Letters to the Editor for Monday, October 5, 2009

Respect signs and free-speech rights
Like last year, the 2009 election has engendered a great deal of partisan passion. Unfortunately, zeal for the candidate of one’s choice often turns into overzealousness against the opposition. However, it also has been my experience that almost all people who have different political opinions can agree on one thing; they want what is best for their locality, their state, this nation and the world. We may not agree on how to get there but we can all agree on the ultimate destination.

Unfortunately, there are a few among us who take their disagreement with the opposition too far. I want to remind those few that taking political signs out of someone’s yard without their permission is the crime of theft. Vandalizing someone’s political signs is the crime of property damage. Both crimes are Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by a maximum of 12 months in jail and a fine of $2,500. I have instructed the attorneys in this office that since we represent all the citizens of Virginia, we will vigorously prosecute anyone caught committing these crimes, regardless of the candidate and regardless of our own personal political beliefs.

I would also like to remind folks that placing signs of any type, including political signs, within the public highway right of way is punishable by a civil penalty of $100 per sign and a possible injunction. The “right of way” is usually defined as the entire roadway, including any sidewalks or ditches running parallel to the pavement, any grassy areas between the pavement and the sidewalk, and any median strips. Of course, we all are free to place campaign signs on our personal private property.
MICHAEL R. DOUCETTE
Commonwealth’s Attorney
City of Lynchburg

Twisting facts
When a candidate for office faces a particularly able and accomplished incumbent, it is understandable — though not admirable — that the challenger might twist the facts just a bit regarding the incumbent’s statements. Del. Shannon Valentine’s opponent appears to be doing just that.

The opponent claims that Valentine says she supports raising the gas tax, the tax on automotive service, and driver’s license and registration fees. That’s not true. The question asked by Virginia FREE’s survey was, “What revenue sources are most appropriate to dedicate to transportation funding?” She named certain taxes related to transportation funding sources which currently exist but did not indicate an intention to raise any of them.

Regarding his own intentions, Scott Garrett said, “Under my plan, Virginia’s small businesses will get an across-the-board tax cut to create jobs and jump start our economy.”

However, when asked what tax he would cut, he said he could not name even one, but that he’d find some when he got to Richmond.

Making inaccurate statements about an opponent and then attacking her on the basis of those inaccuracies is not the sort of thing worthy opponents do. That’s one of the reasons why the voters of Lynchburg and Madison Heights will re-elect Shannon Valentine.
BOB MacCALLUM
Lynchburg