The policy builds on a step taken by the county police department last summer that bars officers from asking about or disclosing a person’s immigration status or giving information to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that can be used to locate someone targeted for deportation. County officials said anxieties over deportation have kept some residents from seeking county services meant to help those who have been affected by the pandemic. Nearly 58,000 Fairfax residents have been infected by the coronavirus, a third of them Latino, according to the county health department. 

“For four years, we have marched, spoken out and stood up for our rights as immigrants, and now we can finally breathe easier,” Luis Aguilar, Virginia state director of the CASA immigrant advocacy group, said in a statement. 

A nation of immigrants remembers its roots and founding values.

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SOME LOCALITIES OPPOSE NOVEMBER ELECTON DATE

The Virginia General Assembly is close to mandating that city and town elections move from May to November, beginning with elections held after Jan. 1, 2022. Some local officials, however, are opposed. If the bill passes, a voter will elect mayors, City Council and School Board members during the November general election, no matter where they live in the Commonwealth. Statewide, 16 cities and more than 100 towns would be forced to change their election cycles, including Herndon, Vienna, Manassas, Leesburg, and Purcellville.

Supporters say the move would help limit confusion, increase voter turnout and save localities money. Opponents say it would just further politicize yet another sector of government and complain that it changes the nature of local elections, focusing on state and national races. Others say that local elections are often nonpartisan, dealing with issues such as stormwater runoff.

However, what seems to anger the mayors even more is that many of them weren’t even asked about the bill before it was filed. “I find it appalling,” said one. “This to me is an abuse of power…. They are completely ignoring what the people’s will is.” But other legislators say that this was constituent-driven, and that local politicians have not been listening. The bill is expected to pass, as it has the support of at least four Republicans and all Democrats.

November becomes an even busier time for voters to choose representatives. Sounds like a good idea.

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LEESBURG MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO $2.5 MILLION PANDEMIC FRAUD

Never underestimate someone’s ability to try to make a buck from tragedy. This grifter individual pleaded guilty to bank fraud after applying for two loans under the federal Paycheck Protection Program for his companies. He submitted fraudulent documentation that his companies employed dozens of workers with millions of dollars in annual payroll; in fact, he had few, if any, employees. He used the money to buy a luxury car, jewelry, and an airplane.

While sentencing guidelines call for a 4-year term, the man’s lawyer said his client is hopeful of receiving a substantially shorter term, because he “looks forward to making the necessary restitution to the government and taxpayers.” The repayment would be about a $600,000-per-year effort while he serves time.

We wonder if the lawyer got paid before taxpayers?

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