Governor Kaine, thanks for live blogging on RK.  My first question is about your energy plan.  As far as I can tell, the plan calls for reducing the rate of growth of energy use by 40 percent, but absolute levels of energy consumption would continue to rise.  Also, the plan calls for Virginia to reduce its carbon emissions to 2000 levels by 2025.

In contrast, scientists (and Al Gore) say we need to cut carbon emissions 90% by 2050 if we have any hope of heading off catastrophic global warming.  Today's Washington Post said, "If warming continues as predicted, scientists say, 20 percent or more of the planet's plant and animal species could be at increased risk of extinction."

Given all that, do you believe that your energy plan goes far enough, or do you see it as just a first step towards sharp cuts in energy consumption and carbon emissions by Virginia?  Also, would you consider doing what Fairfax County has done and signing Virginia up for the Sierra Club's "cool cities" program, making Virginia a "Cool Commonwealth?"

Thanks.

As a state with a great school system and a very stable economy, it is likely that Virginia's population will continue to grow.  Therefore, it wouldn't be realistic to discuss an actual reduction of energy usage over the next generation.  But, we can take meaningful conservation and efficiency steps to reduce per-capita energy consumption, and figure out cleaner forms of energy to use so that we can help stop negative climate change.

My energy team is committed to conservation strategies and a focus on cleaner energy technologies so that we can reduce energy usage and promote a cleaner environment for Virginians.

I applaud what Fairfax has done - and would like to explore making Virginia a "Cool Commonwealth."

Lowell - special thanks for arranging this "Live Blog" today.

and welcome to the Virginia blogosphere! :)

"realistic to discuss an actual reduction of energy usage over the next generation."  Not only that, I think it's absolutely essential for our planet's future.

I don't know if it is possible or not, but if we can't do it then kiss the polar ice caps goodbye in our lifetimes.

Gov. Kaine, I was disappointed, but unfortunately not surprised, to see Republicans vote out State Sen. Brandon Bell in the primary as part of their purge of moderates.  Sen. Bell was a leader on smoke-free air legislation that fell short of approval in the House by a surprisingly narrow margin.  What are the prospects of passing a bar/restaurant smoking ban in January's session?  Is there talk of a compromise, like allowing communities to make their own decisions on local bans?  What can we do to help improve the chances of movement on this issue?

I think the prospects of passing a restaurant smoking ban this year are very good. When a bill got to my desk last year -- one which would have weakened current smoking restrictions, in my view -- I changed it into an outright ban on smoking in restaurants to protect consumer and employee health. I was pleasantly surprised that it came close to passage in the House. I believe the November elections will help us get some version of this law passed.

and the Tyson's Corner tunnel--- where are we with that, will your (Gov. Kaine's) scrounging for money out of Virginia's budget do the trick, and just how much of a tunnel is there in the "aerial" version compared to the so-called full tunnel version.

Lowell, I have become really confused by this issue ever since I learned there really is likely to be some part of even the aerial verison underground. It would be helpful if Kaine put out a regional mailout to all his Northern Virginia constituents showing precisely what his version of the rail project will look like, how pedestrian-friendly will the area be once the tunnel is finished, and what the escalating costs are.

I have heard so many versions and so much conflicting garbage you could spend an hour on this topic alone. I leave it to your clever mind to get to the bottom of this topic with Tim. 

I have received a couple of questions about rail to Dulles.

The plan to extend rail to Dulles goes back a couple of decades -- it should have happened when Metro was first built. Fairfax, Loudoun, local landowners and the Commonwealth worked on a design for the expansion that was finalized in 2001 and 2002.

The route through Tysons was by way of an elevated section on Route 123 and Route 7, with a short tunnel connecting the aerial sections on those two roads. This locally-approved design was subjected to a four-year environmental review that involved significant public discussion.

Shortly after I became Governor, Fairfax requested that we explore whether the entire Tysons section could be placed underground. I was happy to do so, and convened a panel of independent civil engineers to study the suggested design change.

This panel and subsequent analysis by the state and the Federal Transit Administration confirmed that such a significant design change at this late point would significantly increase the project cost and delay construction. 

Both the Congressional delegation and the FTA administrator informed me that increases in cost or construction delay would jeopardize receipt of any federal funds for this key project. Without the $900 million we anticipate receiving in federal support for Dulles rail,  there is no practical way to construct this needed transit infrastructure. Thus, I have continued to pursue the originally-approved design.

