Thursday, March 13, 2008
Tim Kaine holds Town Hall Meeting
Last night I went to the town hall meeting at Warwick High School (my alma mater) featuring Virginia Governor Tim Kaine. It was an interesting experience since it was the first time I've been to something like this.
It was in the cafeteria and easily attracted a crowd of 400. There was even a signer, presumably from the Governor's office for the hearing impaired (a.k.a. deaf).
Of the people there, I recognized Tim Kaine, Delegates Phil Hamilton, Glenn Oder, Tom Gear, Newport News Mayor Joe Frank, Dr. Ashby Kilgore, fellow Warwick Alum and William & Mary student Renard "RC" Miller, and "Mike" of York County, with whom I roomed while in Caroline County helping Paul Jost.
Of all the people there, about a third were there to promote their cause(s), the most annoying of which is the payday lending issue. More than one person (more like 3) called on by Governor Kaine had a question or perspective to share on payday lending, to which they were then met with audible groans from the audience. Someone hit the gong, please.
There were also Sierra Club representatives, and representatives from Equality Virginia.
Naturally, the event started 13 minutes late, at 6:43 p.m. Joe Frank introduced Tim Kaine, or rather fawned over him extensively: "he is such a great governor" etc etc etc. Seriously Joe, I'm sure Kaine is a hard worker, but save this stuff for the Democratic fundraisers.
Tim Kaine then took the mic and began with a fair synopsis of the General Assembly session. This lasted 25minutes, then it was question time. Lots of hands in the air, not enough time to answer everyones question. I took rough minutes for most the meeting. Here are some highlights:
An articulate woman said Kaine would get rid of all his transportation problems if we got rid of the HRTA. Kaine then said that he has no control over the HRTA and that this is a local issue.
A mother whose son was a victim of homicide lauded Kaine on his vetoes of various pro-gun legislation. She dragged out the usual "guns are the problem" canard and then alleged that when the "Gun Show Loophole" bill came up, the pro-gun forces came armed, protested an anti-gun vigil, were nasty, etc. She wanted to know why the Capitol Police didn't do something about it. Funny, since I was there and I never witnessed any wrong-doing. Also, it's legal to open carry on Capitol grounds. This woman was out of her mind! Unfortunately, you can't do anything about it since you can't question her authenticity, otherwise you'll be "attacking a grieving mother!" How crass.
My friend Mike suggested that Virginia reform VDOT and privatize the ABC to pay for roads as an alternative to raising taxes.
A Hispanic woman assailed the new "anti-immigrant" laws. These new laws crack down on employers that knowingly hire illegals. So basically this woman is for illegal immigration. Kaine set her straight and explained these laws were not trying to attack immigrants.
These were but a few of the 15 or so questions asked. The event ended promptly at 8 p.m. Afterword I had a word with Mike Wade, who is the out-going chairman of the Hampton City Republican Committee. Wade is a colorful character who played a major role in shooting down the 2002 regional sales tax increase referedum.
Interestingly enough, the chairman of the Henrico County Republican Committee is also named Mike Wade. When I once spoke to Wade of Henrico, he told me "I'm the real Mike Wade."
I then had a word with my Delegate, Glenn Oder. But this is another story, which I will save for another day.
As I left, I had a friendly conversation with some Ron Paul supporters who were passing out information about REAL ID. This is the national ID card, which is the WORST idea ever!
I got out at about 8:20 p.m., ate dinner at Subway, and came home.
It was in the cafeteria and easily attracted a crowd of 400. There was even a signer, presumably from the Governor's office for the hearing impaired (a.k.a. deaf).
Of the people there, I recognized Tim Kaine, Delegates Phil Hamilton, Glenn Oder, Tom Gear, Newport News Mayor Joe Frank, Dr. Ashby Kilgore, fellow Warwick Alum and William & Mary student Renard "RC" Miller, and "Mike" of York County, with whom I roomed while in Caroline County helping Paul Jost.
Of all the people there, about a third were there to promote their cause(s), the most annoying of which is the payday lending issue. More than one person (more like 3) called on by Governor Kaine had a question or perspective to share on payday lending, to which they were then met with audible groans from the audience. Someone hit the gong, please.
There were also Sierra Club representatives, and representatives from Equality Virginia.
Naturally, the event started 13 minutes late, at 6:43 p.m. Joe Frank introduced Tim Kaine, or rather fawned over him extensively: "he is such a great governor" etc etc etc. Seriously Joe, I'm sure Kaine is a hard worker, but save this stuff for the Democratic fundraisers.
Tim Kaine then took the mic and began with a fair synopsis of the General Assembly session. This lasted 25minutes, then it was question time. Lots of hands in the air, not enough time to answer everyones question. I took rough minutes for most the meeting. Here are some highlights:
An articulate woman said Kaine would get rid of all his transportation problems if we got rid of the HRTA. Kaine then said that he has no control over the HRTA and that this is a local issue.
A mother whose son was a victim of homicide lauded Kaine on his vetoes of various pro-gun legislation. She dragged out the usual "guns are the problem" canard and then alleged that when the "Gun Show Loophole" bill came up, the pro-gun forces came armed, protested an anti-gun vigil, were nasty, etc. She wanted to know why the Capitol Police didn't do something about it. Funny, since I was there and I never witnessed any wrong-doing. Also, it's legal to open carry on Capitol grounds. This woman was out of her mind! Unfortunately, you can't do anything about it since you can't question her authenticity, otherwise you'll be "attacking a grieving mother!" How crass.
My friend Mike suggested that Virginia reform VDOT and privatize the ABC to pay for roads as an alternative to raising taxes.
A Hispanic woman assailed the new "anti-immigrant" laws. These new laws crack down on employers that knowingly hire illegals. So basically this woman is for illegal immigration. Kaine set her straight and explained these laws were not trying to attack immigrants.
These were but a few of the 15 or so questions asked. The event ended promptly at 8 p.m. Afterword I had a word with Mike Wade, who is the out-going chairman of the Hampton City Republican Committee. Wade is a colorful character who played a major role in shooting down the 2002 regional sales tax increase referedum.
Interestingly enough, the chairman of the Henrico County Republican Committee is also named Mike Wade. When I once spoke to Wade of Henrico, he told me "I'm the real Mike Wade."
I then had a word with my Delegate, Glenn Oder. But this is another story, which I will save for another day.
As I left, I had a friendly conversation with some Ron Paul supporters who were passing out information about REAL ID. This is the national ID card, which is the WORST idea ever!
I got out at about 8:20 p.m., ate dinner at Subway, and came home.
# posted by Steven Latimer : 9:20 AM
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