We're happy to have Attorney General Bob McDonnell with us for the next hour for the first ever live blog by a public official here at the Daily Press. We already have a list of questions, and you're welcome to submit something from now until 10:30 a.m.
So welcome to the Shad Plank, Bob. Here's what we have for you so far.
I am a police officer in Newport News. Do you think it would be possible to have illegal aliens declared trespassers in our state and make this a state crime? It is obvious the federal government is not handling this issue. Your comments?
I have for the past few years tried to encourage our legislators to do something about unemployment fraud. It seems more and more people are using the system by just asking people if they will sign their book for unemployment and not even really try to find a job. Some even just call on the phone and ask if a business is hiring and if they say no just use that business. The Employment Commission also needs to check these people and be sure they are actually looking for work and not just using the system. What can your office do to put a tight belt on this?
General McDonnell:
Your website contains a letter to the Governor urging him to direct the State law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with the Federal Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the purpose of identifying and deporting criminal illegal aliens in the Commonwealth. Thank you for your effort in trying to get the Governor to take this elementary step toward insuring the safety of the legal residents of the Commonwealth. My question is, why haven't you signed the petition urging him to do so at http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?VA287g?
Thanks,
Rob in Manassas
Thanks for this opportunity - I look forward to your comments.
What can be done to prevent the expansion of foreclosure rescue scams?
I see an increasing prevalence of the "we buy homes" signs in and around my neighborhood, and I'm sure at least some of these are unscrupulous folks preying on vulnerable Virginians that are faced with the potential loss of their largest asset - their home. Considering that foreclosures will undoubtedly continue to rise, the time is right to put a check on these scams.
Is your office prepared to take action on this important matter?
Hello Mr. McDonnell,
I assume you've seen many of the articles published over the years pointing to Virginia as the one of the largest sources (if not the largest source) of illegal guns on the East Coast -- not just in Virginia. Undoubtedly, you know that gun control advocates have complained for years that our commonwealth has fewer restrictions than other jurisdictions do.
Likely, too, you read Allison Klein's Washington Post piece last week (Tuesday, August 21, "In Study Of Gun Traffic, Va. Stands Out") which began:
"Law enforcement authorities traced more than 10,000 guns recovered in Virginia, Maryland and the District last year -- and nearly half came from Virginia, according to federal data released yesterday.
Virginia also was among the top sources of guns recovered by authorities in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and South Carolina, the data show. In New York, more recovered guns came from Virginia than from any other outside state -- roughly one of 11 traced."
Furthermore, Klein says, "The ATF report does not provide breakdowns indicating how many of the traced guns were purchased legally. Authorities said the overwhelming majority of guns traced were used in crimes."
Mr. McDonnell, you have held the office of Virginia's Attorney General for nearly 2 years now. In the wake of the Virginia Tech massacre, what have you done to make our commonwealth -- especially our schools -- safer? As Attorney General, it is part of your job, isn't it?
I'm grateful for the chance to pose this question, and I look forward to reading your comments.
Truly,
Merry Reymond
Mr. McDonnell,
I have one more question, but I'll keep it brief.
On your website, under your "Key Issues" section, you have a subsection dedicated to "Terrorism/Commonwealth Preparedness," but most of those links lead to Homeland Security pages or general Commonwealth of Virginia pages.
As you know, here in Hampton Roads we have special issues regarding evacuation: should we all need to leave in the event of a terrorist or other emergency, many or most of us would be sitting on top of our vehicles in traffic jams -- or trying to swim out of tunnels -- long before leaving this area.
I'm wondering how we can possibly be prepared here for any emergency requiring our quick departure.
I'm not only thinking of terrorist emergencies here. Hurricane Katrina and its horrors are still fresh in my mind, and in the minds of many Virginians and US citizens, I sure.
Thanks, again, for your attention,
Merry Reymond
The Attorney General represents both education and transportation. Several lawsuits have recently been filed contending that civil remedial fees are actually fines that must be paid into education rather than transportation. Do you intend to recuse yourself from representation of either education or transportation to avoid conflict of interest?
Mr. McDonnell:
We'd like to interrupt this string of good policy questions with a political query, if we may.
There is continued speculation that Virginia is neither solidly Republican nor Democrat, but more of a "purple" state -- thanks in part to changing demographics in the northern Virginia suburbs.
What are your thoughts on that? And what do these changing demographics mean to the Republican Party going forward in the 2007 elections and beyond?
Dear General,
Again, thank you for taking time to reach out to the Blogosphere. In response to the prior comments on gun control, in addition to representing the Commonwealth and Universities on these matters, I know there have been a number of commissions set up. I was wondering whether the General Assembly, to your knowledge, might consider legislation to allow students to obtain permits to have guns on campus. I ask because in 2002, I remember reading reports that at the Appalachian School of Law in Grundy, VA a shooter there was stopped when a couple of law students retrieved their guns from their vehicles and then confronted the shooter. Either way, Virginia Tech was a tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families.
