Voting Against Constituents
Brian May 15th, 2006
The Bristol Herald Courier recently had this intriguing editorial. The editorial does a nice job of summarizing how the state Senate has went to great lengths to reach a compromise to resolve the budget impasse. Any progress towards a resolution, however, has been halted by the Republican led House of Delegates, states the editorial.
The really interesting part about this editorial, though, is that it points out that our local Southwest Virginia Republican Delegates - Bill Carrico and Terry Kilgore - have decided to side with their party instead of their constituents.
The editorial states:
This isn’t a partisan fight. Rather it’s a turf war between the two wings of Virginia’s Republican Party – the moderates vs. the rabid anti-taxers. Republican moderates control the Senate; the anti-taxers, led by Speaker William J. Howell, control the House. Howell is the party’s disciplinarian and, thus far, he has kept his ranks in line.
Those towing the line include two Southwest Virginia delegates, Bill Carrico and Terry Kilgore. Both value party fealty above the interests of their constituents, who would be harmed by the House transportation plan which underfunds roads in this part of the state.
I think it is unfortunate that Delegates Carrico and Kilgore would rather help their Republican buddies in other parts of Virginia than fight for folks they are elected to represent. Hopefully Southwest Virginia voters will remember who fought for us and who supported a plan that shut us out.
Good comment, Brian. Why would we want to promote Carrico when he can’t or won’t represnet us in the job he has now? Fire Carrico,, don’t promote him.
A couple things are wrong with that. First being the “underfunds” The truth is the funds for the Bristol District stay the same as last year.
I think Kilgore and Carrico are doing exactly what their constituents want. NO Tax Increase. I have not talked to anyone who wants higher taxes for road projects in my area. Clintwood must be different.
“The truth is the funds for the Bristol District stay the same as last year.”
Even if that is taken as true, it is also true that under the House plan tons of money - out of the general fund - will go for Northern Virginia and Tidewater transportation problem. Come on now Kilo, don’t you want our Delegates to fight for a little money down this way. Additionaly, I have been told that if the House plan is passed, we can kiss the CFX goodbye for a few more years (even with the mining companies doing the first phase).
On to the Bristol comment, though. A guy I know who works for VDOT told me that they had already started dipping into the new development fund (before the budget crisis) to keep things going (maintenance). He said they are essential robbing Peter to pay Paul with no hope of Peter ever getting paid back.
So you may be right about the the funds for Bristol staying the same, but keep in mind, same is not always what we want. I want it to be fair for all regions of Virginia - especially Southwest Virginia.
If you think the senate plan and a tax increase will build the CFX any faster you are naive. Both our counties are in VDOTs Bristol District and the money is the same as last year. (as are my taxes)
How about locking up those funds that Kaine promised he would do before any tax increase then I may be more agreeable. That is what was promised and I would hope the house members hold him to that.
Kilo, if you support Terry Kilgore as you obviously do, then you are the ultimate in “naive.” Terry does nothing but sit with his feet up in the air condition and live off his Norton benefactor (we all know who that is, maybe you don’t though Kilo.) Terry is a joke, and he does nothing for the people at all. He serves certain interests, and these interests need a know nothing puppet like him that has no concept of shame and will unquestioningly do what the interests need. Save your Ad hominems and thought terminating cliches, as I am, by the way a Republican Kilo, and I am probably postioned to know more about the inner workings of this cartel than you are. Naive? Really?
Where are you Kilo, I’m over here trying
to be naive, please help enlighten me with
your advanced understanding of true inner
workings of Virginia politics, you know,
the kind you get off a computer screen
[…] The 5th District seat is currently held by Bill Carrico. Del. Carrico spent this past year challenging Congressman Boucher and came up a little short. […]