hburgnews.com is reporting the following story:

“In a release sent out by the Kai Degner campaign, “Harrisonburg Virginia Mayor Degner would like to invite his three opponents, Dave Briggman, Carolyn Frank and Tony Wilt to a series of public debates held every week starting as early as late next week. This would mean a series of five debates.”

According to the Daily News Record, both Wilt and Frank are willing to participate in debates, but have questioned the feasibility of having five debates between now and the special election on June 15.

Briggman announced on his blog that he also intends to enter the race.  He has until Friday, May 14th to officially file as a candidate.

Debate topics, as proposed in Degner’s invitation, could include “issues ranging from education, public safety, transportation and economic development.”

Read more abut this story.

To learn more about Kai Degner.

“Delegate Gilbert Election Night Victory Party on November 3rd.

Delegate Todd Gilbert (R-Woodstock) will co-host an Election Night Victory Party on Tuesday, November 3rd at 7:00pm at French’s Cabin on the outskirts of Woodstock.

The party will begin at 7:00pm, as the polls close.  All supporters are invited to attend.

Delegate Gilbert will be available for comment once the 15th District precinct returns indicate a clear winner, which is anticipated to happen by 8:30pm.

The party is hosted by the French Family, and is co-sponsored by the Shenandoah County Republican Committee and Gilbert for Delegate.

Also in attendance will be Republican candidates for the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors as well as the Shenandoah County School Board.

Directions from downtown Woodstock: Drive Three Miles North on Rt 11.  Turn RIGHT on Ridgeley Road/State Route 667.  Drive 1.4 Miles, French Brothers Cabin will be on the LEFT.  The turn-off will be marked with assorted Republican Yard Signs.  1834 Ridgeley Road, Woodstock, VA 22664.

Directions from Maurertown: Drive out of Maurertown 1.1 Miles South on Rt 11.  Turn LEFT on Ridgeley Road/State Route 667.  Drive 1.4 Miles, French Brothers Cabin will be on the LEFT.  The turn-off will be marked with assorted Republican Yard Signs.  1834 Ridgeley Road, Woodstock, VA 22664.”

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The next piece was waiting, slipped in between the front doors of our offices here in Strasburg when I arrived back from an appointment this afternoon. I immediately recognized the John Lesinski piece and then saw that a handwritten note had been added to it. Duplicated below, without further editorial, we leave it to your consideration.

Hand delivered to 7Bends door the afternoon before election.

To see all election related coverage on 7Bends.com, See Election PR.

As per 7Bends’ press policy as it relates to all candidates, this information was furnished by the John Lesinski campaign, and is published here verbatim:

Luray, VA – Last Friday, October 23, Delegate Todd Gilbert (R-15) used his Facebook page to post information that was stolen from the campaign of his opponent, John Lesinski. On Monday, October 26, Lesinski submitted a letter to Gilbert asking that he issue an apology and disclose the source of the illicit information. Gilbert refused to do either and went on to publicly berate Lesinski. As a result of Gilbert’s failure to reasonably address this matter, Lesinski has begun the process to initiate an investigation of the incident and has filed an ethics complaint against Gilbert with the Virginia House of Delegates.

“Because my opponent refuses to take responsibility for his actions, we will pursue other avenues to find the truth,” said Lesinski.

The illicit information released by Gilbert was a photograph of one of Lesinski’s direct mail pieces that had not yet been released to the public, along with specific information about when the item was to be delivered by the United States Postal Service. As explained in a previous press release, this information could only have been obtained by someone with access to the United States Postal Service or a Harrisonburg-based mail house. There is significant concern that the targeted mailing lists used by the Lesinski campaign have been compromised.

Lesinski’s campaign filed a complaint with the Offices of the Inspector General and Inspection Services for the United States Postal Service. While it is unlikely that an investigation will be concluded before the November 3rd Election, Lesinski hopes that the law will ultimately prevail. Lesinski also hopes that a thorough investigation will help prevent future abuses.

According to Lesinski, “No person, business, or campaign should have to worry about their mail being tampered with for the benefit of others.”

In a letter submitted to Delegate Mark Cole, Chairman of the House Committee on Privileges and Elections, Lesinski requested that the House of Delegates conduct an investigation into whether Gilbert violated House Ethics rules by accepting and using information that was stolen from his political opponent. At the very least, Lesinski hopes the committee will determine the source of the information and whether it was provided to Gilbert for financial compensation or political favors.

