David Karaffa, To My Supporters

To My Supporters.

On Monday night, Staunton City Councilman Richard Bell was elected as the Republican nominee for the 20th House District seat by the Republican chairpersons of the encompassing counties and city.

I congratulated Mr. Bell and wished him well in his campaign. I also expressed my willingness to help him in any way while on the campaign trail. I believe that Councilman Bell will represent the 20th District with strength and devotion and he has my full support.

I would like to thank all who supported me in this process. It was surely a team effort. We added to the richness of the discussion on Monday night and engaged in the issues that the Commonwealth is currently facing. I appreciate the overwhelming support and kind words from all of you who have contacted me. Some I have known for years and others I just met. This is truly an exciting time.

Many of you have expressed that I stay involved and I will. I will continue to work with the surrounding communities as we pull together and continue the momentum of individual responsibility, small government, and conservative principles.

Again, I thank all of you for your support and ask you to join me in supporting Councilman Richard Bell in November.

Sincerely,

David A. Karaffa

Christopher DeWald steps out of race for 20th District, throws support behind David Karaffa!!

This morning I received a call from Mr. DeWald. He stated that he was pulling out of the race for the 20th District Delegate position. He sighted some medical reasons for his withdrawal and I understand them. Mr. DeWald was the highest licensed official working at the Department of Health for water treatment and served on the State Water Control Board. He also volunteered at the hospital, Augusta Health, in Fishersville as Santa Claus during the Christmas Season.

He went on to say that he fully supports me in my bid for the Republican Nomination.

"I want to add that I throw any weight that I might have had to Mr. David Karaffa. He is the only one of the 7 that remain that is out there in the public. I have seen and heard him in Gypsy Hill Park. He is out there with the people. The others lack that motivation and drive. We need someone vibrant that is going after the position because he desires to be part of the solution and will work hard for the party. He is young enough to run for many years and not to be just a figurehead. I applaud his efforts in obtaining such medical credentials in such a short time. That shows desire and people skills. That is what the party that I love needs. We do not need someone who will just want the name of the position, but go out and be the reorganized Republican Party."---Christopher J DeWald.

I appreciate Mr. DeWald's kind words and respect him for putting forth his name to serve the people of our district.

David Karaffa for 20th District Delegate!

Good Evening, I'm David Karaffa.

As many of you know, our Delegate, Chris Saxman, has announced that he will no longer be seeking re-election in November, which opens up the Republican nomination. I, like many of you, was surprised that our good delegate was no longer running. I understand the reasons that Delegate Saxman has for stepping aside and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for his years of unwavering service to our community, and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Over the last couple of days, many in the community have asked me if I would submit my name for candidacy. After careful consideration of the issues confronting our great commonwealth, input from my family, and quiet prayer, I have decided to put forward my name for the 20th District seat of the Virginia House of Delegates.

We reflect on the peaceful passing of public service from one person to the next that has been in practice ever since the founding of our country. Each time, it has been to a person that shares our faith in a system that puts "We the People" in charge and I share in that belief. If selected I will passionately continue our fight for fiscal responsibility, real estate assessment reform, education, healthcare, a responsible energy policy, government transparency, and job creation. As Delegate Saxman, a great public servant, goes on to travel a different path, we must have strength and courage as a community, to look to the future of our representation and take confidence in our selection.

I want to thank the Republican Committee Chairmen for opening up this nomination so that once again a person who walks among us can step forward, take on the burden of public service, and represent our interests in the Virginia legislature. I look forward to an open and fair process where the will of the people will be respected and the spirit of our democracy maintained.

I am honored by the prospect of representing our great community and I ask you to support me at the Republican Nomination Forum 7 pm July 27th at Buffalo Gap High School.

(Show your support for David Karaffa and a Bold Fresh Perspective by wearing a Red Shirt at the Forum)

Respect for a Leader.

SwacGirl takes some time to reflect on recent events and a great leader, Del. Chris Saxman.

Hold The Presses!!!

Hold the phone, stop the presses, and put the champagne back on ice!  

In a stunning decision by the local Republican committee chairmen, the decision to replace Del. Chris Saxman as the 2009 candidate for delegate has been placed on hold until after a public forum in which any person can contend for the Republican nomination for the 20th district seat of Virginia.  

