Judge Onzlee Ware Dies at 70, Money Chair on Potomac Yard, JD Spain Running for Arlington County Board, Anti-Violence Event in Newport News
🚩 The Democratic and Republican presidential primaries are on March 5, 2024
🚩 Primary date for U.S. House and U.S. Senate (both parties): June 18, 2024
🌞 Thank you to all of our subscribers and readers!
Judge and former Delegate Onzlee Ware Dies at 70
Ware was the first Black lawmaker to serve in the Virginia General Assembly from southwest Virginia. He was also the second Black judge to serve in southwest. Ware died yesterday only weeks after a cancer diagnosis.
Ware was sworn in as the Chief Judge for Roanoke County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court on September 18, 2014. Ware served in the Virginia House of Delegates from November 2003 to 2014.
RELATED: Judge, former legislator Onzlee Ware dies, Cardinal News
“Rest In Peace Onzlee Ware. Throwback to after my first primary election. Onzlee told me when I get down to Richmond, I will need to work with both sides of the aisle. Thank you for your years of service to our community,” Delegate Sam Rasoul wrote in twitter below the above image.
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of my friend, Circuit Court Judge Onzlee Ware. We were colleagues during our time practicing law and then in the General Assembly. I offer my sincere condolences to his loved ones during this time. He will be missed,” wrote Congressman Morgan Griffith after news or Ware’s death.
Appropriations Chair Luke Torian on Potomac Yard Sports Complex Bill
On Feb. 10, House Appropriations Chair Luke Torian released a statement on House Appropriations Committee advanced HB1514.
The statement read in part: “House Bill 1514 will create the Virginia Sports and Entertainment Authority for the purpose of developing a new sports arena and surrounding multi-use district at Potomac Yard. The vision is for this new sports arena to be the future home of the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards. The project will include an arena, a performance venue for concerts, and a district with food, retail establishments, hotels, and an office building for Monumental Sports.
The Authority this bill creates is authorized to issue debt to incentivize the recruitment of the teams to Virginia. The debt incurred for the development of the Commission is envisioned to be repaid from a variety of revenue sources derived from the arena and the development surrounding the arena.
This debt will be paid only from the portion of the state’s tax revenues generated by this multi-use development, which includes sales, personal income, and business-related taxes.Other revenue sources to pay off the debt include tax revenues from the City of Alexandria, parking fees, a ticket tax, and the naming rights of the district.
The substitute before the Committee is the first step in a process of work to ensure we achieve the best deal possible for the citizens of the Commonwealth.”
JD Spain Announces Run for Arlington County Board
Former Arlington NAACP President and retired U.S. Marine veteran JD Spain is running to a seat on the Arlington County Board.
Full statement from Spain: As a retired military veteran, 15-year Arlington resident, and community leader—I am committed to addressing the critical issues that affect us all, regardless of socioeconomic status. I believe in building a representative government where every voice matters and where the values of public health and safety, economic security, and environmental sustainability are at the forefront of our policy agenda.
First and foremost, I am deeply passionate about ensuring the well-being and safety of our community. As your representative, I will prioritize policies and planning initiatives to strengthen our public health infrastructure, expand access to healthcare services, and address the underlying social drivers of health. With 48.6 percent of county revenue going to our public schools, it is imperative that students receive an education without fearing for their lives I pledge to create safe and supportive environments in our community and public school system. Investing more in prevention measures in mental health and substance use education is crucial. This policy area deserves proven, focused, and effective leadership. As the proud parent of three Arlington Public School graduates, I know the importance of partnering with our School Board and other stakeholders to ensure our students, families, teachers, and staff have the resources and support they need to thrive academically, professionally, and emotionally. I am ready to hit the ground running on Day 1.
Furthermore, I recognize the economic challenges facing many individuals and families in our community. It is essential that we promote economic security for all through the creation of well-paying jobs, support for small businesses, working with regional partners, adequate housing as a human right, and a fair and just tax system.
Another critical issue that intersects with public health and economic security is environmental sustainability. Climate change represents one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and it is imperative that we take bold and decisive action to address this threat. I am dedicated to implementing policies that reduce carbon emissions, protect our natural resources, and promote sustainable development.
In this era of political divisiveness, it is more crucial than ever that we work towards building a government that truly represents the diverse voices of our community. I believe in fostering an inclusive and participatory democracy, where the concerns and priorities of all citizens are given the attention and respect they deserve.
I am running for public office because I believe in the fundamental principles of democracy, equality, and justice. I am running to be your representative and your champion in the pursuit of a safe, healthy, prosperous, and sustainable Arlington for all. Let us work tirelessly to create a government that is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people.
I ask for your support and your #1 Vote in the Democratic Primary on June 18, 2024.
Saturday Peace Rally Event in Newport News
Congressman Bobby Scott, Newport News Mayor Phil Jones and Police Chief Steve Drew join members of the community at a Peace Rally and community discussion on violence.
Listen to the Black Virginia News podcast:
➡️ SUBSCRIBE TO BLACK VIRGINIA NEWS. “One had better die fighting against injustice than die like a dog or a rat in a trap.” —Ida Wells. 👨🏽💻 Send your press releases, submissions, tips, pitches, comments and corrections to BlackVirginiaNews@gmail.com.