Letter from a Student

Subject: Some questions concerning your campaign...
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2007 10:52:51 -0400

Hello,

My name is Stephanie, and I attend Appomattox Regional Governors School for the Arts and Technology (in Petersburg). I am working in a small group to represent you in a school debate on Oct. 31st. We are very excited about representing you and your campaign. We feel that your campaign most identifies with our student body (many of which will be voting in the upcoming election). I was curious about a few aspects of your campaign which I have been unable to ascertain thus far. I understand most of your views on abortion, drug control, capital punishment, and taxes. However, I was curious about your stance concerning environmental issues (and Virginia's role in the global environment), same sex marriage, the health care problems in Virginia, and finally the issue of crime in Virginia. If you could describe to me your thoughts and platform concerning these issues, it would be most appreciated.

On another note, we would be honored if you would find time in your schedule to visit our school, and possible see the debate on Oct. 31st. Our school would love to have you as a visitor, and speak if you wish. Please contact me at this email address, or my teacher at args.k12.va.us. Thank you so much for your time, and we support you!

Stephanie

My reply:

Hello Stephanie,

Thank you for writing. It sounds like a fun event to participate in a debate representing real candidate. I would love to come to the event. What time is it being held?

For more information, you may want to visit the "Previous Campaign" button on www.votesilver.com

However to answer the questions you put to me more directly, here goes.

Re: stance concerning environmental issues

I am environmental. I oppose the construction of any new coal fired or nuclear power plants in the Commonwealth. I support the construction of solar, wind, and geo-thermal energy generation.

Further, I support building a high speed rail system connecting the state, and light rail systems in our cities. Automobile driving should be discouraged as much as possible and the alternative should be a free, state run rail system in our cities and throughout the state.

I also support the cleaning up of Virginia's rivers and streams, and brown fields. I also propose a 5 year moratorium on the development of undeveloped land. Such a moratorium would place a temporary limit on sprawl and also force redevelopment of neglected and blighted property.

It's a good idea to think of Virginia's role from a global perspective. To put things in a global perspective, here are a few simple facts. 1. Half the world's 6 billion people live on less than $2 a day. 2. The U.S. is about 5% of the world's population and consumes about 25% of the world's resources. 3. 2/3's of our economy is driven by consumer spending, our lifestyle is not sustainable, nor is it fair to the rest of the people in the world. We have have to simply come up with a better way to live with more free time, more meaningful work, and more opportunities for self improvement (ie. jobs, education, training).



Re: same sex marriage

This is essentially a question of individual liberty, equal treatment under the law, and religious freedom. If any church performs a marriage of a same sex marriage, the First Amendment guarantees those individuals religious freedom. Further, a ban on gay marriage based on religious reasons constitutes an establishment of religion which is prohibited by the First Amendment. Additionally, a prohibition represents a violation of the 14th Amendment's guarantee of "equal protection."


Re: the health care problems in Virginia

As a socialist, I hold it as a core value that all humans should have access to health care in a civilized society. However, our government is likely to cling to the capitalist economic model until citizens demand change from our politicians.

If elected, I would have to work within the confines of our current system. I would make it a priority to expand health coverage to children of adults who currently fall in the "gap" of earning too much to qualify to health assistance but earn too little to actually afford health insurance. I think it is a good idea to start with coverage of children because they are the most vulnerable citizens, and good medical treatment early in life can contribute to the health and happiness as the individual grows into an adult.

Re: issue of crime in Virginia.

It is my belief that the best way to deter crime is by creating jobs that pay individuals a living wage, to offer opportunities for education and job training, as well as assisting individuals who need help with whatever challenges they are facing. Government assistance in finding affordable housing will also contribute to a more stable and crime-free society. I believe that crime is the result of poverty, and poverty the child of ignorance. Education is the key to ending most crimes.

Another important issue you should bring up, if the opportunity presents itself, is my strong support for democratic principles and citizen participation in our government. There is a sore lack of citizen participation and control of our government currently. I regularly attend Richmond City Council and its committee meetings and often I am the only citizen there. The Senate seat that I am running for has not be contested since 1967, forty years! For the last 36 years there has only been one name on the ballot and that had been L. Douglas Wilder or Benjamin Lambert. If I did not choose to run this year Mr. McEachin would have run unopposed, having won the June Democratic primary with only 6% of the total electorate's support. As stated in my campaign platform I support the use of Instant Runoff Voting, the use the citizen initiated referendum, ballot initiative, recall elections, term limits, and the election of judges at the local and state level.


Stephanie, thank you for writing to me and thank you for representing me in the debate. If you have further questions or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to write to me again.

Please let me know when the debate is being held, I would be honored to attend.

Respectfully yours, Silver Persinger