Fwd: The Tuscany Forum - **Tuesday November 16th, 2010 - 6:30pm**

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "The Tuscany Forum" <thetuscanyforum@cox.net>
Date: Nov 14, 2010 9:50 PM
Subject: The Tuscany Forum - **Tuesday November 16th, 2010 - 6:30pm**
To: "The Tuscany Forum" <thetuscanyforum@cox.net>

York County Conservatives

***The November Tuscany Forum is Tuesday evening, November 16th, Tuscany Coffee House in Grafton***
Doors open at 5:30pm, Forum begins at 6:30pm

Guest: The Honorable Kenneth T. Cuccinelli, II
Attorney General of Virginia

Ken Cuccinelli was elected Attorney General of Virginia on November 3, 2009, and was sworn into office on January 16, 2010.  In this position, he is responsible for overseeing the Office of the Attorney General and its more than 300 attorneys and support staff.  Prior to this, Attorney General Cuccinelli served in the Senate of Virginia from August 2002 to January 2010.  During his time in the Senate, he served on the Courts of Justice Committee; the Transportation Committee; the Local Government Committee; the Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee; and the Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee.



Focus Issues:

Election Impact and Legal Challenges Ahead with National Healthcare
 EPA Issue update
Immigration

Forum Agenda:

Opening Ceremonies and Forum Announcements
Presentation by Mr. Cuccinelli
Questions and Answers


*************************************************************************************
The Tuscany Forum provides York County Citizens a public Forum where they can:

Voice their concerns about the responsiveness and direction of their county, state and federal governments,
Conduct civil, direct, in-person dialogue with their elected officials and government staff,  
Develop and encourage positive political plans of action to accomplish the will of the people.

To request someone be added to the Tuscany Forum email distribution, please send their name and email address to thetuscanyforum@cox.net

The Tuscany Forum Core Group:
Bart Barton, Danny Diggs, Greg Garrett, Mike Hoyes, Winston Lawrence, Mary Leedom, Wade McRoberts, Thomas Nelsen, David Phillips, Stephen Roane, Maywood Wilson

Times & Location:
Unless otherwise stated, all meetings of The Tuscany Forum will be held the third Thursday of each month at Tuscany's Coffee House, 6605 George Washington Memorial Highway (Route 17) Yorktown, 23692.  Doors open at 6:00pm, food and drink available, Forum begins at 7:00pm.

See you at Tuscany's Tuesday November 16th, 6:30pm!!

Read the bills!

For anyone wishing to help on Lobby Day in Richmond or reading the
Virginia bills please contact Carol Stopps. You can do so on behalf
of Peninsula Tea Party or York Tea Party

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Carol Stopps <stopcarol@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2010 07:34:33 -0400

Donna Holt and I are working on Lobbying 101 (Richmond, Jan 10) and Lobby
Day at the Capitol (Jan 17). If any one wishes to help in the
plannining/executing process please contact me.........
Lobbying, Bill Reading (3000 bills), Communications and Bill Following teams
are forming now, training in NOV/DEC if anyone wishes to participate or send
reps. please advise.
Thank you
Carol Stopps

Fwd: The Tuscany Forum - **Thursday October 21st, 2010**

York County Conservatives

***The October Tuscany Forum is Thursday evening, October 21st, Tuscany Coffee House in Grafton
Doors open at 6:00pm, Forum begins at 7:00pm***

Guest: York County Fifth District Supervisor Mr. Tom Shepperd
Forum Facilitator: Mr. Maywood Wilson

Focus Issue:

Impact of Oil Refinery Closure

Forum Agenda:

Opening Ceremonies and Forum Announcements
Presentation by Mr. Shepperd
Questions and Answers


*************************************************************************************
The Tuscany Forum provides York County Citizens a public Forum where they can:

Voice their concerns about the responsiveness and direction of their county, state and federal governments,
Conduct civil, direct, in-person dialogue with their elected officials and government staff, and
Develop and encourage positive political plans of action to accomplish the will of the people.