On a separate note, congratulations on your successful Legal Food Frenzy and recent award of the Attorney General's Cup to the winner in Norfolk. I believe this really shows your compassionate side and an effort that all politicians can agree on as a positive step to help local area residents through Food Bank contributions.
General McDonnell -
Thank you for your leadership in toughening the laws on sexual predators and advocating online safety during this age of rapidly growing information technology. Just as during the last legislative session you had an agenda to make online communication safer for Virginians – and you were quite successful in achieving that agenda. Do you have additional plans for the upcoming legislative session to continue to keep our kids safe online?
The American Dream
-Received pre-foreclosure notice in april 06 for falling behind in mortgage
Payments for March and April 06 (Wells Fargo)
-lost Job with Uno’s mid May 06
-On or around May 26th Alice showed up at our door and said “
Peninsula Real Estate Investments will help bring the mortgage current,
fix our credit, refinance us after one year of on-time payments.”
-On May 27th Mary and Alice show up with a real estate contract. The
Contract showed us receiving $21,000 back, the first and second mortgage
Paid off, six months of mortgage payments paid to Wells fargo ($8622)
Out of proceeds to be held in escrow. They explained that after the 6 months
Of paid mortgage payments we would pay Tidewater for 6 more months to
Improve our credit. They said, “We would pay them, and they would pay
The mortgage.” Mary notarized the contract.
-On June 10th Alice called to say that closing was scheduled June 12th.
Which was the day before the foreclosure sale.
-June 12th we meet with Norma and Alice for closing at Conrad and Hamer
PC . The numbers on the previous contract did not match. I protested.
Norma left the room while Alice explained that they couldn’t make the
Numbers work. The refinance price was dropped to $173,000 with us receiving
$4,600. We also signed a special power of attorney for Norma. They said
This instrument would help them stop the foreclosure sale, and act on our
Behalf.
-Sept 06 we received notices from Wells Fargo about the Mortgage not
Being paid. I called Alice and received no answer.
-October 06 more notices and same result. Called Tidewater and no return
Calls persisted. I went to Conrad and Hamer Pc and spoke to Norma, she
Stated that she would contact them.
-November 06 received preforeclosure notice for January 3rd. Called Alice
And Norma. Went to Conrad and Hamer to speak with Norma about concerns.
-December 06 received more foreclosure notices. Went to Conrad and Hamer
And spoke to Norma about the situation. She stated that she did not understand
Why the mortgage was not paid and would contact Tidewater.
-On or around January 1st or 2nd Alice contacted me and said they would take
Care of it. At this point Wells Fargo said that I was 4 months behind in
Payments.
-Jan 5th 07 paid mortgage payment to Norma @ Conrad and Hamer Pc
Voiced concern with Norma.
-Feb 12th 07 paid Norma @ Conrad and Hamer Pc under duress.
-March 5th 07 paid Norma @ Conrad and Hamer Pc. Stated Trifecta
Was new “owner”. Made check out to Trifecta investments. Received
Late notice from Wells Fargo on property.
-April 07 Pre-foreclosure notice received. Delivered check to Conrad and Hamer
Pc. Check written to Trifecta. Trina and George come to house to take pictures
Of the inside/outside of property. Received $1947 from Wells fargo. The letter
Said it was not enough to cover arrearages.
-May 07 Received preforeclosure notice from Wells Fargo. Paid Trifecta by May 5th.with seasoned money from Wells Fargo.
-On or around May 29th George shows up to property with 2 guys to see if I had
Moved out of the property. Nicole Fleming says that “You will be out because
I have the deed”. Received Unlawful Detainer 2 days later
-June 07 Entered forebearance agreement to stop foreclosure. Paid Trifecta
June 14th. Received pay or quit notice from Trifecta. Negotiated with Nicole
To make mortgage payment because of all late notices.
-July 07 Trifecta paid Wells Fargo $2627 to start forebearance period.
-August 07 Trifecta paid Wells Fargo $1363, Entered another Forebearance
Agreement with Wells Fargo because Trifecta didn’t pay the payment on-time
Which broke the agreement.
-Sept 10 07 I paid Wells Fargo $1363 so it would be paid on time.
-October 10, 07 I paid $1363 to Wells Fargo. Sent difference between $1437 to
Trifecta thru Ms Sherwood.
-November 07 I paid Wells Fargo$1363
-Dec 07-March 08 Sent financial sheets to Wells Fargo to Modify Loan/Waiting on
Approval. They will not accept any payment until it is approved. We have accumulated
$5000 for the process.
-Jan 08 Contacted Wells Fargo to see if we were approved for a Loan Modification.
