Letters to the editor

Letters to the editor / News Virginian
Published: June 6, 2007

Thanks for supporting disabled vets

To the people and the Waynesboro merchants who helped our "Forget-Me-Not" sale, we want to let you know that we, Disabled American Veterans of Skyline Chapter, thank you for your support. May God bless you all.

Cmdr. Thomas Fortune
Waynesboro

Not all Republicans are the same

June 12 is a very important day in Virginia. It is the day 24th District Republicans can decide whether they want to re-elect Sen. Emmett Hanger Jr. or challenger Mr. Scott Sayre to represent them in Richmond. Though both are Republicans, there are many differences between them. The voters must ask themselves whether they want to re-elect Sen. Hanger who sponsored Senate Bill 1204 that would have allowed loopholes to give in-state tuition to illegal immigrants or vote for Mr. Sayre who is against in-state tuition for illegal immigrants. Bill 1204 would have rewarded illegal behavior and created an additional tax burden on law abiding Virginians. The voters must also ask themselves whether they want to re-elect a senator who voted for one of the largest tax increases in Virginia history (HB 5018) or vote for Mr. Sayre who has made a pledge not to raise new taxes for four years. HB 5018 affected all Virginians. Sen. Hanger also recently supported a 10-cents-a-gallon gas tax increase. On June 12, Republicans of the 24th District will have the opportunity to choose the candidate whom they think will best represent their Conservative values.
David Huffman
Bridgewater

We need Sayre

Scott Sayre is the new voice we need in Richmond. He will say no to wasteful pork spending. He has common-sense solutions to meet the Valley's needs. He has pledged to stop tax increases. He has said that he would not vote for in-state tuition for illegal aliens unlike Sen. Hanger. He has been a total gentleman on the campaign trail. So have his volunteers, unlike his opponent's paid workers.

Scott Sayre has the backing of almost all of the grassroots volunteers in Augusta, Greene, Albemarle, Highland, Rockbridge and Rockingham counties. He has the support of the grassroots in Staunton and Waynesboro. Scott Sayre has asked for our votes on June 12. Let's give it to him, so he can stop the wild tax increases that we are experiencing here in the Valley.
Philip Lynch
Fishersville

Hanger is respectable
Having worked closely with Sen. Emmett Hanger on a legislative issue for several years, I never refer to him as a politician. His modesty and insistence on doing the right thing instead of the politically expedient thing have earned him the title of respected legislator.

I am just one who can attest to the value of his knowledge of the issues and the legislative process that can only be acquired through years of service. His steady guidance and perseverance when our bill was in jeopardy certainly inspired confidence and enhanced our respect for him. Unlike some in leadership positions, he is not temperamental or vindictive, and he keeps his frustrations in check.

Sen. Hanger shows respect for his constituents by making himself available to speak to both large and small groups as well as to work with individuals. He patiently explains complicated issues instead of just giving short, over-simplified answers that are inadequate but emotionally appealing.

I urge all registered voters in the 24th District, regardless of their political preference, to vote for Sen. Emmett Hanger in the primary on June 12.

Bea Morris
Harrisonburg