Beyer leads fundraising race - Alexandria Times

36 Pages·2014·17.1 MB·English

WWW.ALEXTIMES.COM AprIL 17, 2014 | 1
Vol. 10, No. 16 Alexandria’s only independent hometown newspaper AprIL 17, 2014
Boxed out
no longer
City Hall removes
question about prior
criminal convictions
from job applications
By Erich WagnEr

As the Virginia General
Assembly hotly debated drop-
ping questions about potential
employees’ criminal convic-
tions on applications for jobs
at state agencies, city leaders
made a decision of their own:
It’s time to ban the box.
City Manager Rashad
Young began looking at the
issue as it gained attention in
Richmond during this year’s
legislative session. Though
photo/Laura SikeS
IN FULL BLOOM After a gnarly winter, residents from across the region joined throngs of tourists in celebrating the arrival of the cherry blos- the “ban the box” movement
soms. Perhaps because last month’s series of snowstorms and chilly weather, the annual flowering brought what officials believe to be a record — so-named for the question
amount of spectators to the area. With the peak bloom arriving last week, enthusiasts descended upon the Tidal Basin this past weekend to take about a prospective employ-
in the stunning display of nature. ee’s criminal history found on
many applications — failed to
Beyer leads fundraising race sway state lawmakers, Young
discovered nothing in city
code stopping City Hall from
unilaterally stripping the in-
Former lieutenant and March and has nearly Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-30) re- quiry from its job forms.
governor rakes $450,000 on hand, putting vealed Wednesday that he re- Last month he instructed
in $668,498 him head and shoulders above ceived more than $178,000 in city agencies to remove them
other candidates in the crowd- contributions. administratively.
ed field to succeed retiring Del. Patrick Hope (D-47) “We felt like we didn’t
By Erich WagnEr
U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8). raised $186,000 and has near- need a law to pass to regulate

To say that former Lt. Mayor Bill Euille ranked ly $139,000 on hand, while how we conduct our recruit-
Gov. Don Beyer got his con- second, raising more than Del. Charnielle Herring (D- ment process,” Young said.
gressional campaign off on $213,000 in donations with 46) surprised a few insiders “[It] just makes good public
the right foot would be an un- $174,000 on hand, while for- by reporting $121,000 in do- policy.”
derstatement. mer Northern Virginia Urban nations, less than expected. Ex-offenders and their ad-
The Alexandria Demo- League President Lavern Also competing for the vocates argue that requiring
crat took in $668,498 in con- Chapman announced receiv-
tributions between January ing more than $200,000. State SEE ElEction | 7 Don Beyer SEE hiring practicEs | 7
SEE pagE 15
The Alexandria Times Bridal Directory
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thE WEEKly BriEFing
post recognizes two port City educators

Two local public school work. Davis earned the Dis- Davis for improving academ-
educators earned major acco- tinguished Educational Lead- ics at Cora Kelly and Shabazz
lades from The Washington ership Award while Shabazz for serving as an inspiration to
Post last week. received the Agnes Meyer students as well as coworkers.
The daily newspaper hon- Outstanding Teacher Award. As a reward for their hard
ored Brandon Davis, prin- The announcement also work, the duo gets a paid trip
cipal of Cora Kelly School earned the pair praise from Al- to a four-day leadership semi-
for Math, Science and Tech- exandria City Public Schools nar and $3,000.
nology, and Lori Shabazz, a Superintendent Alvin Craw-
teacher at Patrick Henry El- ley, who praised them for - Derrick Perkins
ementary School, for their their efforts. Crawley lauded
Smokers still lighting up despite tax hike
Local tobacco taxes went “[Raising the tobacco tax] “We’re not seeing [sales]
up last year, but smokers was twofold,” Euille said. tail off yet. There are people
haven’t seemed to notice. “One, we were hoping to gen- who are still buying the ciga-
During last week’s brief- erate additional revenue that rettes,” she said. OLD TOWN $1,145,000
ing on the monthly financial we needed to help balance the City Councilor Justin Wil-
report, Mayor Bill Euille noted fiscal year 2014 budget, but son, though, saw signs the tax
Want More Space?
the city had collected about also hopefully [we would] en- was beginning to deter tobacco
$1.8 million in tobacco taxes courage folks to stop smoking users.
through February 28, up from because the cost of cigarettes “We increased the [tax] rate
$1.5 million last year. being that much higher [would by 25 percent and the increase
An increase in revenue is mean] the volume of cigarette in collections was 13.9 percent.
to be expected given that city sales would go down. That The message I got from this is
councilors upped the tax to hasn’t happened.” that we’ve started to reach that
$1. But officials had expected Laura Triggs, the city’s downward curve,” he said.
to see a dip by now as smok- chief financial officer, said a
ers reconsidered the hit to their drop in revenue typically fol- - Derrick Perkins
wallets and kicked the habit. lows a tax hike.