Still in progress. Contacted them three times and still no answer. Put mortgage in
Bank for future payments
-Feb 08 Contacted Wells Fargo to check on Loan Modification. No answer yet.
Received letter about foreclosure set for April 2 08.
-March 13 08 Went to Circuit court in Suffolk for negotiation. They told me not to let
Wells Fargo know about title change. Legal Aid of Va and Jennifer Sherwood’s office
Let us know that they were not going to represent us after April 1st. Mark Baumgardner
And Trifecta said they want us out of the property and they want $70,000 for their losses
And attorney fees. We agreed to have Trifecta try to refinance us through their company by the end of the day.
-March 14 08 no call yesterday by 6pm as agreed. No call today from Trifecta for
Refinancing purposes. Sending 2 letters to qualify for Homepoint loan of 80% @6.75
For refinancing. By the way, Nicole Fleming misrepresented herself as Trina Happer.
-April 1st given notice by Legal Aid of Va and Jennifer’s Sherwood’s office that they
Would no longer be representing us because of a Federal case where the homeowner
Lost their case. At this point Ms Sherwood tried to say that we had not been forthcoming with all information we gave her and she would not represent us anymore.
Judge told us to have an attorney by April 30 or be in court anyway.
-April 30th 08 We showed up to court without finding an attorney willing to take our case
Summary Judgement was entered against us for $16023 for Trifecta, and $10,000 for attorney fees because we didn’t have legal representation. We were also given five days
To vacate our home after 7 years. We put most of our belongings in storage and moved
Our three children into a two bedroom apartment for $1100 a month.
-May 20th 08 Wells Fargo Mortgage is still not paid off and is still in my name.
Joel Fortune of Chartwell Investments is refurbishing the house, and Wells Fargo says that I should not have left the house because they are the first lien holder to the property.
--May 27th 08 Now relocated around the corner to a 2 bedroom apartment with 5 family
Members. I love the American Dream.
--June 5 Negotiated with Joel Fortune to help pay the payment and get the mortgage
Current. He paid this month’s mortgage.
--July 1 Wells Fargo paid by Joel Fortune
--August 1 Wells fargo paid by Joel Fortune.
--August 15th Loan paid in Full. Shows Paid in full.
--September 20 08 Living in a 2 bedroom apartment with wife and three kids, no home,
Filed chapter 13 bankruptcy to stop Trifecta from garnishing our wages. Bank accounts
Already frozen.
James and Indy Wright
757 2516246
757 4629347
757 3208914
757 3208918
Posted by: James Wright | Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 11:28 PM
With two mortgages, the late payments and foreclosure of the first house will not drag down the homeowners' credit scores as much as if they owned only one home. This can offset some of the devastating effects of foreclosure and allow foreclosure victims to obtain new credit in a much shorter time than if their only home was foreclosed.
Posted by: Andrew | Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Purchasing a new home to bail out on a mortgage that will soon be too expensive can often provide homeowners with additional benefits in terms of their credit, as well. With two mortgages, the late payments and foreclosure of the first house will not drag down the homeowners' credit scores as much as if they owned only one home. This can offset some of the devastating effects of foreclosure and allow foreclosure victims to obtain new credit in a much shorter time than if their only home was foreclosed. If homeowners understand the moral and financial consequences of such an action, this method of avoiding becoming a former homeowner can give families a great head start on the road to financial recovery despite a very recent foreclosure.
http://www.thejohnbeck.tv
Posted by: John | Thursday, December 06, 2007 at 07:57 AM
Dear Governor To Be:
I am writing to get your opinion on the states stance of no video poker or slot facilities. Does Colonial Downs deserve a chance to be competitive with other horse racing facilities across the nation as they move to include gaming in their day to day business operations.
Also, if Colonial Downs is able to obtain a gaming license and permission to house gaming devices, would there be consideration for the Off Track Betting (OTB's) facilities to house video poker or slot facilities?
Thank you
Jason
Posted by: Jason Adzigian | Friday, September 07, 2007 at 08:45 PM
Thanks so much for your questions and time during this hour. It is a very effective way for me to communicate directly with citizens in my own words. Next month we will be on the Virginia blog "Good Sense" on September 24th at 5pm for another of our monthly blog events. Thanks Hugh and Kimball for having us today.
Posted by: Bob McDonnell | Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 10:34 AM
Question: General McDonnell -
Thank you for your leadership in toughening the laws on sexual predators and advocating online safety during this age of rapidly growing information technology. Just as during the last legislative session you had an agenda to make online communication safer for Virginians – and you were quite successful in achieving that agenda. Do you have additional plans for the upcoming legislative session to continue to keep our kids safe online?
