Op-Ed
By Charles Houston We know many political -isms: conservatism, liberalism, libertarianism, progressivism, populism. To me, the paramount-ism is populism, as immortalized in Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address: Government of the people, by the people, for the people … That dictum surely applies to local issues, especially regarding how land is used. Loudoun’s people should control how our…
By John P. Flannery There may be no zero carbon footprint but we still have it as an environmental goal. The next generation is working on how we attack carbon emissions – and, sometimes, it’s downright fun. This narrative begins with a young Landon Hughes, about 4 years of age, when with his Mom, Cameron…
By Charles Houston You Should Not Ignore Zoning I know, I know. Zoning sounds as dull as dirt. Put this in the proper context and you’ll see why it’s critically important. When it’s approved, the new zoning ordinance will govern how much Loudoun should grow, what it will look like, and whether western Loudoun will…
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has voted to approve new names for Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) and John Mosby Highway (Route 50) within Loudoun County. The Board’s vote follows its September 2020 decision to inventory Confederate and segregationist symbols in the county, such as roads, buildings, markers and monuments, for renaming consideration. “People who supported…
That’s right, Loudoun County is planning to raise your Real Estate Taxes in July 2022 while reducing the taxes data centers pay. This is not my opinion but, planning guidance given to the County staff in preparation of the FY2023 Budget by the Board of Supervisors Finance Subcommittee. This plan was developed during two meetings,…
By Charles Houston Hallstatt, Austria is often listed as the world’s prettiest village. Hallstatt is small – 760 or so residents – and sits on a ledge where the towering Dachstein Massif plunges to the HallstatterSee. The 16-th century houses are quaint, built in Alpine style and with geranium-filled window boxes everywhere. Church spires, narrow…
By Charles Houston Do you like living in western Loudoun? I think you do, and I bet that question conjures images of virgin mountains, rolling pastures and quaint villages. Horses and cows. Corn and soybeans. Dogs and other pets. That’s just the visual appeal. Something else is more important – the people here truly form…
View from the Ridge There’s a special election in Purcellville on Nov. 2. The choice for voters – how to fill the Town Council seat vacated by Ted Greenly. Erin Rayner, who lost a Town Council bid in 2020, is running against Sean MacDonald. Whoever wins will complete a short Town Council term ending in…
View from the Ridge Just when you thought the fight to retain Purcellville’s small-town character couldn’t get more urgent, it does. In a special election on Nov. 2 voters will decide whether to protect Mayor Kwasi Fraser’s agenda of lower taxes, slow growth, innovative solutions, and infrastructure improvements. Or to grow, grow, grow, which we…
By Charles Houston I’m on the Zoning Ordinance Committee, which is helping craft a new zoning ordinance for the county. The old ordinance is 23 years old and 1,004 pages. Frankly, I think it’s fine, but that’s my retrograde opinion, and now I’m fully immersed in the rewrite process for the new ordinance. At our…