Opinion
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…
Dear Editor: When the opportunity came up to put my name in the hat for the Loudoun County Public School Board I thought to myself, this could be an opportunity for the school board to show the community that they’re listening. I figured as a Puerto Rican, in a biracial marriage, with a special…
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…
Dear Editor: Ocean’s Eleven was an iconic heist film about the con of the century. The booty was 150 million. That’ll buy seventy multi-million-dollar luxury estates, each with a couple of new Land Rovers parked in the driveway. The 5.3 trillion COVID stimulus dollars that the Washington overseers have exacted from us over the last…
Dear Editor: One of your recent letters aimed to point out the “distinct differences” between Paul Siker and Dave LaRock in the race for 33rd District’s Delegate vote. It did contrast the two candidates, but it misled the big picture. Incumbent LaRock is a reactionary, reflecting his major supporters: the Family Federation of Virginia is a…
Dear Editor: As Purcellville has grown, we have added the necessary infrastructure so our citizens can lead healthy, safe, and rewarding lives. In the time since my family moved to Purcellville, in 2002, I’ve seen the construction of three new schools, three new shopping centers, hundreds of new houses, a new road, among many other…