Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor / News Virginian
Published: June 7, 2007

No-tax pledge is dubious

I do not question the integrity of either Sen. Emmett Hanger or Mr. Scott Sayre, but I do question Sayre's ability to be an effective legislator. By signing a "no new tax pledge" for the next four years, he has limited his ability to serve the people of the District and the Commonwealth. No one knows what events may unfold during the upcoming four years; effective lawmakers must not limit their options. I have represented the citizens of the Beverley Manor District of Augusta County since January 2000, and I know from experience that Sen. Hanger has worked hard and long to represent all citizens of the 24th Senate District. Sen. Hanger routinely reviews issues with members of local governments and works to ensure that concerns of the localities are properly addressed. Our region is committed to a strong agricultural economy as well as other economic development, and if elected to a fourth term, Sen. Hanger is in line to become chair of the Senate Agriculture and Conservation Committee.

Please join me in voting for Sen. Hanger on June 12 and November 6 for continued responsible representation in the Virginia Senate.

F. James Bailey, Jr.
Staunton

Seniority is critical for the Valley

The June 12 primary election in the 24th senatorial district has significant ramifications for the citizens of the central Shenandoah Valley and other rural parts of Virginia. Under the "one-man-one-vote" rule, rural portions of our state have less clout in the General Assembly. To offset this, it is most important for legislators elected from districts like the 24th to gain and maintain their seniority. From personal experience, I can attest that no matter how sincere a freshman member may be, seniority gives a member influence in the General Assembly.

Sen. Hanger has gained significant stature with his twenty years of service in the Virginia legislature. Even when they disagree, his fellow members from both parties know they can trust his word, and all admire his thorough investigation of the issues, his independent thought and his practice of voting for what he sincerely believes is in the best interest of his constituents.

I have worked with Emmett for over 30 years as a political ally, as a legislative mentor and colleague and as a legislative liaison for Augusta County and James Madison University. I know his dedication to his constituents, to the Valley and to Virginia. I know his considerable skills in building coalitions within the assembly to achieve compromises that are necessary if the legislative process is to work. He deserves your vote for his re-election on June 12.

Primaries in Virginia are open. Any registered voter may vote. Recent voting in the 24th District indicated the June 12 election may very well be tantamount to election. Take advantage of this opportunity and vote June 12, and I recommend you vote for Emmett Hanger. He's earned it.

Pete Giesen
former delegate 25th House District
Richmond

Hanger has the skills

I am retired with 30 years of service with the Virginia State Police. I am a charter member of the Virginia State Police Association and as a long-time state employee, I am voting for Emmett Hanger on June 12.

For nine years I have volunteered during the legislative session in Sen. Hanger's office to do various tasks in an effort to help with thousands of constituent calls and emails. In police work, you quickly learn to assess a person, his motives, and his character. Emmett is trustworthy and very involved in every aspect of the legislative process. He wants to know all sides of an issue in order to evaluate all possible solutions. I was surprised when he came to me on issues related to my police background. He wanted to know what my opinion was of legislation so the he could better understand the full impact a bill's passage might have on our law enforcement community.

That's the kind of man I want representing me in Richmond.
Emmett is a leader, making the hard choices when others hide behind partisan politics. I have seen Emmett take opposing groups, sit down with them and work out constructive solutions. I have watched as he fought to keep VSBD open and in Staunton; to keep Western State Hospital open; to help our small-farm wineries remain competitive; and to fight STAR Solutions to ensure that VDOT listened to what was best for us on Interstate 81.

June 12 is an open primary for all registered voters. Vote for Emmett because he is the only demonstrated leader in this race. Vote June 12 for Emmett Hanger

Charles B. Wyatt
Staunton