Not Larry Sabato has been running a series of analysis about the Virginia Senate Districts in preparation for the 2007 elections. NLS has already covered the 2 districts that Smyth County is part of.
The 38th District (Saltville & Rich Valley Precincts in Smyth) analysis can be found here.
The 40th District (all other Smyth Precincts) analysis can be found here.
Not Larry Sabato has been running a series of analysis about the Virginia Senate Districts in preparation for the 2007 elections. NLS has already covered the 2 districts that Smyth County is part of.
The 38th District (Saltville & Rich Valley Precincts in Smyth) analysis can be found here.
The 40th District (all other Smyth Precincts) analysis can be found here.
Not Larry Sabato has been running a series of analysis about the Virginia Senate Districts in preparation for the 2007 elections. NLS has already covered the 2 districts that Smyth County is part of.
The 38th District (Saltville & Rich Valley Precincts in Smyth) analysis can be found here.
The 40th District (all other Smyth Precincts) analysis can be found here.
Jerry, From On High, has this interesting post proposing gaming as an option to reinvigorate the economy of Smyth County, particularly Chilhowie.
I think it would be a nice way to infuse some money into the economy and provide some jobs. It’s something worth looking into because it at least is an idea that could pan out.
Jerry, From On High, has this interesting post proposing gaming as an option to reinvigorate the economy of Smyth County, particularly Chilhowie.
I think it would be a nice way to infuse some money into the economy and provide some jobs. It’s something worth looking into because it at least is an idea that could pan out.
Jerry, From On High, has this interesting post proposing gaming as an option to reinvigorate the economy of Smyth County, particularly Chilhowie.
I think it would be a nice way to infuse some money into the economy and provide some jobs. It’s something worth looking into because it at least is an idea that could pan out.
Election Day is almost upon us. I plan to be out campaigning and helping out on the Saltville side of Smyth County. There is nothing like the fun and excitement of Election Day. Meeting all kinds of people that you know and just chatting with people are some of the nice things about being around the polls.
I still think that George Allen will be prevalent in the Senate race. Granted, it is going to be very close I think. I hope it isn’t so close as to require another recount. I don’t think we need to go through another one of those.
Who has been in charge in the Allen campaign? I can’t believe some of the things that have went down on their watch thus far in this campaign. Allen has went from a commanding lead in the polls to a razor thin margin now. This is totally ridiculous. Sure, the tactics of the Webb people have been deplorable. Allen’s reputation as a serious Presidential candidate in 2008 may now be in shambles due to some of these happenings. I hope he can revive his momentum in the Presidential arena.
In short, we’ll see what happens Tuesday.
Election Day is almost upon us. I plan to be out campaigning and helping out on the Saltville side of Smyth County. There is nothing like the fun and excitement of Election Day. Meeting all kinds of people that you know and just chatting with people are some of the nice things about being around the polls.
I still think that George Allen will be prevalent in the Senate race. Granted, it is going to be very close I think. I hope it isn’t so close as to require another recount. I don’t think we need to go through another one of those.
Who has been in charge in the Allen campaign? I can’t believe some of the things that have went down on their watch thus far in this campaign. Allen has went from a commanding lead in the polls to a razor thin margin now. This is totally ridiculous. Sure, the tactics of the Webb people have been deplorable. Allen’s reputation as a serious Presidential candidate in 2008 may now be in shambles due to some of these happenings. I hope he can revive his momentum in the Presidential arena.
In short, we’ll see what happens Tuesday.
Brian Patton has an interesting post up discussing Bill Carrico’s run next year for re-election to the House of Delegates. Apparently the Dems are looking for someone big (or have someone) that they are going to try and run against him.
My prediction is Carrico wins easily again—-provided he is not in Congress then 
I suspect the Dems will try and run Tom Graham again who Carrico defeated back in 2003. Graham is now the 9th District Democrat Chair from what I hear.
Brian Patton has an interesting post up discussing Bill Carrico’s run next year for re-election to the House of Delegates. Apparently the Dems are looking for someone big (or have someone) that they are going to try and run against him.
My prediction is Carrico wins easily again—-provided he is not in Congress then
I suspect the Dems will try and run Tom Graham again who Carrico defeated back in 2003. Graham is now the 9th District Democrat Chair from what I hear.