Unused, unneeded medications wanted
Officials with American in a statement. Most abused ten flushing them down the
Virginia Water have joined prescription medications are toilet or throwing them away,”
forces with the city’s police taken from family, friends and he said. “Both [are] potential
department and sheriff’s of- the medicine cabinet, the chief safety and health hazards, as
fice to urge residents to turn in warned. they can end up in our source
unused or expired medications “Many Americans are not for drinking water, which in
next week. aware that medicines that lan- turn can influence the need for
The two city agencies, guish in home cabinets are more costly treatment process-
working alongside the Sub- highly susceptible to diversion, es in the future.”
211 South Royal Street
stance Abuse Prevention Co- misuse and abuse,” he said. Residents in possession of
alition of Alexandria and the From American Virginia unneeded or unwanted medi- Carefully preserved, this historic residence offers
utility company, will collect Water’s side of things, though, cations can drop them off at
high ceilings, handsome moldings, large rooms a
unneeded medications at three the concern is keeping those police headquarters at 3600 &
sites around the city April 26. same medications out of sew- Wheeler Ave., Del Ray Phar- large private garden with expansion potential.
The campaign’s goals are two- er system. Getting rid of un- macy at 2204 Mount Vernon
fold: Keep drugs out of the needed drugs by flushing them Ave. and First Baptist Church
wrong hands and away from down the toilet also poses a at 2932 King St. Officials will Diann Hicks
the city’s water supply. risk, said William Walsh, the man the drop-off locations be-
703-628-2440
From a law enforcement utility company’s president. tween 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
www.diannhicks.com
perspective, unused medica- “[Many] Americans do not
tions pose a significant risk, know how to properly dispose
said Police Chief Earl Cook of their unused medicine, of- - Derrick Perkins
4 | AprIL 17, 2014 ALEXANDrIA TIMES
policE BEat criME
The following incidents occurred between
Alleged automobile thief nabbed
April 9 and April 16.
Alexandria Police have said Bey made off with the remains ongoing.
16 43 6
Drug arrested a local man in con- vehicles between March Authorities urge anyone
thefts roBBeries
Crimes nection with the theft of sev- 2013 and this past January. with information about Bey
eral vehicles in the past year. When he couldn’t ab- to contact the city police
Quran Ozae Middleton scond with the vehicles, department’s criminal inves-
15 2 3 Bey, 19, faces destruction of he opted to steal items left tigations section at 703-746-
AssAults seXuAl VehiCle
property and conspiracy to within, authorities said. Few 6711.
offenses thefts
commit grand larceny charg- other details about the case
es as well as two counts of were released, though offi- - Derrick Perkins
0 3
grand larceny auto. Police cials said the investigation
AssAults with A BreAking
DeADly weApon & enterings
*Editor’s note: Police reports are not considered public information in
Emergency responders undergo
Virginia. The Alexandria Police Department is not required to supply
the public at large with detailed information on criminal cases.
Source: crimereports.com crisis intervention training
The ranks of the city’s cri- Chief Phil Pugh and Director disorders, potential suicides
Celebrating three years sis intervention team swelled of Clinical and Emergency and substance abuse, among
by 18 earlier this month, of- Services Liz Wixson were on other mental illness issues.
ficials announced Tuesday. hand to congratulate the lat- Alexandria created the
of being part of the
The newest members hail est group at an April 11 cer- program four years ago. Since
from Alexandria’s sheriff’s emony. then, 250 local emergency re-
Alexandria office, code administration, Crisis intervention team sponders have received train-
and police and fire depart- members undergo 40 hours ing in crisis intervention.
ments. Deputy Police Chief of training before joining the
community!
