In The News

Watch Delegate Sal Iaquinto square off with Delegates Paula Miller and Tom Gear on Joel Rubin's On the Record, January 7, 2007. The Delegates discuss the upcoming General Assembly Session, the transportation question, and possible solutions for the Hampton Roads area. Click on the thumbnail to view.

Reach Hattie Brown Garrow at (757) 222-5116 or hattie.brown@ pilotonline.com.

VIRGINIA BEACH — Jasmine Phetteplace, 8, peered inside a parked ambulance for a few seconds before climbing inside with her younger brother. They immediately plopped down on a bench, avoiding the stretcher and the vehicle's other medical-related features.

"You wanna sit over here where we put the patients?" asked paramedic Joe Budy of the Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Medical Services.

Jasmine reluctantly said yes and sprawled onto the stretcher. She chatted with Budy and paramedic Chuck Singleton of Virginia Beach EMS, who showed her the stretcher could be adjusted so a person could sit up or lie down.

"Hey, I could sleep here," she said. "It's like my comfy chair at home."

On Saturday, hundreds of children like Jasmine were able to meet public safety officials as well as explore ambulances, fire trucks and police cars as part of Safe Kids Day. The event, held at the Green Run Homes Association, focused on providing information about child safety and wellness in a fun environment.

Jasmine said she's been afraid of ambulances since seeing a friend in one. After looking at an ambulance up close Saturday, she said it didn't seem so scary.

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PRINCESS ANNE -- School might be back in session, but there's still fun to be had Saturday at the first Safe Kids Day.

The community-centered initiative to promote child safety and health was the idea of Sal Iaquinto, 84th District delegate, and State Attorney General Bob McDonnell. The event will be held at the Green Run Homes Association, next to Green Run Elementary School.

"As elected officials, they have the opportunity to create legislation to keep our neighborhoods safe," said Ann Flandermeyer, the coordinator and Iaquinto's director of legislative affairs. "But they wanted to have a venue to get the messages of safety and health to the people, and specifically to the children."

The day will be both fun and educational. Features will include a firetruck and ambulance, a police K-9 unit, an inflatable moonwalk, fun carnival food, clowns, face painting, music and special appearances by McGruff the Crime Dog and Smokey Bear.

The day will also include exhibits by medical, disaster and youth-oriented organizations, such as Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, American Red Cross and Youth Crisis Network. So far, 24 organizations will be represented, Flandermeyer said.

"One of my focuses has been child legislation," Iaquinto said.

However, "passing legislation is just the first step," he added. "This is all about letting people get information. Sometimes, people don't know what programs are out there."

Parents are busy, said Iaquinto, a Hunt Club Forest resident who has two preschool-aged sons with his wife, Stephanie.

At times, it is hard to get a grasp on all of the free information available, he said. Though Iaquinto and McDonnell will speak, Iaquinto was quick to note, "It's very light on presentation."

Iaquinto and Flandermeyer have been pleased by the support during the planning.

"We started out thinking it would be a small, neighborhood event, but it's really taken on a life of its own," said Flandermeyer. "People are jumping at the chance to get involved with the event."

Pat Davidson, a health educator for the city's Public Health Department and coordinator of the Safe Kids Coalition of Hampton Roads, will present tips on child safety seats, sports safety and bike safety.

"Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death for children," she said.

Said Davidson: "All of us need safety reminders."

THE VETERAN DELEGATE from Henrico, face scrunched in a nasty scowl, rose to speak.

"Might the bill by the delegate from Virginia Beach interfere with that most sacred of American holidays – Mother's Day" barked Del. Jack Reid.

"Oh, no," promised Del. Sal Iaquinto, a novice striving to guide his first piece of legislation to passage on the House floor. The bill, designating the week preceding Mother's Day as Little League Baseball Challenger Week in Virginia, would do nothing of the sort.

"Shall the bill pass?" asked House Speaker Bill Howell.

A sea of red swept the vote tally board on the front wall of the House chamber. Iaquinto's bill died 46-51.

Moments later, amid laughter, lawmakers resurrected the bill and sent it on to the Senate on a 96-2 vote.

So passed another indoctrination ritual in the fledgling legislative career of Iaquinto, a 37-year-old lawyer from Virginia Beach and former legislative aide elected in November to replace his one-time boss, Attorney General Bob McDonnell...

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RICHMOND – Freshman state Del. Sal Iaquinto seemed to know everybody.

In the General Assembly building last week, back-slapping veteran lawmakers greeted him warmly. Seasoned lobbyists with bills to pitch streamed into his seventh-floor office. Reporters from Hampton Roads collared him for a quote...

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