COMSTOCK FOR DELEGATE BLOG
The Comstock Connection
Friday, July 26, 2013
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Contact Me
District Mailing Address:
PO Box 6156
McLean, VA 22106
District Office:
1356 Beverly Road
Suite 250
McLean, Virginia 22101
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Dear Friends,
I hope everyone is enjoying everything the summer has to offer! As always, we want to keep up to date with you in the 34th District and hear from you on any of your concerns. Thank you all for your continued input, advice and support.
Please don't hesitate to contact my office on matters of concern to you. I can be reached by email at [email protected].gov or by phone at 703-772-7168. If you would like to visit our legislative office, you can set up an appointment with my legislative aide, Jessica Goodman, at [email protected] or call 703-772-7168.
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Young Women's Leadership Program On Human Trafficking
 Participants of the Young Women's Leadership Program had a great visit with Richmond Justice Initiative's Director, Sara Pomeroy at the Great Falls Library on July 1st. We heard from Sara about how she tackled challenges and opportunities transitioning from her career as a singer to becoming one of the leaders in the fight against human sex trafficking right here in Virginia. Thank you Sara for taking the time to share your passion for this important issue.
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Congratulations To Governor's New Board Of Visitor Appointments
I wanted to take the opportunity to offer my sincerest congratulations and best wishes to the new College Board of Visitors appointees and neighbors in the 34th District: Kevin Fay was appointed to the Board of Visitors of The University of Virginia; Lynn Dillon, was appointed to the Board of Visitors of The College of William & Mary; Anne Gruner and John Jacquemin were both appointed to the Board of Visitors of George Mason University.
I know they will each do a great service to the Commonwealth.
I also want to recognize and commend Kevin Fay for his extraordinary leadership and service to our community as a member of the Park Authority Board. He recently announced his resignation from the Board after serving for the past ten years.
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| Anne Gruner, of McLean, being sworn in as a new member of the George Mason University Board of Visitors by Clerk of the Court, John Frey. |
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Presentation at Falcons Landing: Seniors Targeted By Fraud
On Tuesday, July 2nd, I joined Juanita Balenger with the Virginia Attorney General's office who
gave a presentation to members of Falcons Landing Military Retirement Community on types of fraud, how to spot a fraudster and who to contact if they think they've been a victim of fraud.
Currently, 1 in 5 Americans over the age of 65 have been victimized by fraud. Fraudsters view seniors as easy targets for three primary reasons. First, seniors are more likely to have savings and retirement accounts, home equity and excellent credit ratings. Second, seniors
can be viewed as too trusting and polite to question those trying to perpetuate a fraud. Third, seniors also are less likely to report becoming victims because of embarrassment even though people of all ages have been tricked through a variety of tactics by fraudulent operators. The most common types of fraud on seniors are: investment fraud, employment fraud, identity theft, charity schemes, lottery/sweepstakes fraud, recovery schemes, mortgage/reverse mortgage frauds.
To avoid becoming a fraud victim it is important that you do your homework. Check references, Google, the Better Business Bureau, Virginia State Corporation Commission, Consumer Fraud Protection Bureau, Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission websites. And don't give personal information over the phone, through the mail or on the Internet unless you have initiated the contact or you are sure you know who they are.
If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud please call your local police or sheriff's department, local FBI office, and U.S. Postal Inspectors and file a report with each. Also, it is important to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Sentinel at www.ftc.gov.
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Letter To VA ABC Board Members
On Friday, July 5th I wrote a letter to the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control about the recent troubling arrest of a young Charlottesville woman when ABC plains clothes officials mistakenly thought she had purchased beer. A full text version of the letter can be found on my website or by clicking here.
