OFF TO THE RACES: As usual, Brentsville shined at the district cross country meet. Sports, Page 9
October 31, 2018 | Vol. 17, No. 44 | www.PrinceWilliamTimes.com | 50¢ Covering Prince William County and surrounding communities, including Gainesville, Haymarket, Dumfries, Occoquan, Quantico and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
Fast
SENATE
5
10TH DISTRICT
11TH DISTRICT
Sen. Tim Kaine (D)
Corey Stewart (R)
Vangie Williams (D)
Rep. Rob Wittman (R)
Jennifer Wexton (D)
Rep. Barbara Comstock (R)
No
Yes*
No
No
No
No Response
Do you agree with the Trump Administration’s zero-tolerance policy on border crossers that has led to family separations? On the Affordable Care Act, would you: fix it, repeal and replace it, or just repeal it?
1ST DISTRICT
Fix
Repeal and Fix Replace
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D)
No
Repeal and Fix No Response Fix Replace
Jeff Dove (R)
No
Repeal and Replace
Are more laws needed to prevent gun violence?
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No Response
Yes
Yes
Is it possible to combat climate change with new legislation?
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No Response
Yes
No
Where do you stand on abortion rights?
Pro-abortion Anti- Pro-abortion Anti- Pro-abortion No Response Pro-abortion rights abortion rights abortion rights rights
Anti- abortion
No response: Rep. Barbara Comstock did not respond to inquiry. Positions were not clearly expressed on campaign website: www.barbaracomstockforcongress.com *Stewart supports Trump’s immigration policies but does not support separating families.
Where they stand: Candidates split on health care, abortion; but oppose separating migrant families By Jill Palermo
Times Staff Writer
Virginia’s two candidates for U.S. Senate and the six candidates vying to represent parts of Prince William County in the House of Representatives appear most deeply divided about the Affordable Care Act and whether women should retain the right to have an abortion.
But despite their disagreements, all say migrant families should not be separated at the border, and most see possible legislative fixes for climate change and gun violence – even if they disagree on which policies will help. In an effort to break through partisan stereotypes, the Prince William Times sent five-question surveys to all four incumbents and their
challengers on the ballot in the upcoming Nov. 6 midterm election in hopes of revealing both differences and areas of agreement. We received responses from all but one: Rep. Barbara Comstock, the Republican incumbent in the 10th District race.
What about health care?
National polls suggest health care
is top-of-mind for voters, and the candidates are divided along party lines about what to do about the Affordable Care Act, parts of which were scaled back by the federal tax-reform law approved last year. There’s no longer a tax penalty for not having health-care insurance, sometimes called the “individual See FAST 5, page 3
Prosecutors, relatives disappointed with jury’s verdict Jury recommends 7 life terms, 93 years for double homicide
who responded to his wife’s 911 call for help. But the jury also spared Hamilton, 34, of the death penalty on two capital murder charges – an outcome both Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Ebert and the victims’ mothers said was disappointing. A judge will formally sentence Hamilton at a hearing set for March 7. “We are disappointed,” Ebert said in an interview after Hamilton’s two-and-a-half-month trial ended Oct. 25. “All over the country, people are shooting police officers, and the one way to deter that is to have the death penalty available to keep people from doing such a thing.”
By Jill Palermo
Times Staff Writer
A Prince William County jury Thursday recommended Ronald Williams Hamilton serve seven life terms plus 93 years in prison for the 2016 shootings that killed his wife, Crystal Hamilton, and rookie Prince William police officer Ashley Guindon while seriously injuring two other police officers
Crystal Hamilton, Ashley Guindon
INSIDE Classified............................................17 Calendar.............................................14 Libraries.............................................13 News ...................................................2
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Opinion ................................................8 Obituaries ..........................................16 Puzzle Page .......................................11 Real Estate .........................................15 Sports ..................................................9
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Prince William Times | www.princewilliamtimes.com | October 31, 2018
Prosecutors, relatives disappointed with jury’s verdict HAMILTON, from page 1 “Under these circumstances, we felt it justified the death penalty,” Ebert added. “Half the people agreed with us and half didn’t.” Ebert, now in his 50th year as Prince William County’s top prosecutor, was referring to one of two capital murder charges that split the 12-member jury in half. The group, composed of 10 women and two men, was united in its decision to sentence Hamilton to life in prison without the possibility of parole in connection with the murder of Guindon, 28, one of three police officers Hamilton gunned down with his AK-47 during the early evening hours of Feb. 27, 2016. On that charge, the jury decided unanimously the prosecution failed to prove the “aggravating factors” necessary to warrant the ultimate punishment: either the vileness of the crime or that Hamilton presents a continuing threat to society. On the second capital murder charge, which accused Hamilton of killing two people in a three-year period, six of the 12 jurors decided Hamilton deserved the death penalty, while six recommended life in prison. Judge Steven S. Smith denied a request from Ebert and his fellow prosecutors to issue an “Allen charge,” ordering the jury back into deliberations to see if they might reach a unanimous verdict. Smith said the move was not appropriate in the case. He declared the jury deadlocked, taking the death penalty off the table.
