Weekly Column: Redistricting Process Should Involve the Public

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Connection, The Prince William Times, The Fort Hunt Herald, and Potomac Local in the week of November 16, 2021.

 Redistricting Process Should Involve the Public

                Last week, I reported on the status of the state legislative and congressional redistricting process which has now moved to the Supreme Court of Virginia because the Virginia Redistricting Commission failed to adopt maps. 

                On Friday, the Supreme Court effectively disqualified all three Republican nominees to serve as special master over the redistricting process because of their conflicts of interest and partisan ties.  Specifically, the Court noted that the Republican Caucuses had not advised the Court that one nominee had received a $20,000 payment from the Senate Republican Caucus two months ago and had an express conflict.  The other two nominees were unsuitable as well.  A second nominee received $5,000 per month from the Republican National Committee.  The third Republican nominee has participated in putting together some of the most notorious, court-rejected and illegal racial gerrymanders in American history and lacked credibility according to a federal judge.

                The Court ordered the Republican Caucuses to submit three new nominees by November 17.  One Democratic nominee indicated he did not want to serve in this process so the Court ordered the Democrats to submit an additional name. 

Thoughts on 2021 Election

    Last night's election results were not what I hoped to see, but the voters have spoken and we now have a new political reality to navigate over the next four years.  We saw the highest turnout for a Virginia Governor's election in a long time and that was a good thing.  Many voters took advantage of the new laws we passed in the last two years making it easier to vote and I hope every agrees that democracy works better when more people participate. 

    Voters in the 36th District voted for the Democratic Ticket by over 20% margin - probably closer to 25% if early votes were counted by precinct.  Only 4 of the 47 precincts I represent voted for the Republican gubernatorial nominee and if early votes were returned to their precincts, probably closers to two.  The Republican message did not resonate with a majority of 36th District voters or for that matter Northern Virginia.

Supporting transit options in Prince William County

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) released a draft final report Executive Summary of its Springfield to Quantico Enhanced Public Transportation Feasibility Study.

DRPT is evaluating:

- Metro Expansion in Fairfax County and Prince William County

- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) 

- Express Buses

- Enhanced VRE 

Weekly Column: State Legislature Decides on Funds, Addresses Needs

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Connection, The Prince William Times, The Fort Hunt Herald, and Potomac Local in the week of August 13, 2021.

State Legislature Decides on Funds, Addresses Needs

On August 10, the General Assembly completed work in a special session to appropriate federal pandemic funds and elect judges. 

In March, President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).  ARPA brought $4.3 billion in unexpected funds to Virginia but required it to be invested in specific areas such as water, sewer and broadband infrastructure to respond to the COVID-19 emergency, address pandemic impacts and provide government services suffering from revenue reductions because of the pandemic.  Unlike other counties, Fairfax County received $222 million in direct ARPA funding with similar requirements. 

Letter to Constituents - 2021 Session

We had a very successful 2021 General Assembly session and we passed many new laws that will be implemented in the coming months and affect those living in the 36th Senate District for decades. 

I sent a newsletter that went to many constituents and supporters.  I could not send it every household because of the cost.  If you would like to read the newsletter, I have included it here:

Investing in Southeast Fairfax Infrastructure

 Today, Delegates Kathy Tran and Paul Krizek joined me to submit a request to our federal
representatives for infrastructure investments in the U.S. 1 corridor. Please read our letter below.

We requested funding for undergrounding utilities on U.S. 1 and replacing the obsolete bridge on Old Colchester Road over Giles Run.

Our region has long suffered from underinvestment in crucial infrastructure that would spur private sector development and provide necessary access to services for our community. In the coming years, over $1 billion will be invested in the 36th District. The tide is beginning to turn but we have a long way to go. 

I am hopeful that the federal government will play a role by investing in these requests. Investments made today will pay dividends for the next generation of U.S. 1 residents and small business owners.

Earmark Request for U.S. 1 ... by Scott A. Surovell

Weekly Column: Nominate Mark Herring for Re-Election on June 8

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Connection, The Prince William Times, The Fort Hunt Herald, and Potomac Local in the week of May 17, 2021.

Nominate Mark Herring for Re-Election on June 8

                The June 8 Democratic primary is an opportunity to vote for fairness and justice for everyone by supporting Attorney General Mark Herring. On that day, Virginians will select the Democratic Party’s nominees for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and several Delegates.

