Ticer Honored for 30 Years of Public Service

Virginia State Senator Patsy Ticer, the first and only female mayor in the history of Alexandria, was honored for her 30 years of continuous public service with a reception and proclamation Tuesday at City Hall.

Ticer is retiring from the state senate at the end of her current term. She succeeded Jim Moran as Alexandria mayor in 1991 after joining the City Council in the early 1980s. She was elected to the state senate in 1996.

“Growing up in Alexandria, there wasn’t a day that went by where you didn’t hear the Ticer name in the Fannon household,” Councilman Frank Fannon said.

As mayor, Ticer is remembered for taking on Washington Redskins owner Jack Kent Cooke and his bid to build a stadium at Potomac Yard, as well as for championing the needs of young children in the city.

In the senate, Ticer, despite representing the urban 30th district, chaired the agriculture, conservation and natural resources committee. From this platform, Ticer was able to lead the way in environmental issues and combat the Mirant (now GenOn) coal plant in Alexandria.

“You served with grace, a grace you don’t see from politicians anymore,” Councilman Paul Smedberg said.

Ticer, who was joined by members of her family, said the day brought back fond memories.

“This is where my heart is,” she said.

Councilman Rob Krupicka is currently running for Ticer's senate seat in the Democratic primary scheduled for Aug. 23. He is opposed by Del. Adam Ebbin (D-49th) and Arlington County school board member Libby Garvey.

BRAC-133 Parking Plan

The Alexandria City Council moved toward approving a special parking district in the West End to prevent BRAC-133 employees from leaving their vehicles in neighborhoods near the facility.

Under the proposal, parking would be restricted in certain neighborhoods Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vehicles with regular city decals received with personal property bills would be allowed to park as normal. Vehicles without a city decal would be ticketed by Alexandria Police following the end of a warning period.

“If you live in the West End, get your car registered and pay your taxes,” Vice Mayor Kerry Donley said.

The proposal also calls for no short-term parking for non-city registered vehicles without a permit.

Each residence in the West End will receive one transferable visitor pass. Special exceptions will be made for homes entertaining or hosting multiple guests for births, weddings and other events. There will be a $100 fee to replace a visitor pass.

The special parking district will only be activated by residential petition and majority support in a defined area.

BRAC-133, also known as the Mark Center, is scheduled to open Sept. 15. More than 6,400 employees will be working in the facility.

Council will discuss and vote on the parking district on Saturday during its scheduled hearing. 

Number crunching

A city financial report presented Tuesday shows residential real estate property values in Alexandria have reached their highest mark in more than five years. The year-to-date sales price average is $506,192, a 24.9 percent jump from last year.

The report also revealed the per capita income in the city for 2009 was $70,846, ranking Alexandria ninth in the nation. The city ranked 12th in 2008.

Arlington County ranked seventh at $73,187 in 2009, while Fairfax County ranked 12th at $69,241.