Here is an article from the Smyth County News & Messenger detailing the new town manager in Saltville. Steve Johnson, the son of recently elected Councilman Neil Johnson, was selected to fill the long vacant town manager position. This position had been filled on an interim basis by Jeff Smith, who took the clerk-treasurer position for Saltville.
Apparently, Councilman Johnson didn’t participate in the vote process naming his son to the position or the interview process. Steve Johnson does presently reside, according to the article, with his parents in Saltville. Makes me wonder how they are able to easily avoid talking about town business at home.
Legally, the Code of Virginia is silent on this issue. This should get interesting.
Here is an article from the Smyth County News & Messenger detailing the new town manager in Saltville. Steve Johnson, the son of recently elected Councilman Neil Johnson, was selected to fill the long vacant town manager position. This position had been filled on an interim basis by Jeff Smith, who took the clerk-treasurer position for Saltville.
Apparently, Councilman Johnson didn’t participate in the vote process naming his son to the position or the interview process. Steve Johnson does presently reside, according to the article, with his parents in Saltville. Makes me wonder how they are able to easily avoid talking about town business at home.
Legally, the Code of Virginia is silent on this issue. This should get interesting.
It’s about 46 days until Election Day. So far things I think have been fairly quiet (except for a few major news items).
Boucher v. Carrico
Unfortunately, I have little hope now that Bill Carrico can defeat Rick Boucher. I’ve seen very little effort from the campaign on a large scale so far. I don’t know if I have seen more than 4 Carrico signs everywhere I’ve been. I cover a lot of ground in SWVA each week and have seen tons of Boucher signs. I still wish Carrico the best and will be voting for him. Carrico is a great candidate and I think that he will be successful in any future endeavors he may have. Had Carrico made a huge push before June, things may have been different.
Allen v. Webb
I do not believe the comment scandal will hurt Allen too much. It may take away a percentage of votes, but I don’t think he is tarnished. I haven’t seen that much effort by the Webb folks in SWVA. Allen remains to be a hugely popular political figure in Virginia (SWVA included). Allen may be the most popular Virginia politician. People also realize he has a great chance of capturing the GOP nomination for President in 2008. I think all the polls so far are misleading and Allen will pull this one out comfortably.
It’s about 46 days until Election Day. So far things I think have been fairly quiet (except for a few major news items).
Boucher v. Carrico
Unfortunately, I have little hope now that Bill Carrico can defeat Rick Boucher. I’ve seen very little effort from the campaign on a large scale so far. I don’t know if I have seen more than 4 Carrico signs everywhere I’ve been. I cover a lot of ground in SWVA each week and have seen tons of Boucher signs. I still wish Carrico the best and will be voting for him. Carrico is a great candidate and I think that he will be successful in any future endeavors he may have. Had Carrico made a huge push before June, things may have been different.
Allen v. Webb
I do not believe the comment scandal will hurt Allen too much. It may take away a percentage of votes, but I don’t think he is tarnished. I haven’t seen that much effort by the Webb folks in SWVA. Allen remains to be a hugely popular political figure in Virginia (SWVA included). Allen may be the most popular Virginia politician. People also realize he has a great chance of capturing the GOP nomination for President in 2008. I think all the polls so far are misleading and Allen will pull this one out comfortably.
Over the past couple weeks, I’ve been helping a friend of mine who is a candidate for Saltville Town Council with his campaign. His name is Stephen Brandon McAllister, or his unique nickname “Moo” as he is called. Here is his campaign web site. I have to say that might be the first ever web site for a Smyth County local election. He is not the typical candidate as he is only 21 years old and a college student.
Compared to some big towns, Saltville is quite small but it is very challenging to cover all the town with as many streets Saltville has. Still, Saltville is the largest town in Smyth County in area and 2nd largest in population. There’s no question that door-to-door and grassroots work certainly win elections. I can’t tell you how many people we’ve talked to have said we were the first people to come to their house and nobody running for an office has ever stopped by.
A couple of the other candidates are also doing some door-to-door work but I don’t think their methods are effective. All they are doing is handing out business cards with their names on them. We have actually been handing out flyers that talk about the issues and provide more information than a little business card. Some residents have even told us that one particular candidate came to their house, handed them a business card, said “vote for me,” and turned to leave. That is NOT the way to conduct a door-to-door operation. You need to actually have a converstation with people.