Republicans controlled the Attorney General’s Office for 28 years until Mark won in 2013.  While many conservatives promote the Attorney General position as Virginia’s “chief prosecutor” and prioritize prosecuting cases, most criminal justice work is done by local Commonwealth’s Attorneys.  Criminal justice work is a small fraction of the Attorney General office’s 400 attorneys and other staff’s work.  Since taking office, Mark has grown the office and refocused it to help all Virginians instead of targeting the poor.

Mark has defended legal challenges against our firearm violence prevention laws like our one-gun-a-month law, “red flag” law and universal background checks.  He issued an Attorney General’s opinion to block recognizing weak out-of-state concealed weapon permits.  He also sued to block 3D printed “ghost guns” from hitting the streets.  

River Farm Update - Attorney General Herring Weighs In

We continue meeting among our stakeholder group working out a strategy to maximize the potential that River Farm will remain in public ownership.  Here is what is going on.

You can watch the press conference with Attorney General Mark Herring, Supervisor Dan Storck and Delegate Paul Krizek here:

River Farm Press Conference With Attorney General Mark Herring

News Coverage About River Farm
Several media outlets covered Attorney General Herring's investigation of River Farm. Some of the top stories are highlighted below:

How to Bring the Blue Line To Prince William County

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is conducting a survey as part of a feasibility study of enhanced public transportation services which could include options such as additional express bus services, increased VRE commuter rail expansion, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), or an extension of Metrorail. This survey closes May 15, 2021. DRPT needs to hear that residents want enhanced public transportation options to prioritize funding.

Complete this brief 10-minute survey and have your voice heard about the potential future transit enhancements in Fairfax and Prince William counties.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE NEEDED.  Please complete these comment forms, tell the DRPT how critical these projects are for our community and Northern Virginia.

Save the date and register to attend the upcoming public meeting on May 4 by using this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcoduygqzksHNwcHLeexgQ39YCNsqj3ZCyw 

As always, please reach out to my office at 571-249-4484 or district36@senate.virginia.gov if you have questions or ideas about things we can do to serve the community better.

It is an honor to serve you in Richmond. 

Weekly Column: General Assembly Legalizes Limited Adult Possession of Small Amounts of Marijuana

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Connection, The Prince William Times, The Fort Hunt Herald, and Potomac Local in the week of April 12, 2021.

General Assembly Legalizes Limited Adult Possession of Small Amounts of Marijuana

               This past week, we returned to Richmond for Reconvened Session or Veto Session to consider Governor Northam’s amendments to the state budget and legislation passed during the session.  The Governor vetoed no bills.

               The bill that received the most attention was marijuana legalization.  The bill that passed during the session created a new Virginia Cannabis Control Authority and a series of governing and advisory boards.  During the regular session, there were major differences between the chambers.  We eventually agreed on legislation that repealed civil penalties on adult possession of small amounts of marijuana effective January 1, 2024. 

After we adjourned, we continued our discussions and eventually Governor Northam’s proposed amendments that moved that date up to July 1, 2021.  This was approved largely along party lines.   

Comment on GW Parkway Traffic Safety Changes

 As Mount Vernon Residents know, the GW Parkway is a community jewel but has become increasingly dangerous due to vehicle and pedestrian conflicts with increased traffic.

Elected leaders in the area have been laser focused on finding solutions and working with the National Park Service (NPS) to make improvements. As part of National Park System, the Virginia Department of Transportation does not have jurisdiction over construction so we have been working closely with our federal representatives - Congressman Beyer and Senators Warner and Kaine. Senator Ebbin, Del. Krizek and I have also written several local news columns about the challenges our constituents face on the Parkway.

Surovell: Let’s Work Together to Solve GW Parkway’s Traffic Problem, Fort Hunt Herald (July 15, 2019)
‘Parkway Problems Will Get Worse’, Mt. Vernon Gazette, (May 24, 2017)

The NPS has been engaged in an ongoing safety study to come with solutions, held two public meetings and solicited comments.  In July of 2019, I wrote comments to the National Park Service with my ideas for how to improve the Parkway. After receiving comments from the community, I sent an updates letter. Both of those letters are posted below. 

