Governor McAuliffe Announces Tourism Revenues Exceeded $21.5 Billion in 2013

~ New statewide data shows 1.4 percent increase over 2012 ~

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Virginia generated $21.5 billion in revenue from tourists in 2013, a 1.4 percent increase over 2012. In 2013, tourism in Virginia supported 213,000 jobs, an increase of 1.4 percent in employment, and provided more than $1.42 billion in state and local taxes. 

“Tourism is an important industry that will continue to fuel the New Virginia Economy,”said Governor McAuliffe. 

“Virginia continues to offer a dynamic, rich experience for visitors, which helps to make the Commonwealth a better place to live, work and raise a family. Virginia’s tourism economy is an enormous asset for this Commonwealth, and continuing to grow it is one of my top priorities.”

“Virginia is a uniquely attractive destination for visitors, offering a wide array of travel choices. From hiking the Peaks of Otter, to strolling through historic cities and towns in Northern Virginia, to rafting across Class IV rapids in our Capitol city, the Commonwealth offers everything you love about vacation,” said Maurice Jones, Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “While Virginia presents an exciting experience for visitors, the tourism industry offers solid, good-paying jobs for our citizens and contributes billions to our economy.”

The Virginia Tourism Corporation is the state agency responsible for marketing Virginia to visitors and promoting the Virginia is for Lovers brand. Virginia is for Lovers is the longest-running state tourism slogan in the country. Virginia is for Lovers stands for love, pure and simple, and promotes the state as the ideal destination for loved ones to completely connect on a great vacation. Virginia is for Lovers was named one of the top 10 tourism marketing campaigns of all time by Forbes and was inducted into the National Advertising Walk of Fame in 2009.

Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Go to http://www.virginia.org/ and start planning a trip or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide.

Autumn is a great time to “fall in love” in Virginia. Discover (or re-discover) what makes Virginia magical this fall. http://www.virginia.org/fall/

___________________________________________________________________________

The Virginia Tourism Corporation receives its annual economic impact data from the U.S. Travel Association.  The information is based on domestic visitor spending (travelers from within the United States) from per-person trips taken 50 miles or more away from home. Detailed economic impact data by locality is available on www.vatc.org under Research.

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Virginia Leaders Applaud Governor McAuliffe’s Bold Efforts to Expand Health Care Services to 200,000 Virginians

Virginia State Senator Creigh Deeds  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Governor McAuliffe launched A Healthy Virginia, a 10-step plan to expand health care services to over 200,000 Virginians. This plan is an unprecedented action by any governor in Virginia history and includes authorizations of four emergency regulations, one executive order, and innovative and creative solutions to expand healthcare to Virginia veterans, children, and families.

This plan has received praise from leaders across the Commonwealth:

  

Senator Don McEachin, Henrico:

“I commend Gov. McAuliffe for his plan to ensure that many more Virginians have access to quality, affordable health care. His plan makes crucial improvement to our broken status quo — changes that will help veterans, children, and families. The governor has given House Republicans a strong foundation on which to build when we reconvene. For months now, they have promised a plan. It is time for them to deliver.”

Senator Louise Lucas, Portsmouth:

                                                    

“Today is a tremendous step forward in health care for Virginia communities. I want to thank and praise Governor McAuliffe for his continuous efforts to make this plan happen. Now hundreds of thousands of Virginians will become healthier and live more prosperous lives.”

Senator Creigh Deeds, Bath:

“Governor McAuliffe has taken bold steps forward in assuring that Virginians with mental illnesses are not forgotten. I commend the Governor in helping craft a solution that will address the needs of the mental health community and ensure that many Virginians have the help they need.

Delegate David Toscano, Charlottesville:

“I want to applaud Governor McAuliffe for his strong leadership and commitment to expanding access to healthcare to all Virginians. The steps he outlined today are bold moves that will help the lives of hundreds of thousands of our citizens. It is my sincere hope that now House Republicans will understand it is their responsibility to come to the table during the September 18^th Special Session and actually find a pathway forward to close the coverage gap.”