The Tuscany Forum Core Group:
Bart Barton, Danny Diggs, Greg Garrett, Mike Hoyes, Winston Lawrence, Mary Leedom, Wade McRoberts, Thomas Nelsen, David Phillips, Stephen Roane, Maywood Wilson

Times & Location:
Unless otherwise stated, all meetings of The Tuscany Forum will be held the third Thursday of each month at Tuscany's Coffee House, 6605 George Washington Memorial Highway (Route 17) Yorktown, 23692.  Doors open at 6:00pm, food and drink available, forum begins at 7:00pm.

See you at Tuscany's Thursday October 21st, 7:00pm!!

Live at The Tuscany Forum

Senator Tommy Norment and Delegate Tom Gear Speaking at The Tuscany Forum in York Co. VA.
Check out some of the videos here
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/9618948

Fwd: An Invitation and Small Request from Greg Garrett - You're Invited to an Event with Scott Rigell

Dear Friend,

 

We need to elect Republican Scott Rigell to Congress to send a message that "WE DON'T APPROVE OF WHAT'S GOING ON IN WASHINGTON" !!!

 

This is not a district-by-district issue anymore....We all have to reach out beyond our own Congressional District and support candidates like Scott who will go to Washington and begin to turn things around. If we can't elect Scott in Hampton Roads, then the Democrats will believe that they have a mandate to keep going in this current unsustainable, destructive direction.

 

Please come meet Scott & his wonderful wife, Teri.

 

But even if you cannot join us on Sunday, Sept 12th..... PLEASE send a donation.....Whether you send $5 or $2,500.........it will be your small part of turning our Nation around.

 

Thanks,

 

Greg Garrett

 

CO-HOST COMMITTEE

 

The Honorable Glenn & Chelle Davis

Sheriff Danny and Patty Diggs

The Honorable Bruce Goodson

The Honorable Glenn and Mary Oder

The Honorable Brenda & Roger Pogge

The Honorable Chris and Nicole Stuart

Gen. Dick and Ann Abel

Teresa Altemus

Dr. and Mrs. Biral Amin

Dick and Terri Ashe

John and Tricia Biagas

Randy and Sharon Biagas

Brian Bloxom

Chris Canavos

Dean Canavos

Tom and Mary Foley

Steve Groce

Phil and Kim Hamilton

Bruce Hoogstraten

Tom and Ann Hunnicutt

Winston Lawrence

Ryan Lawrence

Dan and Kelly Morris

Jeff and Penny Morris

Charlie and Marcia Sapp

Gen. Ron Sconyers

Ward Scull

John Shephard

Norman and Lynn Witten

Chuck Young

 

 

 

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO A LEMONADE SOCIAL WITH FRESH LOCAL SEAFOOD HONORING

 

Scott Rigell – Republican Candidate

Virginia's Second Congressional District United States House of Representatives

 

Come to meet the next Congressman of the Second District of Virginia and his lovely wife Teri!

 

Sunday, September 12^TH

4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. General Reception

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Co-Host Dinner

 

The Home of Greg and Libby Garrett

122 Sandbox Lane, Yorktown, Virginia 23692

- Casual Summer Festive Attire -

***************************************************************************************************

 

              Click Here to RSVP

            Kindly RSVP to Page at events@scottrigell.com or 757-802-9936 or mail this form with your check payable to Scott Rigell for Congress to:  915 First Colonial Road , Suite 100, Va. Beach, VA  23454 or Greg Garrett at 122 Sandbox Lane, Yorktown, VA 23692.

__ FRIEND: $100                  Per person. General reception only.

__ CO-HOST: $250*             Per person. General reception and private dinner included

 

*INCLUDES A SPECIAL PHOTO OPPORTUNITY WITH SCOTT RIGELL & A PRIVATE DINNER FROM 5:30 - 7:00P.M.

