electrical work had put U.S. soldiers at risk, according to a source close to a U.S. congressional investigation.

The Senate Democratic Policy Committee plans to hold a hearing on Wednesday to examine KBR's operations in Iraq, and question why the Army rewarded the Houston-based company.

The panel says KBR has been linked to at least two, and as many as five, electrocution deaths of U.S. soldiers and contractors in Iraq due to "shoddy work.

Investigators believe hundreds of other soldiers may have received electrical shocks, the source added. The Army is investigating.

Read the story

Meet the Candidates Forum

The Third Thursday of each month, the Rockingham County Democratic Committee meeting is held.

For this month's meeting we have invited our Candidates for House of Delegates to attend and share with us their plans and ideas for when they get elected, and to also talk with us about their campaign progress and strategy, and how we might be of help.

Please join the Rockingham County Democratic Committee for an open forum with Candidates John Lesinski of the 15th, Gene Hart of the 26th, Greg Marrow and Jim Noel of the 25th, and Erik Curren of the 20th.

What? Candidate Open Forum with RCDC

When? Thursday, May 21st, 2009

Time? 7:00p.m.

Where? Rockingham County Board of Supervisors Meeting Room
20 East Gay Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Take this opportunity to meet our outstanding Candidates!

Thank you,

Lowell

Creigh Deeds Proposes Valley Biomass Facility

Senator Creigh Deeds, on the campaign trail for Governor, has outlined his plan to make Virginia a leader in alternative energy. Deeds proposes a State initiative to invest in 3 regional bio mass facilities including one in the Shenandoah Valley for poultry and ag waste.

Deeds' plan calls for the state to invest $5 million each toward development of a switch grass facility in Southside Virginia, a poultry litter and agricultural waste facility in the Shenandoah Valley and an algae facility in Hampton Roads. You will notice that this is not about growing feed grains for energy production. He is calling for Virginia utilities to use 22% renewable energy by 2025.

I had a chance to talk with Senator Deeds during his recent visit to Harrisonburg and we talked about this research at Virginia Tech. A professor at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has developed a transportable process that converts poultry litter to bio oil and produces a slow release fertilizer by-product. The bio-oil production ranges from 30 to 50 percent by weight, with hardwood shavings giving a near 60% return. It is exciting research, from our Land-Grant University, with big potential for Valley agriculture, jobs, and the environment.

Thatcher agrees: more women needed

Interesting take in today's DNR on one of the shortcomings of our government. Women and men interested in fixing the problem should consider farmteam.org.

Hart Video - 26th District Democratic Candidate

In 2009, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley and the 26th House of Delegates district will have the chance to continue our state's movement forward.

I ask for your support in becoming your next delegate to the General Assembly.

Together we can end the partisan and ideological stalemate that has gripped Virginia's House of Delegates for a decade.

Together we can assure that Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and the entire central Valley region has a common-sense voice in the coming new Democratic majority in the House.

Together we can provide the leadership it will take to make sure that our General Assembly works towards practical solutions to put our neighbors back to work, restore the luster to our parent's golden years, and preserve the bright future that is our children's birthright as Virginians!

Gene Hart
Democratic Candidate
Virginia House of Delegates
District 26

Greg Marrow announces campaign events

Greg Marrow, candidate for House of Delegates 25th District, recently sent an email alerting Democrats about upcoming events. You can RSVP or get more information by visiting gregmarrow.com or by contacting Dan Chavez at 540.560.8850 or dchavezb@gmail.com.

Sunday, May 24 @ 3 pm, Meet & Greet with Greg Marrow hosted by Mary McDermott in Waynesboro. Please RSVP for more information.

Tuesday May 26 @ 7:30 pm, Democratic candidates from around the Valley will gather at the Staunton Public Library for a Candidate's Forum to discuss Green Energy Jobs and conservation.

Thursday May 28 @ 6:30 pm, "An Evening in the Valley." Join fellow Democrats at Blue Mountain Brewery in Afton for a social with Greg Marrow. RSVP is encouraged but not necessary.

Tuesday June 2 @ 6:00 pm, "Meet Your Candidates" forum under the Pavilion at Waynesboro's Constitution Park.

Message to You...

Dear Friend,

You and I have been through much together over the past few years. I realize that I have loaded up your email box with many messages during that time. Please know that I’ve not meant to be a bother, but rather to keep you informed so that you can choose to be involved as we work to achieve good and solid representation and leadership from our government.

