I attended the Gainesville District Townhall meeting and here’s a quick update.
- Transportation projects include the widening of 15, widening of 66 and the Linton Hall Corridor Project are all on track to be completed either early or on-time. And let me just say, I stand in awe of these transportation engineers who are able to squeeze a lane out of nothing. Unfortunately, new project funding is in doubt because of current economic conditions and funding issues related to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and Bob Marshall’s lawsuit where the Virginia Supreme Court ruled the collection of the funds unconstitutional.
- There was literature available concerning the Journey thru Hallowed Ground designation.
- Transmission Lines have been approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission conditional on West Virginia and Pennsylvania. West Virginia has given the go ahead while Pennsylvania has not. Also, there’s this interesting article in today’s Washington Post about Maryland regulators requesting electric utilities to draft conservation plans.
- USDOT representative reports federal highway funding legislation runs out at the end of September 09 and will need an overhaul.
- Stirrup again refuses to answer question about his membership in ‘Help Save Manassas’ instead decides to call me an ‘illegal alien apologist.’ Okay, if you think McCain and Reagan were apologists then so be it.But I did seem to learn who’s Stirrup’s spin meister is – Mr. Murphy. By the way, you were not his first choice for the job, greater men with more integrity declined this position. Better get back to crunching those numbers since ER visits have not decreased.
Alanna, please tell me that he didn’t call you an illegal alien apologist in the middle of the meeting!!!
An elected official calls one of his constituents a name? A stupid name at that. What is an illegal alien apologist, for starters? Sounds like he dodged the question to me.
Technically, it was towards the end of the meeting during a question and answer session. He was at the podium and said that the difference between the two of us was that I was an illegal alien apologist and he was a supporter of the rule of law.
We sure saw him cheering and yucking it up at the Republican National Convention on tv. I guess he was cheering for that good old illegal alien apologist John McCain?
But he did call you that name?
Moon-Howler he did! Can you imagine?! Apparently what he said went something like this “Alanna, the only difference between you and I, is that you, are an illegal alien apologist and I, want to enforce the law”.
Honestly, calling a constituent an “illegal apologist”?!?!!
OMG, and I thought the name calling on blogs was ludicrous, but this takes the cake.
What kind of representation is that? How low can one go? I guess one need not look any further than Mr. Stirrup.
That behavior is unacceptable. It is unacceptable on so many levels.
Furthermore, I cannot ever picture Alanna not being for ‘rule of law.’
Alanna,
You should demand an apology. Call all of the members of the board, tell the story, ask them to review the tapes, and get them to pressure him to make a public apology. If he wants to have a different opinion than you, fine, but I can’t believe that he actually resorted to name-calling in a public forum. That is absolutely ridiculous and unacceptable behavior from an elected official.
These are the actions of an official who believes too much in his power, and feels he does not need to be subject to the rules others follow. Kinda funny, given that he is all for supporting the “Rule of Law,” huh?
BTW, does anyone have any news of what happened at the work session with the PWC Schools?
Yes, I can also vouch that those were his words. Where do you EVER see the term “illegal alien apologist” except on BVBL’s front page?! He was being asked why he hasn’t denounced his ties to HSM and BVBL and this is the term he comes up with to differentiate himself from Alanna? Nice.
I might also add that I did not have the b*^%s to ask him my question since he got so nasty about the fact that Alanna brought up a question not related to transportation or power lines and it was at the very end of the meeting. And an older white man sitting right near me started blubbering on about how ridiculous Alanna’s question was since she cited the Southern Poverty Law Center’s declaration about HSM and GL.
That was Mr. Murphy. The person who asked a question prior to mine was not about transportation or power lines; it was a land-use question about Silver Lake. So, I didn’t have the impression that questions were restricted to those 2 issues.
It’s a public Town Hall meeting. Who in the hell restricts the topics of questions at such a meeting?
What a low life POS!! This man should step down!
I think it is odd that anyone uses that term in a negative manner. Apologist isn’t a dirty or bad name. In fact it is an accurate description of someone who advocates on behalf of an idea or belief or group of people. The term is often confused the modern meaning of the word apology meaning “I’m sorry” which is entirely different. To be called an apologist should be a compliment (although he didn’t mean it that way, so maybe he needs a dictionary) but apologist has a wonderful history of being someone who cared passionately about something enough to write and complain to government officials. If you feel that term accurately describes what you do, then you might wear the term as a badge of courage.