Election Day is Tuesday and the field for Saltville Town Council has narrowed some. 1 of the 10 original candidates, Andrew M. Bresnock, Jr. has withdrawn. However, it is too late to remove his name from the ballots. There are now 9 candidates for 3 seats.
This morning I found myself in a strange place—a Rick Boucher Town Hall Meeting. Boucher held the meeting Saturday morning at the Chilhowie Public Library/Community Center here in Smyth County. There were around 25 people there counting him and his 3 staff members. I expected a much larger turnout, but it was a Saturday morning.
I actually had never seen Boucher speak before in person. I must admit he is an excellent public speaker and is very charismatic. He showed up a little past the listed start time, but jumped right into giving his report. The report listed several things he worked to accomplish here in Smyth County. Boucher listed the completion of the re-build of Route 600, funding for the renovation and re-opening of the Lincoln Theatre in Marion, and money for the library’s computer lab in the same building we were at today. His staff distributed a 30 page booklet to all in attendance listing all the things he considered his accomplishments in the 9th District for 2005 grouped by category.
Two themes were present throughout his presentation—tourism and technology. I didn’t mind the technology part at all since I am pretty tech savvy. However, I was tired of hearing the same old tourism stuff paraded out. Tourism definitely is not going to save SWVA. We need many good quality jobs and employers who will make long term investments. Technology jobs are good, but there is so much of our population who did not grow up with technology. I did like Boucher’s goals to expand broadband and wireless Internet access. Having broadband is a vital asset and resource for rural areas and does help to lure in technology and non-tech businesses.
Boucher did take questions for the audience which ranged from immigration issues, to gas prices, health care, and broadband availability. In his responses he did take a couple swipes at President Bush on Medicare funding reduction and gas prices. He also expressed optimism that the Democrats may regain control of the House in the November elections.
I had to leave before the end of the meeting to head to another event. I spent about and hour and a half watching it and have to give him high marks at least for his presentation.
Here is a story that appeared in the April 19th edition of the Smyth County News & Messenger. As a side note, they have been keeping their web site somewhat updated lately.
It has been announced a development corporation will build a 40,000 square foot retail center on the former Moss Trucking parking lot. This lot is located on the Smyth-Washington line on Route 91 coming into Saltville from the Glade Spring direction. A national retailer (which remains nameless) has already agreed to locate in the new development.
Already some controversy has started to erupt. For several years now, long haul truckers who live in Saltville have used the lot for parking their trucks. The lot is owned by the Saltville Industrial Development Authority. In the article, it is mentioned Saltville will be forcing the truckers to stop parking there soon. Now here is the big question—Where are the truckers going to park? On the street and block traffic near their residences? Saltville should provide alternate parking for these truckers. Since a couple years ago, the SIDA has expressed concern over the truckers parking on the property for liability reasons. Some I’ve talked to see this as an excuse to get the truckers off the property.
I hope that the “national retailer” is a good business and Saltville provides alternate arrangements for the truckers.
Today I attended the Smyth County Republican Committee Mass Meeting at the Chilhowie High School. It was a small gathering as it is hard to keep people interested in politics, especially in an off year. We elected officers, chose delegates to the 9th District GOP Convention, and heard from several guest speakers.
I can’t help but toot my own political horn a little bit. I was honored and surprised to be elected Vice Chairman of the Smyth County GOP. I have many goals to reinvigorate the party. Ultimately I would like to see the GOP capture all 5 constitutional officer seats and all the Board of Supervisors one day. The GOP is dominant in Smyth County in federal and Virginia elections. However, we have a lot to work on in local elections where the Democrats apparently do a better job.
Delegate Bill Carrico, his family, and his campaign manager for Congress were present. One thing is for sure, Delegate Carrico would make an awesome Congressman. He speaks very well and is not afraid of a challenge. He spoke that the odds in elections have always been against him, but he has been able to overcome them. In 2001 he started campaigning 3 months before the election for House of Delegates and was able to defeat a 3 term very well financed Democrat and prominent lawyer. Carrico won by 17% in that race. In 2003 odds were again stacked against him as he took a challenge for his seat from a well financed stock broker who spent a gigantic amount of money. Carrico won that race by 10%.
