Letters to the Editor

News Virginian
Published: June 9, 2007

Hanger is honest

Honest isn't a typical word used to describe politicians, but it is absolutely the word to describe Sen. Emmett Hanger. He is the most honest person one will ever meet in the political ring. He's a conservative, thoughtful, reasonable, independent thinker who can see both sides of an issue and then make up his own mind based on his experience and sound judgment.

Scott Sayre, on the other hand, is just a pawn for the Republican Party. He's a candidate carefully chosen to be a voice for an extreme wing of the party, to vote according to extreme party lines rather than by his conscience or what he truly believes will be good for citizens in the 24th District. Signing a "no-tax pledge" means he can't think for himself, that he's a puppet for some special-interest group and will be governed by that pledge rather than what's right for Virginians. Signing a pledge is easy. Making tough decisions about what's right for people in the 24th District is not. Sayre has proven he isn't up for the task. Sen. Hanger has 12 solid years of experience to prove he is.

Emmett Hanger is the right choice as our state senator. I encourage all registered voters in the 24th District to come out to the polls and vote for Hanger for four more years.

Jim Hinton

Staunton

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We need a change

The Republican voters of the 24th Senate District have an opportunity to effect change on Tuesday, June 12.

Most of us living in the 24th District live on a budget. We must prioritize our spending, choosing critical needs first. We are not afforded the opportunity to seize money from our neighbors in order to inflate our budget simply because our spending is too high.

This translates to the government as well. Virginia's budget has doubled in 10 years; the largest increase coming in 2004 with a $1.4 billion increase at a time that the state was running a $300 million surplus. What did the money go toward- Sen. Emmett Hanger voted for a $10 million tunnel (HB 105) to be built from the General Assembly building to the capitol. The purpose- To protect legislators from rain when walking to and fro. Does this sound like a priority for Virginia-

Additionally, Hanger voted for SB 708, which would have added 5 percent to the price of gasoline (adding $0.15 per gallon). He introduced legislation (SB 1204) to give in-state tuition to illegal immigrants; thankfully this bill died in the House of Delegates.
Scott Sayre is a common-sense businessman. He believes in reduced spending. He wants to stimulate the economy by creating more jobs, removing excess fees and regulations, and by prioritizing spending. Scott Sayre is a pro-life, pro-family sportsman who reflects the Valley's conservative principles.

I urge all Republicans to join me June 12 and vote for Scott Sayre in the Republican primary.

Anne Taetzsch

Chair, Staunton Republican Committee

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No we don't

Time for a change- I certainly hope not! It will mean a huge sacrifice for our district. I am voting for Sen. Emmett Hanger on June 12. Sen. Hanger is a man of integrity who works tirelessly for our community. Leadership positions in the Virginia General Assembly are not easily earned. It is a huge investment for our rural area for Emmett to be a member of Senate Finance, Chairman of Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee, and to be in line to become Chairman of Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources.

Hard work, earned respect because he listens to all view points, honesty, attention for the details in every piece of legislation before voting, and dedication of many years to public service earned Emmett these positions.

A vote cast for Emmett is a vote for the district to retain this huge measure of leadership and authority in the state. Join me on June 12 in voting to retain Emmett Hanger and the district's coveted leadership position in the General Assembly!

Judy Wyatt

Staunton