Delegate Ken Plum, Fairfax:

“Governor McAuliffe has shown to Virginians that health care is a fundamental right through the A Healthy Virginia report presented today. His unwavering support to increase access for 200,000 of our Commonwealth’s residents is a testament to delivering on the promise he made when he took the oath of office back in January. The responsibility now falls in the hands of the General Assembly to put politics aside, and do what is right for those Virginians that are struggling every single day.”

Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn, Fairfax:

Governor McAuliffe has established himself as a leader when it comes to healthcare in the Commonwealth. I want to thank him for his efforts to put Virginia families first, and allowing thousands of individuals to have access to quality health care. This is a vital component to building a new Virginia economy and creating new jobs across the region.”

Delegate Sam Rasoul, Roanoke City:

"I am delighted to hear that the Governor has launched A Healthy Virginia. Here in Roanoke and throughout the Commonwealth, there are people who need better access to medical services. These innovative measures will be a tremendous help to our children, veterans, and families. By keeping all of our citizens healthy, we can stay on the pathway to a better Virginia."

Dana Schrad, Executive Director, Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police

“I would like to commend Governor McAuliffe for his commitment to making Virginia communities healthier and safer. The Governor's strong leadership on issues related to mental health and reducing deaths from prescription drug and heroin abuse are bold steps forward. We look forward to working with the Governor on making all Virginia communities better places to live and work.”

Doris Crouse-Mays, President, Virginia AFL-CIO

“Hundreds of thousands of Virginians will benefit from the Governor’s bold actions today. Now the General Assembly has an obligation to continue this important work so that every Virginian can reap the benefits of bringing our tax dollars home to keep people healthy, create jobs and build a new Virginia economy.”

Cianti Stewart-Reid, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia:

“Today the Governor continued to make good on his promise to do everything he can to get Virginians access to quality health care. This plan is an unprecedented step toward keeping our friends and neighbors healthy. I hope House Republicans will take this opportunity to come back to the table and build upon the Governor’s strong effort.”

Tram Nguyen, Co-Executive Director, Virginia New Majority:

“I commend Governor McAuliffe on putting a plan forward that will get hundreds of thousands of Virginians access to health care that they need. This is a tremendous step in the right direction, and I hope Republicans in the General Assembly will finally work in good faith to close the coverage gap.”

Brian Devine, Director of Online Programs, ProgressVA:

“I want to thank Governor McAuliffe for taking these vital steps forward to ensure that Virginians across the Commonwealth can get health coverage they need and deserve. It is time for House Republicans to step up to the plate for Virginia families, and bring our tax dollars home to benefit our neighbors and communities.”

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Jamestown Settlement, Jamestown Virginia

Some views from around the Jamestown Settlement.  This is a very extensive photo slideshow of the fort at the living museum.  Over 350 photos.  Gives you an idea of what is there if you have never visited the museum.  It's well worth your time.  This is only one area of the entire settlement.  We are all very fortunate to have so many incredible places to visit and enjoy in this area.  We know of no other area in the nation as rich as this area of Virginia.  Enjoy the show.

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Gloucester, VA Animal Control Breaking And Entering? What About "YOUR" Rights? (Part 4)

This story continues to grow more interesting.  We have heard that certain Gloucester officials are running damage control.  Here is the latest information heard.  It is being said that the owners of the car pictured above were paged in Wal Mart.  Well we can tell you that we have witnesses that say no page was ever announced in the store during this situation.  The entire event was witnessed from beginning to end and at every level.  It is also being said as we have heard it, that Ms Dickie was trying to be nice to the dog in the vehicle.  Witnesses say that she was causing the dog to get upset.  She was trying to throw in dog biscuits through the windows of the vehicle to the dog, but the dog kept getting upset with her presence and barking at her for invading it's space.

  (Read part one of this story again and you can see where they got the argument about paging the owners of the vehicle and dog from anyway).  

  Now as we have been saying, this to us is an illegal search and seizure operation.  Here is what state code says about this.

§ 3.2-6564. Complaint of suspected violation; investigation.