The NPS just released their proposed safety improvements today.  You can read the full report here:

NPS: GW Parkway Traffic And Safety Context Sensitive Solution Assessment
NPS GW Parkway Study Appendices 

New Opportunities For Virginia's Oldest Town

In February, Colonial Downs announced a $389 million resort gaming emporium complex in Dumfries called “The Rose.” It has the potential to transform the Town of Dumfries and is part of a larger effort to transform Eastern Prince William County into a series of waterfront mixed-use villages and parks connected by the extension of the Blue Line and the Virginia Railway Express, including Occoquan, Belmont, Potomac Shores, Dumfries and Quantico.  

Twenty years from now, these communities will become destination neighborhoods that anchor Prince William County’s social fabric and tax base and connect Northern Virginians to the Potomac River in ways we can only imagine today.

Weekly Column: Major Bills of the 2021 Session

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Connection, The Prince William Times, The Fort Hunt Herald, and Potomac Local in the week of March 24, 2021.

                 Last week, I wrote about the legislation I carried in the 2021 Session.  In this column, I focus on other major bills that were considered.

                Marijuana legalization consumed a huge amount of work this session.  Governor Northam put together a work group that proposed a 13,000-line, 264-page bill that was very comprehensive and carried by Senator Adam Ebbin.  However, it became clear very early in the session that it was going to be very difficult to consider all of the details and much of the bill was carried over.

                We have many issues to work out.  Specifically, there were concerns about how much cross-ownership to allow between growers, manufacturers and retailers or whether to allow licensees in our medical markets to participate in retail markets or whether to allow hemp growers to also grow marijuana.  We need to consider whether or how to allow people to grow marijuana in their homes.  We also need to discuss creating a licensing structure which allows all communities to grow wealth and share in the profits and not just well capitalized companies.

Saving River Farm Update #5

Our efforts to save historic River Farm are intensifying.  The 28-acre, Potomac riverfront property is a rare jewel in Northern Virginia that should be saved and not developed.

In November, the current owner, the American Horticultural Society (AHS) listed River Farm on the market for $32.9 million.  This value was presumably premised on an appraisal that assumed the  property could be significantly subdivided.  In reality, River Farm is protected by a two-acre easement with the National Park Service (NPS) on its East Boulevard Drive frontage and a ten-acre easement along the Potomac River frontage that was granted to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation in 1978.

House/Senate Announcement for Judicial Vetting for Court of Appeals of Virginia

Court of Appeals of Virginia

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair John Edwards and House Courts of Justice Committee Chair Charniele Herring have released the following letter regarding the process for vetting for seven vacancies on the Court of Appeals of Virginia.

Interested applicants should apply for vetting as set forth in the letter.

Court of Appeals of Virgini... by Scott A. Surovell

Weekly Column: The State Legislature’s Recent Session Was Consequential

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Connection, The Prince William Times, The Fort Hunt Herald, and Potomac Local in the week of March 5, 2021.

The State Legislature’s Recent Session Was Consequential

The 2021 General Assembly session has ended until we reconvene in April to consider any vetoes by Governor Ralph Northam.  This session was a consequential one.  In this column, I will report on some of the bills that I passed.  In future columns, I will report on other major legislation passed and then the budget.

               I introduced 12 bills and 12 budget amendments this session.  The Senate passed 10 bills eight of my bills are awaiting Governor Ralph Northam’s signature.

               My legislation abolishing capital punishment was one of the most daunting and rewarding bills I have ever sponsored.  Working with my colleagues to secure 21 votes to pass it in the Senate without having to make compromises was a challenge, but it was necessary to avoid causing additional harm to our system.  Through the process, no opponent answered why it is morally justifiable for the government to kill one innocent person for every nine guilty people, which is what most studies show. 

Weekly Column: River Farm Protected and Criminal Record Sealing Compromise

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Connection, The Prince William Times, The Fort Hunt Herald, and Potomac Local in the week of February 22, 2021.

 River Farm Protected and Criminal Record Sealing Compromise

               The last week of the 2021 General Assembly Session has arrived and it will prove to be an exciting time with many big issues on the agenda.

               In even years, the process of amending the Constitution of Virginia typically begins.  Senator Adam Ebbin and Delegate Mark Sickles legislation repealing the 2006 gay marriage ban from our constitution will have a final vote.  We are also negotiating an amendment to remove Virginia’s Jim Crow Era felony voting prohibition from the Constitution and replacing it with an affirmative right to vote.   We will also be taking up my legislation abolishing capital punishment on Monday.   