Mother: ‘I wanted justice for Ashley’
Both Sharon Guindon, Ashley Guindon’s mother, and Cherry Murphy, Crystal Hamilton’s mother, said they were surprised and hurt by the jury’s verdict. In an interview with NBC-4 journalist Julie Carey, Sharon Guindon said, “The jury got it wrong.” “It’s horrendous. It goes very deep. I wanted justice for Ashley,” Sharon Guindon said. “We wanted to send a message on the death penalty. If you kill a police officer, you are going to get death.” Murphy said she felt “hurt” by the jury’s decision. She left the courtroom in tears.
“I was see- has successfully pursued the death stood the “devastating” loss to vicing all the pic- penalty “14 or 15 times.” Asked if he tims’ families. “It’s a horrible thing to lose sometures of my baby would seek re-election in 2019, Ebert laying on the said he had not yet made a decision. one who is young and has promise,” The jurors declined to comment he said. “We understand the natural floor. I feel like I lost it all over on their verdict, according to their challenge of that.” Still, he said the verdict is an indiagain,” Murphy foreman. cation of a waning acceptance of the said. “He gets to Attorney: Grateful the jury ‘saw death penalty. “This verdict is fully Ronald Williams walk free. Well, the humanity’ in Hamilton consistent with that trend,” he said. not free, but he’s Hamilton On Sept. 26, the jury declared alive,” she added Hamilton guilty of 17 felony charges Hamilton’s father: Verdict of Ronald Hamil- related to the fatal shootings as well a ‘tremendous relief’ ton, her former son-in-law. “I’ll nev- as the attempted murders of Prince Ronald Hamilton’s father, Ronald er been the same again.” William police officers Jesse Hemp- Whaley Hamilton, a retired major Sharon Guindon said she suspect- en and David McKeown, who suf- with the Charleston, South Carolied some of the jurors were thinking fered serious wounds in the incident na, police department, commented of Hamilton’s 13-year-old son when but survived. on behalf of Ronald Hamilton’s relthey decided against execution. Hempen was shot in the leg but atives, several of whom attended the “I think that was for Tyriq,” she has returned to duty as a patrol offi- sentencing hearing. said. “If it’s for the sake of that young cer. McKeown was shot in the chest, “It’s a tremendous relief,” the elder boy, I can live with that.” arm and groin. He has returned to Hamilton said of the verdict. “This Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s desk duty, but his inju- has been about a three-year process. Attorney Rick Conries have so far not al- We have always been crying for mer“I don’t think way said he came to lowed him to work as a cy. In this case, we felt the death penthe same conclusion: patrol officer. Prosecu- alty was not warranted.” you’re going that some of jurors “felt The elder Hamilton testified tors told the jury McKto see a case like if they voted for eown likely would not during the trial about the fraught the death penalty, they where somebody be alive if it weren’t for relationship he had with his son, would truly be making murders one “the miracles of mod- who was the product, along with a an orphan of his son.” younger daughter, of a long-term exern medicine.” of our police Conway noted that In his closing argu- tramarital affair. officers where ment Tuesday, HamilHamilton, an active-duThe elder Hamilton was in touch ty Army staff sergeant we don’t go to a ton’s defense attorney with the children when they were little at the time of the shoot- jury, seeking the Edward Ungvarsky but then went for years without being ings, was a rare capispoke to jurors two in contact. The elder Hamilton told death penalty.” hours, making aforsometal-murder defendant. jurors he re-connected with his son – RICK CONWAY times emotional plea when