A. Upon receiving a complaint of a suspected violation of this chapter, any ordinance enacted pursuant to this chapter or any law for the protection of domestic animals, any animal control officer, law-enforcement officer, or State Veterinarian's representative may, for the purpose of investigating the allegations of the complaint, enter upon, during business hours, any business premises, including any place where animals or animal records are housed or kept, of any dealer, pet shop, groomer, or boarding establishment. Upon receiving a complaint of a suspected violation of any law or ordinance regarding care or treatment of animals or disposal of dead animals, any humane investigator may, for the purpose of investigating the allegations of the complaint, enter upon, during business hours, any business premises, including any place where animals or animal records are housed or kept, of any dealer, pet shop, groomer, or boarding establishment.

Upon obtaining a warrant as provided for in § 3.2-6568, the law-enforcement officer, animal control officer, State Veterinarian's representative, or humane investigator may enter upon any other premises where the animal or animals described in the complaint are housed or kept. Attorneys for the Commonwealth and law-enforcement officials shall provide such assistance as may be required in the conduct of such investigations.

B. If the investigation discloses that a violation of § 3.2-6503 has occurred, the investigating official shall notify the owner or custodian of the complaint and of what action is necessary to comply with this chapter.

  

Upon "OBTAINING" a warrant.  A Warrant.  There was no warrant in the above situation.

Here is Gloucester County Animal Control Ordinance once again.

3-18

Sec. 3-18. Animals in enclosed vehicles.

(a)

It shall be unlawful to leave any animal in a vehicle without the benefit of air conditioning when the outside temperature reaches eighty (80) degrees fahrenheit or greater.

(b)

Any person who confines an animal in an unattended vehicle so as to cause the animal to suffer from heat stress, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The animal control officer or other officer shall have the authority to remove any animal found in an enclosed vehicle that appears to be suffering from heat stress. The animal shall be provided immediate veterinary care. The animal owner or custodian shall be responsible for all expenses incurred during the removal of the animal or its subsequent treatment and impoundment.

(c)

In the event that the person responsible for the violation cannot be ascertained, the registered owner of the vehicle, as required byChapter 6 of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia, shall constitute in evidence a prima facie presumption that such registered owner was the person who committed the violation.

If you look up a violation to 3.2-6503, it states that the violation is only a class 4 misdemeanor.  Why did Gloucester make this a class 1 misdemeanor?  Way to many questions.  Ethics from the county?  ZERO!  

https://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+TOC03020000065000000000000

The above link is to the Virginia State Code regarding animals.  We can not find anything in there that gives Gloucester County the right to violate everyone's rights here at all.  If someone can show us where they can, please, by all means do so.  Also, Virginia is a Dillon Rule state.  

 http://articles.dailypress.com/2012-04-28/news/dp-nws-cns-dillon-rule-20120427_1_dillon-rule-state-budget-local-governments

Here is a link to the Dillon Rule and how it affects every locality in the state and this article comes from the Daily Press.

Your 4th Amendment Rights;

IV) The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

The above is the law of the land, like it or not.  If your a socialist, move out of the country and infringe on someone else's rights.

The above sign can be found in the following locations.  Tractor Supply, Dollar Tree, and Wal Mart.  Complain about these signs to the store managers and ask that they take them down as they violate your rights.  If they refuse, then refuse to shop in those stores and tell them so.  Anyone think those signs are worth your business?

Complain to the board of supervisors.  Here is their email address.

BoS@Gloucesterva.info 

You can just click on that link above and it will open your email account allowing you to send a quick message to them.  If you are not willing to argue for your rights and freedoms then you deserve neither.

Also, we will point out once again that Laura Dickie was overheard telling the people who had the rented vehicle that she was just about to break the window and take the dog even though the temperature was below 80 degrees as we have already shown in our first post on this issue.  Who is next?  Maybe you?

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Gloucester Board of Supervisors Sept 2, 2014 meeting Open Letter to the Citizens of Gloucester County Virginia

“For the Common Good. “

Your meetings seem to get more interesting overtime.  Unfunded mandates are not in the interest of "We the People."

Can anyone show me in the US or Virginia Constitution where you can take property from the landowner without compensation?

