News

From the Lancaster Dems:

Did you see the public notice in the Rappahannock Record on September 4?  The Town of Kilmarnock is holding a public hearing on September 15 at 6:00 PM to adopt amended regulations pertaining to Town Code Ch. 28, Article II, Special Events and Parades. We believe this will infringe on our First Amendment Rights, for rallies, celebrations, and parades. If applied uniformly, it may also negatively impact some of the events that are held in town throughout the year. Read the 19 page proposed ordinance by clicking: Town Council Public Hearing Monday, September 15, 2025 – 6:00 p.m. – Kilmarnock, Virginia

If you are available to make comments, we understand you can just show up.  If you wish to comment on an item in the public hearing, please wait for that item on the agenda.  There is a general public time at the beginning the the meeting for other topics.

Here are some problems with the proposed ordinance:

• Content-based restrictions: Bans flags, expressive items, or anything that “arouses anxiety.” Courts say speech cannot be restricted based on content or emotional reactions.
• No spontaneous protests: Requires 60 days’ notice—making timely vigils or demonstrations impossible. Courts require allowance for spontaneous speech.
• 60-day notice is excessive: Not narrowly tailored to any legitimate town interest.
• $1 million insurance per event/vendor: May not even exist in the market. If it does, it’s an unjustified financial barrier that effectively bans assembly.
• Unbridled discretion: Officials can deny or revoke permits whenever they deem it “appropriate.” This is unconstitutional prior restraint and risks arbitrary enforcement.
• Ban on information sharing: Prohibits distributing promotional materials “in any form.” This is overbroad and stifles community outreach.
• Variable permit fees: Based on vague “circumstances.” The Supreme Court has ruled such fee systems unconstitutional.
• Time Restrictions: Limits the times of special events and parades to M-F, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

If adopted, we believe Ordinance 2025-007 could jeopardize cherished town events such as:

On August 21, NCDC members donated supplies for classrooms in Northumberland High School. On August 22, NCDC prez Jim Hendrickson delivered them with the help of wife Stacie and daughter Lilly. HS principal Mr. Regis accepted the bags (and bags and bags) on behalf of teachers and students.

The Dems chose to collect the supplies for two reasons. First, teachers did not get raises and NCPS does not outfit classrooms with these supplies. Second, the cost of school supplies is going up. NCDC members are committed to making sure that children and teachers have what they need to learn and teach, respectively.

As part of the Elections have Consequences initiative, Northumberland County Democratic Committee members select topics and organizations throughout the year to support in order to demonstrate the decisions made by elected officials have a very real impact on real people each and every day.

Stay tuned for the next Elections have Consequences collection. Members will receive info via email. The public should watch the website and the NCDC Facebook page.

The Lancaster County Democrats are again celebrating Labor Day with their annual picnic. Join members, community members, and members of other Dems orgs for good food and good conversation with like-minded folk Monday, September 1, 5:00 – 7:30 pm. The picnic takes place at the Masonic Lodge (1434 Good Luck Rd, Kilmarnock).

This year, the event features Mario Haggerty, candidate for the House of Delegates District 67, as keynote.

Event deets:

• $30 per person
• You don’t need to be a member to attend
• Menu: TriStar Chicken, hot dogs, coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, iced tea, lemonade, & more
• BYOB, if desired
• Bring an appetizer or dessert to share
• Buy a ticket/make a donation

The Westmoreland Dems are at it again with their Annual Northern Neck BLUE Crab Feast Saturday, September 27, Noon – 3:00 pm in Colonial Beach (CB Community Center, 717 Marshall Ave).

Proceeds support Democratic nominees running for national, state & local offices. Most immediately, that means Abigail Spanberger (Governor), Ghazala Hashmi (Lt. Governor), Jay Jones (Attorney General), and Mario Haggerty (House of Delegates District 67).

The deadline to purchase early bird tickets, $50/person, is August 15. Starting the 16th, regular tickets are $60/person. Children 6-12 are $25 and under 6 are $1. Adult tickets come with two wine/beer tickets. Additional wine/beer tickets are $5 each.

On the menu:

• Locally caught and steamed Chesapeake Bay blue crabs
• Kosher hot dogs
• Coleslaw
• Chips,
• Craft beer
• Wine
• Soda
• Water

Learn more about the day’s activities, sponsorship activities, and more.