April 2023 Contents Co-President's Message Remarks to City Council from Co-President Jennifer Woofter Reminder: Annual Meeting Reminder: State Convention and Scholarship Opportunities Report: Lynchburg Adult Drug Treatment Court Report: Electoral Board Meeting Call to Action: Letters to City Council and Letters to the Editor |
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Hello friends, If you haven't already, please sign up for our May 15 Annual Meeting. It's going to be good! While there are always dozens of topics of interest to the engaged citizen, what's keeping us busy this spring is the Lynchburg budget process. As you may know, four members of City Council have voted to reduce property taxes to $0.89, reducing by $12.5 million the budget we would expect if the property tax stayed at $1.11. This tax level is also FAR below what the City Manager's Office has proposed ($1.05). The latest update from this week was a presentation from the City Manager to City Council showing possible ways to close the budget gap, including cutting services and reducing City staffing levels. I had the privilege of speaking at the April 4 public hearing on behalf of the League (more on that below), and we encourage YOU to get directly involved. In particular: Tuesday, April 25: 7pm outside City Hall (900 Church Street) will be a rally led by the Lynchburg Voters League and the NAACP, opposing the $0.89 tax rate Tuesday, April 25: 7:30pm inside City Hall (900 Church Street) is the next City Council meeting. Currently, 57 people are registered to speak, but it's especially important to PACK THE ROOM to show that we are paying attention. Tuesday, May 9: 7:30pm at City Hall (900 Church Street) is the next City Council meeting where the "first reading" of the budget is expected to be presented and discussed. Tuesday, May 23: 7:30pm at City Hall (900 Church Street) is the City Council meeting where the FY 2024 budget is expected to be approved.
Your voice is so valuable---please join us in advocating for a budget that continues to invest in the things that make Lynchburg great: our schools, our parks and trails, our small businesses, and our beautiful natural resources. Jennifer Woofter On behalf of the Co-Presidents |
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Co-President Jennifer Woofter speaking to City Council on behalf of LWVLY. |
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On April 4, City Council held a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget. Co-President Jennifer Woofter delivered these remarks on behalf of the LWVLY: Good evening, My name is Jennifer Woofter and I currently serve as Co-President of the League of Women Voters of Lynchburg. It is in this capacity that I speak tonight. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. At the national, state and local levels, and over the last 103 years, the League has advocated for prudent fiscal policies on a variety of issues, from health care reform to immigration, the environment to affordable housing and behavioral health. What is unique about the League is our commitment to thoughtful decision-making based on a consensus process. It can take YEARS for the League to study an issue before developing a public position. This process is necessarily slow, but because of our commitment to non-partisan, unbiased and objective research, the result is that our positions tend to reflect the “common-sense middle” where most people can agree. With that context, and on behalf of the Lynchburg League, I am here today in support of a tax rate and budget that continues to invest in things that make Lynchburg great: our public schools, our parks and rec amenities, our public transportation options, and our beautiful natural resources. And as such, we are strongly opposed to any decisions about the tax rate or budget that would limit or cut services, or fail to keep pace with inflation. Let me be specific for a moment: In 1971, the Lynchburg League identified affordable housing as a local community priority. Fifty years later, it’s an issue we still struggle with–perhaps more than ever. We therefore support the City Manager’s proposed budget, which includes the development of a Housing Toolkit to increase housing options, including $250,000 in seed money to develop a housing trust fund. In 1973, the Lynchburg League adopted a local position on recreation, supporting improving recreational space within the city by preserving and acquiring natural areas and maintaining recreational areas in high density neighborhoods. Many of our members were instrumental in the development of the Blackwater Creek Trail. We therefore support the City Manager’s proposed budget, which includes a $1.7 million investment in the city’s parks and trail systems, to continue expanding and improving our opportunities for exercise, recreation and simply time in nature. In 1983, the Lynchburg League adopted a position on elementary schools, advocating for the provision of qualified personnel for early identification and treatment for children with behavioral and adjustment needs. We know that today, Lynchburg ranks second to last in pay in the state for teachers, and that we struggle to retain bus drivers, maintenance