Email from Senator Tammy Mulchi Constitution Day Constitution Day   Greetings, This week, we will celebrate Constitution Day, a day commemorating the signing of our Constitution by delegates at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. Although the Constitution was signed on this day, it was not immediately ratified by all the states. Virginia waited until 1788, the following year, to ratify it; this holiday commemorates the signing of the supreme law of the land. Over the next two weeks, I will discuss the Constitution and its first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights. It is important that, as a people, we know what the Constitution says and how it has been interpreted over the years. Before we go into that, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the death of Charlie Kirk. I want to talk about this in depth later, but for now, I just want to say I don’t believe his death was an assassination or a murder, but I believe Charlie Kirk was martyred. By that, I mean he was not willing to deny his faith in Jesus Christ – ever! I am still processing what happened on September 10th and since. When I feel the time is right, I want to share my thoughts.   Let’s turn back to the story of our Constitution. As many of you know, we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, the day we declared independence from monarchical rule and became the largest republic the world had seen since Rome. We became a government of the people, based on the truth “that they are endowed by God with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Despite what some may think, including Senator Tim Kaine, government does not give us our rights; we are endowed with them by God, and they cannot be taken away. What many people don’t realize is that the Constitution we have today is not the one we started with. During and after the War of Independence, our nation was governed by the Articles of Confederation, which soon proved too weak. To ensure the Republic’s success, James Madison and others drafted a new Constitution, which was later defended and explained to the public through the Federalist Papers, written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. The first article, and the longest, establishes Congress, divided into two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. While the first six sections cover a variety of rules that govern Congress, the most important parts are found in Section 8, which enumerates the powers of Congress. Section 8 describes exactly which laws Congress is permitted to make. Some examples include: the power to borrow money, to establish post offices and post roads, and to declare war. While these powers are important, two clauses are invoked far more often to justify federal laws: “To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes”; and “To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers.” These are known as the Commerce Clause and the Necessary and Proper Clause. They are used to justify a wide range of laws and are the two most frequently cited in court cases because of their broad interpretation. Article II establishes the executive branch. This article is shorter because the Framers did not want to give the executive too much power. Article II names the President as Commander in Chief of the military, allows him to make treaties with the consent of the Senate, appoint cabinet members and federal judges with Senate approval, deliver the State of the Union, convene Congress under certain circumstances, receive ambassadors, and, finally, “take care that the laws be faithfully executed.” While the Constitution does not explicitly mention executive orders, presidents have used this authority to direct the executive branch in carrying out congressional law. In recent years, however, both parties have used executive orders more broadly to bypass Congress. The good news is that executive orders are temporary and can be rescinded by succeeding presidents or overturned by Congress or the courts. Article III describes the judicial branch. It is the shortest article by design, as the Framers wanted to allow the courts to establish their own procedures. Importantly, however, it granted the Supreme Court the authority to hear cases involving the Constitution, federal law, and other matters under its jurisdiction. While the Constitution itself did not explicitly grant the power of judicial review, the landmark case Marbury v. Madison (1803) established that precedent. Judicial review allows the courts to determine whether laws are constitutional. Without it, many of the most famous court decisions in our history would not have been possible. Finally, I want to close with this: when Benjamin Franklin was asked outside Independence Hall, after days of debate over the Constitution, what kind of government we had been given, he replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” Those words echo in today’s political climate. Let us remember that civil discourse and disagreement are part of our Republic. While we may vehemently disagree on principles and the direction of the nation, that does not make our opponents threats to democracy or villains. We must treat one another with respect and dignity, even in disagreement. My staff and I are always here to assist you with any issues or concerns. Please don't hesitate to reach out if we can be of service. You can reach us at 434.374.5129 or by email at [email protected]   I want to remind all voters in Senate District 9 that voting begins tomorrow! It’s important that we elect our Republican ticket: Governor, Winsome Earl Sears for Lt. Governor, John Reid, and Jason Miyares for Attorney General, along with our Republican Delegates. Charlie Kirk worked tirelessly to get out the vote for President Trump. Let's honor his legacy and do the same for our ticket in Virginia; vote early so you can volunteer on election day or bring 10 friends to the polls or phone bank or knock doors. Help Honor his legacy and bring out as many people to this year's election as possible! Every vote matters. Let’s lead the rest of Virginia and show that Southside proudly supports our Republican ticket and that we are not tired of winning! Virginia Department of Elections   Mecklenburg County’s IT Department is growing! They are seeking an IT Security Training Specialist to help strengthen the County’s cybersecurity posture and protect the technology that keeps our community running. Mecklenburg County, VA Salary Range: $60,781 – $66,859 + extensive benefits As the IT Security Training Specialist, you’ll lead cybersecurity initiatives across departments — from implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and enforcing IT usage policies to driving CJIS audit readiness and employee security awareness training. Backed by strong County investment and partnerships with top vendors, you’ll have the resources and support needed to succeed. Why Join? • Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) • 100% County-paid individual health insurance (85% family coverage) • Generous leave and paid holidays • Professional dues and memberships covered • Be part of a mission-driven team that protects critical public services First review of applications begins soon — apply today! Download Application Here Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Virginia as First State in the Nation to Launch USDA Farm Recovery Block Grant Program Beginning Monday, Sept. 22, farmers and timber landowners, in designated localities, can apply for the Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant to receive direct financial assistance to aid in Hurricane Helene recovery. Not sure how to complete the online application? Register below for the virtual public training through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m. Learn More Here Virtual Training Registration APPOINTMENT TO FILL VACANCY FOR CHARLOTTE COUNTY TREASURER Due to Treasurer Patricia Berkeley’s recent announcement that she will retire from her elected position as Charlotte County Treasurer on September 30th, 2025, the Charlotte County Circuit Court will make an interim appointment for the position until the vacancy is filled at a special election, in accordance with Virginia Code § 24.2-228.1.F. The Court has requested the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors assist in this process by providing recommendations. Therefore, the Board invites qualified persons for the position of Treasurer to submit a written statement of interest with a resume in accordance with the process provided below More Information Here Together, we can make Southside a safer, stronger community. The YMCA is hosting a free Lock & Talk VA presentation — an evening of training on suicide prevention and safe storage of firearms and medications. Clarksville Mecklenburg YMCA September 24 | 6:00–7:30 PM Join your neighbors, learn practical skills, and be part of the solution. Register Here DONATE Email Us P.O. Box 145, Clarksville, VA 23927 (434) 374 5129 Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Senator Tammy Mulchi | P.O. Box 145 | Clarksville, VA 23927 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice