Letters to the Editor for Friday, October 9, 2009

Young voters weigh in on House race

For Valentine
Shannon Valentine is a pillar in the Lynchburg community. She has helped make college more affordable for students like me at Liberty University.

For example, she consistently votes to fund the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG), which provides much-needed financial aide for undergraduate students to put toward their tuition. She has also openly vocalized her intention to get VTAG for graduate students. With so many people struggling to pay for college these days, it’s comforting to know my friends and I at Liberty have a delegate in Richmond looking out for us.

Valentine is also responsible for the new commuter train from Lynchburg to the Northeast, which will make traveling easier and cheaper for students commuting back and forth to school. I am elated about having the option of taking Amtrak to get back home. The new train not only provides students with a transportation alternative during holidays and breaks, but also helps the environment by taking cars and cargo off the road. 

After sitting down and talking with Valentine, I realized quickly that she puts her faith into action and is a big supporter for many clubs on Liberty’s campus such as Invisible Children and Smile for Africa. She also consistently carries legislation in Richmond to address the genocide in Darfur.

I personally feel very fortunate to have a thoughtful delegate such as Shannon Valentine, whose stature and determination is worthy of serving another term in the Virginia House of Delegates.
ISRAEL JACKSON
Lynchburg

Valentine and trains
As a current college student in the city of Lynchburg, I am writing in support of the new rail service from Lynchburg to the Northeast corridor. The impact that the new train has on college students is phenomenal.

This availability of service to areas such as New York, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia will allow travel not only for business people, but also students. Students will be able to visit home more often, explore new cities and interview for jobs all along the East Coast.

This service also cuts down on environmental pollution. By riding the trains, the amount of traffic on the roads, noise pollution and emissions that normally would come from cars will be cut dramatically.

These are the reasons why my friends and I are voting for Del. Shannon Valentine. She was instrumental in leading the legislation that started the Lynchburg Amtrak service. Her diligence on this project made this possible for students like me to have a more affordable, environmentally friendly and quick passage throughout the East Coast.
RACHEL GIBSON
Lynchburg