Letters to the Editor for Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Writer: Valentine serves area well
As the country watched the raucous congressional town meetings this summer, one message was loud and clear: America’s voters want their elected representatives to listen to them. Certainly, responsible voters know it isn’t practical or possible to expect elected officials to always agree with each of us. However, when people feel their their opinions aren’t given due consideration, then they get frustrated and angry, and they want to “throw da bums out!”

However, in the rush to get rid of “da bums” we need to be careful that we don’t get rid of those officials who actually do listen to their constituents. One of those officials is Shannon Valentine.

Since the day she was elected our delegate, she has dedicated herself to representing her constituents first and always. The News & Advance has been filled with letters from her constituents of varying political persuasions who have offered specific examples of the way she has listened to their concerns and worked diligently to help obtain a resolution.

Central Virginians have long said that improved transportation options in our area were critical for future economic development. Del. Valentine led the bipartisan effort that established intercity rail service from Lynchburg and Richmond to Washington, D.C. Politicians talked about this for years; Shannon Valentine got something done.

Lynchburg politicians keep saying we need to do something to encourage business growth but don’t say exactly how they would accomplish this goal. Del. Valentine sponsored a bill that allows local governments to create arts and cultural districts by offering tax incentives and regulatory flexibility to new and expanding businesses which is an effective revitalization tool that creates jobs, increases revenue and encourages new capital investment. Politicians keep talking about finding ways to help small businesses; Shannon Valentine got something done.

Shannon Valentine represents the people of Lynchburg and Madison Heights; she doesn’t work for the politicians in Richmond. We will never get a mailing from a gubernatorial candidate asking us to send Shannon Valentine to Richmond because he needs her vote. She has proven time and again that she is in Richmond to represent the people of the 23rd District and answers to no one else.

Shannon Valentine listens to us. She hears us. And she represents us with great dignity, compassion, and diligence. I believe she has earned our trust and our vote to continue as our delegate.
JIM ACKLEY
Lynchburg

A bit confused?
Scott Garrett does not inspire confidence in his ability to understand complex legislation and serve the voters of the 23rd District. Last Friday, Garrett declared that Del. Shannon Valentine favored raising several state taxes related to transportation. Where did he get this information? He misread the questions and Valentine’s responses to a Virginia FREE questionnaire.

Then he sent out a news release detailing his confusions.

Garrett is running on a “cut taxes” platform. When asked which specific statewide taxes he would cut to honor this campaign promise, he stated that he couldn’t currently name a tax that he could cut, but when he gets to Richmond “he will find one.”

Del. Valentine understands the issues and is an open and honest communicator. She can answer questions truthfully and with specifics. She will receive my vote Nov. 3.
RINA SHERE
Lynchburg