F.C. Gas Station Owner Pleads Guilty to IRS
In a statement released by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service last week, Falls Church gas station and used car dealer Pawan K. Saini pleaded guilty earlier this month to “structuring cash deposits for purposes of causing financial institutions to not file Currency Transaction Reports with the IRS.” Saini is the owner of the Gas King Auto Repair at 8134 Lee Highway and Dashmesh Automobiles, t/a Auto King. Between June 11 and June 28, 2004, Saini structured cash deposits totaling $30,018 into his companies bank account by illegally splitting up the deposits into smaller amounts in order to avoid a bank’s discovery of large cash transactions. The Bank Secrecy Act requires that banks report cash deposits or withdrawals of over $10,000 to the IRS. Saini faces a maximum term of five years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, full restitution and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on June 22 at the federal Eastern District court in Alexandria.
Reich Named F.C. City Employee of Year
Human Resources Generalist Beverly Reich was named Monday the City of Falls Church’s 2006 Employee of the Year by the City Council, confirming the selection by the City’s citizen-based Employee Review Board. A statement from the City read, “For the past 10 years, Reich has demonstrated her commitment to public service by serving the needs of all City employees. She educates employees about benefit programs, organizes employee recognition events, and does much more with a tireless enthusiasm.” Reich said, “I am deeply honored. I try to make sure every employee is well informed of the City’s policies and understands their benefit options.” A reception was held for Ms. Reich prior to the formal presentation of her award at Monday’s meeting.
Ebbin “Happy” With Gains for Equality in Va. Legislature
Virginia State Del. Adam Ebbin, who represents the 49th Assembly District that includes areas of Falls Church, wrote in a letter to constituents this week, “I am happy to report that the number of negative measures introduced (by the Republican majority in Richmond-ed.) targeting gay and lesbian Virginians is significantly less than in past sessions.” But he did assail the “more than 40 hostile measures aimed at immigrants” among many “mean-spirited bills that would demean Virginians.” A bill he introduced to end discrimination based on sexual orientation in state employment drew over 50 co-patrons, a sign of positive change, he said, although it failed to pass out of a House subcommittee. Another bill he introduced, ensuring that hospital patients can receive visits from anyone they choose, passed both houses unanimously. Ebbin said he was also pleased that the Senate Education and Health Committee defeated legislation that would have required local school boards to either give notice and an opportunity for parents and guardians to opt their children out of any school-sponsored club, or require express permission authorizing their children’s participation. “We are slowly making progress,” Ebbin wrote.
McLean’s Baise to Challenge Connolly
Republican Gart Baise of McLean announced last week that he will challenge incumbent Democrat Gerry Connolly, chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, in the Nov. 6 general election. Connolly is seeking a second four-year term. Baise, a lawyer, formally filed and issued a statement saying, “Democrats have had 12 years of uninterrupted rule in Fairfax County. During this time, we have seen nothing but increased taxes on our property, little improvement in our schools, and an increase in congestion which robs us of one of our most precious commodities – time.”
Ellmore Files to Run Vs. Moran in ‘08
“We’re getting an early start and focusing on fundraising,” a spokesman for Mark Ellmore, who has filed to run for the GOP nomination to oppose Rep. Jim Moran in 2008, reported this week. Ellmore issued a press release announcing he’d formally filed papers with the Federal Election Commission. So far, according to reports, one other Republican has also filed, Basil Mossaidis. Ellmore, is a vice president in the Virginia Commerce Bank’s mortgage lending department. A self-proclaimed conservative, he is a native of Alexandria and member of the McLean Bible Church.
Education Association On-Line Auction Underway
An on-line auction is underway in advance of the Falls Church Education Foundation’s annual fundraiser at www.auctionforourschools.com. Money raised from the auction will go to FCEF’s Endowment Fund which provides supplemental financial support for the Falls Church City Schools. The auction will continue to the April 27 FCEF dinner event.