Just last week, we submitted a series of cost reductions to the FTA, and we anticipate continuing to work closely with our federal and local partners as the rail to Dulles project moves forward.

Why can't we tell the federal government to get lost and bring back the car tax for ONE year (which would more than fund the federal portion of this project) and build a tunnel that everyone can be proud of for the next 100 years?

You know that won't pass because Virginians that don't live in NOVA won't go for this. I can hear people now, "Sure increase my tax so you can have a tunnel." *sarcasm*

We need more of our fair share of money to come back that is sent to Richmond.

There's $900 million. 

was elected into office because people hated this fee so much, I dont see how people are going to accept it coming back anywhere. Maybe the people of Fairfax will be okay with them just being taxed??

Governor Kaine,

  While I disagree with you on the aerial versus tunnel plan for Tysons Corner, I respect and see both sides of the argument. However, my main concern now is, how will Virginia ensure that this project remains cost effective? The project is currently at X billions of dollars (the number keeps changing so I'm not sure where it's at) but what is the price ceiling where someone says that this project is becoming overblown or do you think that once the process has started, it must be finished at any cost? Thank you for your time.

Dear Governor Kaine,

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions here on Raising Kaine.

Those of us who consider ourselves Virgina Netroots Activists, have been pushing for Democratic Victories in the House and Senate this year.  Obviously a Democratic majority is critical to avoid the kinds of infighting and flat-earth policies the Republican majorities have come up with in the past few years, but it's also critical for us to hold those and your office for the next round of redistricting.

With 50 days to go until the election, Democrats have not established a conspicuous central theme for the 2007 elections.

Do you believe one will emerge or will these battle be fought individually, locally, and without a core, central theme?

We have a central theme.

Democratic leadership has made our state the best managed state in America, the most business friendly state in America, and the state where a child born today is most likely to have a successful life.

If Virginians want to continue reaping the type of accolades received by the Warner and Kaine administrations, it is important to elect legislators who share those values and who are committed to solving problms.

Governor -- thank you very much for joining us today (and for inspiring the founders of RK to launch the Virginia progressive net-community).

I would love to see more creative initiatives to handle traffic problems now (rather than waiting for years for infrastructure projects).  For example, VDOT could have a traffic "war room" that uses GPS technology (e.g., cars could have anonymous GPS devices) and cameras on highways and other important roads (Route 1 down to Richmond, Shore Drive in V.B., Ox Road and 123 in Fairfax) to monitor and direct traffic flow (getting the message out via email alerts, a dedicated radio channel, etc.), coupled with flexible route management (e.g., leaving key lights green, reversing lane directions, blocking ramps, etc. -- D.C. does this by changing the direction of lanes or closing certain on-ramps during rush hour). 

Are there any plans of this sort?  Could there be (even if on a small "pilot program" scale to start)?

I have received a couple of questions about transportation.

I like the idea of creatively using technology to help reduce congestion. Do all readers understand that you now can view real-time video of key roadways on the VDOT Web page? The folks at VDOT are using this and other technologies to reduce congestion and give Virginians more transportation options.

We recently announced in Northern Virginia a proposal to expand HOT lanes on the Beltway. This will create both HOV and public transit access for the first time on the Beltway, and should help significantly reduce congestion there.

Those driving in single-occupancy vehicles would pay a toll that would be adjusted based on the time of day -- that should encourage more carpooling, and use of mass transit.

One questioner mentions the syncronization of traffic signals. I completely agree. That strategy has worked on a number of key roadways across Virginia. If you see routes where this might be an effective congestion relief option, e-mail the Governor's Office and we will follow up.

Finally, I am particularly proud that this year's transportation bill included significant new money for transit and rail. Statewide transit spending will increase approximately 45%, and rail spending will increase by 65%. In addition, the Northern Virginia regional package has significant additional funding for Metro and VRE.

No other form of investment has the same multiplying benefit on an economy as investing and expanding agriculture. Every dollar spent on agriculture multiplies about 2.3 times by circulating and re-circulating in the local economy. It also increases employment 1.5 Full Time Equivalents (FTE)1.

We also have a major hole in our economy where tens of billions of dollars leak out every year. About 97% of what we pay at the pump for petroleum gasoline and diesel fuel leaves our economy and most of that leaves the country.  A Commonwealth like Virginia loses more than $11 billion dollars each year paying for petroleum fuel. This is a devastating blow to our economy and tax base every year.