All residents wishing to submit their name for consideration have to be in to Carl Tate, Chairman of the 20th District Republican Legislative Committee, by Wednesday, July 22nd at 5 p.m.  The forum will be held 7 p.m. Monday, July 27th at Buffalo Gap High School.  The Republican committee chairmen will hear from those that attend and render a decision on the nominee.  

The 20th District of Virginia is sure alive tonight!

 

City Councilman to be handed the 20th district seat of Virginia.

Virginia State Delegate Chris Saxman (pictured on left), from the 20^th district seat of Virginia, has removed his name from the ballot this November.  In an email letter to his supporters the four term Delegate stated “I have recently felt pulled to pursue new opportunities to serve my community and our Commonwealth, I believe the time has come for me to step away from my current elected position.” 

It appears, according to the Rockingham GOP Chairman and The News Leader, that no public nomination process will be sought by the Republican Party to replace Saxman.  Instead, it is anticipated that Staunton City Councilman Richard (Dickie) Bell will be handed the nomination on Saturday, July 18^th, in a closed door process by the chairmen of the Staunton city, Augusta county, Rockingham county, and Highland county units of the Republican party.

We will stay up to date as this story unfolds.

Democratic Congressman laughs about legislators responsibilities!

U.S. Congressman and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, a Democrat from Maryland, said Tuesday, July 7th “If every member pledged to not vote for it if they hadn't read it in its entirety, I think we would have very few votes.” He actually laughed and said, “I'm laughing because a)I don't know how long this bill is going to be, but it's going to be a very long bill.”

Colin Hanna, president of Let Freedom Ring, has created the “Responsible Health-care Reform Pledge,” which commits lawmakers to read the health care bill in its entirety before they cast their vote. The group is also asking that the full health care bill be made available for public view three days before Congress votes on it. It has been revealed that few, if any, congressman read the 1,550 page American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (Cap and Trade Bill) or the 1,071 page American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ($850 billion Bailout Bill).

The Responsible Health-care Reform Pledge states; “I, (Name inserted here), pledge to my constituents and to the American people that I will not vote to enact any health-care reform package that: 1) I have not read, personally, in its entirety; and, 2) Has not been available, in its entirety, to the American people on the Internet for at least 72 hours, so that they can read it too.”

Readers may also find this interesting. Below is the text for the Oath of Office for Congressmen and women.

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.

Reason would suggest that when you make an oath to discharge the duties of the office in a well and faithful manner that it would include reading legislation entirely before voting on it. Sometimes our elected leaders, even Congressman Steny Hoyer, need to be reminded of their most sacred promise, which is to the people.

Interview with Virginia State Delegate Ben Cline

I was able to catch up with State Delegate Ben Cline of Virginia's 24th district. My first impression of Delegate Cline is one of a well rounded personality. He has passions and conviction about his work in the Virginia House of Delegates. He seems to always be on the move. I asked him about the campaign. Delegate Cline said, “I am anticipating the debate, I have been opposed four out of the five times I have run for this position, I am getting used to it.” I asked Del. Cline what got him into politics. He stated, “I worked for Congressman Bob Goodlatte when he was first elected. I worked hard on that team, especially the balanced budget amendment, and learned a lot. When the opportunity came to run for state delegate, I saw it as a great way to help my community.”

Education has been a priority for Delegate Cline, he said, “I have always worked as a leader for education reform. We are working to make sure that money is going to the classroom, I have been working on the 2/3 rule which obligates school boards to prove that $2 out of every $3 dollars is going into the classroom and students.”

“With education, we are also trying a new formula that sets a 4/1 ratio for teachers to staff.” Using this standard, schools would have one staff member for every four teachers. These staff include the principal, vice principal, secretaries, janitors, food workers, etc. The efficiencies that are created would save money that could be put to better use updating classrooms.

Delegate Cline has been fighting high dollar Virginia Lottery licensing. The profits from the Virginia Lottery go to funding education throughout the state. Delegate Cline explained how the state of Virginia paid up to $840 thousand dollars for the license to offer the “Deal or No Deal” lottery tickets. Delegate Cline said, “Paying such expensive licensing fees is ridiculous, we could be using that money better.” He is supporting legislation to change this practice.