David Huchler, Undersheriff group. The candidates learnt - Derrick Perkins
Tim Gleeson, Code Division about dealing with psychiatric
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6 | AprIL 17, 2014 ALEXANDrIA TIMES
On the track to redevelopment
Braddock road Metro Town Center and West Hyatts- While Alexandria’s planners
station selected for ville — as next in line for a have an idea for the property,
eventual overhaul makeover in March. Metro officials are keeping an
The announcement has City open mind. They have no pre-
Hall’s top planners, who created conceived notions, said Stan
By DErricK pErKins
a vision for the neighborhood Wall, the transit network’s di-

City officials recognized six years ago, understandably rector of real estate and station
Braddock Road Metro sta- excited. planning.
tion’s potential for redevelop- “The development of the But a hotel — given the sta-
ment years ago. It took con- Braddock Metro site has been tion’s access to Reagan Nation-
vincing, but they’ve finally on the city’s radar screen for al Airport — would be great, he
got the Washington Metro- some time,” said Deputy City said.
politan Area Transit Authority Manager Mark Jenks. “Since “This is primarily driven by
seeing it their way. we don’t own the site, it really City of Alexandria’s interest in
The transit hub, just outside takes getting WMATA to take wanting to see something hap-
of the Parker-Gray neighbor- the initiative and they finally pen in that station. Based on photo/derrick perkinS
hood, emerged as a leading started on this one.” everything that’s happening A traveler heads into the Braddock Road Metro station, which is one
contender for redevelopment City Hall’s plans for the to Potomac Yard, they see a of four in the rail network slated for redevelopment. City officials are
working with their counterparts at Metro to bring more retail and office
earlier this year. Metro’s real property call for 300,000 good deal of momentum in the
space to the neighborhood. The future site also could include a hotel.
estate and development com- square feet of office and retail [city],” Wall said. “They’d love
hood retail. … They would love veloped Braddock Road Metro
mittee named it and three other space. Officials also envision to see a hotel there. They’d also
to see something more [active] station will remain a few years
sAtalteioxnas n—dr Fiao reTsitm Gelsen: , 5L.a5rg0o” xa 6ho”t e l( 3at tchoe lsuimte.ns x 6”) 4-colloovre to see a lot of neighbor-
around the station.” off, Wall said. The final stretch
Jenks credited Mayor Bill would see the anointed proposi-
Euille’s presence on Metro’s tion go through the city’s plan-
board of directors as one reason ning procedure.
Burke goes
behind the attention now being “We would have to go
given to the Braddock Road through that formal process
station. The other major factor with the city,” Wall said. “We
to bat against
was the city’s work with Metro endeavor to have a completed
on the Royal Street bus barn, development agreement in a
which also is slated for redevel- year or two and then it’s a mat-
ATM fees!
opment. ter of going through a local
Early on, planners created a planning process. It’s probably
hybrid model for handling that a couple of years away.”
project. Metro would focus on Redeveloping the Brad-
soliciting the private sector for dock Road station will be noth-
ideas while city officials would ing new for Metro, which has
Free ATMs lead the community involve- sought to exploit the land it
across America E’S O N THE BA m enItt wefafos rat. first-of-its-kind ap- saelmcuorsetd s ifnocre tihtse intrcaenpstiito ns.y sWteamll
K LL proach to the redevelopment of points to the Ballston and Farra-
R !
U Metro property, Jenks said. gut North stations as examples
with Convenient Checking B “With WMATA, we had of Metro’s past work.
come up with a good way of And, after a temporary drop
working through the Royal in demand, interest in redevel-
Street process,” he said. “This opment has grown in recent
hybrid process was never done years.
