Dear Neighbor,

Last month was a hard one for many people. Prince William County has one of the largest veteran populations in the country, many of whom served in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost loved ones and our veteran community. Your sacrifice is appreciated and was not in vain. For veterans and their loved ones who need assistance in dealing and processing the last few weeks please consider visiting www.veteranscrisisline.net or call (800) 273-8265.

 

Ten days from now will of course be another difficult day for many Prince William County families who lost their loved ones on 9/11. While it may be hard to believe it’s been twenty years, it still feels like yesterday to many. On Friday, September 10th, the county will be having their annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the McCoart Building at 9:30am to remember the 3,000 lives lost, including the twenty-two who called Prince William County home.

 

One of the reason we were attacked that day was because of our commitment to freedom - including the freedom of speech and ability to petition your government without fear of reprisal. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened here in Prince William County last month when a private citizen was targeted by a member of the county’s elected body for criticizing the Board. This cannot happen here in Prince William County or anywhere in the United States. Freedom of speech and the freedom to petition your government without the fear of reprisal is a bedrock principle of our country and must be vigorously defended, especially when infringed upon. In case you haven't heard about it, we cover the story below.

 

Those aforementioned rights are enshrined in our Constitution, which we celebrate this September 17th. Please feel free to swing by the Cole District Office any time to pick up a courtesy "pocket" U.S. Constitution in honor of Constitution Day.

 

Along the lines of the freedom of speech and petition, the Prince William School Board will be taking up a measure on whether or not to limit your ability to speak and address them via public comment time this evening. I know the weather is nasty, but if you’re able, please consider making your way to the Kelly Leadership Center at 7pm to make your voice heard on this important matter.

 

Prince William Board meetings will resume the day after Labor Day. I’m sure it will be an action packed month after having the last month off. Please feel free to join us at our 2pm and 7:30pm meeting on September 7th.

 

Have a great Labor Day holiday and month ahead.

For Coles,

Yesli Vega