the younger Hamilton was sta“It’s very rare that Chief Deputy that they show mercy tioned in Iraq. He said he regretted not you have a capital murCommonwealth’s and spare his client’s life. having a larger role in his son’s life but derer who has been in Attorney At one point, Ung- was also grateful that “Ronnie” forthe military as long as varsky asked the jurors gave him and welcomed him back into Mr. Hamilton has been in the military, had deployed twice to imagine how they would feel if a his life when he was a young adult. After the verdict, the elder Hamto Iraq and had apparently served neighbor asked them to defend a dewell in Iraq and was working in the cision to put Hamilton to death. Un- ilton said his son is “remorseful” Pentagon at the time,” Conway said. gvarsky suggested that at that mo- about the shooting. “We are pleased that the jury did “It’s very rare that you have some- ment, the juror might find himself or not issue a death sentence. We thank herself questioning the decision. body with that kind of background “There is no going back. You God for his mercy. We thank the charged [with capital murder].” Conway also conceded the deci- need to get it right now, today,” Un- jury for its verdict,” Ronald Whaley Hamilton said. sion might reflect a change in public gvarsky said. “We as a family continue to pray After the verdict, Ungvarsky said opinion about the death penalty. Still, he added: “I don’t think he appreciates the jury’s hard work for all the family members of the you’re going to see a case where and is “grateful they saw the human- victims and those who were affected by this incident, and we also pray for somebody murders one of our police ity in Ronald Hamilton.” the Prince William community.” A career public defender who diofficers where we don’t go to a jury, Amanda Heincer contributed to rected the Northern Virginia Capital seeking the death penalty.” this report. Reach Jill Palermo at Defender Office in Arlington until “I can tell you as long as I’m in jpalermo@fauquier.com Feb. 1, Ungvarsky said he underoffice, that’s not going to happen,” Ebert agreed. Chairman Emeritus Associate Editor In his 50-year career, Ebert said he John Toler, 540-351-0487 George R. Thompson
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NEWS / FROM PAGE 1
Prince William Times | www.princewilliamtimes.com | October 31, 2018
3
Comstock, Wexton discuss immigration, ‘Islamophobia’ at forum GOP incumbent faced unruly crowd at mosque event
State Sen. Jennifer Wexton, D-33rd, speaks to a crowd of about 300 during a candidate forum at ADAMS mosque in Sterling on Friday, Oct. 27. Rep. Barbara Comstock, the Republican incumbent in the 10th District, also spoke at the event.
By James Ivancic Times Staff Writer
Rep. Barbara Comstock sees herself as a problem-solver, able to get things done in Congress. State Sen. Jennifer Wexton, her Democratic challenger, said Comstock is part of a group of lawmakers who are unwilling or unable to tackle tough problems. Comstock, the Republican incumbent, and Wexton are on the Nov. 6 ballot to represent the 10th Congressional District, which includes part of Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. The candidates spoke during separate appearances Friday night before an audience of more than 300 during a forum at the All Dulles Area Muslim Society mosque in Sterling. “Nobody wants to roll of up their sleeves to find a solution” to the health care insurance problem, Wexton said. “When I’m elected to Congress that’s what I’ll do.” Comstock faced shouts of “answer the question” from audience members unhappy with an indirect response. At one point, a man who stood up to shout at the candidate was escorted away by security. Tempers were cool and there were no such outbursts during Wexton’s turn to field questions from a panel.