workers, instructional assistants, and other classified workers. At a time when many kids are struggling to get back into the swing of education after a global pandemic, it seems reasonable (even obvious!) to allocate sufficient funding to pay our teachers and support staff well–and to ensure that we provide adequate supplies, clean and updated facilities, and wrap-around services so that our teachers can focus on teaching. Therefore, we ask City Council to amend the City Manager’s proposed budget, which includes only a 5% raise for our LCS employees. That doesn’t even keep up with inflation, which in 2022 was 6.8%. Are we really going to tell teachers that their salaries for next year don’t even cover a cost of living adjustment? We ask City Council and the City Manager’s Office to go back to the drawing board and do better. I could go on, but I’m watching the clock. Suffice it to say that the Lynchburg League, which has been actively engaged in local community issues for the last 50+ years, is not speaking tonight on a whim. We know, because we’ve seen, that investments in our schools, in our natural resources, in our transportation and housing services, and in our City employees---that’s what makes Lynchburg a great place to live. Members of City Council, we ask that you step back from any decision to push through a significant real estate tax rate reduction. It is dismaying to watch recent City Council meetings as Members compete to see who can propose the lowest tax rate. This “race to the bottom” is short-sighted and dangerous. Your job---your MOST IMPORTANT JOB---is to think about Lynchburg’s future for the next 10, 20, 50 years. If we want to stay competitive, recruit new businesses and support local entrepreneurs… if we want to keep our children here when they graduate, if we think City employees should be paid a fair wage, if we believe they should have access to affordable housing without having to look for residence in the neighboring counties… well, you are going to have to put your money where your mouth is. We ask you to Protect Lynchburg’s Progress with a tax rate and a budget that reflects your belief that Lynchburg is worth investing in. Thank you. |
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We are so excited to meet in person for this year's annual meeting and bringing back our tradition of "dinner and a presentation" at the University of Lynchburg! REGISTER HERE Monday, May 15, 6-8pm Drysdale Student Center (West Room) 1501 Lakeside Drive University of Lynchburg Attendees must register for a ticket by May 5. Dinner is $40 per person and is open to the public. LVWLY Members should also plan to renew their annual membership ($60). After May 5, LWVLY will contact attendees with details about how to pay online in advance or with a check/credit card at the door. Our guest speaker, David Neumeyer, is the Executive Director of the Virginia Legal Aid Society and sits on the Boards of many non-profits, including the Legacy Museum of African American History, the 5th Street Development Corporation, the James River Arts Council, and Opera on the James. Most recently, David concluded a six-year term as Chair of the Lynchburg Electoral Board. Remember: The annual meeting is also where we vote on our new Board slate, so your presence is important! We look forward to seeing you on May 15. |
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Reminder: State Convention |
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It is that time again! Time for the League of Women Voters Virginia State Convention. Every other year, the State League hosts a convention where members from around the state gather to conduct business, share our accomplishments, and delve more deeply into issues facing our state. During non-convention years, we have state council, a more informal gathering of folks from Leagues around the state. This year’s convention will take place June 2-4 in beautiful Williamsburg, VA. Speakers include: William and Mary’s Provost Peggy Agouris Brenda Andrews, President and Owner of The New Journal and Guide (Virginia’s oldest Black weekly newspaper) Professor A.E. Dick Howard, the Warner-Booker Distinguished Professor of International Law at the University of Virginia, an expert in the fields of constitutional law, comparative constitutionalism, and the Supreme Court. Professor Howard rewrote the Virginia Constitution in 1971 to guarantee Black voting rights and was a chief consultant to Governor Terry McAuliffe’s efforts to restore rights to returning citizens. Kimberley Hundley, of the Williamsburg James City County School Board
Sessions are also planned on these topics: Affordable Housing Issues Group Behavioral Health Issues Group Voting and Elections Issues Group Domestic Violence Issues Group: The Incredible Elijah Lee, a 15-year old activist from Virginia, who has been featured on Marvel’s Hero Project and The Kelly Clarkson Show for his work to end child abuse Environmental Issues Group: Dr. Mary Finley-Brook, Associate Professor of Geography and the Environment, Geography Advisor, University of Richmond. LWV Arlington and Alexandria City: Oral Histories Program: How can you preserve the history of your local league?
