Recap of Civic League Meeting and Community Forum

Greetings Fellow SBC Residents,

At Monday's civic league meeting Mr. John James
was elected as our new civic league president.
Congratulations Mr. James.

We were informed by NPD Officer Lewis that new
police recruits will be graduating from the police
academy in mid-November which should result in
more police patrols in our community.

The issue of a sound wall was discussed by Mr.
James. It now appears that there are "right of
way" problems regarding Va.Dominion Power's
accessability to the power lines that run along the
Interstate. More info to come.

After the meeting we attended the Community
Forum held in the fellowship hall downstairs at
Second Calvary Baptist Church.

The forum was well represented by many city
officials who answered questions posed by
members of the surrounding communities.

Many issues were discussed including gang
presence in Norfolk, convicted felons being denied
the right to vote after serving their time, parents
needing to spend more time with their children,
the need for a community center where children
can go to engage in wholesome activities, and
many other topics.

It was asked how we can vote early in Norfolk .
Here, in Norfolk,Va., you may use the Absentee
Ballot voting option by casting your vote at the Voter
Registrar's office located on the 8th floor of the
City Hall building.

Park at the garage on Union St. or any other city
parking facility and bring your parking ticket to the
Registrar's office for validation.

You do not need to provide proof of your reason
for using the absentee ballot, but you must state
why you cannot vote on Nov.4th. For example,
doctor's appointment, medical reason, out of
town, etc. You must also provide identification
such as a driver's license or government ID card.

The registrar personnel are very considerate and
respectful, you will not be interogated, so just go
vote.

You may also vote early at your local Virginia
Department of Motor Vehicles Office (DMV).
Commissioner of the Revenue Sharon McDonald
stated that there is a DMV office at the City
Treasurer's office in City Hall.

According to Norfolk City Councilman Paul Riddick,
you may be better off using your local Voter
Registration Office.

In Virginia you may cast your vote using the
absentee ballot by mail until October 28th.
In person until November 1st.

I encourage you to take advantage of the option
to vote early using the Absentee Ballot as the expected
high voter turnout may affect your individually planned
"window of opportunity" to vote on November 4th.

You will not be the only one who planned to vote
on the way to work, during lunch, or on the way
home from work, but before,or after, picking up
the kids or grand kids.

No matter how you plan to vote, just vote.
Here in Virginia you cannot wear T-shirts, ballcaps,
buttons, etc. that promote a candidate or party.
You will be turned away from the polls unless you
cover or remove those items.

After the Community Forum ended citizens had the
opportunity to Meet and mingle with the various
officials.

I have placed a link to the New Journal and Guide
newspaper in the links column. Free copies were
passed out at the forum. This is a very informative
publication and for $35.00 a year it's also a good value.
(my opinion)

Well, that's a wrap. Please feel free to comment on any
post.

Edward l. West