On Monday, July 8th VA ABC Board Member, Curtis Coleburn, responded to my inquiries saying that there will now be at least one officer in uniform present at the scene when authorities are reviewing a case of possible underage drinking. The young Charlottesville woman was understandably fearful for their safety when approached by several plain clothes officers. As we all know, assaults on college campuses do occur and we all make efforts to educate and warn young women to be careful and take precautionary measures when necessary. Given that young women could be subject to a number of dangerous situations, it is important to have procedures in place that reflect recognition of these concerns. I will keep you posted on additional developments as this matter continues to be reviewed by authorities.
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Young Women's Leadership Program: Visit "Meet The Press" Studio
Our Young Women's Leadership Program visited "Meet the Press" on Monday, July 8th. Thanks to "Meet the Press" Executive Producer, Betsy Fischer Martin, and former National Review Washington Editor, Kate O'Beirne, for their sharing their stories and sharing their morning with us. We had a great time.
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Virginia Announced $261 Million State Surplus for FY 2013
I'm pleased by Virginia's announcement of a $261 million surplus for FY2013. This is proof that the policies of Republicans in the House of Delegates are yielding results for the Commonwealth. The surplus announcement comes just two weeks after Virginia announced over $1.8 million in legislative savings returned to the general fund, including $1.6 million from legislative branch agencies and $200,000 from the House of Delegates.
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Capitol Hill Day With The Young Women's Leadership Program
We also had the opportunity to visit the United States Capitol on July 22nd, take a tour and meet with Kristi Way, Chief of Staff to U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader, Congressman Eric Cantor. Kristi shared with us what a typical day is like on the Hill, the importance of mentors and having a positive attitude.
Congressman Frank Wolf and several of his staff members including his Staff Assistant, Katy Summerlin, also stopped by to introduce themselves. Thanks to all our guests for taking the time out of their busy schedules to meet with us.
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MACH37 Website Launched
The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) announced on July 15th the launch of their MACH37 Cybersecurity Accelerator Website. The site, www.mach37.com, contains information about accelerator services, the 90-day program and the process for applying to MACH37. The site's design reflects the accelerator's mission to enable the development of the next generation of cybersecurity technology companies.
CIT President and CEO Pete Jobse said, "The launch of the MACH37 website marks another exciting step in the development of the Accelerator. We are actively recruiting for the fall session and will provide updates on MACH37 developments on this site."
The website's simple navigation and clean interface allow users to quickly and easily find the information they need. MACH37 Managing Partner, Rick Gordon, said "The Accelerator is now actively seeking candidate companies and cyber entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit the site and contact the MACH37 team for additional information on the program.
MACH37 is a cybersecurity accelerator focused on creating companies that deliver the next generation of cybersecurity solutions. MACH37 was conceived and developed by the Center for Innovative Technology and is supported by a community of hundreds of cybersecurity leaders who contribute to company development.
The Governor proposed additional state funding for this program which passed during the 2013 General Assembly Session. Virginia is now nationally recognized as the first state in the nation to have a cyber-security dedicated accelerator. It is expected that approximately ten new high growth companies will be created annually from this investment, with annual sales expectations of over $50 million per company. These high-wage employment opportunities will help offset the loss of federally-supported positions throughout the Commonwealth.
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Virginia Back-To-School Tax Holiday Returns August 2-4
It's back! This year's holiday begins on Friday, August 2nd and runs through Sunday, August 4th. Items that will be exempt from sales tax during the holiday include most articles of clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less each, and school or office supplies that cost $20 or less per item. There is no limit to the number of items you can purchase without paying the sales tax, provided each item meets the holiday restrictions.
A list of qualifying items, guidelines for the holiday, and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the Virginia Department of Taxation's website at www.tax.virginia.gov. Anyone can buy tax-exempt items during the holiday; it is not limited to purchases for students. |
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Upcoming Events
National Night Out- Tuesday, August 6th
This year, National Night Out Festivities will take place on Tuesday, August 6th with local community members and officers from the Fairfax County Police Department.
