Friday, October 23, 2009
Editorial: Carter Turner for the 8th
Voters could do the state a favor by removing a huge obstacle to solving the transportation crisis.
From the RoundTable blog
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Voters in Virginia's 8th House District can strike a blow for the state's economic future Nov. 3 by turning House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith out of office, removing one giant obstacle to a rational transportation funding plan.
Democrat Carter Turner, a political newcomer, offers a credible choice as a recently energized community activist open to finding a bipartisan solution to Virginia's transportation crisis. One that involves actual money.
We endorse Turner, an assistant professor of religious studies at Radford University and a resident of Roanoke County's Glenvar area.
As a freshman lawmaker, Turner would not carry the same clout to Richmond as Republican Griffith, whose 16 years in the House and rise to party leadership have given him tremendous power.
Power misused is wasted or worse, though, and Griffith's steadfast opposition to any new statewide taxes for transportation -- even during the best of times -- has damaged the state.
Turner can take to Richmond a desperately needed openness to transportation revenue solutions now -- not a decade or more hence -- that won't rob the state's general fund. In other words, money for education, public safety and health programs.
He can bring thoughtfulness and freshness to an issue that has defied resolution.
In his campaign, Turner emphasizes his refusal to take contributions from big corporate donors, which Griffith naturally attracts by virtue of his influence.
In that, the fledgling politician, who first drew attention in fighting a proposed asphalt plant in Glenvar, hopes to empower people disillusioned with the political process.
He is not emphasizing transportation in his campaign, and told the editorial board he wouldn't like raising taxes. But neither is he taking a pledge of "no new taxes." He offers a hope that the delegate from the 8th House District will become part of the solution to a critical problem.
We urge district voters in Roanoke County and Salem to elect Turner.
