January 24, 2005
As I sit here working on this column, I have one eye on a NFL playoff game. Trying to stay focused on both is tough; however, it is similar to the General Assembly. Legislators try to stay focused on those things that are most important to the people of their district, while at the same time, try to block those legislative proposals that would do harm to their districts.
Similarly, you have to play both offense and defense. The professional football teams have players who specialize on one or the other. Legislators must do both at the same time. When defending against that which would not serve the district well, one must defend with grace. Otherwise, fellow legislators, who might be wavering, will be disinclined to support important legislative proposals. When looking at some of the proposed legislation before us, it is clear how difficult the offensive / defensive give and take can be.
Already, this year, legislators have offered legislation that would redefine words to mean something that can be found in no dictionary. There are proposals that address problems that exist nowhere but in someone's mind. Other proposals would saddle our schools and teachers with responsibilities that rightly belong to you and me as parents. While the intent is good, clearly it is the role of the parent to teach such things as how to care for a pet. Likewise good exercise and nutrition are important for our youth, but if parents do not insist on good eating habits at home it is unlikely they can be forced on the students at school.
This week I was successful in getting two bills through the Senate. They will be before the House of Delegates next month. The first deals with those citizen soldiers who serve our nation, some of whom have been unfortunately caught up in problems as they reported for duties. The other bill corrects the language in our law enforcement retirement laws. Neither bill will change the world but they do represent my commitment to those who serve to protect us.
I will end where I started this column with football. One must stay focused on the ball to be successful. For me, and those of us who represent Southern Virginia, the ball represents doing all we can to enhance job creation in the region and helping those who have lost jobs to prepare themselves for another job.
This past year brought announcements of new job creations. We are delighted and hopeful that more will come to understand the appeal of the quality of life we have in the area. At the same time, we continue to be saddened by the loss of those companies who have provided jobs for generations. Early March will mark the loss of 450 jobs at WestPoint-Stevens in Charlotte County after the company's many years of service as a major employer. We will not replace those jobs overnight but everyone involved will do their best.
Rest assured that the tedium of negotiation will not overshadow the necessity to put the needs of the people first. The primary function of our State Government is to serve the good citizens of the Commonwealth. This is something in which I firmly believe.
I hope my column has helped some of the questions you have about business here at the General Assembly. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. You can reach me by mail at Senate of Virginia, P.O. Box 396, Richmond, Virginia 23218, by phone at (804) 698-7515 or the constituent hotline (800) 889-0229, or by email.