Citizen Tom

I have heard it said that in politics half the battle is showing up, and that is definitely true.  Often times it would appear that the other half is sticking it out to the bitter end.  This meeting sure was a long one, and I did not make it. 

The meeting began by providing the folks who are running for office this year the opportunity give a short speech.  Giving these people the opportunity to speak is a good thing, and none of them abused it.  Unfortunately, the ballot is going to be extremely busy this year.  Each voter in PWC is going to have the opportunity to vote on who fills ten state and local offices this year.  So county-wide, we have a huge crowd of people running for public office.  So, of course, the speeches took way too long.  Then our Attorney General, Bob McDonnell, arrived, and he spoke too.  All I can say is that I am glad I am interested in hearing what these people have to say.

The Candidates Speak Out

Virginia House of Delegates

• Jeff Frederick (Delegate, 52nd District) noted that he was not satisfied with the transportation agreement, and he did not support it.  However, he also made it clear it could have been worse.
• Scott Lingamfelter (Delegate, 31st District) supported the transportation agreement.  In a reference to the Washington Post, he said we need to be careful about where we get our information about the agreement.
• Jackson Miller(Delegate, 50th District) expressed some disappointment about his first session in Richmond, particularly with respect to immigration issues.  The Senate did not pass what the House had sent them.  He said we must work together to overcome the opposition.  In addition, he thanked Lingamfelter for the support he extended to a new member of the House.
• Faisal Gill (Candidate for Delegate, 51st District) said he is running as a conservative.  He asked the committee to remember his work with them and to help him and Julie keep this race about the issues they are concerned about.  If they have any concerns about him, such as his birth in Pakistan, he requested that members address these concerns by coming to him and talking to him.  He will gladly answer their questions.
• Julie Lucas (Candidate for Delegate, 51st District) said she is also running as a conservative.  She noted that she is also running as a conservative.  She noted that she and Faisal are friends and referenced Jackson Miller’s concern about getting Republicans elected.

Clerk of the Court

• Lucy Beauchamp said she would apply her 15 years working on the School Board, 13 as its chairman, to keep up the good work started by Dave Mabie as Clerk of the Court.  She noted she is having a fundraiser on March 22 (see her web site).
• Michele McQuigg used this opportunity to ask the committee to support the transportation bill and the bills on eminent domain.  She also noted her qualifications to serve as Clerk of the Court including ten years in the General Assembly.  So far, she has not launched a campaign web site.  Probably too busy.

Sheriff

• Glen Hill made it clear he is running and noted that he has kept the promises he made when he ran the last time.  He has changed the culture in the Sheriff’s office.  He hires qualified people, not political supporters.  Moreover, he is working in concert with the county police.
• Michael Messier said that since Glen Hill has taken over spending has increased in the Sheriff’s department from six million to nine million.  If elected, he promised to lower the budget back to six million.  He also promised a $10,000 to the PWC GOP.

Board of County Supervisors - Gainesville District

• John Stirrup  thanked committee members for the support that they provided him following his daughter’s injury in a ski accident.  While there was some cause for concern following the accident, he said she has recovered.

Board of County Supervisors – Woodbridge District

• Chris Royce promised leadership. 

School Board – Chairman

• Milt Johns thanked the members of the PWC GOP for their support, and he announced that he would again seek the Committee’s endorsement.  In addition, he said he would abide by the budget agreement with the Board of County Supervisors (BOCS).  The budget agreement should be good for good times and bad.

School Board – Brentsville District

• Desi Arnaiz emphasized that although he is a Republican, he considers himself an American first, and he would work to see to it that PWC children become good and productive American citizens.  In addition, he said he is a fiscal conservative and would work with the budget provided by the BOCS.   
• Gill Trenum spoke of his strong and successful support for Corey Stewart’s recent campaign, his strong involvement in his community, and his concern for the education of his children.  He is determined that PWC schools continue to provide a world class education.

Interlude for a Guest – Attorney General Bob McDonnell

Bob was in a good mood, and he received a standing O.  Here are some highlights from Bob’s speech.

• He thanked the PWC GOP for its support. 
• He is excited about celebration of the 400th aniversity of the founding of Jamestown.  Maybe we should be too.
• His daughter returned from Iraq five months ago, and she is scheduled to return soon.  He left no doubt he is for the mission.
• He noted some of his accomplishments (If you want details, you might want to start here.). He has pressed for safety and reduced litigation.  One focus is keeping our kids safe from Internet predators and adults safe from identity thieves.
• He is proud his office was involved in the Electricity Re-regulation and the Eminent Domain bills. 
• He liked the transportation bill.  It provides for more accountability.  This is a good time to borrow, and the bill also allows for self-help.

Now back to  The Candidates Speak Out

School Board - Coles District

• Doctor Michael Otaigbe spoke enthusiastically about education.  As an immigrant, he knows first hand about the possibilities in America, and he spoke with great pride about his daughter’s admission into the law school at the University of Virginia.  He has his campaign kickoff scheduled for 5:30 PM on March 4th at the Old Hickory Golf Club.  For information, call (703) 216-3941.

School Board - Gainesville District

• Don Richardson, noted with some amusement that he could not compete with the Attorney General and Dr. Otaigbe.  However, he went on to say that he intended to abide by the School Board’s budget sharing agreement with the BOCS.  Further, he defended the revenue agreement and the five-year plan for the budget stability it provides.

Retirement of David Mabie as Clerk of the Court

The PWC GOP honored David Mabie, a very popular elected leader, for his years of public service first as a police officer and then as the Clerk of the Court.  Mabie, in turn, thanked the committee.

Election for Vice – Chair

Denny Daugherty won this election.  Trent Barton graciously requested the delegate unanimously acclaim Denny’s election as their Vice – Chair.

Procedure for Endorsing Candidates for the School Board

With a few relatively minor revisions, the committee approved the procedures.  The PWC GOP will accept applications for its endorsement.  Applicants must fill out a questionnaire.  In addition, before the committee votes on who it will endorse, each applicant will have the opportunity to address the committee and answer questions at its meeting on March 26.

Nomination Process for BOCS Races

All BOCS races except for the Woodbridge District will have a primary.