State legislators have returned to Richmond for a 60-day session of the General Assembly, with questions about funding for transportation, education and the state’s retirement system taking center stage as the session began earlier this month. The Henrico Citizen invited each delegate and state senator whose district encompasses a portion of Henrico to provide their thoughts about the 2012 session. The answers of those who responded appear below.

1. What is the most important issue facing the General Assembly this year? Why?

Farrell – This year the most important issue facing the General Assembly is clearly the budget. There will obviously be high demands from certain state programs for funding as federal funding is falling back. Managing such demands in a concise and responsible manner will be the most challenging and critical issue facing members of the General Assembly this year. > Read more.

Pediatric Dentistry@VCU, located on the MCV Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, will offer free services to children in need of dental care that do not have dental insurance on Give Kids a Smile Day. The event will take place Friday, Feb. 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Wood Memorial Building, 521 N. 11th St., Suite 315. Pediatric Dentistry@VCU and its Pediatric Dental Specialist will provide exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions and minor restorations for children ages 0-18 years old. Give Kids a Smile Day, created by the American Dental Association, is an annual focus of National Children’s Dental Health Month and is observed every year during the month of February. The program was designed to provide education, preventative and restorative oral healthcare for children. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 828-9095. Walk-ins are welcome but are not guaranteed to be seen. Appointments are strongly encouraged. > Read more.

The former Hill City Chop House restaurant at Virginia Center in Glen Allen has a new owner.

Plaza Azteca Short Pump Inc. purchased the 8,289-square-foot retail building at 10099 Brook Road from Chickahominy Group LLC for $1.5 million and has plans to open its third Henrico restaurant at the site.
> Read more.

Henrico Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating Jack Amos Lewis III, who is wanted on the charge of conspiracy to commit murder. The charge is in relation to the January 2009 murder of Tarik Cassells, which occurred in Henrico County. Police yesterday arrested and charged 23-year-old Laurie Brown of Varina and 26-year-old Davaughn Kidd of Richmond in connection with the incident. > Read more.

Henrico County Police have made two arrests in connection with several burglaries in Henrico's West End, with the possibility of more charges as their investigation continues.

Police this week arrested 25-year-old Benjamin O. Heslep, of the 5500 block of Cedar Croft Street, and 22-year-old Michele S. Rintoul, of the 7800 block of Shadowood Court; both suspects were charged with burglary, grand larceny, larceny with intent to sell and conspiracy in each of four separate incidents.

Police reported what they termed a dramatic increase in residential break-ins in December through Jan. 18 this year. Most occurred in the afternoon hours, when homeowners and neighbors were not present.
> Read more.