Job creation, especially green jobs, and the economy are hot topics these days, I asked Delegate Cline to explain his views. He said, “I am concerned about the environment, however right now we need all kinds of jobs. It is the role of government to keep taxes and regulations low through cooperation with local governments and efficient practices. Government is supposed to foster new business while adhering to local comprehensive growth plans.” I asked him what his recipe would be for job creation. He said, “Education is key, especially community colleges, we need to tie in local high schools with local community colleges by offering some courses in high school that earn credits in college. We will have forty thousand new students in the university system and we don’t have the seats available. Another step is offering classes in high school and community college that prepare students to work in local industry, this can help keep our next generation close to home and improve our local economy.”

I asked Delegate Cline what legislation he was most proud to support in this last term. He said government transparency legislation. He explained that it is an internet site that would disclose every penny of state money and where it was going. This program is still under construction and will need further support in order to be completed. Through this program any citizen would be able to log in and track whatever money whenever they want. It would be an excellent tool for the people of Virginia to keep an eye on big government.

Delegate Cline is a strong Pro-Life supporter. He stated, “I have introduced legislation that takes practical steps towards life that both sides of the aisle can agree on.” One such bill was to offer fetal anesthesia before an abortion is carried out. He said, “It passes the House of Delegates every year and then it is killed in the Senate.” Another bill he would like to see passed is that a woman must have a sonogram before she has an abortion.

Gun control is a hot topic this election year. I asked Delegate Cline about his perspective. He stated, “I am extremely proud of my A+ rating from the NRA and I am a member of the Militia, Police, and Public Safety Committee in the House of Delegates. I have supported legislation that would increase the opportunity for people to carry concealed firearms, and a no permit fee for retired police and military personnel.” Meaning, while retired police and military personnel are required to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon, they would not have to pay the fee's required by the state to obtain it.

I asked Delegate Cline if he considered himself a conservative. He stated, “I do, I believe in the power of the individual to determine their own fate. I believe the primary role of government is the protection of our constitutional rights, the defense of our freedom, and the limited ability of government to affect a person’s ability to pursue their destiny.”

Virginia State Delegate Ben Cline represents Rockbridge, Lexington, Buena Vista, and parts of southern Augusta County as the 24th district representative. He is running for re-election this November and humbly asks for your continued support. For more information on Delegate Cline and what he has done in his service to Virginia, go to his website, www.bencline.com

New Health Care Bill could cost you $1,000 if you don't comply.

The United States Senate version of the new Health Care bill would fine Americans $1,000 dollars or more if they don't have health insurance coverage. This according to the Associated Press. The Congressional Budget Office predicts that the fines will generate about $36 billion in new revenue over 10 years. The Obama Administration has also said that it is happy with this version of the bill.

Basically, the federal government is giving you two choices, either pony up for a federal insurance plan or pony up a hefty fine. Either way you end up paying. It is humiliating that the U.S. Senate and President Obama are comfortable charging people a fine when they can't afford health insurance. Lets take into consideration a poor American who can't afford private health insurance and can't afford the government option health care plan either. Instead of that person being able to keep his money, he will have to pay it in a fine to the federal government. How does that help?

I Called my Elected Representatives, Have You?

Today I exercised my freedom to speak, I exercised my freedom to make a difference, however small with those who represent me in government. I called Congressman Goodlatte, I called Senator Jim Webb, and I called Senator Mark Warner from the great Commonwealth of Virginia. I told them the same thing that I have been saying to those who read this blog, that I don't want legislation passed that takes away my rights, that hurts our economy, and most of all that takes away my freedoms. I told them that I did not want Cap and Trade passed, I told them that I did not want Universal Health Care passed, and then I asked them a question.

My questions was, "If these things pass, how will we pay for them?"

No one could answer my question.

In the time of the World Wide Web, Super computers, and Space travel, why don't we have a clear plan in front of the American People about how we will pay for such federal programs on scales such as to indebt future untold generations of Americans? I don't think we can afford to be irresponcible any more.

Augusta County Government wants New Cell phones!

The Augusta County Government center issued a request for sealed proposals for new cell phones and services for government employees.

Currently the County of Augusta employees 400 full time and part time employees, they have 250 active cell phones, and the county employees’ average 50,250 minutes of total wireless usage per month. The proposal request asks for a replacement of these phones with new ones that have GPS, internet access, access to email, Bluetooth, must come with a belt clip, and other options for Blackberry phones.