                      __ I/we cannot attend, but enclosed is my donation to support Scott's Campaign for Congress.                              

Name(s)_________________________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

Cell phone _________________Email ________________________________________

Employer ___________________Occupation___________________________________

Contributions to Scott Rigell for Congress are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Federal election law requires political committees to use best efforts to report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 during an election cycle. Funds received in response to this solicitation are subject to federal contribution limits. Individuals may contribute up to $4,800 per election cycle to Scott Rigell for Congress ($2,400 for the Primary election and $2,400 for the General election). Federal law prohibits contributions from the general treasury funds of corporations, labor organizations or national banks. Contributions from Federal government contractors and foreign nationals who lack permanent resident status are also prohibited. Contributions must be drawn on personal, not corporate, credit cards.

PAID FOR BY SCOTT RIGELL FOR CONGRESS

Rob Wittman will be at The Tuscany Forum Aug. 31

York County Conservatives
***The August Tuscany Forum is Tuesday evening, August 31st.  Doors open at 6:00pm, forum begins at 7:00pm***

Agenda:
1.   Discussion on the five York County political districts
2.   Upcoming November 2011 County Board of Supervisor Elections
3.   Guest, U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman

 

 

The Tuscany Forum provides York County Citizens a public forum where they can:

1.   Voice their concerns about the responsiveness and direction of their county, state and federal governments,
2.   Conduct civil, direct, in-person dialogue with their elected officials and government staff, and
3.   Develop and encourage positive political plans of action to accomplish the will of the people.

 

Times & Location:
Unless otherwise stated, all meetings of The Tuscany Forum will be held the third Thursday of each month at Tuscany's Coffee House, 6605 George Washington Memorial Highway (Route 17) Yorktown, 23692.  Doors open at 6:00pm, forum begins at 7:00.
See you at Tuscany's Tuesday, August 31, 7:00pm!!

--
Alexander of York

Invitation: The Tuscany Forum of York Co. VA @ Tue Aug 31 6pm - 9pm (Post to The Tuscany Forum)

more details » The Tuscany Forum of York Co. VA York County Conservatives ***The August Tuscany Forum is Tuesday evening, August 31st. Doors open at 6:00pm, forum begins at 7:00pm*** Agenda: 1. Discussion on the five York County political districts 2. Upcoming November 2011 County Board of Supervisor Elections 3. Guest, U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman The Tuscany Forum provides York County Citizens a public forum where they can: 1. Voice their concerns about the responsiveness and direction of their county, state and federal governments, 2. Conduct civil, direct, in-person dialogue with their elected officials and government staff, and 3. Develop and encourage positive political plans of action to accomplish the will of the people. Times & Location: Unless otherwise stated, all meetings of The Tuscany Forum will be held the third Thursday of each month at Tuscany's Coffee House, 6605 George Washington Memorial Highway (Route 17) Yorktown, 23692. Doors open at 6:00pm, forum begins at 7:00. See you at Tuscany's Tuesday, August 31, 7:00pm!! When Tue Aug 31 6pm – 9pm Eastern Time Where 6605 George Washington Mem. Hwy, Yorktown, VA 23692 (map) Calendar Post to The Tuscany Forum Who (Guest list has been hidden at organizer's request) Going?   Yes - Maybe - No    more options »

Invitation from Google Calendar You are receiving this courtesy email at the account tuscanyforumpost@ofyork.com because you are an attendee of this event. To stop receiving future notifications for this event, decline this event. Alternatively you can sign up for a Google account at https://www.google.com/calendar/hosted/alexanderofyork.com/ and control your notification settings for your entire calendar.

Adding link to York Republicans

Fwd: Last Evenings Tuscany Forum

From: The Tuscany Forum <thetuscanyforum@cox.net>
Date: Jul 23, 2010 10:41 AM
Subject: Last Evenings Tuscany Forum

Thanks to all who attended last evenings Forum!!  Much discussion and many excellent initiatives and issues were voiced by the citizens of York County. The Forum Core Team will now be busy over the next several weeks prioritizing and developing the fall Forum agenda.  

Our guest, Delegate Brenda Pogge, presented a spirited and informative update on state and federal successes, but with many remaining challenges.  Delegate Pogge considers herself, a representative of the people, not a politician.  She further indicated her representation of the people is framed by her values as a Christian, a Conservative, and upon the U.S. Constitution.  Thanks Delegate Pogge!

