Letters to the Editor for Tuesday, November 17, 2009

‘Falwell Machine’ out to control city
As the headline on the Nov. 5 letters to the editor warned, “Battle lines (are) forming for 2010 election.” On one side we have the Falwell Machine; on the other we have those citizens of Lynchburg who saw the House of Delegates candidate they elected shot down by the Machine.

Yes, Virginia, we have a true political machine operating in our city. When a group of people organizes under a few “bosses” to control elections and realize financial gain, that group becomes, by definition, a political machine.

I’m reminded of the old Tammany Hall machine that controlled elections in my home state from the early 1800s until about 1932. Tammany workers welcomed immigrants at the docks and made sure they were housed, fed, familiarized with their new country and assisted during emergencies. The ward bosses knew every family in their ward and provided annual benefits to be sure they supported the machine. Unfortunately, Tammany Hall also became a nidus for graft and corruption.

Like Tammany, the Falwell Machine welcomes students every fall and provides benefits to “encourage” them to mindlessly vote for their machine-controlled candidates.

In his letter of Nov. 7, Bob Bonheim warned Bill Blackwell to stop demeaning LU, or face “the box” — whatever that is. Must be some form of torture at LU. Nevertheless, Mr. Blackwell has every right and re* It’s certain that more of our tax money will be spent in areas where the wealthy Falwells have extensive investments — Wards Road, Candlers Station, Candlers Mt. Road, 12th Street and The Plaza. For decades, the Falwells have shown only disdain and criticism for progress made in any other parts of the city — areas that can expect reduced support from the city.

* The Falwells have groaned for years whenever they had to follow city ordinances; so we can expect the new Council to quickly relax the sign ordinance, the zoning ordinance and taxes to give those “bosses” relief.

* Lynchburg has many boards and commissions comprised of citizen volunteers. As these members retire — or are forced off boards — we can expect every new appointee to be a cog in the Falwell Machine.

* During my 50 years in Lynchburg, I’ve seen our city develop an outstanding work force of talented professionals. I fear, however, there may be a few employees who have not kowtowed low enough to satisfy the Machine. Their tenure may be in danger.

* Numerous plans have been approved by City Council to revitalize the riverfront, downtown, the Fifth Street Corridor, Midtown and other parts of the city. Even though these plans are working well, we can depend on the new council to chuck ’em.

Perhaps we should organize a Ward II political machine to oppose those intent on controlling elections in our city. It won’t be easy. Ward II has the highest concentration of African-Americans, few of whom are even registered to vote.

The ACLU recently proposed “three fundamental changes to Virginia election law to expand voters’ rights and encourage higher registration and voting rates: (1) allow early voting for all voters, (2) institute same-day registration, allowing voters to both register and vote on Election Day and (3) reform the state’s felon disfranchisement law.”

Would these changes motivate Ward II citizens to protect their interests that are threatened by the Falwell Machine? Let’s hope so. “We’ve got troubles, my friends, right here in River City!”
J.J. CARRINGTON
Lynchburg

Thanks to Perriello
I take this opportunity to publically thank Rep. Tom Perriello, D-Fifth District, for voting for health care reform for the citizens of the United States, as reported last week in The News & Advance.

The current health care setup is non-functional for many people. I appreciate that Rep. Perriello listens to the concerns of citizens in the area he represents.

Far from perfect, this health care bill expands coverage and begins assuring health care choices to “all” citizens. We can all support our government’s efforts to provide health care coverage for everyone.

Thank you, Rep. Perriello, for listening to and caring for the people and not only corporate America.
ED WILLIAMS
Gladstone