I hope everyone had happy holidays and that you have a wonderful New Year. The podcast will be back after the new year with an interview with Patrick Murray! Check back in a couple of weeks for the interview.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
We will be back soon!
Let me start by apologizing for the long gap between podcasts. Unfortunately, I have been busy with my precinct captain duties and some personal matters. I will have new interviews soon, so keep checking back. Thanks.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Endorsement of Patrick Forrest by Robert Melvin
As a resident of Arlington County, and someone that places an incredibly high value on personal freedoms and adqequate represenation from elected officials, I believe its time for a change of leadership in the 32nd Senate district of Virginia. Recently, I have made it a priority to make our elected officials more accountable for the votes they cast, which is why I wanted to shed some light on our current State Senator, Janet Howell’s record. While Senator Howell has a history of being a champion for the Democrats in the state house, during her time in Richmond she has repeately voted against the needs of her constiuents, and has started to errode away at the liberties we enjoy under the Virginia Consitution.
Senator Howell’s voting record provides ample evidence that she doesn’t have her constituency in mind. In the 2010 legislative session, she voted against SB283, a bill that prohibited any federal requirement that individuals obtain health insurance coverage, as well as, prevented the imposition of fines on individuals whom did not comply. As someone that’s young and a recent graduate, it’s already bad enough when my parents strong arm me into doing something I don’t want or need because its “in my best interest”, let alone the government coercing me because they know what is best for me; however, the list of Senator Howell’s failures do not end here.
During the 2008 legislative session she supported SB6009. This policy effectively raises the gasoline tax and creates a special sales tax for the Northern Virginia region. It is notable that under Senator Howell only 20% of the tax money that the residents of Northern Virginia currently send to Richmond is actually spent here. What that means is that there is plenty of money to fund transportation projects—but its being spent elsewhere and Senator Howell is not fighting to bring our tax dollars back. She would rather increase gas taxes, with no guarantee that the money raised in Northern Virginia would be spent here. Considering the price of gasoline at this time, it seems that Senator Howell suffers from a case of myopia when it comes to finding a revenue for transportation projects. We need a better Senator, one who will actually serve as a champion for the area by fighting to bring our tax money back, rather than one who is willing to raise taxes when only 20% of the money we send to Richmond actually comes back to us.
Senator Howell clearly wants to hold this seat by any means necessary, which is the fundemental reason she voted against SB313 during the 2006 senate session. SB313 required the Department of Motor Vehicles to provide monthly lists to the State Board of Elections of license applicants who indicate non-citizen status on their applications, and directs the state board to forward the information to the general registrars, and in turn cancels the person’s voter registration. Maybe its time that James O’Keefe investigated some of the shady practices of Senator Howell. Regardless, its clearly time for a change in the leadership of the 32nd Senate District.
The 32nd District needs an voice independent of overt partisanship, which is why the Arlington Conservative Podcast is endorsing Patrick Forrest for the 32nd District Senate Seat. He has a proven record of leadership and public service from his time in the United States Coast Guard, and he has worked tirelessly to assist refugees and the underpriviledged in UN Refugee camps for Bhutanese in Southeastern Nepal. In addition, he will fight to get us our tax dollars worth of transportation funding, that is so desperately needed in our region. As the product of of the public school system, and an instructor at George Washington University, he understands the importance of ensuring we have a vibrant education system that is second to none. For these reasons, I am endorsing Patrick Forrest, and plan on supporting his campaign. I suggest every other voter in the area take a look at the current representation, and ask yourself, do I want the same failures, or do I want someone who will forge a new path.
Senator Howell’s voting record provides ample evidence that she doesn’t have her constituency in mind. In the 2010 legislative session, she voted against SB283, a bill that prohibited any federal requirement that individuals obtain health insurance coverage, as well as, prevented the imposition of fines on individuals whom did not comply. As someone that’s young and a recent graduate, it’s already bad enough when my parents strong arm me into doing something I don’t want or need because its “in my best interest”, let alone the government coercing me because they know what is best for me; however, the list of Senator Howell’s failures do not end here.
During the 2008 legislative session she supported SB6009. This policy effectively raises the gasoline tax and creates a special sales tax for the Northern Virginia region. It is notable that under Senator Howell only 20% of the tax money that the residents of Northern Virginia currently send to Richmond is actually spent here. What that means is that there is plenty of money to fund transportation projects—but its being spent elsewhere and Senator Howell is not fighting to bring our tax dollars back. She would rather increase gas taxes, with no guarantee that the money raised in Northern Virginia would be spent here. Considering the price of gasoline at this time, it seems that Senator Howell suffers from a case of myopia when it comes to finding a revenue for transportation projects. We need a better Senator, one who will actually serve as a champion for the area by fighting to bring our tax money back, rather than one who is willing to raise taxes when only 20% of the money we send to Richmond actually comes back to us.
Senator Howell clearly wants to hold this seat by any means necessary, which is the fundemental reason she voted against SB313 during the 2006 senate session. SB313 required the Department of Motor Vehicles to provide monthly lists to the State Board of Elections of license applicants who indicate non-citizen status on their applications, and directs the state board to forward the information to the general registrars, and in turn cancels the person’s voter registration. Maybe its time that James O’Keefe investigated some of the shady practices of Senator Howell. Regardless, its clearly time for a change in the leadership of the 32nd Senate District.