Specifications are requested to be tailored to the Blackberry 8300 Series or higher, pictured above. Where are we getting the money for this?

Proposals are due by July 9th, with a vote of approval by the Augusta County Board of Supervisors on July 22nd, and finalization on August 1st.

A New Bill from the U.S. Mint

Recently, we have heard how Universal Health Care will cost about 1 trillion dollars. To commemorate this new level of government spending and to further save trees look at the new Bill that is set to be made by the United States Treasury.

First, Lets look at $10,000 dollars. We can all understand that.

Second, Lets look at what $1 Million dollars looks like. Okay we can handle that.

Now look at what $100 Million Dollars looks like, a nice neat stack on a pallet. Most of us have never seen this much money.

And now, $1 Trillion dollars, notice that the pallets of $100 Millions are double stacked. Try to find the man in the red shirt, trust me he is there. Imagine how many trees will be cut down as a result of spending this kind of money.

So, to save on paper we have a new bill, the $1 Trillion dollar bill. God help us.

“A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government.”
– Thomas Jefferson

$2.1 Million for Fishersville Library Renovation!

On June 24th the Augusta County Board of Supervisors passed a motion for $2.1 million dollars to renovate the Fishersville library. The Fishersville library is not the best looking building in the county, however it is sound and meets the need. Why are we spending $2.1 million in county tax money on this right now?

The Board of Supervisors just got finished last month proclaming that the rescue squads in Augusta county need more revenue and that the only way to get that revenue was to start charging residents for their ambulance ride. Now, one month later, we appear to have $2.1 million dollars laying around to renovate a perfectly good library. What?

The $2.1 million dollars is not the only money that was spent that night, the grand sum total for the evening was $2,618,810.oo in new spending. When will it STOP, where is the fiscal responsibility?

Senior White House Advisor won't rule out tax increase!

David Axelrod, Senior White House Advisor, speaking on ABC's "This Week" television show, refused to say that President Obama wouldn't raise taxes on Middle Class Americans to fund Universal Health Care.

As if we didn't know that already, but now we see President Obama's Senior Advisor saying that we will be looking at all kinds of different ways to pay for Universal Health Care. In other words Axelrod said, the White House is looking at all kinds of ways to raise taxes on All Americans in order to fund Universal Health Care.

Just in case people don't remember the promise made by Senator Obama, when campaigning for president, he said, "any form of tax increase, not your income tax, not your payroll tax, not your capital gains taxes, not any of your taxes."

Please read other posts on this blog that help to shed light on the truth behind any kind of Universal Health Care system.

The Augusta Marketplace: A New Development in Beverley Manor

The Augusta County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the rezoning of 135 acres of county land at the I-81 and Woodrow Wilson Parkway highway interchange. The developer, Northern Virginia firm of Pence Friedel, presented a plan to build a three phase commercial and business marketplace. It would include three “Big Box” stores, a movie theater, several independent restaurants, and a 180-room hotel. The construction of the Augusta Marketplace would be the biggest commercial development in the history of Augusta County, according to The News Virginian.

The Board held a public hearing for local citizens to voice their opinions. Concerns were raised about traffic congestion, noise and light pollution, and disruption and or damage to the nearby Lewis Creek. The developer answered questions about the traffic congestion and gave a detailed presentation on how those issues would be corrected. The developer also explained that the lighting will be tight on the site and not spill over to the surrounding area. The Pence Firm also stated that they have complied with all the environmental zoning ordinances in terms of Lewis Creek and had even set development further back than the ordinance dictates. Other citizens had various other concerns including a need for bike trails and walking paths.

One local resident and local physician said that while jobs are all well and good we need more stable jobs than retail and commercial sales, which are not doing well in the present economy. He stated that we have a mall in Staunton that is pretty empty, almost a ghost town. He asked why this area could not be used instead. He stated that he would hate to see another farm in the county lost.

Beverley Manor Supervisor Jeremy Shifflett countered in his remarks that the site was designated for commercial development, according to the Comprehensive Plan adopted by the Board in 2007. Shifflett also stated that the development would bring about 5,000 new jobs to the area and about 2 million new dollars in tax revenue. He said, if you live and work here, you should be able to spend your money here.

With the passage of the rezoning, construction is planned to begin in 2011, with the first phase scheduled to open for business late 2011 or the beginning of 2012.