Please plan to come out in support of Gene Hart as he puts his life and family and job on hold in order to seek election to the Virginia House of Delegates to represent and work for us, the people of Harrisonburg and Northern Rockingham County. Gene Hart is a man of very high intelligence and integrity, and he is also a man who possesses much commonsense and a very good sense of sound judgment.

Gene Hart will make a much better Delegate than I could have hoped to be, and ever so much better than Matt Lohr will ever attempt to be…

Please join me at 6:30pm this Thursday May the 14^th, at the Harrisonburg City Council Chambers at 409 South Main Street to provide him the nomination, and grace him with our confidence and full support as he steps into the battle on our behalf.

I am asking you personally to join me in this effort to send a very high quality individual to Richmond to represent our interests, and to work hard for our community.

Last year we joined together and elected Barack Obama and Mark Warner.

Last year was for America.

This year is for Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley…

Help me work to elect Gene Hart.

The first step is to endow him with the Democratic Nomination as our Candidate.

What? The Nomination Caucus for Democratic Candidate to the Virginia House of Delegates, 26^th District.

When? Thursday, May 14^th 2009, at 6:30pm.

Where? 409 South Main Street, Harrisonburg Virginia, at the City Council Chambers.

I hope to see you Thursday evening to work together for better government.

I remain sincerely yours in service,

Lowell Fulk

Chair

Rockingham County Democratic Committee

Creigh Deeds Wins Big in 10th CD Convo Straw Poll

Creigh Deeds Wins 10th CD Convention Straw Poll

A non-binding straw poll was conducted at the 10th CD Convention on May 9th.
There were 96 votes cast. These are the results:

Creigh Deeds - 49 (51%)
Brian Moran - 24 (25%)
Terry McAuliffe - 23 (24%)

"This straw poll, unlike previous polls, was essentially the first significant poll that people weren’t allowed to be bussed in to participate. As students of last November’s election remember, the 10th District played an important part in President Obama’s victory in both the primary and the general elections."

full post at Star City Harbinger

Goposauric Park

Virginia GOP Circus Traveling Roadshow!

Ladeeeeezzzzzeeee and Gentlemen!

Prepare yourselves to be Amazed, Shocked, Dismayed, Horrified,
and Entertained like never before!

Welcome to the GOP Circus
Traveling Road Show!

In this show you will witness both the unbelievable, and the undeniable!

Now grab your popcorn and your drink, make yourselves comfortable,

And Let the Show Begin!

Deeds Begins TV Campaign

Gubernatorial Candidate Creigh Deeds on Education

The contest to win the Democratic Gubernatorial Primary finally kicks into high gear!

Now, it's all about message...

Book Your Libertarian Vacation Now!

Or, as the Democratic Party calls it - "The Teabagger Educational Field Trip". Get your shots, take your antibiotics (if you still have health insurance). Bon Voyage!

Against Jobs?

We must support these Champions for the Valley!

We can easily substitute "Bob" with Matt Lohr, Steve Landes, Todd Gilbert, Chris Saxman and/or Ben Cline in the video below...



What Lohr, Landes, Gilbert, Saxman and Cline fail to mention is that the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund will be out of money by the fourth quarter. Then what do they propose?

What they fail to mention is that the $125 million dollars they refused would help forestall the inevitable increase in unemployment costs to Virginia businesses.

Gee, one must wonder how they left out that little detail?...

Democratic Call to Caucus for 26th House of Delegates District

HARRISONBURG AND ROCKINGHAM COUNTY VIRGINIA DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEES

CALL TO ASSEMBLED CAUCUS TO NOMINATE

ONE CANDIDATE for the 26^th HOUSE OF DELEGATES DISTRICT

In the VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1. Call. Pursuant to the authority provided by the Virginia Democratic Party Plan, the Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County Democratic Committees hereby call an Assembled Caucus to be held at 7:00pm, on Thursday May 14, 2009, at the Harrisonburg City Council Chambers, 409 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

2. Incorporated Documents. All appropriate provisions of the Code of Virginia (“Code”), Virginia Democratic Party Plan (“Party Plan”) and the Bylaws of the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Democratic Committees (“Bylaws”) are incorporated into this Call and made a part hereof.

