David Toscano – Page 29

Sticking Together — Next Steps Recap

December 12, 2016 by David Toscano

From the December 6 Community Meeting at Charlottesville High School

Our meeting, “Sticking Together in Challenging Times,” produced an outpouring of citizens with ideas about what we need to do next.

It was one of the most energizing meetings that I have attended in years. In fact, the crowd was so large and the ideas so many that it is taking a little longer to assemble them than we originally expected.

We will have a more detailed report soon, but, in the interim, we thought we should post this summary written by one of the attendees. While in no way exhaustive, it details some of the ideas, with links so you can make contact.

Thanks again to all who attended this meeting and contributed their ideas and energy. We are creating an online survey of the most frequently mentioned ideas from the meeting for you to vote to let us know what YOU think the next step priorities should be. We’ll also post a document of all of the ideas recorded at the meeting. [Read more…]

Solar Power Continues To Grow in Virginia

December 10, 2016 by David Toscano

Dominion Power just announced a major expansion of solar generation in Virginia. This announcement comes on the heels of several other significant developments in the field. Partnering with the University of Virginia and the Darden School of Business, Dominion will construct a 21-megawatt project (dubbed the Hollyfield Solar Project) in King William County; the University will purchase all of the power generated. [Read more…]

Silver Linings and Next Steps

November 28, 2016 by David Toscano

Friends,
Like many of you, I have had numerous conversations with friends, colleagues, and constituents over the last weeks about the 2016 presidential election. I cannot remember a time when people have been more disappointed and shocked by the results of an election. Citizens find it difficult to understand how Donald Trump could be elected in light of his insensitivity to race, gender, and cultural norms, not to mention his policy proposals. I have encouraged people to take stock of the election, take heart in the strength and resolve that we share to make this a better country, and then act! [Read more…]

The Reaction Election — What’s Next for Virginia?

November 9, 2016 by David Toscano

We should have seen it coming. Yet few of us did. The pollsters, pundits, media moguls, and establishment of both parties are all asking themselves “how could this happen – and what happens next?”

We are hearing that this is a “change” election. I submit that it is something quite different; it was nothing short of a massive and unadulterated “reaction election.” It was a reaction to a country and world that sometimes appear to be spinning out of control. [Read more…]

Time to Make a Plan to Vote!

November 4, 2016 by David Toscano

As unbelievable as it may seem, Tuesday is Election Day and it is time to make a plan, not only to vote, but to get your friends and neighbors to do so as well. This election will be close and every vote will count, but remember that voting is easy, and it is the only way to send a clear message about the direction of this country.

You Can Still Vote Absentee

If, for any reason, you are either out of town or fall into any of the 19 criteria that allows you absentee voting, you can vote personally at your registrar’s office on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (City) and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (County). Make a plan!

On Tuesday

On Tuesday, November 8, the polls open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Talk to your neighbors and those who may not have rides to the polls to coordinate when you will go and who you will take. Then call people that you know from other states and encourage them to vote as well.

What is At Stake

Not only do we have a candidate who we must reject because of his lack of understanding on foreign policy, his temperament, his heartless approach to immigration, and his appeal to the worst qualities in the American electorate, but we have a candidate we must support because she is more qualified than anyone who has run for the highest office in the land, and who has policies and approaches that will boost the middle class, help students with their massive debt, make the rich pay their fair share of taxes, and who has a steady hand to guide the ship of state. That person is Hillary Clinton, and I fully support her.

Also on the Ballot

There are several other major decisions on the ballot. I hope Jane Dittmar will be an easy vote for you. I have known Jane for 25 years and she has the qualities and judgment that will dramatically improve the House of Representatives when she is elected.

Although I do not have a chance to vote on the bond referendum in Albemarle County, I would urge you to support it. It will be a great assistance to our schools.

I urge you to vote “NO” on the Constitutional Amendment involving “Right to Work.” There is no threat to Right to Work in Virginia and no reason to put a statute that has operated for almost 60 years in the Constitution. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” There is no threat and, therefore, no good reason to amend.

Last Thought

Finally, if you see any irregularities at the polls, you can call 844-4VA-VOTE (844-482-8683) to report it. I suggest that we all remain calm and enjoy what will hopefully be a great day for Virginians and this country.