Swing by your neighborhood branch today! before. They agreed to it and “The recent push is more
things are going to smoothly.” due to economic conditions
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hiring practicEs tions, 99 percent of the time for individuals trying to stay Young said he has seen first and although he has a job now,
you won’t be able to be a police on the straight and narrow. hand the struggles that ex-of- he was looking for a different
FROM | 1
officer, so why wait until the “It’s important for folks to fenders face finding employ- one, and it dogged him.
end of the process to do that?” know that, if they apply for ment. “A lot of people just write
job seekers to divulge past con- Young argued. “But there are city positions and have a prior “I have a colleague who is you off when they find out
victions in the first step of the many, many more jobs in the conviction, that won’t be held in his 30s now, but when he about [a prior conviction], so
hiring process makes it much city where that’s not a neces- against them,” he said. “At was 19, he had a felony charge it was a real issue for him to
more difficult for otherwise- sary piece of information on the least this way it gets these folks and conviction for getting into even feel comfortable apply-
qualified candidates to land front end.” the opportunity to get in the a fight,” he said. “Since then, ing to jobs and feel like [he
interviews, much less employ- Young said including a prior door to be interviewed.” he’s been a stellar individual, would] get a fair shake.”
ment offers. And chronic unem- convictions question in job ap-
ployment is a leading cause of plications provides an easy way
recidivism. for employers to eliminate can-
Under Alexandria’s updated didates without ever examining
Community
policy, city hiring managers their qualifications. It also can
will not ask about prior criminal act as a deterrent, keeping ex-
convictions — in most cases — offenders from applying in the
SHRED DAY
until they conduct a background first place.
check of a prospective employ- “They might say, ‘Oh, I
ee. Officials still will ask about have this conviction, so why
previous convictions for public even apply?’” Young said. “’I
safety jobs and positions requir- know they won’t give me a Saturday, May 3
ing interaction with children or chance.’”
other vulnerable populations. Mayor Bill Euille applaud-
“We know for sure that if ed Young’s efforts to make the 9am - 2pm
you’ve got criminal convic- hiring process more equitable
ElEction On the Republican side,
Alexandria Army veteran
4875 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria
FROM | 1
Dennis Bartow, Marine Corps
Democratic nomination in the veteran and political con-
June 10 primary are Alexan- sultant Micah Edmond and
dria Planning Commissioner former Texas state lawmaker
Derek Hyra, businessman Paul Haring have thrown their Shred Your Personal Documents For FREE
Satish Korpe, radio show host hats in for consideration in the
Mark Levine and former U.S. party’s convention process. Plus, enjoy free food, giveaways, and fun family activities!
Air Force pilot Bruce Shuttle- Army veteran Jeffrey Car-
Enter to win tickets to a Nationals game!
worth. Delegates Alfonso Lo- son is running as the lone Lib-
pez and Mark Sickles dropped ertarian candidate.
out of the race in recent weeks, Skelley said that with ini- Documents will be shredded on-site.
and businesswoman Nancy tial campaign filings on the
Najarian did not make the pri- books, voters could see many Materials with paperclips and staples are permitted, but
mary ballot. She is challenging candidates drop out in the three-ring binders and binder clips cannot go through the shredder.
that decision. coming weeks. But even if
Geoff Skelley, a veteran only five of the major candi-
analyst with the University of dates remain in the race until
Virginia’s Center for Politics, June, the winner could sail to
said Beyer’s massive war chest the general election by win- Not A Member? Not A Problem!
is a huge advantage, and sug- ning over as little as a quarter
Students, family members, faculty, and staff of
gests he could afford television of Democratic voters.
Alexandria City Public Schools can join.
ads where others cannot. “With Beyer being listed
“That could be helpful, es- first on the ballot and his mon- It’s easy and convenient to bank with CommonWealth One.
pecially in a low-turnout elec- etary advantage, if there is a
Open an account online at cofcu.org or call [phone].
tion, just to get more name favorite, it would be him,” he
recognition,” Skelley said. said. “But given you still have
“[But] in a race like this it’s so many candidates and the
kind of difficult to get a read vote can be split in so many
on it. It’s been a while since ways, it’s still a very unpre-
he’s been in the political mix.” dictable environment.”
8 | AprIL 17, 2014 ALEXANDrIA TIMES
Putting license plate readers
to the constitutional test
Civil liberties activist goes to a central database that plate information is collected
questions legitimacy, can match DMV records and at political rallies, for example.
legality of police practice other locations where that li- It doesn’t help quell fears
cense plate was also captured the Virginia State Police cap-
on camera. tured license plate images
By Kathryn Watson fiLe photo
The Fourth Amendment of people at political events Many local law enforcement agencies use license plate readers to
The widespread use of au- prohibits unreasonable search for Sarah Palin and President identify and track private vehicles. While supporters argue the tech-
tomatic license plate reader and seizure, requiring a war- Barack Obama. Such surveil- nology is legal and gives police an edge over criminals, critics consider
it an invasion of privacy and possibly unconstitutional.
technology by local police de- rant. It’s the same argument lance could trouble a private
partments is not only unsettling used against the National Se- citizen who needs to see a psy- scanned in neighboring Mary- all levels, he said.