From Websters:
Main Entry: apol·o·gist
Function: noun
Date: 1640
: one who speaks or writes in defense of someone or something
Apologist: any of the Christian writers, primarily in the 2nd century, who attempted to provide a defense of Christianity and criticisms of Greco-Roman culture. Many of their writings were addressed to Roman emperors, and it is probable that the writings were actually sent to government secretaries who were empowered to accept or reject them. Under these circumstances, some of the apologies assumed the form of briefs written to defend Christians against the accusations current in the 2nd century, especially the charges that their religion was novel or godless or that they engaged in immoral cultic practices
Does this mean that Stirrup stiffed the School Board? Wasn’t the school board meeting scheduled for last night? How many times are there joint Supervisor/School Board meetings? Can’t imagine it would be too often.
Sorry, much as I love to occasionally take the Supervisor to task, last night’s comment/question was poorly articulated and inappropriate in that forum, as evidenced by the audience’s apparent discomfort and uneasy silence. That should come as no surprise given the gravity of the issues the meeting was intended to cover. Moreover, it was essentially a pointless display given the lack of media presence and the limited audience. The most you may have accomplished was delivering a minor embarrassing moment for the Supervisor before a largely supportive audience. In truth, given those noted factors, you only embarrassed yourself. You really need to learn to pick your spots better as constant sniping. particularly at inappropriate moments, over time relegates you to nothing more than background noise.
“Technically, it was towards the end of the meeting during a question and answer session. He was at the podium and said that the difference between the two of us was that I was an illegal alien apologist and he was a supporter of the rule of law.”
Ohhhhhh…..that is sweet. I smell postcards for the next election season with his words emblazoned on the front next to a picture of him scowling…. Oh the opportunities he just gave the opposition…
Article on why illegals are returning to nation of origin…
http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/nov/13/economics-big-factor-in-illegals-going-home/
keep/toss
Mom, I have to disagree. This is not the first time Mr. Stirrup has been asked publically about his association with HSM. He generally answers that it is a civic association which is a stretch, if not an outright lie.
Regardless of whether the question was poorly or grandly articulated, I cannot see the timing being poor at a town hall meeting. Where do YOU think would be an appropriate place to ask him why he is a member of an organization that has been placed on a hate watch by SPLC and ADL?
How can the numbers be down at the ER that just opened in Haymarket? That’s a new facility.
Politicians are asked awkward questions all the time. Does that mean that the question should not be asked or does it mean, as TWINAD stated, that most of us lack the stones to ask? Somehow I don’t think we would cringe if someone in the audience had asked if he had joined the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, the Bridge Club, the Sierra Club, or Ducks Unlimited.
Just what is the difference? Could it be that HSM is a controversial organization with 2 national watchdog groups designating it in a negative way? Could it be lack of acceptability that raises the eyebrow and makes some of us want to crawl under our chair, Mom?
Perhaps Mr. Stirrup needs a reminder that he is the elected official and Alanna is his constituent.
You don’t call your constituents names in a public forum. We really don’t need to go further than that. Mr. Stirrup has just been inducted into his own Hall of Shame.
My suspicion, is that ‘Mom’ is Carol Ferguson, a paid staffer for Stirrup’s office. Nice try saying that you take him to task. Show me when & where.
Has anyone forgotten the SPLC article on HSM and its fearless leader?
http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?pid=1528
Apparently I didn’t make the point clearly enough, namely, there is a time and place for everything. Those with an agenda, regardless the substance, need to know when to fire and when to keep their powder dry. Incessant attacks, particularly at inappropriate junctures, merely support those who would argue that that you are a wingnut or diminish in effectiveness over time. All I’m saying is that if you are going to go on the offensive be a little more discriminating when chosing your time and target.
BTW, Carol Ferguson is much too nice a person to be me.
What a total A-hole! And he didn’t even answer the question? Alanna, you are a better person by far and you have proven once again this man isn’t capable of doing his damn job.
–Does this mean that Stirrup stiffed the School Board? —
Stirrup didn’t bother going to the last one either.
Alanna can ask any question at any time, Mom, and she deserves an answer. She isn’t the professional politician here. Stirrup is supposed to be. Mark the word “SUPPOSED.”