Posted by: sonny | Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 09:17 AM
Answer: This session the General Assembly approved virtually all of my proposals for providing more tools to police and prosecutors for combating child pornography and sexual predators, as well as dramatically increasing prison sentences for these dangerous offenders. This year our focus is a statewide public education program for parents and children to alert them to common sense tips to keep safe online. We have been fortunate to raise several hundred thousand dollars in private money for this effort, and attract numerous partners from the high-tech, education, and law enforcement community to help get this message out. Next month is Internet Safety Month. As kids go back to school we will be unveiling several innovative programs to raise awareness about this critical public safety issue. Parents and teachers are undeniably the key to educating children about Internet risks. Stay tuned for annoucements on this next week. Also, we are currently developing proposals for next session on online scams and other criminal acts against children.
Posted by: Bob McDonnell | Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 10:32 AM
There is a ban on smoking in check-out lines in Virginia. I don't see the reasoning behind that. Especially when the person behind the counter can light up. If one can be allowed to do it then the other, or it should be cut out for both. This should not be one or the other.. I am not against tobacco use.. I use to smoke myself. I just feel it is not right to say the person in front of the counter is not allowed to smoke when the person behind the counter can.. Seems the law needs to be revised
Posted by: Gracie | Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 10:27 AM
Question: Dear General,
Again, thank you for taking time to reach out to the Blogosphere. In response to the prior comments on gun control, in addition to representing the Commonwealth and Universities on these matters, I know there have been a number of commissions set up. I was wondering whether the General Assembly, to your knowledge, might consider legislation to allow students to obtain permits to have guns on campus. I ask because in 2002, I remember reading reports that at the Appalachian School of Law in Grundy, VA a shooter there was stopped when a couple of law students retrieved their guns from their vehicles and then confronted the shooter. Either way, Virginia Tech was a tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families.
On a separate note, congratulations on your successful Legal Food Frenzy and recent award of the Attorney General's Cup to the winner in Norfolk. I believe this really shows your compassionate side and an effort that all politicians can agree on as a positive step to help local area residents through Food Bank contributions.
Posted by: Neil Miller | Monday, August 27, 2007 at 10:33 PM
Answer: The VT shooting was a tragedy of historic proportions. I have spent a great deal of time with my client to assist them in their recovery. The students have been remarkable. We are waiting for this week's release of the Governor's commission report on the shooting to determine what policy proposals will be appropriate for next session. There are many mental health and campus security and record privacy issues that must be addressed. Ultimately the General Assembly will determine whether any additional changes in firearms laws are needed to better protect faculty and students.
As to your second comment on the Food Bank event, I give credit to Virginia's legal community for raising nearly 700,000 pounds of food for Virginia's needy in only two weeks. I was pleased to be the Chairman of the Legal Food Frenzy and award the "Attorney General's Cup" to the top firm in the competition, McGuireWoods of Norfolk. I believe we all have a moral and community obligation as private citizens to care for those in need. The Food Banks and other charities are far more effective than government programs. I hope next years Legal Food Frenzy will be even more successful, our goal is to raise 1 million pounds of food.
Posted by: Bob McDonnell | Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 10:23 AM
Question: Mr. McDonnell:
We'd like to interrupt this string of good policy questions with a political query, if we may.
There is continued speculation that Virginia is neither solidly Republican nor Democrat, but more of a "purple" state -- thanks in part to changing demographics in the northern Virginia suburbs.
What are your thoughts on that? And what do these changing demographics mean to the Republican Party going forward in the 2007 elections and beyond?
Posted by: Hugh Lessig | Monday, August 27, 2007 at 10:17 PM
Answer: Having grown up in Fairfax County, and lived for the last 21 years in Virginia Beach, I agree that there are some changes that Virginia's incredible growth and prosperity have brought. Most elections are controlled by independents. In recent elections a majority of independents have voted Democrat, but I don't see that as a long term shift. Remember that the Democrat's controlled the Virginia General Assembly for 130 years and its only been the last 8 that Republicans have had a majority. I strongly believe that the Republican record of accomplishment on property rights, transportation, gangs and sexual predators, welfare reform, parole abolition etc etc. is exactly the kind of results Virginians want. I also think that the Republican platform for this election cycle of reducing government spending, combating criminal illegal aliens, improving accountability in schools and promoting Internet Safety will attract independent voters to our cause. Ultimately most elections are local, and we have good candidates who are concerned about solving problems people encounter at their front doors. I will work hard to make sure that the Party that laid the foundations's for Virginia's ranking as the most business friendly and best governed state in the country, will continue to be in the majority.
Posted by: Bob McDonnell | Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 10:17 AM
What should lawmakers do about payday loans? Impose a 36 percent cap? Leave things alone? Do you see any role for yourself as a broker on this tough issue -- considering people look to your office on matters of consumer protection?
Posted by: Hugh Lessig | Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 10:11 AM