Expanding and investing in domestic biomass agriculture to grow, produce and use biofuels like biodiesel and cellulosic fuel can plug that leak in our economy while also reaping the highest rate of return.  It will also help reverse global warming, break our addiction to foreign oil, prevent future wars, reduce our foreign trade deficit, stimulate local economies, create new jobs that can not be outsourced, revitalize family farms and rural communities, reverse rural flight and ease urban congestion and increase our tax base, which can help pay for better transportation, health care and education.

What can we do to accelerate the transition to a biomass/biofuel economy in Virgina?

1 USDA Policy Issues in Rural Land Use, 2006 (PDF)
http://aem.cornell.e...

 

The energy plan we released last week identifies four areas where Virginia has a strategic advantage for future energy research investments. One is production of bio-diesel through partnership with the state's farmers. We are now looking at ways to carry out that recommendation.

Hi Governor Kaine- I'm a huge supporter- but i have one question about your cuts to costs. I'm a student at the University of Mary Washington and your budget cuts have cost our school more than $2.3 million (or an unheard of 7.5% budget cut) which is really hurting every aspect of the academics at the school. Why in the world would you choose to cut funding to colleges when there are tens of millions of dollars in legislator directed earmarks to things like the Confederate War Museum...

You might also be interested the programs that have to be cut include school security. While I may be a huge supporter- Don't you think the priorities of the state are backwards?

I would like to follow James' question by asking you about the estate tax, the most progressive tax ever invented (FDR said, "The transmission from generation to generation of vast fortunes by will, inheritance, or gift is not consistent with the ideals of the American people.").  Restoring the estate tax would gain Virginia $140 million and only impact 871 of the wealthiest Virginia families.  Given Virginia's budget crunch, wouldn't it make a great deal more sense to reinstate the estate tax than to cut funding for Virginia's top-notch colleges and universities, given that education is the crucial engine of economic opportunity in the early 21st century?

According to today's Washington Post, "Virginia might have to lay off state workers, increase user fees and curtail some regulatory inspections because of a $640 million budget shortfall."  On the other hand, "Virginia appears to be on a relatively stable financial footing. Kaine announced that the state has retained its AAA bond rating, the highest it can earn." 

So I guess the question is, given what appear to be structural deficits, what are your plans to ensure Virginia's fiscal health and maintenance of those coveted AAA bond ratings both in the short run and also over the longer haul?

Thanks.

I have received a couple of questions about the effect of the state's revenue slowdown on operations at our state colleges and other institutions.

First, a word about the slowdown. The state economy, particularly driven by the slowdown in the housing market, started to slow down in the spring of 2007. I directed state agencies to begin tightening their belts immediately. We have now re-forecast state revenues downward through calendar year 2009, and must take additional steps to economize in anticipation of slower revenues.

I have asked each of my Cabinet secretaries to give me their proposals for cost reductions. I will consider those proposals, make my own decisions, and announce spending reductions by the end of the first week of October.

The mere fact that a proposal has been made does not mean that I will accept it. I will make balanced decisions based upon available state resources, the importance of each funding priority, and agency performance data showing how state spending items truly advance the quality of life in Virginia.

Colleges are not immune from this process, but I do recognize the critical nature of higher education to a strong Virginia economy.

Virtually all other states are dealing with these same challenges right now. In many, the shortfalls are much more severe. We were recently applauded by major financial institutions for being in the top tier of states in fiscal management. I am very confident about the long-term soundness of our economy, and know that we can work through these short-term challenges in a responsible way

Thanks in advance for your time and thank you Lowell.  This summer I attended a VDOT presentation on HOT lanes in Springfield, that was supposed to be a public forum.  Unfortunately, if people had comments opposed to HOT lanes they were directed to address their concerns to VDOT officials in private in side rooms.  I found the public comment portion of the presentation to be very disingenuous.

Given the constantly rising toll rates of the privately-run Dulles Greenway and given the fact that we are in essence selling off our public assets to private interests at below-market financing rates underwritten by the taxpayers, is there anyway to derail the HOT lane construction in Northern Virginia and instead concentrate on making rail service more attractive to area travelers?

Governor, first off, thank you for live blogging with us.

Now, one of the questions I'm sure you're looking forward to...

If the apparent strong resistance to the Abuser Fees from many groups (both left and right) results in a number of incumbents losing on election day will you reconsider your position in support of these fees? 