A invitation was given by Mr. Wade McRoberts, the York County Republican Committee (YCRC) Chair, to any citizen who is not a member of the YCRC to join.  The next Committee meeting is Thursday, September 2nd, 7:00pm, at York Hall in historic Yorktown.  Mr. McRoberts can be contacted via email at "mcroberts.ycrc@verizon.net".

The August Forum date is not yet certain, as we are working with the schedule of our guest speaker, Representative Rob Wittman.  The date and agenda will be forwarded when these details are known.


The Tuscany Forum Core Team

--
Alexander of York

Fwd: VA-ALERT: Victory in York County!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Philip Van Cleave <philip@virginiasystems.com>
Date: Jul 21, 2010 12:34 PM
Subject: VA-ALERT: Victory in York County!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
VCDL's meeting schedule:  http://www.vcdl.org/meetings.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Abbreviations used in VA-ALERT:  http://www.vcdl.org/help/abbr.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Last night the York County Board of Supervisors voted to repeal their discharge bans and let state law rule!

The only fly in the ointment was that they did decide to keep a ban on discharging rifles that are greater than .22 caliber.

The York County Sheriff, Danny Diggs, did a fantastic job in standing up for gun owners in front of the Board of Supervisors and deserves the lion's share of credit for this victory.

Around 30 gun owners showed up and around 4 antis.  Significantly, no one from a Home Owners Association was there.

The vote was broken into two parts:  repealing the ban on discharge of rifles that are greater than .22 caliber and repealing all other discharge bans, including discharging a gun in and around a subdivision (state law would prevail and there would be no issue if such discharge was done safely).

Here is my impression of the Board members in this matter:

Walter Zaremba - voted wrong both times and fell flat when he tried to use logic to lay down the groundwork for his anti-gun vote

Sheila Noll - knew she couldn't stop the .22 caliber rifle restriction from being lifted if it was voted on in conjunction with lifting the other restrictions, so she pushed for the TWO votes .  As gun owners talked, she bobbed her head up and down like she understood what they were saying, but at the end of the day she voted wrong on both items.  I am now thinking she was just working a kink out in her neck

Donald Wiggins (chairman) - voted correctly on both items.  Some of his comments originally made me uncomfortable as to how he was going to vote, but he came through in the end.  He also voted to NOT have a separate vote on the .22 caliber rifle limitation

George Hrichak - the quietest one on the Board, but the one who really understands freedom.  He pushed to not have a separate vote on the .22 caliber rifle limitation, too

Thomas Sheppard Jr - I thought he might support both repeals, but in the end voted wrong on the .22 caliber rifle limitation.  He pushed with Ms. Noll to have the two votes, instead of just one.

What was really frustrating is that NO ONE HAS EVER BEEN CHARGED with violating the .22 caliber rifle restriction, but three of the five board members voted to keep it any how.  The three votes to keep that restriction were politics at its worst:  keeping up an illusion that they were still doing "something" to "protect" their constituents, while actually oppressing those who are law abiding.

Anyway, this was still an important victory for York County - we can come back to get rid of that .22 caliber rifle restriction later.

-------------------------------------------
***************************************************************************
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(VCDL). VCDL is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization
dedicated to defending the human rights of all Virginians. The Right to
Keep and Bear Arms is a fundamental human right.

VCDL web page: http://www.vcdl.org [http://www.vcdl.org/]
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To unsubscribe from this list, or change the email address where you
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--
Alexander of York

Fwd: I hope to see you tomorrow night

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ggdirect@aol.com <Ggdirect@aol.com>
Date: Jul 19, 2010 8:54 AM
Subject: I hope to see you tomorrow night
To: ggdirect@aol.com

Turning the tide in York Co will mean we all have to sacrifice.... l hope you will make the meeting, even if this is not a burning issue for you personally.

Thanks,

GG

Sent: 7/12/2010 7:00:21 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: FW: #1 VERY important York Co BoS meeting next Tuesday night.. please attend !!!
 