"The Land of the Life Worth Living" for everyone in the county.

If you have not seen this meeting it is available on Mr. Thompson’s website.  I cannot do justice to what was shared in the meeting.  But here are a few highlights to wet your appetite.

I have heard the supervisors talk about unfunded mandates in past meetings and they do not like them.  Yet they take our property without compensation calling it 17 Corridor Overlay or some such rule.  Not only do they restrict our use of our property, they make us put in plants and fences at our expense and tax us additionally for the improvements. Where in the US or Virginia Constitution is this legal?  I believe our government is a democratic Republic not national Socialist.  I do not care that all levels of government are doing it lead by example showing we are a democratic Republic.

How did the 17 Corridor rules prevent Lighthouse Worship Center from getting hit by a car?  I have traveled all over the US and I have seen buildings closer to the road than Gloucester allows and there are no issues.  Signs are also allowed in locations where they follow the  rule of law and not mob rule and they have no problem keeping businesses there and profitable.  Go figure!  I have also seen more damage to buildings with lower speed limits where the buildings are further from the road.  Your rules are not showing you are business friendly, but that you want to be a bed room community.

Speaking of national Socialist, in my opinion Mr. Chriscoe it appears by word and deed during the meeting you are more a member of the national Socialist party and not the Republican Party.  Not to worry all of the other board members appear to want to join the Socialist-party also by voting to keep the 17 Corridor rules with the new name.  I know you removed some of the restrictions; show me in any document other than Communist or Socialist rules where you can take property without compensation?  You wonder why people are not coming to Gloucester to start a business?

I am not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice.  Our founding fathers used common sense and Christian scripture when establishing our founding documents. 

"The Land of the Life Worth Living" for everyone in the county.

Sincerely,

Alexander James Jay

P.S.  Are the rumors true about the natural gas?

"[I]t is not by the consolidation, or concentration of powers, but by their distribution, that good government is effected. Were not this great country already divided into states, that division must be made, that each might do for itself what concerns itself directly, and what it can so much better do than a distant authority." --Thomas Jefferson, Autobiography, 1821

"What is a Constitution? It is the form of government, delineated by the mighty hand of the people, in which certain first principles of fundamental law are established. The Constitution is certain and fixed; it contains the permanent will of the people, and is the supreme law of the land; it is paramount to the power of the Legislature, and can be revoked or altered only by the authority that made it." --William Paterson, VanHorne's Lessee v. Dorrance, 1795

Our Notes:  Regarding the question about natural gas our guest writer is referring to, there is a great deal of speculation regarding a very substantial underground reserve of natural gas throughout the Northern Neck region.  We are presently working with a number of engineers investigating this and so far it has in fact been confirmed that there are very substantial natural gas reserves in this region.  We know for a fact that one engineer is actually looking at Gloucester County to determine if and or at what level there are natural gas reserves underground here.  Speculation is going around that some of the FEMA property that is being bought up here in the county, properties we have checked and that were bought, but neighbors say never flooded at anytime, might have been bought with this knowledge.  

  If this is the case, we have to ask the question why Ingles is looking to develop his 1,000 plus acre property across from the new Page Middle School?  Will he remove mineral rights from the sale of the various lots that get developed?  A development partially financed by your tax dollars to go into his pockets?  Did he miss the information about the potential of the natural gas reserves in this area?  We are looking into a number of the FEMA purchased properties in this area and we are coming up with a lot of very disturbing questions.  That is another story however we will be covering very soon.  

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments (People Keep Leaving)

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced additional appointments to his administration today. The appointees will join McAuliffe’s administration focused on finding common ground with members of both parties on issues that will build a new Virginia economy and create more jobs across the Commonwealth.