And, much of the current "roll back" discussion involves simply trying to make out-of-state drivers pay the extra fees along with Virginians.  Would you be willing to scrap this fee system altogether if alternative, perhaps outside-the-box, solutions could be found for both the safety and funding aspects that these fees were designed to address?

Several people have asked about abuser fees.

The state had not addressed transportation funding since 1986. Efforts by the Legislature to tackle transportation issues in 2002, 2004 and 2006 produced nothing. I thought it was imperative that we find a willingness to move forward this year.

A transportation bill got to my desk, and it required major edits and revisions. I was able to remove several objectionable elements of the abuser fee language, but I recognize that citizen reaction to the finished product (which accounts for about 6% of the revenue in the bill) has been significant.

I am committed to working with the Legislature in January to analyze the traffic safety data, and to make needed adjustments to ensure the fees only apply to serious offenses and apply to all drivers equally.

First of all I want to commend you on your energy plan. It's by no means perfect, but it's a wonderful step in the right direction!

You mention that there will be a tax reduction for properties that are 30 percent more energy efficient than the building codes require. I have to be honest, that's a pretty slim incentive. First of all, very few people will even attempt to calculate that number. Secondly who's going to validate the calculation? It has abuse written all over it.

Instead, have you considered actually changing the building codes in Virginia? You're Governor, can't you propose new changes?

For example, require all new homes and buildings supplement their hot water heaters with solar water heaters. Improvements like that will pay for itself and dramatically reduce our energy usage.

I'll try and calculate how much energy that ONE idea would save. Smarter people than me could propose dozens of building code changes that would all pay for themselves and reduce our statewide energy usage.

A U.S. gallon of water weighs 8.3 pounds. So, to raise a 40-gallon tank of 55°F water up to 105°F would require 40 x 8.3 x (105 - 55) / 100,000 BTU, or approximately 0.17 CCF, at 100% efficiency
http://en.wikipedia....

As of 2005, there are 2,889,688 households in Virginia
http://www.census.go...

2,889,688 houses * 100,000 BTU = 2,889,688,000,000 BTUs of energy simply to heat our homes' hot water. That's ignoring the buildings. Supplementing this with solar hot water would be an astounding energy savings. Why not simply make this a building code requirement like insulation is a requirement?

Lowell is my math wrong? You're an energy guy aren't you?

With some fairly simple engineering (not that simple, but reasonable) solar hot water can:

a) supplement hot water heaters (easy)
b) supplement hot water for radiators (easy)
c) supplement heating freon in air conditioners (harder)
d) supplement heating freon in refrigerators (harder)
e) supplement heating freon in freezers (harder)
f) reduce heat through our roofs which means less energy wasted on cooling (easy)

None of these things require solar voltaic cells. Just copper pipe, glass and the will to do it. By the way, copper and glass are easy to come by.

Why did you veto legislation that would have allowed consumers to purchase raw milk from farmers in VA?  I am one of those consumers who wishes to purchase raw milk.  I have researched the issue well and know many farm families who drink raw milk with no ill effects...I am aware of the "risks" of raw milk.

This bill would have allowed me the freedom to choose what I consider a health food product (which is available to citizens in other countries) AND been of great benefit to small family farms.

I'm very disappointed that you chose to veto this bill and eliminate my right as a person to choose a product that is widely available in other countries.

Sincerely,
Mosquito

Governor Kaine-

In your energy policy you mentioned the LED lights installed in 2004, which was great. I've seen them all over the place, but I've also seen the old style lights all over the place too. Do you have any plans to replace the remaining incandescent signals with LED signals? Won't that pay for itself AND reduce energy consumption at the same time?

Governor Kaine,

I didn't see any mention in your energy plan to synchronize traffic signals. Every time a car has to stop for a red light it's momentum is wasted. For every second it sits idle, it wastes gasoline. Every time it has to get back up to speed it takes more energy than keeping it at that speed.

Red lights are a monumental waste of energy, money and frankly they're just plain annoying. They are one of the few things the government is 100% in control of. I'm not suggesting we replace every traffic signal with a smart system, but simply re-timing every signal across the state would be a dramatic reduction of energy and improve transportation at the same time. Where is the downside?

Have you considered synchronizing traffic signals across the entire state of Virginia?

Has anyone calculated how much of a carbon footprint the Virginia Government has? What would it take to make that footprint 0?

Personally I'd like to see Virginia be the leader in America. Why is California always looked up to? I'd like to see the Virginia government come up with a proposal on how it will become carbon neutral by some date.