 

Dear York County Conservative,

 

This Tuesday night(July 20th) at 7:00 pm the York County Bd of Supervisors will debate and hopefully vote on a monumental issue that, if passed, will be a milestone in turning the tide in York County back to it's conservative roots.....for far too long, our local elected officials have passed more and more laws that have intruded into our private lives & our private properties, while taking our rights away. Over the past 10-15 years most of us, including me, have sat back and not really been paying attention to this erosion of our basic freedoms.

Now is the time to act ......

Please come and hear the debate on the York County Firearms Ordinance, speak in favor of the repeal, or just be a visible sign of support on this precedent setting issue.

BELOW you will see the details of this meeting, and if you open the attachment you will see a letter from Sheriff Danny Diggs explaining why this Ordinance should be repealed.

I'll look forward to seeing you at the meeting !!

Greg Garrett

PUBLIC HEARINGS.  

 

1

2      Repeal of York County Firearms Ordinance. Consider adoption of proposed Ordinance No. 10-13 to repeal Section 16-7, Discharging Firearms within Certain Areas Prohibited, and Section 16-37, Discharge of High Powered Rifles Prohibited, of the York County Code.

 

a.     Memorandum from County Administrator.

b.     Section 16-7, Discharging firearms within certain areas prohibited.

c.     Section 16-37, Discharge of high-powered rifles prohibited.

d.     Proposed Ordinance No. 10-13.

--
Alexander of York

New Virginia state Laws in affect today

Jobs and Economic Development

SB 475 - Strengthens the criteria used for awarding monies from the
$25 million Governor's Opportunity Fund.

SB 472 - Lowers the threshold for the Major Business Facility Job Tax
Credit to 50 full-time jobs from 100, and in economically distressed
areas to 25 jobs from 50.

SB 623 - Creates a Green Jobs tax credit of up to $500 per position
for up to 350 new green jobs with an annual salary in excess of
$50,000.

Public Safety

SB 486 - Requires the Department of Juvenile Justice to provide
information to law-enforcement relating to involvement in or
investigations of criminal street gangs.

SB 520 - Adds murder of auxiliary police officers or auxiliary deputy
sheriffs to the capital murder statute.

SB 95 - Extends short-term disability benefits for state police
officers injured in the line of duty from 125 work days to up to one
calendar year.

Health and Human Resources

SB 417 - A resident of the Commonwealth shall not be required to
obtain or maintain a policy of individual insurance coverage except as
required by a court or the Department of Social Services where the
individual is named a party in a judicial or administrative
proceeding.

SB 652 - Required the Board of Education to develop and distribute to
local school divisions guidelines for dealing with concussions in
student-athletes.

Budget Amendment 4-5.04 - Limits state funding of abortions to only
cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is at risk.

Transportation

SB 537 - Increases the speed limit to 70 mph on highways that
currently have 65 mph speed limits.

HB 1159 - Requires drivers to move left on a four lane highway when
approaching vehicles displaying flashing blue, red, or amber lights.
This provision does not apply in highway work zones.

Military & Veterans' Affairs

SB 151 - Provides that a property owner's association shall not
prohibit or otherwise adopt a policy restricting an owner from
displaying the flag of the United States whenever such a display is in
compliance with the Federal Flag Code.

HJ 127 - Designates the Honor and Remember Flag as the Commonwealth's
emblem of service and sacrifice by the brave men and women of the
United States Armed Forces who have given their lives in the line of
duty.

SB 31 - Provides for a referendum at the November 2, 2010, election to
approve or reject an amendment requiring the General Assembly to
provide a real property tax exemption for the principal residence of a
veteran, or his or her surviving spouse, if the veteran has a 100
percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability.

Ethics Reform

SB 512 - Requires legislators to disclose on their Statement of
Economic Interest any salary they or members of their immediate
families earn from state of local governments or advisory agencies.

2nd Amendment

SB 334 - Allows persons with a concealed handgun permit to carry a
handgun concealed onto the premises of a restaurant or club and
prohibits them from consuming alcohol.

SB 408 - Allows persons who may lawfully possess a firearm to carry a
handgun in a private motor vehicle or vessel if it is in a container
or compartment.

Fwd: can you meet me tonight at 6:30 pm?

