In The Area...

Compiled by Broadside Interim News Editor Kevin Loker

County Hotels Offer Deals Based on Height

In a promotion designed to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the nation’s tallest president, Abraham Lincoln, select hotels in Fairfax County are offering prices to guests determined by the height of the shortest person in their party, including children.

President and CEO of Visit Fairfax Barry Biggar says the promotion was designed as an opportunity for families to experience “fantastic historical attractions, great dining and some of the best high-end shopping in the nation,” without spending a large amount on accommodations.

The “Shortest Rate Celebration” requires a two night minimum stay, and rooms must be booked at least 72 hours in advance.

Promotional pricing applies to Saturday stays only. Courtyard by Marriott Tysons Corner and Hyatt Fair Lakes are among the seventeen hotels participating in the “Shortest Rate Celebration,” which will continue through April 30.

Man Pleads in Attempted Murder Case

A businessman entered Alford pleas Tuesday in Fairfax County—not admitting guilt but acknowledging that prosecutors have enough evidence to convict him of going on a drunken shooting spree.

The spree took place after his involvement in a $3 million embezzlement scheme was unraveled last February.

Jeffrey S. Koger allegedly shot at a cab driver before driving to a police station where he shot two bystanders.

Koger, who says he has no memory of the events, faces up to life in prison in addition to more than five years for the thefts.

Fairfax Hires Former Freddie Mac Manager

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has appointed Dean Klein, former Community Relations Manager of Freddie Mac Foundation, as director of the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness.

While advocates of affordable housing have praised the appointment of Klein for his work at Freddie Mac in preventing homelessness, many have criticized Fairfax County officials for failing to progress the program to end homelessness that passed 11 months ago.

“Unfortunately, in the interim, the number of homeless in the County has increased due to the recession,” said Gerry Williams, chair of Communities of Faith United for Housing. According to Williams, the plan lost momentum since its approval last spring with the lack of leadership.

Klein will receive an annual salary of $125,000 and begins the position March 3.

Local Bus Services Consider Metro Routes

Officials from local government-run bus services D.C. Circulator and Fairfax Connector are considering taking over several Metro routes in an effort to provide the same service for less money.

Instead of providing such local service, Metro may be able to expand regional routes that cross between communities, according to a regional group assigned to find viable locations to trim Metro’s budget. City and county governments say the change would avoid the union labor costs of a larger transit system.

The Fairfax Connector has proposed to operate three Metro bus lines starting this summer. The D.C. Circulator has the possibility of operating two Metro bus routes this March.

Compiled from the Fairfax Times and Visit Fairfax, the Fairfax Connection and FairfaxCounty.gov; and The D.C. Examiner, The Washington Post and Associated Press