Our League can send up to 5 official delegates and others are welcome to attend as observers. Official delegates represent the Lynchburg League and vote on various measures, including the State officers. PLEASE CONTACT Jennifer G. (maximumjen@yahoo.com) or Jennifer W. (jennifer@sustainabilityconsulting.com) if you would like to attend as a delegate. COST $150 per person: Includes a morning break, lunch, an afternoon break, and dinner as well as entry to all sessions. A block of rooms is being held at the Embassy Suites, 3006 Mooretown Road, Williamsburg. Our rate is $159 per night (double or single). The hotel provides free parking and free breakfast daily and is 1.4 miles from the William and Mary Sadler Center. Breakfast can be purchased in the Sadler cafeteria on Saturday and Sunday mornings for $7.50 per meal. Scholarships are available to help defray costs. Contact Debbie at Treasurer@lwv-va.org. Email Joan at events@lwv-va.org for more information. LWVLY has two $150 scholarships available to members to help defray costs of attendance. Scholarship funds may be used for registration, room and board, or travel expenses. Recipients must be willing to share what they learn with LWVLY members via a short write-up for the newsletter and presentation at a later face-to-face meeting. Please contact Jennifer G. (maximumjen@yahoo.com) if you would like to be considered for a scholarship. |
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Lynchburg Adult Drug Treatment Court |
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A formal Graduation Ceremony is scheduled for May 25th in city council chambers during National Drug Court Month. LWVLY will, once again, provide a reception for 20-30 people. You can help by donating or by helping with the planning and serving. Our efforts are much appreciated by everyone associated with LADTC. The Advisory Committee met March 29th. Judge Watson and peer specialist Carl Mack had attended various meetings/trainings Each learned of good ideas which they plan to incorporate. Identical drug tests will be used by everyone because not all tests use the same criteria for negative or positive results. A change in sanctions was explained by Judge Watson. He had become concerned that a sanction which assigned several days in jail (usually 3 with all or most suspended if the participant did certain things by next court) was a violation of participants rights. (see below for new proceedure.) A Mental Health Court under Judge Yates is about to begin. On 3/29/23, a new type of sanction was used for those who needed help getting on the path. Three individuals were asked to stay after court. One at a time they entered the area inside the railing to join the Commonwealth Attorney (who gave reasons why they should be dismissed) and the public defender (who gave reasons why they should be allowed to continue). Then the defendant spoke and answered questions. Judge Watson assigned each nine days in jail with most suspended if the defendant did (or didn't do) specific things by next court (three groups of three days; more options for the future!). On 4/18/23 five of the 12 participants moved from one phase to the next. (See below for a brief summary of the five phases.) But one fellow had overdosed three times and ended in the E.R. Judge Watson revoked his bond and he ended in jail where he will stay until an in-person treatment bed can be found for him. A very brief, very generalized summary of the Five Phases. Phase I. Drug test at least 2X /week. Court 2X/month. Negative tests 14 consecutive days. Curfew 9pm.Counseling and group and/or individual programs with Horizon Behavioral Health. Phase II. Drug test at least 2X/week. Court 2X/month. Negative tests 14 consecutive days. Curfew 9pm and 11pm on weekends. Couseling and programs overseen by HBH. Phase III. Drug test at least weekly. Court monthly. Negative tests 45 consecutive days. Curfew 9 and 11. Counseling and programs as needed. Look for a job or training. Phase IV. Drug test biweekly. Court monthly. Negative tests 45 consecutive days. Curfew midnight. Counseling and programs as needed. Begin paying court costs & restitution. Phase V. Drug test random. Court monthly. Negative tests 45 consecutive days. Begin community service. Submitted by Molly McClenon |
