Delegate Ian Lovejoy (R-22, Bristow) updated his legislative priorities at the end of the first week of the 2024 Virginia General Assembly.
Lovejoy emphasized his focus on two key issues: limiting the siting of data centers near certain areas and addressing potential conflicts of interest among local elected officials involved in land use proceedings.
Siting of Data Centers in Residential Areas:
Lovejoy introduced an amendment to the Code of Virginia, specifically adding a new section to address the siting of data centers. According to the proposed amendment:
– Any local government land use application required to build a data center must be approved only for areas one-quarter mile or more from federal, state, or local parks, schools, and property zoned or used for residential purposes.
The amendment came after the Prince William Board of County Supervisors in 2023 approved a data center complex on 990 acres next to Manassas Battlefield National Park and another next to a densely populated neighborhood at Linton Hall and Devlin roads in Bristow.
Disclosures in Land Use Proceedings:
Lovejoy also proposed amendments focusing on disclosures in land use proceedings.
– Members of the board of supervisors, planning commission, and board of zoning appeals involved in land use proceedings must fully disclose any business or financial relationships with the applicant or title owner of the land in question.
– A disclosure includes relationships within the 12 months before the hearing, and any member with a business or financial interest or a specific relationship shall be ineligible to vote or participate in such cases.
– Penalties, as a Class 1 misdemeanor, are outlined for individuals knowingly and willfully violating these disclosure provisions.is the most severe class of misdemeanor offenses and may include up to 12 months in jail and up to a $2,500 fine.
The proposed amendments aim to enhance transparency in land use proceedings by requiring elected officials to disclose relevant relationships, thereby minimizing potential conflicts of interest.
Lovejoy is serving his first term as a House of Delegates member. He previously served on the Manassas City Council.
The 2024 General Assembly session ends on March 10, 2024.
Delegate-elect Ian Lovejoy: “Today the office of Delegate-elect Ian Lovejoy announces the launch of an aggressive constituent services outreach campaign ahead of the 2024 general assembly session. Dubbed “50 Ways in 50 Days” this initiative is described as an “idea-raiser” – designed to solicit feedback from residents of House District 22 regarding legislative priorities, issues facing our district and region, ways our office can engage the public and more.”
“Residents are encouraged to share any ideas they have to improve our community with the program hoping to gather a minimum of 50 good ideas.”
Lovejoy won the November 7 General Election to represent the district, which includes portions of western Prince William County, including Bristow.
Juke Box Diner in Manassas hosted the Fox News Channel's morning show "Fox and Friends," which did a series of live reports from the diner on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who came to the diner to appear on the show, talked about education and talked to Potomac Local News about the importance of hiring more police and supporting them in the field.
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Hillary Clinton posted to Twitter today, urging Democrats to organize and flip three seats in the House of Delegates.
The former First Lady reminded her followers that Democrats only need three seats to regain control of Virginia's House of Delegates.
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Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares visited Prince William County on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.
Miaryes: “I had the pleasure to speak at Ian Lovejoy’s campaign kickoff in Manassas last night! As a Councilman, entrepreneur, and small business owner, @IanTLovejoy has served his region for over a decade and knows what Virginians want.”
Lovejoy: “Standing room only tonight at Bristow Manor- thank you so much to everyone who came out to support our kickoff. Special thanks to Attorney General Jason Miyares and House Speaker Todd Gilbert and everyone for the huge showing of support.”
Lovejoy (R), a former Manassas City Councilman, is running for the House District 22 seat, which has no incumbent. The district includes Nokesville and the area south of Manassas.
The following day, Miyares went to Manassas to announce children in Virginia middle schools will receive child ID kits.
An attorney and political newcomer, Travis Nembhard (D), will challenge Lovejoy for the seat.
Ian Lovejoy, the former Manassas City Councilman, announced a bid for the Virginia House of Delegates District 22 seat for the November General Election.
Lovejoy (R) had been seeking the Virginia State Senate seat for District 30, which encompasses Manassas. With the announcement, Lovejoy withdrew his bid for the District 30 seat, leaving it without a Republican vying for the seat.
