This blog was created to provide a forum for us to freely exchange thoughts and ideas with one another.
In the 1850’s, the Republican Party was formed on principles of equality and freedom, and established on the belief that the strength of our nation is best reflected in the strength of the individual. The tenets of free enterprise, fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, and small government were acknowledged as our party’s philosophy of effective government.
Although many things have changed since the birth of the Republican Party and since the leadership of our Party’s first President, Abraham Lincoln, our ideals remain the same. Together, through friendly discourse, may we discuss the pertinent issues of today in light of these principles, and through dialogue, uncover new ways of leading and representing the voices of the Commonwealth.
2 comments:
Given the following:
"The Republican Party was formed on principles of equality and freedom, and established on the belief that the strength of our nation is best reflected in the strength of the individual. The tenets of free enterprise, fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, and small government were acknowledged as our party’s philosophy of effective government.
I am at a loss how the GOP controlled House and Senate could have passed HB 3202 last session.
Many life long Republicans I know here in Tidewater view HB 3202 as the straw that broke the camel's back - and has caused many once faithful Republicans to turn our backs on the VA GOP.
HB 3202 is a water shed event. Yet, for the most part - aside from the absusing driver fees - it remains largly unaddressed in this session of the General Assembly.
Senator Miller's Bill SB 676 was sent to die in Committee. Del. Tom Gears bill HB 829 doers not appear to have gained any meaningful GOP support.
There are many other bills that tinker with the HRTA that HB 3202 created, but only SB 676 and HB 829 abolish the hated HRTA created by HB 3202.
HB 3202 clearly created another layer of government - a regional layer - when all it needed to do was find a way to fund some needed traffic congestion relief.
The quote above clearly states that ... small government [was] acknowledged as our party’s philosophy ..."
How is creating an all-appointed regional taxing authority adhereing to this core Republican philosophy?
I would appreciate having the GOP stand up and support these two bills and in doing so they would prove that they truely care about following the core philosophy of the Republican Party.
If HB 3202 is not fixed - and the voters in Tidewater are stuck with another layter of unaccountable regional government, those running for office as Republicans will continue to lose their opportunity to represent the former GOP faithful living in Tidewater.
I don't share this view as a threat, but more as a wake up call. I am not a fan of Democrats, but it is my duty to fire those elected representatives that continue to support HB 3202 - and the creation of all-appointed regional taxing authorities.
Update: Senator Miller's bill SB 676 was killed in the Seante Transportation Committee by a vote of 10 to 4. The comment offered was that the Seante Committee wanted to "study" the HRTA for a year before doing anything.
Translation?
Allow the HTRA to hire a pricey Executive Director, some more staff, run up a few bills, and possibly incure massive debt and then use the debt as a reason not to abolish the extra layer of regional government that the GOP controlled General Assembly created last year.
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