Letters, Cont’d: Deeds Has Logical Transportation Solution

Deeds Has Logical Transportation Solution
Editor, Times-Dispatch: With a need for solutions for Virginia's infrastructure system, Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell have proposed two different resolutions for Virginia's traffic jam.

McDonnell's proposition seemed superior to Deeds' at first, but having taken time to look over both of their transportation solution proposals, I've come to acknowledge Deeds as having a plan that will work.

McDonnell doesn't want to raise taxes to fix Virginia's infrasructure because he believes that funds will come from "economic expansion." McDonnell talks as if expanding the economy is as easy as snapping a finger. The economy will need time to grow and time is what we don't have.

McDonnell is likely to pull money from Virginia's general fund, and since 46 percent of that fund goes to education, his plan will likely lead to an education deficit for the children of Virginia.

Deeds on the other hand proposes an actual solution that is capable of fixing Virginia's transportation system. By proposing a tax increase, Deeds is asking the citizens of Virginia to step up and help the state fix what we citizens use every day.

McDonnell can't pull money out of thin air or expand the economy with the words from his mouth, so I believe Deeds has the only solution that is logical and is capable of solving Virginia's transportation emergency.

Joel Youn.
Chesterfield.

In the debates, he answered questions clearly and concisely, again showing he understands the law as written and how it affects the citizens in every day life. His opponent was comical in his obvious lack of knowledge, as he would respond but not answer the hard questions.

In the final debate, his opponent implied that Cuccinelli and his supporters were racists because they believe the 10th Amendment to the Constitution is relevant and plays a role in limiting the reach of the federal government. That revealed to me that his opponent has nothing positive to bring to the table, while Cuccinelli has a seven-year record in the Virginia Senate that validates his belief that we live better in a lowtax, low-regulation environment that provides opportunity for all. I agree with Cuccinelli's statement that he supports a "government small enough to fit within the Constitution." That is an idea whose time has come. Todd Vander Pol. Glen Allen.

Our Leaders Need Backbone
Editor, Times-Dispatch: I am appalled at the lack of any mention of gay rights in either gubernatorial candidate's campaign.

It's not that I am disgruntled with Bob McDonnell because "values matter" only with the "families" he chooses to recognize on his campign Web site, it's that there is no discussion for or against gay rights at all. The same goes for Creigh Deeds' Web site. The candidates, for lack of better words, just "don't ask, don't tell" about their stance on gay rights.

Both candidates are making a grave mistake by not taking a stance on gay marriage. It leaves the public to imagine what they think is Deeds' or McDonnell's stance. With every passing minute of ignoring gay rights, the gubernatorial candidates will lose votes. Lately, it seems people are voting more and more on growing social issues such as abortion, women's equality, and same-sex marriage rather than political issues.

Whether it's for or against, the candidates need to share their opinions on gay rights or else they seem weak and even a little frightened at the thought of taking a stance. A leader with no backbone will be counterproductive to Virginia's government and oppose America's new progression.

Morgan Shaughnessy
Midlothian.

Deeds' plan strategically pinpoints young adults within the community to uphold public safety professions. Deeds will create a scholarship program for high school students who maintain a B average and commit to two years of a post-college public safety profession.

After the shocking massacre that took place at Virginia Tech, Deeds' policy aims at protecting students on college campuses. He plans to increase emergency communication by providing incentives for colleges and universities to submit joint grant applications with surrounding localities to upgrade communications equipment. The Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee will conduct surveys and assessments with a focus of building reliable systems that use the best technology in emergency communication.

I am a student at Cosby High School and I feel it is very important that both democratic candidates are working together on an issue that truly hits home with Virginians. Their policies on public safety correlate with each other while protecting the communities. As the son of a police trooper, Deeds has the leadership skills necessary to carry out his public safety policy.

Brittany Shannon
Chesterfield.

Education is a big issue in this race because, quite frankly, our education system is slacking. The SOLs are a joke, we have thrown away money on Tim Kaine's pre-K plan, and our state universities are giving more and more spots to out-of-state applicants.

Creigh Deeds' plan seems strong; however, he doesn't explain where the money for his policies will come from. Knowing Deeds, it will involve new taxes and more economy-smothering programs, which are two things that Virginia just cannot afford right now.

Bob McDonnell wants to move reform toward the private sector. He wants to increase charter schools in Virginia. His major plan is to make charter schools more accessible and make approving them easier. Charter schools would allow Virginia students to receive more specialized educations and allow Virginia parents to have a choice of where to send their child. They would also allow for better-paid teachers and more competitive college applicants.

McDonnell's plan is going to allow for more choices and more quality schools for Virginians. While Deeds talks a good game, I am skeptical that he will be able to implement his plans without tax hikes and regulation on local school districts.

Chris Neville.
Chesterfield.