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ggdirect@aol.com <Ggdirect@aol.com>
Date: Jun 15, 2010 5:47 AM
Subject: can you meet me tonight at 6:30 pm?
To: Ggdirect@aol.com

Neighbor,

Tonight's Bd of Supervisors meeting is so important...will you meet me there?

The meeting starts at 6:00pm but the 2 public hearings should not start until about 7:00 pm.

These 2 issues may not be "your" issues..... but please come anyway.....

 

We have to turn the tide in York County... and we cannot do it at YCRC meetings, Tuscany's meetings and by grumbling to each other alone.....we have to show up at "County Hall".

 

Do you know what the majority of the Bd of Supervisors, led by the 3 long standing members, are likely to do if we do not show up in mass?...........they will keep going down the same liberal path they have been on for the last 10+ years.....

 

They all say that they are Republicans.... but they keep making more unnecessary laws, taking more private property rights/gun rights away, intruding into our lives more, increasing our taxes, growing OUR govt, hiring more govt workers to monitor and punish us, & over-regulating us !!!!

 

The 3 long standing members(Noll, Sheppard, & Zaremba) need to be stopped.......by us holding them accountable for what they are doing ... If we do not show up in mass, tonight they will see it as an endorsement & KEEP UP "BUSINESS AS USUAL".... We must speak up and expose their actions for what they are.........liberal and against what we as conservatives desire ...

 

So even if you have never been before, make this your first time ....You don't have to speak, but your presence will be felt...............we have to turn the tide in York County...

See you there ,

GG

 

DETAILS BELOW

 

Greg Garrett
www.greggarrettrealty.com
Cell: 757-879-150>

YOUR ATTENDANCE & SUPPORT IS REQUESTED: Meeting Tuesday night !!

Dear Friend,

There is time to talk and a time to show where you stand.... NOW is the time to do one or both !!!

2 Important issues are being decided Tuesday Night at the York County Board of Supervisors meeting..at 6:00 pm.

Location: York Hall at 301 Main Street in Downtown Yorktown

ISSUE #1: Repealing the York County Firearms Discharge Ordinance

I assume you will be in favor of repealing the restrictive York Co Firearms Discharge Ordinance.

Please read the attached position paper from our York Co Sheriff, Danny Diggs.

ISSUE #2: Disbanding the York Co Wetlands Bd

I hope you will support other concerned waterfront homeowners to disband the Wetlands Bd. This board represents what every conservative should hate.... Big Govt, govt intervention into our private lives, govt waste, over regulation, unnecessary delays, anti-private property rights, too many layers of govt....

GG's comments: I am a conservationist, and l love the Ches Bay...This Board has constantly & unnecessarily punished our waterfront homeowners, and is unneeded to clean up the Bay...The state mandated VMRC regulates and controls this same portion of all waterfront homeowners' property. Plus, disbanding the Wetlands Board will save York Co taxpayers considerable money each year, while eliminating this "lightning rod of hate and discontent".

Two Daily Press Articles on the subjects are at the bottom of this email for you to read more details on both issues.

If any person cannot attend, I would encourage that you send an email to each member of the BOS.

Here are the BoS members email addresses:

