Excepts from Kathy's Mail

 

What a lovely evening. Your words honored the school and the children more than a trophy ever could.

I regret that several of the children could not attend (though they had planned to), but the attending parents have been sending their praise of your presentation all evening.

With all that you battle, and of bigger measure, I find it most wonderful that you constantly smell the roses, and smile. Tonight, those small bodies with amazing minds will always remember the big chamber and the warm regard, and will stand 3" taller because of it. Somebody noticed. Somebody cared. And, it makes a difference. But this you know already. That's why you do it.

In closing, the young Gates recipient who shared her small request...she's right. Give a child paper and a box of crayons and the future is theirs to invent. All things are possible and there is no wrong way when you hold a crayon in your hand.

You remain my hero.

* * * *

Hooray! Finally all done! And it only took 18 months.

"Thank you to David Hathcock and Kathy Graziano for listening to my pleas and stepping in to get it done. I was about to give up."

* * * * *

"I don't know who did it or when it happened, but I saw it today-the hole in front of the firehouse is now covered, filled, and straw has been put down. Thank you for ringing the bell of whoever completed that. Everyone's involvement is much appreciated."

* * * * *

"I am writing to thank you and your office for all the help your staff offered me in appealing my tax assessment. My first appeal was declined, and so I resubmitted for a Board of Review appeal, and this time included color copies with photographs and comparable properties (mine was inequitably assessed as compared to my neighbors)... Long story short, they finally granted me a Board of Review appeal date, and then Parker Norman from the Assessor's office called me, asked me a few questions (that were all clearly answered in full detail in BOTH of my appeals), and then agreed to a lower assessment of $160,000. When I said the lower assessment was still not low enough, in regards to the condition of my house (everything is all-original 1951, nothing has been updated), he agreed to discount it another 15%, which matched my request of $135,000. (My tax assessment was $180,000 before this appeal. I bought the house for $120,000 in 2002.) I agreed to this amount, signed the paperwork, received copies of everything and a note that I would should expect my refund check shortly.

I know a lot of my neighbors settled for the first 'lowered' amount offered, but I've proven that hard work and persistence pays off in regards to tax appeals. Thank you so much for your help, I'll be contributing to your campaign and have already told all of my neighbors and other folks in the community what a great job I think your office is doing. If I can put a sign in my yard for you this year, I'd be happy to help. Do you have one that says, 'Kathy Graziano helped me lower my real estate taxes and saved me hundreds of dollars' ?? :)"

* * * * *

"I want to thank you [David] and Kathy for stepping up to the plate on this challenge. Keep us posted on the progress."

* * * * *

"Thank you so much for your quick response. I just got a call from the city and the repair is scheduled for next week.
 
I can not tell you how much I appreciate your efforts on my behalf and on the behalf of all the residents in our district."

* * * * *

"Kathy, this is to thank you for clearing the way for me to get a commissary inspection. I'm sure you recall that I faced a catch-22 situation with city Health and needed some help. You apparently asked Health to agree to inspect us even though we fall under the authority of State Agriculture.
 
Mr. Parham from health agreed to accept and review my paperwork, and indicated that the preliminary review appeared to be satisfactory, and stated that an inspector would contact us. This happened as promised and we expect to be inspected on Friday.
 
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your clearing the way through what appeared to be a bureaucratic logjam. Thank you!
 
PS I hope we will see you at the Brunswick Stew Festival on Saturday where we will be a competitor................and I got your newsletter. Nice job."

* * * * *

"Thank you both for leading the effort to protect the James River Park with a conservation easement. The vote Monday night was wonderful!"

* * * * *

"Many thanks for all your hard work to relieve the Visual Arts Center from paying taxes. As a non-profit (and for many years!) there should be no need for this and I commend you for making a successful appeal and benefiting the Center. We all appreciate your good efforts!"

* * * * *

"I want to thank you for forwarding my request last May to Mike West for repairs to sidewalk on side and in front of my home on Riverside Dr.

Work was started on June 14th - taking out all of the old sidewalk. On July 18th new walk was poured on Riverside Dr. - July 26th tree was removed on Prince Arthur, and new walk poured on Aug. 2nd.

It took a while for the project to be completed, but I am very pleased with the results, and want to thank you again for your influence."

* * * * *

"Great news - our Alcoa Foundation approved the $20,000 grant request for Positive Vibe! We'll be having a check hand-over ceremony sometime in the next few weeks. I'll keep you posted. Again, it was your article that took me there in the first place.

Thanks again."

* * * * *

"On behalf of the Sports Backers, we want to thank both you and Kathy for your work in support of the groups that form the consortium. We all believe that our work/mission is critically important to the future of Richmond.

Please feel free to contact us at 285-9495 if you have questions about the Sports Backers in particular.

If not, then we will look forward to seeing you hopefully at the James River Adventure Games on July 2-3. The best athletes in the world will be riding their mountain bikes through Forest Hill Park!"

* * * * *

"Whew! I've been reading about all that is going on with the passing of the city budget, and I am most pleased with the leadership you and your colleagues are demonstrating. Thank you for looking out for the future of our wonderful city. I'm sure it has not been pleasant, but please trust that you have a great deal of community support. 
In addition to your steadfast commitment to the protecting the City's future, we thank you for all you've done to help make the Grand Opening for the Positive Vibe Cafe a community success. We are heading down the home stretch with a week and a half to go and we are very excited."

* * * * *

"Thank you for supporting the VAPAF extension last night and for the "dogs on a leash in FH park. For what it's worth, you are doing a terrific job as District 4 Councilwoman. I know it must be exhausting but I appreciate your hard work."

* * * * *

"Kathy, thanks very much! This is exactly the information we needed.

Also, thank you to for your leadership in resolving the Snake Hill Development issue. I'm very pleased with the outcome and am hearing the same from others.

Is everybody telling you that having you in office is the difference between night and day?! I hope so. (It is.)"

* * * * *

"Thank you for stepping up to the plate to get things right with Mark Putney on the dual access issue. The neighbors appreciate your efforts on their behalf. We are all glad to have this behind us at long last."

* * * * *

"I'm writing to thank you for your consistent support of the Virginia Performing Arts Foundation. Me, my friends, and colleagues in your district appreciate this kind of vision and leadership. And, incidentally, we admire your poise and class during counsel sessions and meetings. Keep up the great work - you are an asset to our district and our city!"

* * * * *

"THANK YOU AGAIN FOR TAKING THE TIME TO FOLLOW-UP ON MY QUESTION. EVEN IF IT WASN'T THE ANSWER I WAS HOPING FOR.

IF EVER I CAN RETURN THE FAVOR, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL ON ME.

I AM A RETIRED NYC SPECIAL EDUCATION, HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR. I HAVE 23 YEARS IN THE PROFESSION AND A RESUME TO MATCH."