In addition to our work in Vienna and in Fairfax County, Town Council weighs in on issues being considered in Richmond. At our work session on September 30, Town Council will be talking about our priorities for legislation at the state level in 2025. If you would like to learn more, here is a link to a draft document we will be using for our meeting: 2025 Town of Vienna Legislative Agenda Priorities DRAFT 09 24 2024.
I am enjoying being involved with Vienna’s engagement at the state level. In February, several members of Town Council and staff traveled to Richmond to learn about pending legislation from the Virginia Municipal League and meet with our representatives. We met with Delegate Holly Seibold and Senator Saddam Salim about issues of concern to the Town. A priority for us during the trip was to oppose the effort by another State Senator to authorize the building of a casino in Tysons Corner. The casino bill was referred for further study and is expected to be reintroduced in 2025. All of us who are concerned about this issue need to keep tracking it and be ready for next year.
Over the summer, each member of the Council had the opportunity to engage with local elected officials across the state with thanks to the Virginia Municipal League. I participated in the committees related to Finance and to Transportation and Infrastructure. I’m looking forward to attending the Virginia Municipal League conference in Virginia Beach in October, together with the Mayor and other councilmembers, and elected officials from across Virginia.
If you have ideas or would like to learn more about issues in Richmond, I would be happy to hear from you.
Jessica Ramakis, Vienna Town Council 