Guess what? It’s probably going to get a bit more uncomfortable because I’m not going to stop asking. If Stirrup’s embarrassed, he should be. Help Save Manassas isn’t a civic association, why would it be awkward to defend it if it was? As far as I’m concerned, he can hold his opinion, it’s the relationship to the radical extremists that promote hateful rhetoric.
Case in point, I didn’t fault him for his view on the issue. I solely asked about renouncing his HSM membership, the recent designation by the ADL and the hateful rhetoric that’s been used by BVBL. Tell me, Mom – when and where am I to ask this question? There’s no dialogue at Citizens’ Time, he didn’t respond to my emails, I’m really delegated to inquiring at these Town Hall meetings. Is there some other venue that you would suggest, some media event that perhaps I’m unaware of?
Also, I am reminded that a single voice can change a room. It’s just going to take some time. Wait and watch! 🙂
Let’s change the question just a bit and insert KKK for HSM. Should that question ever be asked? Why, when and where? What is appropriate?
Let’s change it the other direction. What if Mr. Stirrup belonged to the Lions Club? I bet he would not dodge the question or the answer.
Is it our business if an elected official belongs to clubs and organizations? They sure list them on their resume to get us to elect them.
Mom, thank you for your clarification. I think we will just have to agree to disagree on this one. A special interest group that has been red-flagged by Southern Poverty Legal Center and the Anti-Defamaton League does raise questions and those questions should be answered.
I don’t care if Alanna asked Mr. Stirrup what color underwear he was wearing, she should not have been called names.
To be clear, I am not suggesting that it is not within her right to ask the question/make a statement, rather that the timing of such action might be better thought out from a strategic standpoint. If the sole purpose is to embarrass the Supervisor (and potentially oneself), so be it. If however, there is a greater goal, perhaps a little more time should be spent before attempting to foment discord.
Chris, are you out there? Sound somewhat familiar with regard to fashion comments?
Alanna, you are one of the bravest people I know.
Perhaps President Elect Obama was thinking of you when he said these words right out there at the Fairgrounds, in Prince William County:
Alanna is fired up, and ready to go. Best not to get in her way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muXrurb8gQQ
Time to do a FOIA on Stirrup. Does he or does he not belong to HSM?
Let’s do it ladies. He HAS to answer then. And if he lies, he’s doomed.
Geez M-H
I really didn’t need that image stuck in my head for the rest of the day.
Stirrup in his underwear. Yuck.
I think his intent was perfectly clear.
If he is a member of a civic organization that accepts donations and he is an elected official that has opportunity to donate tax dollars (discretionary funds) to civic organizations, then why is the question not fair?
Posting as Pinko, we aren’t all ladies here.
I don’t think one’s club and organization membership falls under FOIA, unless it has to do with the elected position or on the job duties.
Most people would have no problem explaining why they belong to an organization.
HSM has ever right to keep its membership roster private.
Stirrup’s office staff consists of Gail, Scott, Karen & Carol. I’d bet my bottom dollar that you are one of these 4 people.
These are my thoughts on Mr. Stirrup and his future in politics. I believe, his association, with HSM, will come back to haunt him in the next election. Alanna is simply asking him to clarify, if he is a member, and if he is aware that two very credible organziations, recongnized world wide for combatting intolerance, have named HSM a nativist and an extremist group. This question will always be relevant because it directly bears on Mr. Stirrups judgement as a human being and as a politician. If some joe schmoe is an HSM member and has no influence on public policy I could care less, but that anonymity is lost once you enter the sphere of government, in any capacity. That Mr. Stirrup, chose to personally insult Alanna, speaks to his depth or character, or lack thereof. The issue is not what SHE believes, the issue is whether or not Mr. Stirrup still hails a membership to HSM. People who advocate for immigration reform do not conversely shun laws. One does not negate the other. There is no money for building walls, building fences, building prisons, or creating more ICE positions. We are in an economic crisis, and more than ever, immigration reform will be the only tool to solve the problem of immigrants who lack legal status. THAT is the reality. President Elect Obama will reasonably deal with immigration reform, taking all aspects into account. When this is done, people like John and Corey, will only seem that much more extreme in their rhetoric and that much more vulnerable in the next election.
