On Friday, February 20, I attended the Committee of 100 Political Forum in Manassas. It was a great event focused on the differences and similarities between the Republican and Democratic parties and how the two groups can work together to get more things done in Virginia. Unfortunately the chairman of the Republican Party, Jeff Freferick, used the event to attack Democrats, calling them "parasites." This is exactly why we have trouble getting things done in Richmond - we need to put aside personal attacks and work together to find bipartisan solutions to the challenges Virginia faces.
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There was an interesting article yesterday in the Winchester Star detailing how the VDOT cuts announced last week will affect local communities in Virginia. The article discusses how rural communities will be particularly hurt by the cuts, as administrative headquarters in these areas are set to be closed and the level of maintenance services will be reduced on roads with lower volumes of traffic, most commonly located in rural areas. The article can be viewed here.
As a member of the Virginia Association of Counties Transportation Committee, I am extremely concerned about the negative impact the VDOT cuts will have on our local communities, and I am disappointed that Bill Bolling’s partisan and obstructionist tactics has brought the situation to this point. You can learn more about my views on this problem by reading this press release. |
I was happy to see Governor Tim Kaine’s letter on Wednesday to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar asking to slow plans for Lease 220, a proposal to lease land off the Virginia coast for the purpose of drilling for oil and natural gas.
This action echoes the concerns I voiced last week about this plan (read our press release here), and I am glad that more and more Democratic leaders are coming out against Lease 220. We need to halt this plan entirely. There is not enough oil or gas in the area to have a significant impact on our energy supply, it won't provide any money for the Commonwealth under the current law, and it will complicate national security training. Furthermore, it will damage our state's environment, and in the process threaten tourism income and therefore harm Virginia's economy. This plan is not a solution to our energy situation - it's part of the problem.
The choice is clear: we as Virginians can keep focusing on the old, failed energy policies of the past that have caused the energy problems we now face, or we can move Virginia forward into the new age of alternative and renewable energy. I believe we need to choose the latter option, and that is why I oppose Lease 220.
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Calls $2.6 billion in cuts the "inevitable result of partisan obstructionists"
Russell County, VA - Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate and Virginia Association of Counties Transportation Committee member Jon Bowerbank today criticized the partisan bickering that has stalled transportation reform in Richmond. Bowerbank's statement follows last week's announced budget reductions by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
"VDOT's cuts are the inevitable result of partisan obstructionists in Richmond led by Bill Bolling. Their failure to cooperate on finding common sense transportation solutions has led to the regretful cuts VDOT was forced to make. Bolling has had numerous opportunities to support bipartisan transportation reform. Now Virginians will pay the price for his obstruction as we remain gridlocked. As a member of the VACo Transportation Committee I am working with people on both sides of the aisle to get the resources we need to fix this problem, and I will continue this work as Lieutenant Governor," Bowerbank said.
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On Monday, February 16th, I stayed in Southwestern Virginia, and attended a luncheon with Senator Jim Webb. On the morning of the 17th my company, EMATS, donated a pickup truck full of food to the Neighborhood Aid Program run by St. Therese Catholic Church in St. Paul. Being able to support charitable programs has been one of the most gratifying parts of my success in business. Senator Webb was still down in Southwest that day as well and we celebrated the opening of a literacy center in Russell County. (You can see a press release about the event here: Bowerbank Attends Kick-Off Celebration for New Education Program) |
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Monday evening, February 9th, my BOS held a continuation of our previous week’s regularly scheduled meeting to hear public comment about a proposed recycling and trash collection site. After spirited debate, we voted unanimously to ask for VDOT approval to construct a new facility that will allow the citizens of Western Russell County to have a clean, safe place to take their refuse. 
On Tuesday, February 10th, I made my way over to Tazewell County to spend some time with their Democratic Committee. They listened to me, and were very supportive, but they also discussed the recent performance in Tazewell County and how they have to work even harder to ensure that Democrats do not lose ground to Republicans. That is going to be the key for all of us in the coming months as we work to achieve all three Commonwealth-wide offices and turn the House of Delegates blue.
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Talks with Democrats and Republicans About How the Two Parties Can Better Work Together to Get More Done in Richmond
Prince William County, VA - Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate Jon Bowerbank today attended a bipartisan dinner and forum hosted by the Prince William County Committee of 100. The forum featured a panel of leaders from both parties and focused on the differences and similarities of the Democratic and Republican parties and whether America's two-party system benefits or hinders our government.
Members of the Committee of 100 panel included Richard Cranwell, chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia, Delegate Jeffrey Frederick, chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, Pete Frisbie, chairman of the Prince William County Democratic Committee, and Lyle Beefelt, chairman of the Prince William County Republican Committee.
"It is all too clear that partisan bickering impedes the legislative process. While there is no question that there are significant differences between Democrats and Republicans, we still need to find a way to work together to leave a better Virginia for our children. I think that goal is something we can all unite behind, no matter what party we identify with," Bowerbank said.
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