Letters to the Editor for Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Garrett, Valentine contest gets heated

No tax-and-spender
In some recent mailings which have gone out from her opposition, Del. Shannon Valentine has been painted as one who would “raise our taxes and leave our pockets empty.”

I object to that gross and unfortunate misrepresentation of the facts about this worthy, careful, dedicated and fiscally responsible woman who has done a great job serving the interests of the people of Lynchburg.

Actually, Shannon Valentine has voted for $5.6 billion in tax cuts. In this rough economy we need proven leaders like Valentine who have demonstrated they can balance a budget while cutting taxes, not a representative who just speaks in sound-bytes. Will you kindly help to set the record straight?
JOYCE VIRGINIA PRICE
Lynchburg

Garrett’s pro-business
For the fourth year in a row, Forbes has designated Virginia as the most business friendly state in the nation. This is due in large part because Virginia is a right-to-work state, and any attempt to weaken this law is very disturbing.

In the last session of the legislature, a Democrat from Northern Virginia introduced to the House of Delegates a bill that would have allowed public employees, such as policemen, teachers and firefighters to go on strike.

When the bill came to the floor of the House, all members of the Democratic caucus, including Del. Shannon Valentine, sat in silence, because their vote for the bill would upset the business community and their vote against the bill would upset their organized labor support. Since not voting is against the rules of the House, a roll call vote by the majority leader recorded each silent Democrat as voting “no.”

This potentially harmful legislation to the business rating of Virginia was defeated by the Republican majority in the House of Delegates. This is an excellent example of why we should send Scott Garrett to Richmond to help preserve this conservative majority.
FLO TRAYWICK
Lynchburg

For Valentine
The list of Del. Shannon Valentine’s accomplishments in the General Assembly reads like a road to future successes on so many issues. Her effectiveness is born from an intelligent approach to the work, an open and honest style of leadership and a willingness to work cooperatively with all members of the General Assembly and administration, no matter their party.

She co-patroned an autism study that will save the state millions of dollars. This early intervention work will improve childrens’ lives and assist families of those stricken with this debilitating condition, while in turn helping the education and social organizations that support these children.

She has brought us new passenger rail service, $25 million for federally mandated CSO projects and has expanded economic opportunities through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

She successfully secured seed money for PACE, a program that will allow low-income elderly to stay in their homes instead of entering a nursing home. This improves quality of life while saving millions of dollars in long-term care bills.

She worked across party lines to secure $34 million for the Central Virginia Training Center here in our district.

She joined with Gov. Timothy M. Kaine to increase funding for Produced-In-Virginia, a program that creates an engineering workforce at home.

Del. Valentine has represented us so effectively in the past, we can be assured she will continue to do so with enthusiasm and grace in the future. I look forward to casting my vote for her on Election Day.
DEANNA HESTER
Lynchburg