The goals of National Night Out are to strengthen community connections within neighborhoods and to heighten awareness of crime prevention issues. Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and Target Corporation, crime prevention officers in Fairfax County have helped coordinate local events all year long.
If your community is planning an event this year, please let your local police district station know. For more information about National Night Out and the location of your district police station, please click here. |
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Join In For Regional Day To Serve: VA, WV, MD and D.C.
September 15- 29th, 2013
As involved citizens, people who make a difference and leaders in Fairfax and Loudoun County, I thought you would be interested in a regional service event that will occur from September 15-29th, 2013. The Governor's of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and the Mayor of the District of Columbia, have worked together to focus on an event for the second year in a row to not only feed the hungry but heal the planet with planting and beautification projects.
Last year, on September 29, 2012, they invited all citizens, faith groups, businesses and community organizations to join the cause. The results were overwhelming. With service (including Loudoun County), over 14,000 volunteers carried out 750 community service projects. They collected and donated more than 600,000 pounds of food and planted hundreds of trees. Click here to see more of the 2012 Regional Day to Serve.
It was so successful that the Governors and Mayor began making plans for 2013 rather quickly. Many months and many volunteers on the planning level have created tools to make 2013 even more successful. One such tool is the website: http://daytoserve.org/events. Here's what you can do.
1. Share it with your organization or organizations in your area
2. Post it on your social media outlets
3. Email to organizations you think could benefit from this regional event
4. Post your event and needs
If there is an event your organization is planning, go to http://daytoserve.org/events and add it to the "events" link. If there is an event you would like Delegate Comstock to attend, please email Jessica Goodman at [email protected] or call 703-772-7168.
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Make Your Donation Today
Northern Virginia Family Services Back To School Drive
Our office will be participating in the Northern Virginia Family Services "Back to School Drive" this year. We will be collecting school supplies to donate to needy families in the Northern Virginia area!
If you would like to donate supplies, please feel free to drop them by our office anytime during the summer. For more information, please call Jessica Goodman at (703) 772-7168 or [email protected].
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Save The Date
- Every Friday- McLean Farmer's Market from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean Virginia 2210
- Every Saturday- Great Falls Farmer's Market from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Great Falls Village Green Day School, 790 Walker Rd., Great Falls, Virginia 22066
- Every Sunday- Celebrate Great Falls Foundation Concerts on the Green from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. at the Village Centre, 776 Walker Road, Great Falls, Virginia 22066.
- First Wednesday of Each Month- McLean Citizens Association Meetings at 8:00 p.m. at the McLean Community Center,1234 Ingleside Ave.,McLean, Virginia 22101
- Second Tuesday of Each Month- Great Falls Citizens Association Meetings at 7:30 p.m. at the Grange, 9818 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, Virginia 22066.
- July 26-28 and August 2-4, 9-11- Potomac Falls High School performs Bye Bye Birdie. Shows begin at 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:00 p.m. on Sundays at Potomac Falls High School, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Potomac Falls, Virginia 20165.
- Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4- Fiesta Boliviana and Panamerican Festival from 9:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m at Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville Virginia.
- Sunday, August 18- Vienna Post Legion 180 Breakfast Buffet from 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. at Vienna Post American Legion 180, 330 Center Street, Vienna, Virginia 22180. Call 703-938-1379 for more information.
- Sunday, August 18- 27th Annual Pakistan Festival from 11:30 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. at Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, Virginia.
- Thursday, August 29- Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Char-a-oke Sing-Off at Wolf Trap National Park from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, Virginia 22182. Click here for more information.
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I try to be accessible to my constituents in as many ways as possible. For more information, please visit my website, www.delegatecomstock.com, where you can read my blog for up-to-date information on Virginia, or follow me on Facebook or Twitter. You can reach me by email at [email protected].gov or by phone at 703-772-7168. Please don't hesitate to contact me about issues that concern you.
Sincerely,
Delegate Barbara Comstock
| Paid for and authorized by Friends of Barbara Comstock. |
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