Secretariat of the Commonwealth

Board Appointments

Board of Regents of Gunston Hall

*Members of the Board of Regents are selected from a list of members submitted by The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America

·       Elaine Carter Blaylock* of Dallas, TX

·       Harrison Flynn Giddens of Tampa, FL

·       Penn Ervin Grove of Knoxville, TN

·       Nancy Hudler Keuffel of Bloomfield Hills, MI

·       Barbara Camp Linville of Lake Forest, IL

·       Linda H. Mattingly of McLean, VA

·       Rowena Day Boyd Van Dyke of St. Louis, MO

·       Virginia T. Simonds White of Dover, MA

Board of Health Professions

·       Helene D. Clayton-Jeter, OD of Great Falls, Health Programs Coordinator and Director of the FDA’s Cardiovascular and Endocrine Liaison Program in the Office of Health and Constituent Affairs, Office of External Affairs in the Office of the Commissioner at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; representing the Board of Optometry

·       Frazier W. Frantz, MD of Norfolk, pediatric surgeon, Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk, where he has practiced since retirement from the U. S. Navy in 2009; representing the Board of Medicine.

·       Yvonne Patricia Haynes, LCSW* of Midlothian, Mental Health Director, Richmond Behavioral Health Authority; representing the Board of Social Work

·       Allen R. Jones Jr., DPT, PT of Newport News, Owner and CEO, Dominion Physical Therapy & Associates, Inc.; representing the Board of Physical Therapy

·       Robert H. Logan III, PhD of Roanoke, Executive Director, Western Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council

·       Trula E. Minton of Richmond, Chief Nurse Executive, Chippenham  and Johnston-Willis Hospitals, Inc.; representing the Board of Nursing

·       Martha S. Perry, MS of McLean, Marriage and Family Therapy Resident,  Caring Couples, Happy Lives; Doctoral Candidate, University of Kentucky

·       Ellen B. Shinaberry, RPH, PharmD of Harrisonburg, Pharmacy IT Manager, Sentara RMH Medical Center; representing the Board of Pharmacy

·       Jacquelyn M. Tyler, RN of Freeman, Quality Manager and Nursing Educator/Supervisor, PTX, LLC and Old Dominion Dialysis, Inc.

·       James D. Watkins, DDS of Hampton, General Dentist in private practice; representing the Board of Dentistry

·       J. Paul Welch II, of Warsaw, a second generation Owner/Manager of Welch Funeral Home on the Northern Neck; representing the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers

·       James Wells, RPh of Front Royal, Pharmacy Administrative Director, Valley Health-Warren Memorial Hospital and Page Memorial Hospital; Pharmacy Preceptor, University of Charleston-Robert C. Byrd Center for Pharmaceutical Education

Governor’s Advisory Board on Volunteerism and National Service

·       Marshall Dendy of Richmond, a senior at Trinity Episcopal School

Information Technology Advisory Council

·       Sandra “Sandy” J. Adams of Richmond, Commissioner, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

·       Anjan Chimaladinne of Chantilly, Vice President, Udyoga LLC

·        Clyde E. Cristman of Richmond, Director, Department of Conservation and Recreation

·        Kent C. Dickey of Richmond, Deputy Superintendent for Finance and Operations, Department of Education

·       David Ihrie of Herndon, Chief Technology Officer, Center for Innovative Technology

·       Monte Johnson of Ashburn, Senior IT Consultant, Booz Allen Hamilton

·       Charlie Kilpatrick, PE of Fredericksburg, Commissioner, Virginia Department of Transportation

·       Salvatore “Sam” Lupica of Richmond, Chief Operating Officer and Acting Commissioner, Virginia Employment Commission

·       Kelly Thomasson Mercer of Ashland, Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth

·       Judy Napier of Richmond, Commissioner, Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

·       Richard F. Sliwoski, PE of Richmond, Director, Department of General Services

·       Ernest F. Steidle, PhD.* of Waynesboro, Chief Operations Officer, Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services 

·       David A. Von Moll of Chesterfield, State Comptroller, Virginia Department of Accounts

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Investment Authority

·       Timothy D. Sands of Blacksburg, President, Virginia Tech

·       Michael R. Steed of Chevy Chase, MD, Founder and Managing Partner, Paladin Capital Group

·        Teresa A. Sullivan* of Charlottesville, President, University of Virginia

Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee to the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council

·       Kirk J. Havens, PhD.* of Plainview, Director, Coastal Watersheds Program, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary

*Denotes reappointment

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