— it’s unconstitutional, one curity Agency spy program. chiatrist, or a politician with an land, only 47 were potentially “Go to your local city coun-
civil liberties advocate argues. “The Fourth Amendment alcohol problem who wants to associated with serious crimes, cil, argue for them to ask for
“One problem is it bypasses is really clear that you’re sup- seek help, Whitehead said. according to the American Civ- a resolution asking their local
the Fourth Amendment,” said posed to have probable cause “It could be used against il Liberties Union. congressman to get their act
John Whitehead, president of before you do that,” Whitehead you later,” Whitehead said. “You’re doing surveillance together and follow the Fourth
the Charlottesville-based, civ- said. ALPR use stretches far be- of innocent citizens,” White- Amendment,” Whitehead said.
il-liberties-focused Rutherford The Fourth Amendment yond the Old Dominion’s bor- head said. Whitehead said state law-
Institute. isn’t the only amendment right ders. In a national survey by The use of ALPR technol- makers can intervene in the
Automatic license plate that ALPRs threaten, White- the Police Executive Research ogy is just one aspect of what surveillance system, and
readers can capture the date, head said. The technology Forum, 71 percent of police Whitehead calls the “police an appetite for data privacy
time and exact location of a might make people uncom- agencies reported using license state.” That’s what his new seems to be growing within
vehicle — for up to 1,800 ve- fortable to exercise their First plate reader technology, while book — “A Government of the General Assembly.
hicles per minute. That data Amendment rights if license 85 percent said they planned to Wolves: The Emerging Amer-
increase their usage of it. ican Police State” — is all

Police argue ALPRs help about. Kathryn Watson is an investi-
solve crimes, and they have. Changing the status quo re- gative reporter for Watchdog.
Still, the percentage of serious quires a riled-up grassroots ef- org, and can be reached at
crimes per scanned licenses is fort that starts at the local level, [email protected], or on
low. For every million licenses and expands to government at Twitter @kathrynw5.
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British to take Alexandria by storm — again
port City readies stands, described the surprise naval artifacts from the period the Potomac and living history To purchase tickets to the film
for anniversary incursion like this: “Their provided by local museums events. It all culminates with a gala visit https://shop.alexan-
of British occupation conduct was respectful and also will be on display. large outdoor festival on the fi- driava.gov. For information
decorous; and instead of that The spring and summer will nal weekend in August, which on all other events go to www.
exultation and triumph which be marked by lectures spon- will feature a cricket match and visitalexandriava.com/1812.
By JorDan Wright
expands the heart of a soldier sored by the Alexandria His- a yacht race up the Potomac

Two centuries have passed when he encounters and over- torical Society, boat tours on River.
since the Royal Navy last in- comes a force like his own,
vaded the Port City, but this these [men] were evidently de-
time they’ll be here by invita- jected and adverse to what they
tion. were doing.”
You might think that after But they are not entirely off
putting the Capitol and Ex- the hook. Ever since last De-
ecutive Mansion to the torch cember, when an invitational
and then sacking Alexandria, challenge from Mayor Bill
residents and city officials Euille was tendered to the Roy-
wouldn’t be particularly ready al Navy, the city has been plan-
to roll out the red carpet and ning myriad activities. To kick
hoist up the Union Jack. But a off Alexandria’s bicentennial
lot can change in 200 years. commemoration of the War of
“[This effort] really com- 1812, organizers are holding
memorates two things,” said a film gala in the restored Old
resident Peter Pennington, who Town Theater.
is helping organize events to The fundraiser — a portion “I’ve made a lot Enjoy the Carefree
observe the anniversary of Al- of the proceeds will go to the
of good friends
exandria’s brush with the War Wounded Warrior Project and
since moving to
of 1812. “The [war], which its British equivalent, Help Lifestyle You Deserve
the Hermitage.”