This past week we announced our agreement on my legislation to reform Virginia’s expungement and rules prohibiting the sealing of criminal convictions.  Virginia is one of only nine states in America that does not allow people to seal misdemeanor convictions and one of only fourteen that do not allow the sealing of felony convictions. 

Ice Storm Impacts Roads and Vaccination Clinics: Here's What You Need to Know

Several law enforcement and emergency services agencies in Northern Virginia are asking drivers to avoid the roads today as snow, ice and sleet sweep through the region. The Virginia Department of Transportation is also recommending that drivers stay off the roads today.

Reporting a Power Outage 

If you experience an outage there are three easy ways to report it to Dominion Energy: 

1. By Phone: 866-366-4357

2. Download the New Dominion Energy app [Click Here]

3. On Their Website [Click Here]

Snow Removal 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions that protect the safety of plow workers, it’s possible that plowing might take longer than usual this year. To track when your neighborhood will be plowed, visit the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) plowing website, which activates after 2 inches of snow have accumulated in your county. If you live on a private street, it is the responsibility of the developers or the homeowner’s association to arrange for the street to be cleared. Call 800-FOR ROAD (800-367-7623) for information on snow removal or to inform VDOT of any snow removal problems. TTY users can call 711.

COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Cancelled, To Be Rescheduled

Fairfax County

The COVID-19 vaccine clinics scheduled at the Fairfax County Government Center and the four Health Department District office sites on Thursday, Feb. 18 are cancelled. People who have appointments will receive an email informing them of the cancellation. The cancellation notice will contain a link to reschedule their appointment for clinics scheduled during the upcoming week. Please note that appointment locations may be at a different site than you were originally scheduled for.

Residents who need assistance in rescheduling their appointment may call the COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 703-324-7404, though the call center is also closed Feb. 18.

Click Here to Read the Full Press Release by Fairfax County Government ‘Winter Weather Impacts Health Department Vaccine Clinics Thursday, Feb. 18’

Prince William County 

Prince William Health District (PWHD) COVID vaccination clinics at Potomac Middle School and Manassas Mall are canceled due to expected snow and ice.

Please check your email for additional information: to reschedule your appointment, please contact the Prince William Health District call center after 9:00 AM Thursday, at 703-872-7759. Please have available your ID number to reschedule your appointment for next week.

Read Full Press Release from the Virginia Department of Health ‘Winter Storm Closes PWHD’s Vaccine Clinics for Thursday, Feb. 18’ 

Weekly Column: Finding Solutions in the General Assembly

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Connection, The Prince William Times, The Fort Hunt Herald, and Potomac Local in the week of February 15, 2021.

Finding Solutions in the General Assembly

 Both the Senate of Virginia and the House of Delegates have released proposed budgets and we will vote on the budget soon.  We are also working to resolve some complex bills and to accelerate vaccinations.

Vaccination Progress

               Health care providers have administered over 1.2 million covid-19 vaccinations in Virginia as of February 12, nine of ten available first doses.  As of last week, that means that Virginia ranked seventh among states as a proportion of our population.   The state also announced a unified vaccination scheduling system although Fairfax County chose to opt out.  Virginia is now receiving 129,000 doses per week which is up 23 percent from our initial allocation.  We have also expanded the vaccination program to 36 CVS drugstores around the state.  We expect the pace to pick up once the Food and Drug Administration approves the new single-shot vaccines.   

2021 COVID-19 Update Thread

The Virginia Department of Health has created a webpage dedicated solely to virus updates where you will find content that is updated daily. The CDC also has a dedicated website: 

Virginia Department of Health

Center for Disease Control

Click Here to Find Testing Locations in Prince William County (Updated Regularly)

Register online to receive a vaccine at: https://vaccinate.virginia.gov/

***UPDATE FRIDAY, 4/23/21 at 12:00 PM***

Covid Restriction Updates

Governor Northam issued Fifth Amended Executive Order 72 as follows, effective April 21. These activities are still subject to updated guidance, including capacity limits and other safety requirements:

• Seating is now permitted in bar areas of restaurants, provided at least 6 feet is maintained between parties and no standing congregation is permitted.
• Outdoor races and marathons may place runners in staggered groups of up to 100 (up from 50).
• School theatrical and musical performances may allow patrons up to 30% of the venue capacity, with a maximum of 500 patrons indoors and no specific limit outdoors.
• Distancing requirements have been decreased from 10 feet to 6 feet for entertainment and public amusement venues, swimming pool seating, graduations, and recreational sporting events.
• Personal care and personal grooming studios are no longer required to maintain appointment logs and contact information for customers.
• Karaoke is no longer prohibited.
• Splash pads, hot tubs, and saunas are no longer prohibited.
• Brass instrument players may remove masks while playing, as could wind instrument players previously.

