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In one of
the most egregious examples of cartographic chicanery foisted on the people
of a state in a long time, the Republican majority in Virginia has, for all
practical purposes, rather diabolically dismembered and dissolved what was
formerly the body politic consisting of Williamsburg/James City County.
Though these two entities have long shared responsibility for public schools,
libraries, recreational facilities and a host of other things, they have now
been politically cut adrift and gerry-joined to other political units with
which they have no perceptible commonality. The reason that the Republicans
have visited their wrath on our community, of course, is one man: George
Grayson. It is his politically tragic flaw to be unable to lose elections,
and therein lies his downfall. In 1999 he ran unopposed, whereas in his
previous three elections he beat his Republican challengers handily, both in
terms of votes and campaign money raised. The
reason for Grayson’s success is twofold. He is, first and foremost, a true
man of the Commonwealth, a protector of the common weal, of the common good.
Unlike his opponents, who seem hellbent, for the sake of the reduction of the car tax, on strangling the efficiency of our public
schools, state universities, libraries, museums and, quite frankly, anything
that smacks of culture, Grayson has devoted his political career to making
sure that all of these institutions thrive and that the people not only of
his district, but of the state at large, are given every opportunity to open
their minds to educational and cultural opportunities that make for a richer life.
A scholar in his own right, Grayson knows the benefits to be derived from
such endeavors, and throughout his political career he has fought for
reasonable salaries for teachers and professors, as well as for the physical
plants and materials that make for first class schools, universities and
libraries. Furthermore, as a strong civil libertarian, Grayson has tried to
assure that anyone, regardless of economic circumstances, has access to all
the educational and cultural facilities the city, county and state have to
offer. Indeed, his efforts on behalf of those most in need and least able to
speak for themselves have been tireless, as, for instance, in the case of the
rather heartless proposal to dismantle and sell Eastern State Hospital. But
perhaps Grayson’s strongest point has been his ability to deal on a one to
one basis with his constituents. His local office is staffed by people of
high competence and open to all who wish to make their voice heard or who
need problems solved. Indeed, he prides himself on his service to his local
constituency and quite rightly advises those who follow him to keep in close
touch with the people they serve. While the
redistricting plan is now being adjudicated and may be overturned, the fact
is that George Grayson will probably no longer be our delegate to the House.
And so I say Ave atque Vale and thank him profusely for a job well
done. |
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lewleadbeater.com Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved
email: LWL@lewleadbeater.com |
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