Letters to the Editor for Thursday, October 8, 2009

Writers size up 23rd District hopefuls

For Valentine
I am supporting Del. Shannon Valentine for re-election to the Virginia House of Delegates this November because she has served her last two terms with integrity, honesty and an intense desire to represent the people of Central Virginia. She is not an ego-driven politician but a person focused on the real issues affecting the citizens from her district.

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I am sorry that I do not feel that way about her opponent. At the Voters League Forum a few weeks ago, Scott Garrett spoke of the need for transparency in government and said that we could count on him.  As a member of City Council, he led the School Board appointment debacle not too long ago that resulted in a board member not being reappointed so that his choice would be. This was accomplished through manipulation and closed-door tactics. Interestingly, this same board member has since been reappointed and now serves as the board’s vice chairman. Need I say more?

We have enough of closed-door tactics, manipulation and “good ole boy” politicians in Richmond. For once, we have someone who wants to be there for the right reasons: to improve the lives of all Virginians. Join my husband, Bob, and me as we lend our support to Del. Valentine and, by all means, remember to vote Nov. 3.
SANDY KNODEL
Lynchburg

For Garrett
In light of the current state of our local, as well as national, economy, I thought I would check to see which of our District 23 House of Delegates candidates would do the most to get business moving again.

Based on her own responses to the Virginia FREE survey, Del. Shannon Valentine believes the best way to improve our economy in the district is to raise taxes. She supports raising the gas tax, the general sales tax and the tax on automotive service. Moreover, she is a believer in sending taxes to Richmond in order to stimulate the local economy, and she supports higher drivers’ license fees, as well as higher auto registration fees.

She sure does seem to be looking out for our best interests. I can’t understand how sending our money to Richmond is going to help the local economy grow and prosper!

Scott Garrett, on the other hand, believes the best way to help our local economy is to cut taxes. I guess he has this idea that local people can build the local economy better than the bureaucrats in Richmond can.

I agree with Garrett. That’s why I will vote for him Nov. 3.
WENDY JACOBS
Lynchburg

For Valentine
Del. Shannon Valentine just likes people. She doesn’t care if you are a Democrat, a Republican, an Independent or if you never vote.

If you go to her with a problem, she will try her best to help you out. She’s just the kind of person we need in Richmond to continue to represent us.

She deserves your vote; she has served all the people well. Please join with me in voting for Valentine on Nov. 3.
M.Y. DAWSON
Lynchburg