was vital to the founding of the for Heroes — will begin with
U.S. as one country, and, sec- a cocktail reception to be fol- —John Mutchler
ondly, the fact that enemies can lowed by a screening of “Mas-
become the firmest of friends.” ter and Commander: The Far Discover why many people like you have come
Though Alexandria’s quick Side of the World” starring to call the Hermitage home—the chance to
capitulation to the invading Russell Crowe. A pre-screen-
experience a new lifestyle with an array of services
British earned the city derision ing discussion will include
and amenities. Just ask resident John Mutchler, who
in 1814, modern residents can a talk by Kyle Dalton, who
look back on the surrender more worked on the HMS Surprise, appreciates the freedom from home maintenance
favorably. The decision by the the replica 18th century frigate and the opportunity to participate in clubs and social
Alexandria Common Council used in the movie.
activities. Our residents also rave about our superb
to grant the marauders free rein Special guest Brendan
dining service, our courteous and helpful staff, and an
to clear the city of its supply of O’Toole, a veteran and T.C.
spirits, tobacco, armaments and Williams’ graduate who re- overall feeling of caring and security that comes with
merchandise likely spared Old cently ran 3,600 miles across living at the Hermitage.
Town the same fate as its neigh- the country to raise funds for
You’ll also gain peace of mind knowing that health
bor to the north. wounded service members,
Apothecary owner Edward will speak about the charity. care and supportive services are available right here, if
Stabler, whose pharmacy still Costumes from the film and you ever need them.
h
For more information, call 703-797-3814.
Call
703-797-3814
to schedule
a tour of our
beautifully
appointed
apartments. Alexandria, VA
h www.Hermitage-Nova.com
iMaGe//Library of conGreSS
The satirical caricature above, drawn by noted political cartoonist Wil-
liam Charles, mocked Alexandria’s leaders for so quickly surrendering
to the invading British forces in 1814, but their action likely saved Old
Town from destruction.
10 | AprIL 17, 2014 ALEXANDrIA TIMES
More than $1M raised in annual day of giving
Outpouring of donations raising a combined $659,591. in past years.”
during Spring2ACTion But ACT’s leaders, Porter His optimism proved well
surpasses expectations included, thought the group founded. When the deadline
could do better. passed last week, the group had
Aiming for $1 million did helped collect $1,031,282 for
By DErricK pErKins
give Porter pause — at first. 121 local nonprofit organiza-

It was never a given, but as “You never know with tions. More than 7,500 people
ACT for Alexandria’s annual these things, but you always participated in the fundraiser.
online fundraiser approached, hope,” said Porter, executive While ACT oversees the
John Porter felt confident that director of ACT. “When we event, donors can give to one
the group would hit its goal of first set [the goal of raising or more area organizations of
collecting at least $1 million. $1 million] last year, I kind of their choice during the 24-hour
More than 5,000 people gulped a little bit. But as the period. ACT awards monetary
participated in Spring2ACTion year progressed and as we ap- prizes to groups that meet cer-
— the name given to the 24- proached it, you could just feel tain benchmarks and this year iMaGe/act for aLexandria
More than 7,500 people participated in Spring2ACTion this year, rais-
hour event — the year prior, the buzz, feel the talk around local businesses got in on the
ing over $1 million. The annual online fundraiser benefited 121 local
town being much [more] than action, with restaurants and
nonprofits.
boutiques donating a portion of
event, most people grasp what importance of this for the non-
their sales to the effort.
Spring2ACTion is all about profits, particularly when they
The top performers in
and how much it means to the understand the tightness of the
dollars raised were Casa
community, he said. budgets, both with the non-
Chirilagua, RunningBrooke,
“We usually hear from a profits and for city services.”
the Matthew Maury Elemen-
couple of people who say, Event organizers have not
tary School PTA, King Street
‘I’ve gotten too many emails yet set a goal for next year. Por-
Cats and the Alexandria Soc-
now — stop, stop, stop.’ I ter, who credited his team for
cer Association.
think that’s a very small per- last week’s stunning success,
While Porter heard from a
centage of people. Most are said they planned to analyze
few people frustrated at being
very understanding of what this year’s effort and look for
overwhelmed by the annual
we’re trying to do,” Porter ways to improve in the future.
informational and market-
said. “[They understand] the “Stay tuned,” he said.
ing campaign leading up the
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