Return Bell to office

Del. Rob Bell has made few errors in his tenure in the House of Delegates for the 58th District, while building some significant successes.
To name two of those successes:
l He helped spearhead legislation to prevent Virginians from having their private property taken away from them and handed over to other private owners, as happened in an infamous case in New London, Conn. 
l He chaired the subcommittee that worked on mental health reform following the Virginia Tech massacre. Criminal mental health has been one of his specialties of interest since law school, and he was uniquely skilled to handle this issue.
But in both cases, we are impressed not only with the results of the work but also with the manner in which it was accomplished. Both issues were challenging, politically risky and emotionally difficult, yet absolutely necessary to address. Mr. Bell was able to bring disparate viewpoints together, resulting in important reforms.
Mr. Bell also has solidified a reputation as a true servant of his district, involving himself in detailed issues that immediately affect constituents.
The upcoming General Assembly will have to deal with painful budget decisions. Mr. Bell’s understanding of the severity of the problem, his instincts toward cautious spending and his experience in legislative negotiations will stand the district, and the commonwealth, in good stead.
For these and other reasons, The Daily Progress recommends that voters send Rob Bell back to Richmond.