Our second week of candidate survey questions generated responses from three of the four candidates. To help voters in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District make an informed decision, we continue a feature series offering insights into each candidate’s stand on critical issues affecting our area.
Candidates are emailed a question and asked to reply by a deadline This format lets voters quickly compare the candidates’ views on critical issues, helping them make an informed choice come election day.
The second question focused on transparency in government in relation to media and to citizens.
Early voting in Virginia begins Sept. 20. Senator Tim Kaine and Hung Cao are running for the District 10 seat in the Senate. Derrick Anderson and Eugene Vindman are running for the District 7 seat in the House of Representatives.
This week, we asked Tim Kaine (D) and Hung Cao (R) the following question:
How do you view the role of the mainstream media in holding government officials accountable, and what steps would you take to ensure that media outlets have the freedom and resources to report accurately and independently?
Kaine responded:
“A free and vibrant press is critical to any democracy. Amidst growing threats to democratic values around the world, we must redouble our efforts to promote press freedom and protect journalists. When reporters like Vladimir Kara-Murza and Evan Gershkovich were wrongfully detained for years by Russian authorities, I worked with the administration to push for their release. I was heartened to see both of them return home this summer. I have also introduced a bipartisan bill, the International Press Freedom Act, that would help protect at-risk journalists working in countries with high censorship by creating a new visa category for threatened journalists and opening a new office within the State Department to combat crimes against journalists. Moreover, I have been proud to engage with and support local newsrooms over the course of my career, especially in Virginia. Local press plays an indispensable role in holding leaders accountable and providing communities with answers to important questions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I urged Senate leaders to include funding to support local journalism and media in any relief packages.”
Cao responded:
“Lately the mainstream media has been carrying water for government officials rather than holding them accountable, even going so far as to censor opposing views. What has been disclosed about the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to coordinate with both media outlets and social media platforms to censor and restrict free speech is incredibly troubling. Freedom of speech and freedom of thought are on the ballot this November. The First Amendment was not put in place only to protect media outlets, but to protect the American people’s right to free speech. I fought for that right for twenty-five years in the Navy, and I’m not done.”
We asked Derrick Anderson (R) and Eugene Vindman (D), both running for House of Representatives the following question:
How do you plan to promote greater transparency in the legislative process, including making it easier for constituents to understand how decisions are made and how their representatives are voting?
Anderson responded:
“They say that how a person campaigns is how they’ll govern, and right now VA-07 voters are seeing a real-world example of how Yevgeny Vindman would govern — he’s dodging public debates and he’s dodging questions about inflating his military record.I’m dedicated to being open and accessible to as many voters as possible. The six debates and forums I accepted are one of the many ways I’ll do so, and I challenge my opponent to accept them as well.”
Vindman did not respond.
This series will continue next week. If you have suggestions for topics, feel free to add a comment.
The Stafford County Department of Capital Projects is holding a Citizen Information Meeting to discuss the upcoming Stefaniga and Mountain View Road Intersection Improvement Project. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Mountain View High School.
The project aims to improve safety and traffic flow by realigning the Stefaniga/Mountain View Road intersection with the nearby Lightfoot Drive/Mountain View Road intersection, converting it into a single-lane roundabout. New sidewalks and curb ramps will also be added to enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity. The projected cause is over $5.2 million, funded by VDOT SMART SCALE, Federal CDS, and Local Funding.
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Stafford County's Board of Supervisors will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 3. at 5 p.m.
On the agenda:
Planning and zoning is submitting a request to authorize the Interim County Administrator to purchase 55 acres off of Spotted Tavern Road as part of a land conservation program. The property is Tax Map Parcel No. 25-38 (Harris Property), and the request also includes budgeting and appropriating the state portion of the funds for the purchase.
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Fredericksburg Police has posted several recent arrests on their Facebook page. Below are a few recent incidents.
Attempted Aggravated Malicious Wounding
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Yesterday's storm brought high winds and heavy rains to a wide area ranging from Spotsylvania to Maryland. Stafford County Sheriff's Office reports the Hartwood Area experienced heavy damage, with trees on power lines and Spotted Tavern Road closed due to hazards.
The National Weather Service reports Fredericksburg received between 2.2 and 2.9 inches. Prince William County ranged from 1.89 inches to 3.57; Woodbridge, Gainsville, and Nokesville all received over 3 inches of rain. Measurements at the Stafford Regional Airport showed 6.87 inches, and Falmouth received just over 4 inches. Fredericksburg received 2 inches.
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MISSING PERSON: ANTONIA ROGERS
Antonia Rogers last had contact with family in February of 2024. Antonia is described as a black female, 5 foot 5 inches in height, 115 pounds.
Report #: 2024-004536
If you have any information on Antonia's whereabouts, contact the police at 540- 373-3122. To make an anonymous tip, send a text to "847-411" and text "FPDtip" followed by your tip. Or, download the free FPD Tip app available for Android and iPhones. To download the app, search "FPD Tip" in the Google or iTunes App Store.
Uriah Kiser, Founder and Publisher of Potomac Local News, has updated a video from the scene of tonight's storm, which has brought significant rain, lightning, and thunder to Prince William, Manassas, Stafford, and Fredericksburg.
Kiser has pulled over at a gas station and notes that traffic is moving slowly. Trucks, cars, and SUVs are all pulling over on the side of the road or driving slowly with flashers on. He said, "If you're at home, stay there."
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Time and Space Comics, a new comic book store, is hosting a soft opening in Stafford this weekend. For founder Kent McKee, this is the realization of a lifelong dream that has been years in the making.
McKee and his wife Courtney started Time and Space Comics in 2019 as an online venture. "We began by doing sales online and attending local comic cons," McKee shared. After moving to Aquia Harbor, Kent had always envisioned opening a store in Stafford. The shop's name holds special meaning, derived from a phrase the couple often say to each other: "I love you through all time and space."
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Fairfax County Public Schools has completed its investigation into allegations of recruitment violations and retaliatory practices by Daryl Overton, Head Football Coach at Hayfield High School in Fairfax.
“A two-month investigation found Hayfield High School’s football program did nothing wrong regarding transfers and eligibility. Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid announced the findings of the investigation Tuesday night,” reports InsideNova.