Sorry, Ralph. I was talking to the Admins when I said “ladies.”
–I don’t think one’s club and organization membership falls under FOIA, unless it has to do with the elected position or on the job duties.–
First, when he takes his policy from HSM (which he did), then YES, this should fall under FOIA. Second, if he takes the campaign money, it falls under FOIA. Third, if this is part of his professional affiliations (i.e. as on a resume) then it falls under FOIA. He has his church listed. He should be as proud to list his ‘clubs.’ If he is not, there’s a reason. He is either hiding it (dishonest) ashamed of it (rightly so, in which case we are owed an apology) or doesn’t want to answer for another reason (anti-transparent).
Then you would be broke and not much of an “Insider”.
Check their tax status first. If they’ve follow that particular ‘rule of law”. That would be the first clue about regulations surrounding a ‘civic’ group.
Hi inon, that’s funny, before I saw your comment I was actually doing the same thing… I looked up the meaning of apologist and to me it doesn’t sound bad. Alanna, while I don’t agree with Stirrup calling you a illegal alien apologist at all it’s not like he called you a bad name. People here make it sound like he called you a witch (or something worse) and even called him a ‘POS’ for doing so. A bit overboard in my view.
Also, while I don’t see anything wrong with your question for him I would have to agree with Mom… there is a time and place and I think it was neither for such a question but it’s your right to do so.
Mom,
I’m here!! I’ve been sitting this one out, because I actually have some very mixed feelings about this out. I agree with some of what everyone’s said here. However, to ME Mom’s post stands out the most. I’m very surprised that you have had to reiterate your comments a couple of times. I understood what you were saying, but I’ve been “schooled” by you. I took your constructive criticism to heart, and would advise anyone to consider your advice.
I do feel Alanna has every right to ask her local elected official what she wants, but I do feel like mom there’s a “time and place” for your battles, and pick and choice battles wisely. However, it was inappropriate to name call a constituent. I disagree with many people, and don’t feel the need to call them names.
I do feel a Town Hall meeting is one of the few instances where you get the opportunity to ask questions directly of elected officials. If a Town Hall meeting has limits to the topics of questions asked, I feel that’s infringing on one’s first amendment’s rights.
inon,
Apologist might be a “nice” word according to Webster’s. The context of “illegal alien apologist” is meant to be very derogatory.
Alanna,
Why not write a letter to the editor of all local papers, including the big ones?
Whatever the Websters definition, Stirrup and Letiecq use the word “apologist” precisely as their forebearers used the word “lover” with a racial epithet in front of it. The intent is to redirect hatred for a minority group toward someone who is not in that group. I have heard the term “n____r lover” only once in the past four years. But in that time the modern version has made it from a hate blog to the mouth of a public official.
Sad.
Talk about a non-story.
And I don’t think you’re right to invoke Reagan’s name. For better or for worse he was a true “conservative” and I’m sure he didn’t want the 1986 Amnesty to lead to a 2006 Amnesty, 2012 Amnesty, 2020 Amnesty, etc.
Yea, ketchup was designated as a vegetable.
Actually, how do you know what Ronald Reagan wanted, Rick? Isn’t that a little like saying what God knows or wants since the man is dead and we have no way of confirming this?
Thank you for the support Chris. I too am a little conflicted on the issue and generally sit the debate out. That having been said, my problem with last night is two-fold.
One, having fought several of the good fights, poor tactical strategy (some might call it amateur) always bothers me, particularly when it degenerates into what is essentially a personal issue. Alanna, IMHO, was unwise (if not wrong) in bringing the issue up in that forum. Her commentary could be construed as nothing but the continued petulant whining of the losing side. Before I get crucified for saying that, I’m speaking in generalities. My point is that a cogent, well directed campaign would probably better serve her purposes.
Secondly, the commentary undeniably changed the focus of the meeting and impacted the discourse on transportation and power lines. As I noted, I am conflicted on the issue at hand and quite frankly it doesn’t make my top ten list of issues in PWC. For example, I am much more concerned about the transportation infrastructure, the county’s finances and fiscal plan, issues that were being discussed at the time the meeting was derailed.