3. Purpose. The sole purpose of this Caucus shall be to nominate one candidate for the 26^th House of Delegates District of the Virginia General Assembly, in accordance with the Code, Party Plan and Bylaws.

4. Candidate Requirements: Each candidate for nomination must meet the requirements specified by the Code, the Party Plan, and the Bylaws. Filing forms may be obtained from the Chair of the Harrisonburg Democratic Committee at 1133 Bluebird Court, Harrisonburg, VA 22802, or from the Chair of the Rockingham County Democratic Committee at 11830 Fort Turley Trail, Linville, VA 22834. Each candidate for nomination must submit a completed filing form, at the proper Committee’s address above, by Monday, 5-11-09, at 7:00pm. Each filing form must be accompanied by a filing fee of $50.00. If no qualified candidate files for said office, the nominee for the 26^th House of Delegates shall be chosen by the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County nominating committee, and the Caucus shall not consider the question of a nominee for said office. If exactly one qualified candidate files for the 26^th House of Delegates District, that candidate shall be declared the nominee, and the Caucus shall not consider the question of nominees for said office. If only one qualified candidate files for said office, that candidate shall be declared the nominee, and the Caucus shall not consider the question of nominees for said office. If there are no questions to be considered by the Caucus, the Caucus shall be canceled.

5. Notice Requirements: It shall be the duty of the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Democratic Committees, and their officers and members, to ensure that this Call receives the widest possible dissemination.

6. Voting Eligibility and Requirements: Any Democrat who is registered to vote in the 26^th House of Delegates District may vote in the Caucus, provided that he or she signs a declaration that he or she is a Democrat, is a registered voter in the 26^th House of Delegates District, believes in the principles of the Democratic Party, will not participate in the nominating process of any other political party and does not intend to support any candidate who is opposed to a Democratic nominee in the next election for the 26^th House of Delegates District.

7. Caucus Committees and Officers: The Chairs of the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Democratic Committees shall appoint a temporary rules and credentials committee, which shall publish rules and credentials procedures for the Caucus. The Caucus shall elect a Permanent Chair and Clerk.

8. Outreach: Participation in the Caucus is open to all registered voters who wish to participate as Democrats. The Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Democratic Committees shall conduct a vigorous outreach effort to ensure that all members of the Democratic community are aware of the Caucus and how to participate. Such outreach shall be directed to all Democratic constituencies, including groups such as ethnic minorities, young people, persons over 65 years of age, lesbians and gay men, persons with a high school education or less, persons with differing abilities, and persons of low and moderate income.

This Call to Caucus adopted on 5-02-2009.

Alan Peter Finks, Chair, Harrisonburg Democratic Committee

________________________________________.

Lowell Lee Fulk, Chair, Rockingham County Democratic Committee

________________________________________.

Tipping Point Near - Americans Increasingly Like Track We're On

From Daily Kos Weekly Trend Data 4/30/09:







Enough data points have been gathered... it is safe to conclude, we have strong statistical evidence of a process shift. Americans have been steadily increasing their positive sense of the direction that the country is headed or "on the right track". Looking at the run chart data above, Right Track/Wrong Track, a sustained positively increasing trend is clearly in evidence.

Expect to see a tipping point or cross-over point soon, where more Americans feel we are on the Right Track vs. those that don't.

Also notable, is the sustained process stability of President Obama's favorable rating. His favorable rating appears to been holding steady at about 70%, with significantly low variability.

Americans like what they see so far, 100 days into this new Administration.

Run Chart "Trend" Rule: a sequence of 6 or 7 points continually increasing or decreasing.


cross-posted Blue Ridge Data

Think about it...

Try to see it my way,
Do I have to keep on talking till I can't go on?
While you see it your way,
Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone.

Think of what you're saying.
You can get it wrong and still you think that it's all right.
Think of what I'm saying,
We can work it out and get it straight, or say good night.

Life is very short, and there's no time
For fussing and fighting, my friend.
I have always thought that it's a crime,
So I will ask you once again.

Try to see it my way,
Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong.
While you see it your way
There's a chance that we might fall apart before too long.

Life is very short, and there's no time
For fussing and fighting, my friend.
I have always thought that it's a crime,
So I will ask you once again.

Try to see it my way,
Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong.
While you see it your way
There's a chance that we might fall apart before too long.

We can work it out,
We can work it out.