Full Amended Executive Order 72

Restriction updates changing May 15:

• Capacity limits at entertainment venues will increase from 30% to 50%, with an increase in the maximum number of indoor patrons from 500 to 1,000 and no specific limit on the number of outdoor patrons.
• Capacity limits at recreational sports venues will increase from 30% to 50%, with a maximum of 250 spectators per field for indoor events and 1,000 spectators per field for outdoor events.
• The limit on social gatherings will increase from 50 to 100 indoors and from 100 to 250 outdoors.
• Alcohol sales and restaurant dining will be permitted after midnight.

More Information and Frequently Asked Questions

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance on March 8 about what people can do when they are fully vaccinated (which occurs two weeks after their final vaccine dose), and guidance on April 2 about travel by people who are fully vaccinated. The guidance notes that because public health researchers are still learning how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19, even people who are fully vaccinated should keep taking precautions in public places like wearing masks, staying 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.

Guidance from CDC for Fully Vaccinated People

Get Vaccinated!

About a third of vaccine doses in Virginia are now being administered by retail pharmacy locations, which are open to anyone age 16 or older. Individuals may visit VaccineFinder.org to find eligible pharmacy locations, hours, phone numbers, and scheduling links where available. 

***UPDATE Thursday, 4/1/21 at 3:00 PM***

Vaccine Eligibility

Governor Ralph Northam today announced that all individuals in Virginia age 16 and older will be eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine starting on Sunday, April 18, ahead of the May 1 nationwide goal set by President Joe Biden. Governor Northam made the announcement during a visit to a vaccination clinic at First Mount Zion Baptist Church in Prince William County, where more than 1,000 vaccines will be administered today.

Weekly Column: Virginia's Rockets Up In Vaccine Distribution & Death Penalty Repeal Moves Forward

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Connection, The Prince William Times, The Fort Hunt Herald, and Potomac Local in the week of February 8, 2021.

               The Fifth Week of the General Assembly Session brought Crossover and the conclusion of some of our most contentious bills.

               First, Virginia rocketed up to the top ten in vaccine distribution in America.  While the system is still adjusting to vaccine supply, many constituents have reported to me that they have been able to get vaccinated.  The coming single shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine and Astra Zeneca will allow Virginia to ramp up from the current rate of 128,000 shots per week.

Although infection rates are dropping, the English and South African variants have arrived in Virginia and we must remain vigilant – even after people are vaccinated.  No state is doing better that Virginia that has a larger population and we have the 8^th lowest per capital death rate.  Group 1a should be done by the end of this week.  

Weekly Column: Virginia Legislature Is Moving Bills, Addressing Problems

The following is my column that will appear in the Mt. Vernon Gazette, Springfield Connection, The Prince William Times, The Fort Hunt Herald, and Potomac Local in the week of January 31, 2021.

Virginia Legislature Is Moving Bills, Addressing Problems

As the General Assembly begins its fourth week in session this year, vaccine deployment for Covid-19 has started to accelerate and we are discussing how to jump-start in-person schooling.  Virginia’s Secretary of Education believes all school personnel will be vaccinated by March 1 and a bill is pending to require in-person elementary-secondary school options no later than July 1.  Depending on how discussions go, the General Assembly might pass a mandate to require in-person learning sooner.

This is Why We Need Limits on Qualified Immunity: My Bill to Make Police Officers Civilly Liable for Misconduct

                                      

Last summer, several acts of police brutality against Black Americans and people of color forced Virginia to confront a long history of oppression and racial injustice. Although we have made substantial progress toward racial equality, implicit and explicit racism still persists in Virginia and across America.  

Last session we made significant progress modernizing the training, hiring, firing, discipline, and professional accountability for police departments.  However, some issues were too complex to take up in a special session including enhancing civil court remedies for individuals who are harmed by law enforcement officers who violate constitutional and legal standards.