Additionally we heard from Patrick Muldoon, who ran for Congress against Rick Boucher back in 1996 I believe. He came by to ask us for our support in his quest to be Chairman of the 9th District GOP Committee. We also heard from a Mr. Debusk from Blacksburg (I forgot his first name, but think it was Jay) who is seeking a spot on the State Central GOP Committee from the 9th District.
Shirley Bailey, the woman sued earlier by the Town of Saltville for $687,000 due to alleged interference in the ongoing “rails-to-trails” development, has filed a counterclaim against Saltville. Here is an RT-D article and here is a BHC article on the suit. The town sued following Bailey posting her property with “No Trespassing” signs, not allowing workers to remove the rails, and calling the sheriff on Saltville town officials. Saltville is claiming damages against Bailey due to her resistance and interference. It is indeed very interesting they sued her for twice the value of the entire rail sale agreement, which is $330,000.
In the counterclaim, Bailey asks the court to declare her the rightful owner of the property on which the railway lies. She states she has paid real estate taxes on this with the rest of her property for many years. She also is asking the court to order the Town of Saltville to stop trespassing on her property. Bailey also seeks judgment for her attorney’s fees.
Bailey and other property owners contend they own the rail-bed and the railroad company only had a right of way. Bailey concedes that Saltville may have a right to the actual rails and associated equipment—but not the property upon which it sits.
Here are some quotes from the RT-D article which I find very interesting:
According to Bailey’s motion to dismiss, the town’s lawsuit exhibits “an arrogance of power” and was meant to squelch public opposition to the town’s plan to turn the line into a hiking trail.
Town officials said they filed the lawsuit against Bailey after becoming worried that the landowners’ opposition to the rail-to-trail plan would become violent. The town’s lawsuit accuses Bailey of threatening to block a private company from removing the tracks and crossties from the railroad bed.
I agree with Bailey’s stance that Saltville does possess an “arrogance of power.” They basically sued someone for dissenting, which is a right they have. As I’ve said earlier, Saltville had other ways of taking this to court to have it settled—not in this arrogant fashion. I think the assertion that the dissenters may become violent is laughable. In all the “run-ins” with Saltville, Bailey and the others did the right thing and called the sheriff’s office to come out instead of taking matters into her own hands.
Here is another laughable quote in the RT-D article from Tracy Smith—officially Saltville’s Economic Development Director—but it would seem she does just about everything in Saltville government. Here it seems that she is acting as town spokeswoman:
Yesterday, Tracy Mitchell, director of economic development for the town, said the purpose of the lawsuit was simply “to settle the question of who owns that property and, by doing that, we think that will settle things down.”
Well, I again would say you don’t have to file a lawsuit against one woman for $687,000 to get a determination on who owns what. If Saltville thinks that filing lawsuits for large sums of money against opponents is the way to conduct business, I hope voters on May 2nd will oust the current members up for re-election to the Town Council and replace them with sensible people. After all, it was the Town Council in a special called meeting several weeks ago that authorized this lawsuit unanimously.
Last Wednesday, the Smyth County News & Messenger began a 12 week special series on the efficiency and operations of the Smyth County Public School system. This series examines the report conducted by the MGT firm from Washington State. Governor Warner initiated the plan to study certain school systems in Virginia and Smyth was selected as one of the study sites.
Overall, the results of the study are good. The study commended the system for having a 6 year plan and employee evaluations, which the firm claims most school divisions don’t have. The budgeting process also obtained high-marks with the school board moving the system into the black from deficits in previous years.
The study does cite room for improvement. In particular, the organization structure of the school board administration should be changed. The firm stated too many people report directly to the superintendent of schools that should report to lower officials. I’ve always thought myself this is a problem for the Smyth school system. There does seem to be a lot of redundancies in the current hierarchy. Making this change would free up some time and responsibilities of the superintendent.
The committee also recommends the superintendent maintain a higher public profile by getting out into the community more. I agree.
The dreaded “C” word—consolidation is mentioned. The firm recommends the board conduct a facilities survey to determine what buildings need to be renovated. Along with this it is suggested the school system look into starting possible consolidation thought. I can tell you that consolidation is the most difficult and disrupting thing a school board can do. Back in 1987 Rich Valley High School and R.B. Worthy High School of Saltville were combined at Saltville to form Northwood High School. Things were very contentious in that area of Smyth County I’ve been told. I’ve heard the superintendent had to be assigned 24 hour police protection then.
Well, I look forward to reading parts 2-12.