Letters to the Editor for Tuesday, October 20, 2009

House race in the spotlight

For Garrett
The recent debates between Shannon Valentine and Scott Garrett have highlighted the state budget shortfalls, as well as the differences in the candidate’s political philosophies.

Del. Valentine explains her votes for taxes based upon the premise that she knows what the citizens want. Although she is very talented in humanistic and environmental issues, she is very weak in the basic Economics 101 issues: food, shelter and clothing. For example, she supported Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s program for $1 billion in new taxes and spending. She speaks in generalities about our current No. 1 issue: jobs. If Washington and Richmond implement the cap and trade energy bill in Virginia, it will destroy three or four jobs for every new job created. The bottom line is that we cannot finance the numerous social and environmental programs in Shannon’s agenda because we will remain in a recession.

On the other hand, Garrett will oppose new taxes across the board and promote growing small and large business opportunities throughout the state to provide new jobs and to increase the state revenues. He will promote building a comprehensive Energy Center in the Tidewater area for liquid natural gas, nuclear energy and limited offshore drilling similar to the facilities being built in San Diego and several South American ports. We desperately need to become self sufficient for our crude oil because the U.S. sends $700 billion plus per year to foreign suppliers.

We must acknowledge that the only viable carbon alternate is nuclear fuel and that we must accelerate both nuclear and clean fossil fuel power plants in order to provide the electricity to sustain our growing population. Garrett will promote converting the 18-wheeler vehicle class to natural gas per current discussions in Congress, which will provide savings larger than the cost of the cap and trade energy bill. We must concentrate on the recession first and foremost.

Garrett will support the local nuclear industries to grow their base employment for the Lynchburg area, rather than let it slip away. The bottom line is that we must provide tax incentives to support private businesses rather than destroying the private sector with government takeovers and supplemental, non-productive taxes. Please vote for Garrett as step one and help return Virginia to the best state in our country.
C.E. MAHANEY
Lynchburg

For Valentine
I write this letter in support of Del. Shannon Valentine for re-election as our representative to Richmond. She is a person whose judgment and integrity has been proven and in whom I can fully place my trust.

We cannot always anticipate the issues that the commonwealth will face in the future. However, I am fully confidant that whatever they are, she will study them thoroughly and vote thoughtfully. Her record shows that she is more than qualified to interpret and evaluate the many items that will come before her.

I also look for a representative who is both intelligent and sensitive to the needs of all constituents. Valentine has proven that she more than fulfills these requirements.

Please join me in securing her re-election as our leader and representatives.
STEVE SCHULZ
Lynchburg

Short of qualifications
What has Scott Garrett done that qualifies him to be our delegate? I haven’t heard him say a word about what he has accomplished. Maybe there is nothing to talk about. Maybe being negative is all he can do. I hate negative campaigns, and I don’t think I have ever seen one any worse. The mail I have gotten is just awful.

We all know what Shannon Valentine has done. She talks about what she has accomplished. She has stayed positive from the start. I am proud that she represents us in Richmond.

I would hate to see Garrett in Richmond. How would we know what he is saying is the truth or just something he has made up or half-truths he has spun to his benefit.

Shame on you, Scott Garrett. And way to go, Shannon Valentine.
ROSALIE and GEORGE SHORT
Lynchburg

For Valentine
As the election for delegate gets closer, the differences between the two candidates become more pronounced.

Notice the billboards around town and pictures in the paper. Shannon Valentine is pictured surrounded by family or engaged with constituents more consistently than Scott Garrett. The other week, I received literature in the mail from both candidates. The Valentine campaign sent out information highlighting her energy plan with five steps she has taken to implement her plan. By contrast, the Garrett campaign sent out a very negative piece.

The Valentine campaign has run a positive campaign based on her many accomplishments and ideas to continue to effectively represent Lynchburg and Madison Heights in Richmond. The Garrett campaign has not shared a list of accomplishments from his tenure on City Council but has elected to attack his challenger. The differences in the campaigns of the two candidates are yet another reason to vote for Shannon Valentine.
TRUDY K. SHAHADY
Lynchburg

For Valentine
On Nov. 3, I would encourage you to vote for Shannon Valentine for the delegate of the 23rd District in the General Assembly.

She is a proven leader who has excelled in many ways — a lady, solid in every aspect that a person could possess. She sacrifices her repose and is a God-fearing lady in every respect.

Why trade a record for a promise?

Elect Shannon Valentine for continuing satisfaction.
CECIL I. REYNOLDS
Lynchburg

For Valentine
Have you followed Shannon Valentine’s campaign? As we have observed her, we have witnessed a person who is well prepared, focused on the issues and dedicated to serving her constituents effectively and efficiently.

During the past four years in the General Assembly, she has demonstrated humility, a bipartisan approach to solving problems, knowledge of the challenges facing our state and a respectful relationship with persons with whom she has worked.

The bottom line is simple. She is an outstanding member of the General Assembly. There is no one who will do more for her area. She is intelligent, articulate, trustworthy and highly respected and appreciated.  A person of the highest integrity, she lives by basic American values and principles that our state and nation need in our elected officials.

The manner in which she worked with Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity and housing for the poor speaks loudly of her quiet, dedicated and committed leadership to help make the Lynchburg area a better place in which to work, go to school/college, worship and live. Her commitment to humanity was demonstrated as she addressed the issues of genocide in Darfur.

Her record in the General Assembly and in the Lynchburg area is outstanding. She is an exemplary lady, wife, mother and legislator who will continue to meet the challenges of our state and the Lynchburg area.

She is a special lady called to serve humanity at a very critical time in our history.

Citizens of the Lynchburg area are fortunate to have a person on the November ballot of Shannon’s qualities.
LLOYD and SHIRLEY WALTON
Appomattox