The 32nd District needs an voice independent of overt partisanship, which is why the Arlington Conservative Podcast is endorsing Patrick Forrest for the 32nd District Senate Seat. He has a proven record of leadership and public service from his time in the United States Coast Guard, and he has worked tirelessly to assist refugees and the underpriviledged in UN Refugee camps for Bhutanese in Southeastern Nepal. In addition, he will fight to get us our tax dollars worth of transportation funding, that is so desperately needed in our region. As the product of of the public school system, and an instructor at George Washington University, he understands the importance of ensuring we have a vibrant education system that is second to none. For these reasons, I am endorsing Patrick Forrest, and plan on supporting his campaign. I suggest every other voter in the area take a look at the current representation, and ask yourself, do I want the same failures, or do I want someone who will forge a new path.
Robert Melvin
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Interview with Audrey Clement!
This week I interviewed Audrey Clement, the Green Party candidate for the County Board. You can listen to the show by clicking on the title of this post or by going to iTunes. Enjoy the show and come back again after the November 8th elections (I won't be able to post any podcasts before the elections because I will be helping my local party). See you soon!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Interview with Suhail Khan!
This week I interviewed Suhail Khan, a conservative activist and former political appointee in the Bush administration. You can listen to the show be clicking on the title of this post or by going to iTunes. Enjoy the show and come back again next week!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Interview with Jimmy LaSalvia!
This week I interviewed Jimmy LaSalvia, one of the founders of GOProud. You can listen to the show by clicking on the title of this post of by going to iTunes. Enjoy the show and come back again next week!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Interview with Robert Sarvis!
This week I interviewed Robert Sarvis, the Republican candidate for Virginia's 35th District State Senate seat. You can listen to the show by clicking on the title of this post or by going to iTunes. Enjoy the show and come back again next week!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Interview with David McCormick!
This week I interviewed David McCormick, one of the candidates for Virginia's United States Senate seat. You can listen to the show by clicking the title of this post or by downloading it from iTunes. Enjoy the show and come back again next week!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Interview with Tim McGhee!
This week I interviewed Tim McGhee, the Republican candidate for Virginia's 30th District State Senate seat. You can listen to the show by clicking on the title of this post or by going to iTunes. Enjoy the show and come back again next week!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Interview with Patrick Forrest!
This week I interviewed Patrick Forrest, the Republican candidate for Virginia's 32nd District State Senate seat. You can listen to the show by clicking on the title of this post or by going to iTunes. Enjoy the show and come back again next week!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Interview with Patrick Mara!
This week I interviewed Patrick Mara, the first Republican to win a seat on the D.C. State Board of Education, about how Republicans can win in Democratically-dominated areas. Enjoy the show!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Interview with Arlington Egg Project!
This week I interviewed Eddie Fendley, one of the founders of the Arlington Egg Project. The Arlington Egg Project is a group dedicated to liberalizing Arlington County's rules about keeping backyard hens. You can also find the show on iTunes. Enjoy the show and come back again next week!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Interview with Jamie Radtke!
This week I interviewed Jamie Radtke, one of the candidates for Virginia's United States Senate seat. You can listen to the show by clicking the title of this post or by downloading it from iTunes. Enjoy the show and come back again next week!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Interview with Wayne Kubicki!
This week I interviewed Wayne Kubicki about Arlington's $1 billion dollar 2012 budget and why Arlington spends so much more per capita than Fairfax and Prince Williams Counties. Enjoy the show and come back again next week!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Interview with local resident and Republican activist!
This week I interviewed a local resident and Republican activist about how to get involved in campaigns and what Arlington Republicans can learn from Republican electoral successes in Ohio's 2010 elections. You can listen to the show by clicking on the title of this post or going to iTunes. Enjoy the show!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Interview with Kim Houghton! Owner of Wag More Dogs in Shirlington.
This week I interviewed Kim Houghton, the owner of Wag More Dogs in Shirlington, about how difficult it is for small businesses to deal with Arlington County. This is one example of how Arlington County's government is hostile to small businesses. I plan on bringing you other examples in future shows. Enjoy the show and please come back again next week.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Interview with Josh St. Louis! Founder and editor-in-chief of rednova8.com.
This week I interview Josh St. Louis, the founder and editor-in-chief of rednova8.com, about how conservatives can appeal to Federal government workers. You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, or download it here: http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/QztoK.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Remember to subscribe to the Arlington Conservative Podcast on iTunes!
You can subscribe to the Arlington Conservative on iTunes. Just follow this link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Interview with Mark Kelly.
In this show, I talk to former County Board candidate Mark Kelly about the Columbia Pike Streetcar. You can listen to the podcast by clicking on the title to this blog entry or going to iTunes.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at arlingtonconservative@gmail.com or 703-651-6031.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at arlingtonconservative@gmail.com or 703-651-6031.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Arlington Conservative is on iTunes!
You can download the Arlington Conservative podcast at iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/
Read about the Arlington Conservative Podcast!
The Sun Gazette wrote about the Arlington Conservative podcast! You can read the article here: http://www.sung
Saturday, February 19, 2011
The first show is available! Interview with Matthew Berry.
In the first show, I talk about why I decided to launch the Arlington Conservative podcast. I also interview former 8th District Republican Congressional candidate Matthew Berry about running for office and the 2011 Virginia elections. The podcast is available here: http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/QztoK
Join us as we explore how conservatives would make Arlington County a better place to live
The Arlington Conservative Podcast is a weekly show in which Goud Maragani and his friends explore how conservatives would address issues and problems in Arlington County. If you have any comments or questions, you can contact Goud at arlingtonconservative@gmail.com or 703-651-6031. Remember to visit us every week to download the newest show!
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