Politicians stump at chamber event

By JEFFREY SIMMONS/Staff

All politics is local, and all the local politicians crowded into the county courtroom last week to talk about their credentials and answer questions from the public.
Candidates ranging from sheriff to School Board to state senate showed up Oct. 9 for a Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce-sponsored forum in the Bland County Courthouse. They’re all seeking public jobs in the Nov. 6 election.
Each contender got five minutes to make his case for public office, and those in attendance—many of whom appeared to be the candidates’ friends and family members—were allowed to submit questions on index cards.
Bill Dixon moderated the event, which also drew in three candidates for state office.
Seeking another term as 6th District state delegate, Wytheville resident Anne B. Crockett-Stark talked recent General Assembly action and her plans for the future.
She cited her legislative work to bring $1 million in funding back to the area to be used for retraining and updating job skills.
The Republican also addressed controversial civil fees for driving-related offenses. According to Crockett-Stark, legislators are already addressing the fees, which can run in the thousands of dollars and don’t apply to out-of-state drivers.
“Committee work has already begun to fix or repeal those parts that I have been cursed and spit on over,” she said in prepared remarks. “And I will vote what you, my constituents, have asked for.”
As far as her future goals, the delegate pointed to continued strides in health care, including “health care association pools for small businesses, long-term care and promoting healthy lifestyles for our children.”
She also plans to reintroduce legislation to increase the amount of state money schools can borrow for school construction.
Crockett-Stark is being opposed by retired Juvenile and Domestic Relations Judge Bill Thomas.
Married to Gertrude Davis Thomas of Bland County, the Pulaski Democrat called the civil remedial fees a “tragic mistake” that wouldn’t be a reliable source of revenue to fund Virginia’s transportation needs.
According to his Web site: “In the 21st century economy, one of the biggest challenges we face in trying to attract new businesses to the region is our transportation infrastructure. I will fight for the funding to maintain and expand our existing transportation network, because adequate road, rail, and airline access is necessary to sustain long-term economic growth.”
Both Thomas and Crockett-Stark also attended the Festival of Leaves over the weekend.
Although he’s running without an opponent, state Sen. Phillip Puckett still made an appearance at the forum.
The Democrat also keyed in on the commonwealth’s ongoing transportation debate.
“If we’re serious about fixing the problem, we’ve got to get serious about paying for it,” he said, adding that he was essentially shut of out committee discussion as legislators hammered out details of the recently adopted funding package that included the remedial fees.
County candidates
When the state contenders were done, the local candidates shared their platforms and answered questions from the audience.
Some of the candidates, such as Republican Circuit Court Clerk Rebecca Johnson, are running unopposed.
“I love my job, and I want to keep it,” said the Bland High School graduate who’s worked in the clerk’s office for 23 years. “…You learn something new every day.”
Commissioner of Revenue Cindy Wright, who’s running as an independent, is also facing no opposition.
“I will continue to serve my county with experience, knowledge and dedication,” she said.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Clinton Kegley, a Democrat, has no opposition.
The Bland County native said he would continue to prosecute cases to the best of his ability and make decisions with fairness in mind.
In response to an audience question, Kegley defended the practice of plea bargains, where the prosecutor recommends a particular sentence in exchange for a defendant’s guilty plea.
According to Kegley, plea bargains save time and tax dollars because they typically recommend a punishment that’s in line with state-mandated sentencing guidelines.
Addressing a question about the county’s drug problem, Kegley said it was difficult to get confidential informants to make drug buys that could lead to arrests.
“It’s hard to get good, solid cases on distributions,” the prosecutor said.
Vying to be the man who goes after the drug dealers and other criminals, Republican Sheriff Jerry Thompson and Mark Russo, an independent, squared off in the most contentious battle of the evening.
Russo, who once worked as a Bland County deputy, cited his 12 years of law enforcement experience and his education in law enforcement management and supervision.
In criticizing Thompson, he pointed to a Virginia State Police report that showed the number of serious offenses doubling from 2005 to 2006. That same report also showed that arrests more than doubled during the same time period.
“I think the county deserves a Sheriff’s Office that is organized with strong leadership,” he said, adding that residents should have the opportunity to speak directly with the sheriff about their concerns.
Asking if change was always better, Thompson responded with the $320,000 the Sheriff’s Office had saved taxpayers by working the interstates for traffic violations, which result in fines coming back to the department.
During the last four years, he said, the department had secured $365,000 in federal, state and local grants to purchase vehicles and equipment.
He also pointed to his work to place two deputies in the schools as resource officers.
“I’m a working sheriff and will remain one,” he said.
Then came the questions.
Asked if he would make any drastic changes if elected, Russo said he wanted to enlarge the department to improve law enforcement coverage.
Questioned about where the $1,000 for his proposed crime tip fund would come from, Russo said he would try to get donations. If that didn’t work, he would contribute money, he said.
Asked about ways to improve patrol coverage, Thompson said the department had one officer – Kermit DeHart – out on sick leave, but that there was always at least one officer on duty.
Russo, whose wife is a state trooper, said he would seek help from the VSP.
As Russo and Thompson vie for sheriff, newcomer Johnny Goins, a Democrat, and JoAnn Shewey, a Republican, are competing for the treasurer’s job.
Goins, a Bland County native with 25 years of sales and customer service experience and an associate degree from Wytheville Community College, said he’s served as treasurer for various church and civic organizations.
“Customer service is a very important aspect of the treasurer’s office,” he said.
If elected, he said his goal would be to provide the highest quality of service to Bland County residents.
Shewey, the incumbent, has worked in the treasurer’s office since 1995 and has been treasurer for five years.
She pointed to her education, work ethic and experience as reasons for people to vote for her.
She’s completed the chamber’s Leadership Development Institute and is a member of a professional association.
“I really do enjoy my job and would appreciate your support in the future,” she said.
In the only other contested local match-up, Rob Brizendine and Robert Gibson are running for the District 1 (Sharon District) School Board seat.
An ABB quality control inspector, Brizendine graduated from Rocky Gap High School in 1985 and has two children at Rocky Gap schools.
He has an electrical engineering degree from Bluefield State College and has coached youth sports in county.
He said the school system was good, and he would like to see that trend continue while offering students more opportunities.
Gibson, who also graduated from RGHS and works at ABB, has a 7-year-old stepson.
“My passion is and has been working with the youth of my church,” he said.
If elected, he said, his first goal would be to gain the respect and confidence of the School Board and county residents.
Two Board of Supervisors’ positions are open this year, but the incumbents are running unopposed.
Speaking at the Oct. 9 event, independent Henry Blessing and Democrat Jason Ramsey talked about the board’s accomplishments during the last four years and their desire for economic development, especially around the Interstate 77 exits.
“I love Bland County,” Blessing said, “and anytime that you love anything, you want what’s best for it.”
“It’s really been a good four years,” Ramsey added.
Roger Morehead, who’s not facing a challenger for the District 3 School Board job, didn’t attend the forum.
The chamber will hold a similar event in Wythe County on Oct. 30.
Jeffrey Simmons can be reached at 1-800-655-1406 or .