I'm not suggesting we abolish the use of coal or gasoline. I'm suggesting that the government itself focus on reducing it's own carbon footprint via efficiencies, then simply plant trees to make up the rest. What city in Virginia wouldn't want more trees?

We here at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network truly and sincerely appreciate the efforts that you and your administration is putting forth to help reduce Virginia's global warming greenhouse gas emissions.  Efforts like these, if done intelligently, can help provide Virginia with reliable and affordable energy that also minimizes our global warming impact while providing jobs to people in the Commonwealth.

I have two questions for you:

1. I don't believe that the Plan outlines a mandatory renewable energy purchase (much like what is being done in 22 other states) to help provide residents of Virginia with more clean energy options; is there a specific reason for that?

2. The Plan supports the further development of coal as a source of energy for Virginia.  The plan also supports the development of energy sources that are "less polluting of the Commonwealth's air and water... that do not contribute to greenhouse gases and global warming," "do not impose a disproportionately adverse impact on economically disadvantaged or minority communities," and "minimizes impacts to pristine natural areas."

How can one plan advocate for the continued use of coal without necessarily contradicting otherwise positive 'do no harm' type of statements?  33% of Virginia's coal is mined using Mountain Top Removal processes that, nearly by definition, pollutes the air and water while imposing impacts on economically disadvantaged communities and simply devastating pristine natural areas.  Even if we make our coal "clean" (something that likely won't happen anytime soon), continued investment in it seems to be out of whack with many of the plans priorities.

The Commonwealth needs to prioritize clean energy and innovation before it invests another cent into old technology like coal that, barring a technological miracle, will continue to harm our atmosphere, streams, mountains and health.

Dear Governor Kaine,

Raising Kaine lists itself as "The Voice of Progressive Virginia". 

What do you see as Progressive Values? What is the value of Progressivism, and what are you doing to support the long-term development of the Progressive Movement?

Thank you for your time and for all that you do.

I will try to answer a couple of questions here.

I think the primary progressive values are promoting the equality of all individuals, and investing in the educational infrastructure to give all people their best chance at success.

I think the blogosphere has performed a valuable service in promoting progressive values and creating strong energy to support good candidates. RK and others helped me win my race, and were critical to Jim Webb's victory last year.

The only weakness I ever see in blogs is a tendency to sometimes make disagreement too personal. (Of course, we elected officials may feel that way since we're often the ones in the bulls-eye!)

I won't give you a number, but I feel very good about winning more seats in both houses this year, and the netroots should get a share of the credit.

Dear Governor Kaine,

I would first like to commend you on your service to the Commonwealth of Virginia.  My questions are related to the two bills (HB3068 and SB1416) that ended electric competition in Virginia.  I know that the State Corporation Commission had never found that a competitive marketplace existed in Virginia, but were there ever any studies conducted by the state into why competition never substantially materialized?  I also wonder what precipitated this move.  Rate caps were not set to expire for another few years; so, it seemed there might have been more time to consider other options and potentially create a regulatory framework that facilitated competition.

This will be my last question for today. I think I've now touched on 19 of the questions.

Virginia was in danger of having unregulated electric monopolies if we continued down the path of deregulation. Competition for retail customers has not effectively developed in any state, largely because of the tremendous upfront cost of building transmission and generation capacity.

So, last year, we passed a landmark bill re-regulating electric power rates. The bill creates incentives for use of cleaner technology to create power, establishes additional incentives for the use of renewable energy sources, and directs state regulators to ensure that rates paid by citizens and businesses must be competitive with similar rates in other low-cost power states in the southeast.

Well, folks, Raising Kaine thanks you for this opportunity to chat...

...come again, anytime! :)

Dangerous question(s) alert! :)  What do you think of the Virginia progressive blogosphere?  Are there any particular strengths or weaknesses that you've noticed?  In general, how influential -- if at all -- do you think the Virginia progressive blogosphere is right now?  Do you believe the progressive blogs helped you in your own election?

Thanks.

Liberals and progressives have lead the way in blogging for Virginia Democrats which we believe has helped fight against the propoganda of the right-wing and the media that supports them and we're glad to do it!  The netroots has worked long and hard helping to elect Democrats in Virginia. 