There is much discussion here regarding the “dark side” and their tactics, tactics which some posters here now mimic. Although I will admit that those tactics have a place and time, when they adversely impact the business of the county by sidetracking all other issues, I take offense. Greg, his “crew” and their opponents effectively shut down necessary public discourse regarding county affairs for nearly three months through hours of public comment and diatribes that effectively excluded all other issues for consideration.
In a vacuum one might consider no harm done as the other issues would eventually be heard, unfortunately, several Supervisors (Marty and Wally being the biggest offenders) used the circus as cover to implement unrelated agendas that would otherwise have been commented on or criticized. Everybody remembers what they said about immigration but few paid attention or stuck around to listen to what they said about other issues, issues that also have a dramatic fiscal and quality of life impact on county residents.
Mom,
You have valid points, however, the reality is that the immigration fiasco has created a huge fiscal impact on this county and its residents, to the tune of millions of dollars we could ill afford to waste. To allow that to be swept under the rug is a disservice to every tax payer in this county. Additionally, there is not other forum in which to ask John about this association. However, I imagine that very soon, there will be a time and place that will create more impact. Hopefully, it will be immigration reform that passes in the very near future.
“Greg, his “crew” and their opponents effectively shut down necessary public discourse regarding county affairs for nearly three months through hours of public comment and diatribes that effectively excluded all other issues for consideration. ”
I’m not sure how fair that is or isn’t but it is certainly what I wanted to see happen at the time, when my neighborhood was full of flophouses. It is certainly the way things should have been. God bless Greg and HSM.
Okay, Mom and Chris, but since Stirrup won’t answer the question and hasn’t in the past, when WOULD Alanna have asked it? Meeting likes these are really her only opportunity to get his response on public record unless she went out and did a FOIA which should NOT be necessary.
It’s one thing to call names and bait people on a blog. It’s another all together to do it in public when you are a public official. Alanna could easily call “slander” on this one like the BVBL crowd does when people label them “racist.” Except Alanna would have better reason to do so because this isn’t coming from some Joe Schmoe. It’s coming from an elected leader!
I think, Alanna, you SHOULD do a FOIA and THEN write your letters to the editor.
–In a vacuum one might consider no harm done as the other issues would eventually be heard, unfortunately, several Supervisors (Marty and Wally being the biggest offenders) used the circus as cover to implement unrelated agendas that would otherwise have been commented on or criticized.–
What do you mean by this, Mom? Explain?
Elena:
I expect more from you, yes the issue had an actual cost and a future cost attached to it. The actual cost to date is likely far less than millions and I suspect that future cost will be attenuated as a matter of necessity given the current economic condition. That won’t make anybody much less everybody happy but the sooner everyone realizes this was more of political ploy than anything else and gets over it, the better.
Explain to me how the BOCS handling of this was any different than the underhanded way they dealt with NVTA funding. They took a public position opposed to NVTA taxes, sent their bald little buddy off as the PWC representative and then didn’t say Boo when he not only supported every tax mechanism but actually motioned or seconded most of them.
How is this any different than the games they play with land use applications, voting yea or nay in a manner seemingly without pattern until you realize that every application in a magisterial district passes if the district supervisor supports it.
How is this different than the empty “moratorium” on rezonings, a moratorium that Wally trumpeted and lasted only until the day after the election at which point the rezoning mill was cranked back up again. BTW, as I know it is near and dear to your heart, you better enjoy the Rural Crescent while you can because I can already hear those dozers cranking up in the Nokesville District. Don’t believe me, go have a talk with the planning office or the county attorney and get their take on how long the restrictions will remain in place. I’ll bet you a round of drinks you won’t like the response and will be shocked at the anticipated timeline.
End of Rant.
PAP,
I think you might need to reread my posts. Mom and I aren’t agreeing on everything. I said Alanna, should ask her officials anything she wants. Here’s some of what I said….
I do feel Alanna has every right to ask her local elected official what she wants,..
and
I do feel a Town Hall meeting is one of the few instances where you get the opportunity to ask questions directly of elected officials. If a Town Hall meeting has limits to the topics of questions asked, I feel that’s infringing on one’s first amendment’s rights.
BTW-Stirrup, did reply to her similar question at the last Town Hall meeting. He said he’d not withdrawn himself from any civic organizations, at least she wasn’t called names at the venue.
Good work Alanna.
Instead of discussing the issues, John Stirrup chose to be a bully. The moderates are watching and things like this do not sit well with them.