Why I am supporting Dustin Curtis for Virginia House of Delegates – District 54

Written by:  Scott Cooper

   

We are at a point in our history where our priorities need to be analyzed and re-set. 

       
Over the last two decades we have seen the expansion of government at every level.  In Virginia, over the last twelve years, we have seen state and local revenue increase 8 out of 11 years, including the last two years.  During the same time period, Virginia dependency on the Federal Government has also grown.  According to Clifton, Larson and Allen, in most categories, Virginia ranks in the top five states most financially dependent on the Federal Government, which as we know is sustaining itself through the printing of money and borrowing 40 cents of every dollar it spends.  If you want enlightening reading, peruse the Clifton, Larson and Allen report, especially pages 12 - 16!

This past legislative session, while facing pending sequestration cuts from the Federal Government, and in the midst of one of the worst recessions since the great depression, our Republican House of Delegates and Senate passed the largest tax increase in Virginia history.  It is expected Republican Governor Bob McDonnell will sign that tax increase. 

Delegate Bobby Orrock, who has served Spotsylvania and the 54^th House district for 23 years voted for that tax increase.  My understanding is Republican Speaker William Howell of Stafford, who has served for 25 years, in an effort to get the tax increase passed, pledged his war-chest to protect any Republican who would support the tax increase.  That is speculation – all we can do is watch his expenditures toward contested republican races during the upcoming campaign season to see if it is valid.

I firmly believe it is time for new representation at the Virginia House of Delegates.  I believe that very few individuals who have served in elected office for over 2 decades, unless they have a strong track record of speaking against and preventing the expansion of government – which has led to our current financial predicament, need to remain in office.  This is not personal.  I personally like both of the Delegates I mentioned above, both of whom are in their third decade of holding the public trust.  I simply believe they are too close to the expansion that has taken place to adequately address the problems we face.

Why Dustin Curtis:

I have known and observed Dustin Curtis for over two years now.  Here are a few things I can tell you about Dustin:

·       Dustin is an articulate and passionate individual who has thoroughly studied the issues. 

·       Dustin not only talks about the problems we face, he has thoughtfully researched and can articulate solutions.

·       Dustin understands what it takes to win – he is a graduate of The Leadership Institute and has worked with We R Virginia and on multiple campaigns.

·       Dustin has served in leadership roles as Chairman of The Fredericksburg, VA Patriots, and with We R Virginia and Campaign for Liberty.  In leadership, especially in civic organizations, there are always difficult situations.  I have witnessed Dustin handle difficult people and situations with tact, grace and decisiveness.

·       Dustin has surrounded himself with fantastic mentors.  In my opinion, this is an important thing for anyone in leadership – especially in elected office.

·       Dustin comes from the generation that will pay the heaviest burden for our collective financial irresponsibility.  There will be some who say his youth is a detractor from his candidacy.  I view it as very positive.  We need individuals of Dustin’s caliber, in his demographic, who understand the severity of the financial situation we are in, who are willing to take the bull by the horns to fix our problems.  Dustin is such an individual.

Please take a few minutes to review Dustin’s web-site.  If you agree with me, that we need Republican leadership in Richmond who are willing to draw a line in the sand, and re-prioritize our spending – who will say enough is enough on the tax increases – don’t just vote for Dustin in the primary this summer – please support him with your financial contribution. 

Bobby Orrock currently has $ 170,000 in his campaign account, and Speaker Howell has pledged to protect the Republicans who voted for the largest tax increase in Virginia History with his war chest, which currently sits at half a million dollars. 

If we really want new elected leadership in Richmond, each of us need to contribute, and we can make that a reality.  Please consider $ 25, $ 50, $ 100, $ 250 or whatever you can to this very important race. 

 

Thank you,

 

Scott Cooper