noll@yorkcounty.gov

wiggins@yorkcounty.gov

zaremba@yorkcounty.gov

shepperd@yorkcounty.gov

hrichak@yorkcounty.gov

Greg Garrett
www.greggarrettrealty.com
Cell: 757-879-1504

Sheriff Wants Repeal Of Gun Discharge Rules

http://www.dailypress.com/
June 5, 2010
Byline: Jon Cawley
York‑Poquoson Sheriff Danny Diggs, a gun‑rights advocate, has weighed in on the ongoing debate over York County's gun discharge ordinance.
Diggs wants to chuck the whole thing.
The York County Board of Supervisors plans to revisit the issue on June 15 with another public hearing on the topic. Some supervisors have recently questioned whether the ordinance should stay on the books.
Discussions regarding proposed amendments to further restrict where and what types of guns can be fired in the county have been ongoing for well over a year since dove hunters legally shooting on private property prompted a lockdown at a neighboring elementary school.
In an e‑mail to York resident Greg Garrett, Diggs laid out his position in a four‑page statement.
"First, any restriction on the use of a firearm is a potential infringement of the Second Amendment and should be considered very carefully," Diggs wrote.
He said existing county policy that allows homeowner associations to petition the Board of Supervisors to be placed on a list of neighborhoods where any firearm discharges are illegal.
"It may be reasonable for associations to make rules for parking, trash or some other rule that governs day‑to‑day living, but giving the power to any association to infringe upon the Second Amendment" rights, or any other constitutional rights, Diggs said, "should be unlawful itself."
Perhaps more importantly, Diggs stated that in more than 10 years, no one has been charged under the county ordinance.
In the past 3 1/2 years, six arrests have been made following calls that started as "shots fired." All six were charged under existing state law ‑ three for reckless handling of a firearm, one for brandishing, one for carrying a concealed weapon and another for being drunk in public, Diggs wrote.
Diggs also questioned whether the discharge rules can be fairly enforced.
* Contact Jon Cawley at 247‑4635 or jcawley@dailypress.com

Also if you want to hear more:

from communist Tamera Dietrich, Gun groups vs. the Big Bad Thing

from Jon Cawley, York/Poquoson notebook: New gun rules to be mulled again in York

York could disband wetlands board

Supervisor Thomas Shepperd says the board is "lightning rod for hate and discontent"



YORK Co
The York County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will consider disbanding its wetlands board, a group one politician described as a "lightning rod for hate and discontent."

The controversial move, which could be a first in Virginia, would cede control of waterfront development to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.

The seven-member wetlands board, appointed to staggered terms by county supervisors, guides land use along low-lying areas of the Chesapeake Bay. It's the first regulatory stop homeowners make when planning to build a pier, bulkhead, or other structures near the water.

Over the years, the board has drawn the ire of citizens, including real estate agent Greg Garrett and marine contractor Robert "Sid" Holloway, who argue its members don't properly enforce state codes.
"The board is known for its hostile treatment and abuse of waterfront property owners," said Holloway, also a member of the grassroots group, York County Waterways Alliance.

At the center of the dispute is Adam Frisch, who, with nearly 22 years of experience, is the board's most tenured member. Frisch works as the county's head of computer support services, which Garrett views as a conflict of interest.

"He's a county employee evaluating his peers," said Garrett, who previously appeared before the board to install bulkheads on his shoreline.

Frisch did not return phone calls Thursday or Friday. County Attorney James Barnett said there is no conflict of interest because Frisch's job does not intersect with the wetlands board.

Garrett and Holloway said the county would be better served by the commission, which overseas Virginia's waterways. Supervisor Thomas Shepperd disagrees. The state agency has too many duties, including marine police and fisheries management, to focus on York County, he said.

Commission spokesman John M.R. Bull said the agency typically oversees 2,500 cases a year, a load that includes everything from river dredging to planting oyster reefs. The commission meets monthly, during the day, and in downtown Newport News. Bull said he was unaware of any other locality that has dismissed its wetlands board.

The wetlands board, which has a $4,000 budget, is more convenient because it meets in county offices and during the evening, Shepperd said. It also isn't as busy, holding a handful of public hearings last year, he said.

York residents can appear before the commission, but only after the wetlands board denies their request. Appeal are rare, Shepperd said, suggesting most residents are satisfied with the board. Garrett countered that most residents don't have the time or money to hire engineers and, possibly, lawyers to appeal.

Further complicating the matter is an April 1 letter County Administrator James McReynolds sent to the wetlands board. The letter says supervisors intend to "abolish" the board because they do not want it held "responsible for enforcing state regulations and requirements." McReynolds could not be reached for comment Thursday or Friday.

Shepperd said he hopes Tuesday's vote will alleviate some of the controversy surrounding the board.

"It has been a lightning rod for hate and discontent," he said.

Want to go?

The York County Board of Supervisors will vote Tuesday whether to disband their wetlands board giving control to the Virginia Marine Resouces Commission. The meeting is in the board room of York Hall at 6 p.m.

Copyright © 2010, Newport News, Va., Daily Press