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This report concerns the meeting held on April 6, 2023 at 4pm. Although the meeting was scheduled for 4pm, we were not allowed into the meeting room at the bus depot until the unannounced closed board meeting was adjourned. There was disagreement with sign-in clipboards. Kim always provides one for the office records while the Secretary, Betty, insisted hers be used. Both were left on the table but people used the one provided by Kim. At the call to order, Steve Troxel requested we stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. We did. The first item for approval was reorganization of the Board with David Neumeyer appointed as chair due to the resignation of Carolyn Sherayko. David’s term had expired, but he was allowed to be reappointed due to the need of legal representation. The meeting was recorded and recordings would be available but not online. Minutes were accepted with (1) the removal of editorial comment by the Secretary and (2) removal of a redacted statement as applications were sent out by the Registrar for polling applicants. Under FOIA, Steve requested inspection of Registrar’s Report and that it be sent to the Election Integrity Team who was contacted via FaceTime with Victoria, the chair of Republican Party. Report had been made available to Board. No one qualified for primary. Mark Peake filing under state. Request Electoral Board edit and review Electoral Board Manual for May 4 meeting. Procedures for delegations to Registrar tabled. Steve said maybe we should look at duties that have been handed to Registrar and maybe take some back. Will consider at future meeting. Research continues on beginning meeting with prayer. David said this is an administrative board and doesn’t create law, thus exempt. Continue to consult City attorney. Registrar cited three options for destruction of old electronic pollbooks. She recommended option three and though it will take longer and have to be stored for up to a year, this is free. All agreed. Heritage Methodist church needs updates on ADA compliance. Agreed. Vendors for vote by mail ballots---investigate all three in terms of cost, etc. Secretary said 23 additional election officers approved. 16 from Democrats.
Public Comments: Jeff Rosner stated the published request for Registrar applicants does not meet regulations by VA Code requiring applicants must agree to be nonpartisan and impartial. It should also state only eligible residents will be considered. Many comments from people who work at the polls want to know who is in charge. Many compliments to Christine (Registrar) and Kim (Deputy Registrar) Secretary said she was not interested in being Registrar though rumors say otherwise. Requests for all voting venues to be ADA compliant, and Christine agreed this should be done again. Best run Registrar's Office!
Respectfully Submitted by Sandy Knodel |
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Call to Action: Letters to the Editor |
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Dear League Members, Our voices are needed now while City Council is finalizing the 2024 budget. I've been going to Council meetings, work sessions, and budget reconciliation meetings, as have many of you. If you care about supporting our City's schools or other programs and services, now is the time to write to the Council members and let your views be known. Their email addresses are structured as firstname.lastname@lynchburgva.gov (except jeff@jeffhelgeson.com; please also note that Marty Misjuns's first name is actually Martin). In addition to the information shared in prior LWVLY emails and at our Citizen Advocate event, Bryson Gordon has written very good and informative articles for the News & Advance about the Council's recent activities. The City and City Council websites have Q&A sections that explain a lot, especially this page. Minutes, recordings, and live streams of City Council meetings and work sessions are also available online. I do believe it makes a difference to some councilors when they hear from the citizens. A couple have shown discomfort when confronted with massive opposition. So many concerns to choose from: micro managing the school budget, the lack of interest in Parks and Recreation, discontinuing pay-as-you-go maintenance possibilities, the 89-cent tax rate, the whole budget process, which has been less than harmonious. I encourage you to write to City Council members about these and other issues. I also encourage you to consider writing a letter to the editor of the News & Advance. Remember, you will write as a citizen, not as a LWVLY member. Only the Co-Presidents can speak for LWVLY. But YOUR VOICE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Letters must be 250 words or less, and any personal attacks or factual inaccuracies won’t run. You can submit your letters to the editor at this link. Submitted by Molly McClenon |
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. We never support or oppose any political party or candidate. |
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