alexandrianews.org asked local leaders to tell us what they think were the top events of 2009.
Mayor Bill Euille
1. Our country’s economic down turn coupled with Alexandria’s budget shortfall of almost $50 million, which resulted in the most challenging budget process in more than 35 years.
Alexandrians who tuned into watch the School Board adopt a fiscal year 2011-2016 Capital Improvement Program on Dec. 16, were disappointed. Instead, the Board approved a new timeline for budget discussion and adoption. Now, they will present their budget request to the mayor and City Council after City Manager Jim Hartmann has presented his recommendations.
Relocating residents of public housing is never easy but moving families out of their homes at Christmas is even harder. Last week four families had to leave their homes in the James Bland development so that the Alexandria Redevelopment Housing Authority can begin demolition there in January.
Alexandria will celebrate the New Year in style as the City hosts First Night Alexandria on Thursday, December 31. Alexandria businesses will host musical performances, art shows and interactive activities in celebration of the New Year, capped off with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight.
Combating a holiday period when nearly twice as many U.S. traffic deaths are caused by drunk drivers than during Christmas or any other December evening*, area officials announced the launch of an anti-drunk driving initiative designed to reduce alcohol-related traffic incidents in Greater Washington this New Year’s Eve.
Christmas came early this year for more than 1000 children who live in public housing in Alexandria. On Tuesday night, the children who live in property owned by the Alexandria Redevelopment Housing Authority, were bussed to the Charles Houston Recreation center to visit Santa’s Winter Wonderland.
The City of Alexandria continues to clear snow and ice from City streets following Saturday’s historic snow storm. Snow removal crews have worked since Friday night to clear snow and ice from 521 lane miles of City streets.
A City of Alexandria police officer was honored during a regional ceremony this month for his “outstanding commitment in the fight against drunk driving in Greater Washington” and presented with the area’s twelfth-annual “Law Enforcement Awards of Excellence for Impaired Driving Prevention.”
Alexandria Police have identified the suspect in Friday’s homicide as Jose Russo, 50, of Alexandria. Autopsy results determined he died of a self inflicted gunshot wound to his upper body.
City of Alexandria government offices will be open on Tuesday, December 22, with liberal leave in effect for City employees. Alexandria City Public Schools will be closed on December 22, with Code Green for employees.