Here on RK we've  blogged for quite some time now that we would like better communication from the State Party to all Virginia Democrats so that Virginia Democrats could feel more "under the Party umbrella".  May I make a request that I'd hope you'd support:  Ask the State Party to make a much needed improvement and reach out to all Democrats through the easiest, cheapest and quickest way to get information, messages, and issues out to all Democrats -- regular e-mails, meeting notifications to all, and regular messages and newsletters from the Chair and DPVA staff.  A previous questioner asked you about a 2007 election theme from the Party....that would be a very helpful tool from the DPVA.

We support Democrats and work hard to research and write about the issues.  We hope that you can give us a hand by asking the DPVA to reach out more to all Virginians, the grassroots, and give us information and the tools that we need to elect Democrats.

It's 49 days until Election Day in Virginia; what are your fearless predictions for the House of Delegates and the State Senate?  (a few weeks ago at Janet Oleszek's fundraiser, you said there were 15 House seats in play and 7-9 Senate seats...are you still holding to that?)

P.S. We won't hold you to these predictions, except to compare your level of accuracy with NLS' 99.8%! :)

Governor Kaine,

I have one additional topic of conern, one shared by many Virginians: transportation.  There are many proposals and projects on the table taken up under the Public-Private Transportation Act.  Let me first say that I certainly understand the financial limitations of the state, but I wonder whether the state could not replicate the financing arrangements of these private companies?  Specifically, could the state securitize toll revenues in order to finance road construction and maintenance and in a manner that does not require the state's credit as backing or affect our credit rating?  And if we could, could we not obtain an overall lower cost of capital in financing these projects?  And if we can accomplish these things through the state (with potential private guidance and facilitiation), would you support a repeal of the Public-Private Transportation Act of 1995?  Or if not an outright repeal, then amending the law to add back regulatory oversight by the State Corporation Commission?

I'd like to hear you speak about the immigration issues the Republican Party of Virginia is so anxious to talk about.  RPV leaders have made it clear that they want to turn attention from the abusive driver fees--which they correctly fear will hurt them in November--to the hot topic of illegal immigration--which they apparently think will help them if they can scare enough people.  Senator Jay O'Brien has gone so far as to introduce a bill to deny illegal immigrants in-state tuition, although most Virginia colleges reported that they do not admit illegal immigrants, and he could sight no statistics to back the need for this bill.  Except, of course, his re-election.

I would be interested in hearing your views on what you believe the State role should be.

Dear Governor,

WHAT WHERE YOU THINKING?

What we got was State government ABUSING it's power by shunning common sense and fairness. You can point fingers of blame.... but this is now your signature failure .... not unlike Gilmore's "Car Tax" fiasco.

Do us all a favor .... FIX IT!!

respectfully, you know.  For instance, "Governor Kaine, I strongly disagree with the abuser fees you signed into law, and am having great difficulty understanding your reasoning.  Can you please explain how the abuser fees are any different than Jim Gilmore's "no car tax" fiasco? Thanks."

But to follow up on the abuser fees, I might have missed it but what will happen to these fees if it is shown that they have not improved safety? What metrics are we using to define "safe"? Is it ensuring that there is 1, 2, 3.. less accidents per month? Thank you. I want VA to be safe and want to understand how we're measuring success.

SUBJECT: Dulles Rail - why tunnel phobia? Plus a better solution to the FTA cost problem.

Governor Kaine,

Metro in DC is under ground, and also in Ballston and Clarendon, which have been recognized widely as models of urban renewal of the best mixed kind.  Elsewhere in the US and overseas urban overhead railways have been and are being torn down as public opinion and renewal efforts react to their many and obvious failings.

In that context, how can it make sense now to plan to put an overhead railway through Tysons Corner just when it is embarking on a major rejuvenation into a more liveable pedestrian-friendly metropolis in Northern Virginia?  (It's hard to think of a worse way to imperil that vision.)  How can the dreadful possibility of an overhead railway dividing Tysons be justified by anyone in authority and while ignoring the express wishes of those paying for it - over 80 percent of the electorate, most elected officials, and of most business and civic organizations being affected by the decision?  Only the momentum of the process, leadership inertia and the unusual contracting and management arrangements keep that illogical and damaging plan alive.

Please explain.

So what's needed is some visionary leadership to get Virginia out of this mess the right way.  Failing now after forty years to get a rail link started to Dulles, with full public, corporate and civic support behind it, would be an inglorious legacy.

