As I write to you from Richmond, I realize the enormity of the situation in Northern Virginia, and I have been in touch with many residents and seen numerous pictures of the effects of the storm.  There's one good thing about the snow, it makes your lawn look as nice as your neighbor's!  Joking aside, I am always available, even though I am in Richmond.  I have a staff person at my legislative office in Herndon as well as Richmond to help with your concerns.  I am available by email (trust@tomrust.org) or phone (804-698-1086) should you need to contact me directly.  Be careful with high winds predicted and extremely cold temperatures, we are still not out of the storm.

Snow Safety
 
The extraordinary amount of snow has brought about many safety issues.
 Should you have an emergency, please dial 9-1-1, and they will respond no matter the road conditions.
 Please consider clearing snow from fire hydrants; in addition consider clearing snow from down spouts, dryer vents located near the ground, and heat pumps.  
 Please don't climb on ladders or roofs to clear snow from the roof - residential roofs should be designed to handle this load assuming the roof isn't flat (if the roof is flat, check for cracks or creaks which may be a sign the roof is overloaded).  
Don't drive on the roads unless it is vital - the more traffic, the more accidents, the longer it will take to clear the roads (11 state troopers have been injured when they have been helping stranded motorists).   
VDOT/Dominion Power/NOVEC

These back to back storms have put VDOT, Dominion Power and NOVEC to the test and I realize patience is running out.  Hopefully you haven't lost power; with this second storm the power companies predict more power outages, so be prepared.  And I hope you have seen at least one plow/sander down your street.  VDOT has reallocated additional vehicles and supplies from other parts of the state in order to move the snow (ironic that the Winter Olympics is having to truck in snow!).  Because of the second storm, they have had to move some of their vehicles back to the interstates and primary roads and away from the subdivisions.  If a plow hasn't traveled down your street, please contact my office.  VDOT is moving over 500,000 tons of snow and Mother Nature isn't helping!
 
Good News!
 
Many residents contacted me regarding the Local Composite Index (which I mentioned in an earlier Rust Report).  This week Governor McDonnell announced that he will undo the freeze of the LCI that former Governor Kaine proposed.  Governor McDonnell reached his decision, in part, after meeting with state legislators (including the Northern Virginia Delegation) who were negatively impacted by this unprecedented move.  Fairfax County will now receive an additional $61 million and Loudoun County will receive an additional $34.4 million.  
 
Bill Update
 
Six of my bills have moved to the Senate for their review with six bills on the floor of the House as I write this.  Two bills are still in committee, and four bills have been either been carried over until 2011 or been laid on the table.  For a complete list of my bills and their status, please visit Delegate Thomas Davis Rust.

I've heard many heartwarming stories about neighbors helping neighbors - plowing driveways, making meals, babysitting, to name a few.  Through patience and perseverance, Spring will come and this will become one of those stories that will begin, "Back in the storm of 2010, I remember..."  

Warm regards,