It’s been difficult to focus on anything other than Ukraine this week. Is it just me? If you’re looking to help in some way, and are able to give, I’m a big believer in foregoing donations to corporate charities and instead giving money to people who have long had their boots on the ground helping their very own communities. Razom for Ukraine is one such organization.
If you’re unable to give at this time, consider planting a sunflower and do what you can to ensure our own democracy remains in place.
On that note, let’s dive into what’s happened in Staunton’s government this week . . . and what’s ahead.
COMMUNITY NEWS:
On Thursday February 24, 2022 Staunton City Council met. You can read a summary of the meeting here. Some highlights:
Staunton has a woman in the role of City Manager for the first time. Leslie Beauregard, who served as Assistant City Manager under Steve Rosenberg, was officially appointed Acting City Manager.
City Council voted to enter into a contract with Baker Tilly Group to begin a search for a new City Manager.
According to Councilman Claffey, the Economic Development Authority will be holding a public forum on 3/31 at 5:30 pm at Blackburn Inn. They hope that citizens will be able to submit questions beforehand for them to respond to at the forum. The focus primarily be on Staunton Crossing, but also about their activities in general. In addition, EDA members elected Joe Leigh as Chair and Alison Denbigh as Vice Chair.
Want to get to know Joe Leigh? I wrote here about how an openly racist man like him made it back onto the EDA (that’s right, he was already not asked to return once before) and why we can’t do anything about him being reappointed.
COMMUNITY ACTION:
Thank you to community member Cindy Connors for sharing this information about what Ben Cline has been up to in Washington:
“Representative Cline voted “No” (one of only 92) this month on bipartisan bill HR 3076, much needed Postal Reform, which has been years in the making. Fortunately, the bill passed the House and is working its way through the Senate. But this tells me he doesn't want a viable public Postal Service, doesn't care about its customers (you), and doesn't care that Staunton’s Letter Carriers have been working 11 to 12 hours a day for months to deliver our mail and packages. Please take a minute to thank your carrier: a note in your box or simple thing like a bottle of water. They need to know we care even if Ben Cline does not!”
If you ever have questions about applying for a seat and/or serving on one of our local Boards and Commissions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at localandvocalstaunton@gmail.com. According to the City website, there is an opening on the Economic Development Authority to fill the term of Greg Campbell who resigned to work in the Youngkin administration. (Click here to read more about why it is so important we somehow get a level head on that Board!) There is also an opening for a Youth Member of the Youth Commission (which oversees the regional Office on Youth), as well as an opening on the Tourism Advisory Board (which “advises the City on various tourism promotional issues and provides input into the budget process, working closely with the administrative staff of the Staunton Convention and Visitors Bureau”).
Click here to submit an application for any of these openings.
COMMUNITY LEARNING:
Thank you to Brenda Mead for sharing the following information:
“Virginia Public Access Project is a non-profit organization that tries to elevate public understanding of politics and government. They are non-partisan, and anyone can sign up for updates. For example, here’s a graphic they shared on party line votes this year in the Virginia General Assembly.”
Also, this thread is a great read on charter schools.
CANDIDATE CORNER:
John Wilson, current right-wing candidate for Staunton School Board, agrees with Youngkin after he “crafted a nonexistent and false ‘CRT/divisive concepts’ crisis in order to remove Black History from classrooms.” Please familiarize yourself with what Youngkin’s Superintendent of Public Instruction released. It starts by rescinding “All Resources Included on VDOE’s EdEquityVA Website, Including EdEquityVA Resources, and Resource Repository.”
There’s no longer a question that Youngkin, a total moron, is pushing Virginia in a fascist direction. And our schools are all at risk.
Who’s taking bets that Wilson attended this disgusting summit this weekend? Take a look at that link and check out not only the garbage they are spreading but the amount of money they have behind them.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR:
It’s a quiet week ahead in Staunton. I hope you are all able to rest and care for yourself and your loved ones.
Thank you for reading! Stay vocal and safe and thank you so much for staying aware!
Want to help support this effort? You can make a one time donation HERE or visit the Local and Vocal PATREON PAGE to become an ongoing supporter at any level.