TIMES STAFF PHOTO/ JAMES IVANCIC
After the Q & A, many members of the audience sought to pose for photos with her. Wexton is a former prosecutor and current state senator representing the 33rd District, which includes parts of Loudoun and Fairfax counties. Comstock is seeking a third twoyear term in the House of Representatives. Both candidates faced a mix of questions on national and international issues. “We are all concerned about the human crisis on the border,” Comstock said. “I am pro-immigration and pro-immigration reform. This is a bipartisan concern.” Wexton said the Trump administration has “weaponized” the immigration issue for political gain. “The frightening thing is [Trump]
is trying to shut down not only illegal immigration but legal immigration” through restrictions, Wexton said. “We’ve had opportunities to fix it. You shouldn’t have to wait six years to get a green card or even longer to bring families here.” Both candidates faced questions regarding U.S. policy in the Middle East and specifically regarding the Palestinians. Wexton decried the cut in aid to the Palestinians by the Trump administration. “I will work to restore that aid and make sure our relationships are strong. We need to balance security with human rights,” Wexton said. “We need to restore our place in the world as a neutral arbiter.” Asked about the presence of “Islamophobia” in the U.S., Wexton
said, “The problem is only growing under President Trump.” The House of Representatives passed a resolution introduced by Comstock that calls for swift investigation and prosecution of those perpetrating crimes and threats against religious, racial and ethnic minorities. And to improve the reporting of such crimes and efforts to deter them. Similar legislation passed the U.S. Senate. “When you have a diverse community, you have to be able to sit down and work with people who may not even like you,” something which she has done, Comstock said. Wexton said she thought the president’s response to the intended bombs mailed to critics of Trump’s was “inadequate. The president should be trying to unite our country.” Bombs concealed in packages were sent last week to former President Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other high-profile critics of Trump. They were intercepted before reaching the intended recipients. Comstock applauded the work of investigators that resulted in the arrest Friday of a Florida man now charged with mailing 14 bombs. A TargetPoint poll released this week shows the Comstock-Wexton race in a tie, a Washington Post poll has Wexton with a 13- point advantage, while a New York Times poll has Wexton up by 7 points. Reach James Ivancic at jivancic@fauquier.com
Candidates split on health care, abortion; but oppose separating migrant families FAST 5, from page 1 mandate,” and federal subsidies to insurance companies have been scaled back since the law first took effect. Democratic candidates say the changes have amounted to undermining the health-care law. They are calling for the ACA to be restored and improved by adding a public option, such as Medicare, to the healthcare insurance exchange so people under the age of 65 can buy into the federal health-care insurance program as the elderly do. Sen. Tim Kaine, the Democratic incumbent, and Vangie Williams, a Democrat challenging incumbent Rep. Rob Wittman in the 1st District, both say they would favor such a change. “I … believe we should do more to expand access and improve quality, which is why I’ve proposed a plan called Medicare-X, which would allow all Virginians to have access to a plan similar to Medicare,” Kaine said.
Kaines’ Republican challenger, Prince William Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart, said he favors a return to a time when government played a smaller role in health care. “I strongly favor health savings accounts, as well as the restoration of short-term and low-cost ‘no-frills’ plans,” Stewart said. “We should allow insurance plans to be sold across state lines (more competition is healthy).” Rep. Rob Wittman, the five-term Republican incumbent in the 1st District who is defending his seat against Williams, voted against the Affordable Care Act more than 50 times in recent years. But he says he favors reforms that would preserve coverage for pre-existing conditions. Wittman voted in favor of the House replacement for the ACA in May 2017, which critics said would have made health insurance more expensive for those with pre-existing conditions. The measure failed
in the Senate. “I support a path forward for repealing and replacing the ACA with patient-provider centered reforms that expand choices for consumers, increase access to care and reduce healthcare costs, all while preserving coverage for folks with pre-existing conditions,” Wittman said. Jeff Dove, a Republican challenging Connolly in the 11th District race, said he advocates homing in on the aspects of health care that drive up costs. “I would personally like to see is a less bloated piece of legislation like the ACA was with lobbyists and special interests being served,” Dove said.
Immigration
On immigration, most candidates said they oppose the Trump Administration’s temporary move to separate migrant children from their parents as they were prosecuted for illegally crossing the border under the president’s “zero tolerance poli-
cy.” Most also described the nation’s immigration laws as “broken.” Kaine, who earlier this year backed a bill to provide $25 billion for border security and a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants without a criminal records, said he would continue to “fight for comprehensive immigration reform that secures our border and treats immigrants humanely and fairly.” Stewart’s campaign spokesman Nathan Brinkman, meanwhile, said Stewart supports the presidents’ zero-tolerance policy on border-crossers but also agrees with the administration’s move to stop separating families. “Nobody wants to see families divided,” Stewart said. “We must discourage illegal migration to begin with – that’s why I favor building a real border wall and enforcing our nation’s immigration laws.” Reach Jill Palermo at jpalermo@ fauquier.com
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