Bell’s lack of debates is very disappointing
Published: October 14, 2009
I am very disappointed in the Hon. Rob Bell. I live in the Scottsville area, in Mr. Bell’s House of Delegates district.
He is a bright, well-spoken and confident individual, but has not shown courtesy and respect for his district because he has failed to welcome his challenger, Cynthia Neff, to debates about issues and concerns of residents and voters in his district.
But, really, that is the point: It is not “his” district, but rather the home where many of us are struggling with difficult times, who have questions to ask and who need to hear responses from both Mr. Bell and Ms. Neff.
I attended one of the Hon. Tom Perriello’s town hall forums (he held 21 forums during the congressional recess, in which he heard many diverse views and responded to everyone, showing that high level of commitment to his job as representative).
Mr. Bell has been elected to a powerful job to represent us; but who represents us without listening to diverse voices, in open community forums and debates with an opponent?
Candidate debates, open to public questions, is the American way. We want to hear his responses to our questions and concerns in a debate or debates with Ms. Neff.
Mr. Bell has been given a high title, “the Honorable Mr. Bell.” Sometimes leaders who get high titles and privileges forget to be humble and down-to-earth.
I am disappointed that the Hon. Mr. Bell has not come down to earth with us in the district, to welcome open public debates in the different counties of his district with his opponent.
Edward Strickler
Albemarle County
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It gets kind of funny when you think about it. Ms. Neff has a bunch of great programs she wants to put in place. She is going to pay for these programs by eliminating government waste. Government Waste = all the great programs that the last democratic representative ran on and put in place. So, she plans on eliminating the last guys programs, so she can put in place her programs. We do know better. The way these democrats pay for their liberal programs is by raising taxes, they have wised up and learned that you dont come out and say it when campaigning. But thats the only way it could be done. I mean really…their grasp of fiscal responsibility is at a 5th grade level.
You may want to check out their schedules. They appeared in a debate for over an hour on NBC29 today. Also, they both appeared on the WINA 1070 this week in a debate. How many do you think are necessary? Here’s what I learned from watching and listening to their debates: Cynthia Neff has a lot of great ideas. She wants to start a pre-K educational program for the Commonwealth; she wants to expand training for the unemployed; she wants to expand government’s help to parents trying to afford a college education; she wants to increase government’s role in providing more public transportation; she wants to expand tax credits for people going green, etc. Despite Governor Kaine reducing the state budget by over 7 billion dollars and laying off state workers and eliminating or reducing state programs, I heard her to say she could pay for all of these expanded programs and initiatives by finding savings and efficiencies in state government. I’m not an expert since I didn’t work for mega-corporation like her, but it seems strange that she thinks she can find more government efficiencies in this environment. State revenues from tax receipts continue to decline and more budget cuts to government are on the way. Fortunately, I heard also say that the truck drivers were in favor of more taxes on diesel to help pay for some of these initiatives she has in mind. Let’s thank the truck drivers for volunteering to pay more in taxes!
I wouldnt debate that bleeding heart liberal nut case either….why bother.
Must be better things he can do with his time.
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