Here's the better solution to the cost bind with FTA (the proposed "savings" on the contract cost estimates are unconvincing, even misleading) while giving the tunnel option a fair chance (as the US House recently instructed FTA):

Put Phase I out to bidding in three sections - (a) above ground before Tysons loop; (b) Tysons loop above or below ground (analyzed with all direct and indirect costs counted); and (c) above ground after Tysons loop.  Contracts to be awarded separately or in any combination according to evaluation of firm bids received from pre-qualified contractors.

Implications are: FTA to be a willing partner in this change of course (to facilitate the House's wishes); construction can then proceed concurrently on all three sections; actual costs on completion will be lower and firmer (based on tunnel design data and the existing bid) than the current open-ended estimates; and any delays reorganizing management arrangements and bidding will be amply compensated by these savings and faster construction of a tunnel (the potential for delays constructing the overhead through Tysons' congested infrastructure, and its many vital utilities, is an enormous and highly probable risk).

Here's some background from an interested observer's perspective: Questionable cost arguments, and fears of delays and FTA's financing decision have all been offered in justification of the overhead plan, but with little conviction given the facts widely available to the public. Surprisingly, the thought is seldom heard that common sense dictates that nothing but an underground route through urban Tysons should ever have been considered in the first place.  Remarkably, the overhead option rolls onward despite the weight of analysis and common sense against it, and all for want of leadership with the courage to reflect, review the pros and cons as they are now known, and then do the right thing for Virginia and the economy of Northern Virginia.

Thank you for your attention.

AJB, Mclean (a homeowner near Tysons with no business or professional link to either side of the issue)

I think people need to understand that the decision has been made and the aerial rail is the chosen path. If the FTA doesn't providing funding then we can rehash the issue of tunnel versus aerial and whether VA can pay for it all. I don't think that the state was being upfront with us by saying that the cost for the tunnel is too high when the aerial came in higher. It was always a matter of not wanting to get out of the FTA line and I think the decision has been made to build rail at all cost.

It might or it might not be a boondoggle, it's all conjecture. Bechtel's big dig was certainly a mess but they've also worked on a lot of other engineering projects that hasn't been a complete failure. VA needs to ensure that we are one of the successes and not the Big Dig Part 2.

Governor, when can the people of VA see the contract? Will we get a chance to see what we're paying for? Not only does the state need to hold Bechtel accountable, the citizens need to hold the state and Bechtel responsible for our money. Thank you again Governor.

Dear Governor Kaine:

For me, as a parent, the single most important piece of legislation you've proposed is your Pre-K program.  Besides the overwhelming returns to society, it's clear that this will be an incredible boon to lower-income working families in the commonwealth.

Nonetheless, in light of this year's budget shortfalls and the Republican majority's dogmatic refusal to provide the government with the funds it needs to stay solvent, it seems implausible that any new initiative could possibly see the light of day anytime soon.

In the name of responsible government, how can Virginians be called upon to support any program, even one with such monumental benefits, without the support of a regular, recurring revenue source? 

Dear Governor Kaine:

You worked as a missionary in the developing world, so you know the suffering of those who live in extreme poverty and face preventable disease.

With over 2 million members, including 35,000 in Virginia, The ONE Campaign is an effort by Americans to rally Americans, One-by-One, to address the crisis of extreme poverty and preventable disease.

This is the first generation that has the power to save a whole generation of the impoverished worldwide. 

Two questions:

1.  As Governor what can you do raise awareness of the immense opportunity to do good that stands before us?

2.  Would you be willing to commit here and now to proclaiming the Commonwealth of Virginia "ONE Virginia" in order to raise awareness and proclaim your commitment to fighting extreme poverty and preventable disease? 

Thank you for your time and for everything that you do,

Josh Chernila

Governor, the original federal commitment was to fund 40% of the average additional costs of the mandates under IDEA, but the maximum level ever reached was 19% in FY2005, and in the FY ending this month it is only 17%.  When I looked at the numbers for FY2005 it was costing Virginia around $350 million a year.  What if any action can your administration take, perhaps in conjunction with the Congressional delegation, to address this unfair burden upon the taxpayers of the Commonwealth?

Governor

The only member of the Virginia Congressional delegation on the authorizing committees for education is Bobby Scott.  Has your office worked in conjunction with him to address some of the issues so problematic for the Old Dominion, especially the testing of English Language Learners?  Have you or your administration taken any positions with respect to any of the current proposals, whether the House Committee draft from Miller, or the new proposal put in to the Senate by Feingold and Leahy?  Has there been any coordinated effort through either the National Governors Association or the Democratic governors?

Governor,  I know your office is exploring whether this memorable landmark can be made public property, and the tackiness perhaps removed.  DO you have any progress to report?

I apologize that I will not be able to do so in real time, as I am in my classroom, and about to begin a stretch o 3 back to back classes, immediately after which I have to leave for 2 soccer games.

peace.

With Jim Webb and Mark Warner holding Virginia's two Senate seats for a long time, what do you see yourself doing after being Governor?  No Governor since Gerry Bailies has not run for the Senate.

Gov:

One of the few appeals of the drive along Rte 7 from the Rte 123 interchange towards the Dulles Toll Road is the wide open space.. it is a grand boulevard.  If we go the aerial route, the effect will be horrific.  It will be like the Berlin Wall -- and it will be here for over 100 years.

The tunnel is really the only sane way to go.  We've waited 20 years for Metro to reach Tysons .. what's wrong with waiting a few more (if in fact funding is the issue)?  Please, let's just get the job done the right way .. a tunnel.

Rob (McLean)

Governor,
I have had the honor of meeting you at several different functions... any time I've spoken to people about you and what you have done for minority consultants they have given you rave reviews.  They've said in the past you were an activist and righted some wrongs for the AA community. I have called and emailed you for help to get onto the vendor list for direct mail consultants but I get no reply. I am a native Virginian and a Dem but feel that I have been completely excluded from the process - if there is any. You have initiatives in place to help minority vendors on the State level... but I feel that more needs to be done within our Dem Party. I don't understand why leadership keeps giving the same rich out of state consultants all the contracts whether they win or lose. So once again, I am asking for your help to get work in Virginia.

By the way, at two separate NAACP Annual dinners - while Mark Warner was Governor, he spoke to me and said he would help... still waiting Mark.

Mr. Governor:

It disturbs me greatly that as a citizen of the Commonwealth and Tysons Corner resident that (1) an overhead rail is being forced down our throats with a noncompetitive bid; (2) that traffic would virtually come to a standstill for a good amount of time while this project is undertaken; (3) that noise and dirt pollution would be in abundance; and (4) that the many alternatives -- none the least of underground -- is not being seriously considered.

One solution for the reimbursement of an underground rail would be to tax the many businesses who would ultimately benefit from increased patronage.

30 years ago the residents of Largo, Maryland in Prince George County asked for and finally got an underground rail system.  Certainly the residents of Fairfax County -- the wealthiest county in the country -- can expect no less.
We'll be watching the message from Richmond and ultimately voting when the time comes around again.

Governor Kaine,

Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to not only be in the blogosphere today, but to visit the underprivileged areas of the Commonwealth as frequently as you do.
My question is specific to Southside Virginia, as I hail from Martinsville. I do not have to explain the economic recession we have seen over the past decade, and while I can applaud certain steps by Gov. Warner and yourself, there is still much work to be done. I firmly believe in the statements of Andrew Jackson that Jim Webb echoed over and over last campaign season: "We should not measure our society at its apex, but rather at its base".

With that in mind, what are the next steps to providing economic opportunity and fairness to Southside Virginia's devastated localities?

Also, the New College was a fantastic start, but what would you specifically like to see accomplished in that area over the next few years.

Thank you again!

Somebody submitted the following questions to me, but I didn't get them until after the live blog.  Anyway, here they are; I think they're good ones:

-In the midst of the Commonwealth's budget problems (see article in today's Washington Post), why are you proceeding with work on the Dulles rail project -- and paying the Bechtel-led Dulles Transit Partners --in advance of FTA approval?  Isn't this a reckless way to spend taxpayer money...on a project (notwithstanding your news conference to pressure the FTA last Thursday) that is still in serious jeopardy of not going forward?

-The rationale for spending this money is to avoid cost escalations that DTP was to impose daily beginning August 1.  But, in early August, you announced that you had decided against asking the FTA for permission to spend state mon! ey in ad vance of FTA approval.  When did you change your mind and why did you say one thing, and do another?

-How much money have you spent on this design work, which will apparently be taxpayer money wasted if the project isn't approved?

-Did you get permission from the FTA to begin this work?

-Did any of the contracted price escalations (reportedly $3-$6 million a month)  take effect after the August 1 deadline (since, on August 1, your transportation office said you they were going to take that route and eat those costs) and, if so, by how much?

Why were so few questions answered?