“Regardless of who gave my opponent this stolen information, it was wrong of him to use it,” said Lesinski. “As a sitting Delegate, member of the House General Laws and Courts of Justice Committees, and as a Commonwealth’s Atourney, he is neither above the law nor unaware that laws may have been broken.”

As per 7Bends’ press policy as it relates to all candidates, this information was furnished by the Todd Gilbert campaign, and is published here verbatim:

Woodstock, VA – In regard to the campaign of Delegate Todd Gilbert posting a photograph of his opponent’s attack mail piece on his Facebook page, Delegate Gilbert stated the following:

“A supporter randomly came upon the attack piece against me, photographed it, and sent the photo to us. It was interesting to catch my opponent attacking me with his lying and mean-spirited mailer before he could throw the mud himself. We knew when we posted it that it would bring out John Lesinski’s well-known, nasty temper and that he would come unhinged. It obviously worked.

We also posted the picture on Facebook to let our supporters know the lengths to which he was willing to stoop with nasty and deceitful accusations at this late hour. Now he’s obviously just desperate.

My opponent has one more week left to finally tell voters where he stands on dozens of important issues and instead we get this.”

As per 7Bends’ press policy as it relates to all candidates, this information was furnished by the John Lesinski campaign, and is published here verbatim:

Luray, VA – On Friday, October 23 at 1:28 a.m., Delegate Todd Gilbert revealed that he had obtained stolen information regarding the campaign of his opponent, John Lesinski. Gilbert, an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney in Frederick County, presented the specific illicit information on his Facebook page and gloated about his success in having received the information. Lesinski will discuss his reaction to this incident today at 4pm at his Campaign Headquarters, located at 5 South Broad Street, Luray, VA  22835.

Click here to view Delegate Gilbert’s Facebook Page. [Note: If the posting is removed from Gilbert's Facebook page, digital copies have been made and are available.]

The illicit information released by Gilbert was a photograph of one of Lesinski’s direct mail pieces that had not yet been released to the public, along with specific information about when the item was to be delivered by the United States Postal Service. It is unclear if Gilbert possesses any other stolen information from the Lesinski Campaign.

“No need to worry about how we got a picture of it in advance, we’re just good like that,” wrote Gilbert, referring to the direct mail piece.

Regardless of the information’s source, Gilbert’s deliberate use of ill-gotten campaign information is blatantly unethical and potentially illegal. Moreover, Gilbert’s posting of illicit campaign materials on Facebook represents a grave lack of judgment. One must also question his character, given that he expressed pride in engaging in political espionage.

The campaign materials in question were in the sole possession of Lesinski’s campaign manager from the time they were picked up at a Pennsylvania printer until they were delivered to a mail house in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Other than Lesinski and his campaign manager, only the mail house and the United States Post Office had access to the mail piece and knowledge of its delivery date. Somehow, the information left either or both of those locations and was received by Gilbert.

This morning, Lesinski submitted a letter to Gilbert demanding the following:

1. A public apology.
2. A public disclosure of the source of the illicit information and the circumstances by which Gilbert received the information.

If Gilbert fails to fulfill both of these requests by 4pm today, Lesinski intends to file an ethics complaint with the Virginia House of Delegates and pursue other disciplinary and legal actions.

“I would like to take this opportunity to let citizens know why I am running for the Shenandoah County District 4 Board of Supervisor (BOS) position. After all, I already committed ten years of my life to District 4 School Board. And now, after four years, why am I coming back?

I am concerned about the direction this current BOS is taking and how they are “doing the business of government”. From my vantage point, they are giving lip service to “Rural Living”, “Agricultural Community”, and securing safe haven for retired folks on fixed incomes who are living here with extended families.

More importantly, I am concerned of their capricious tone to the public and their disrespectful treatment of Sheriff Carter in public by humiliating him and criticizing him. In my opinion, he is doing a good job protecting our community.

The debt is rapidly increasing in a time when experts are saying, “don’t accumulate debt.” As a county we pay 5.6 million in debt service and this figure will double the next four years at the current rate of decision-making. This means property taxes will go up and this will create an enormous burden on families and retired folks.

The BOS has also passed zoning ordinances to facilitate growth on Route 11 by discouraging small shop owners and encouraging shopping malls. The BOS is ready to approve cluster development throughout Shenandoah. We are poised for major development and increase in taxes will force landowners on fixed incomes to sell to developers.

These actions of the BOS for last four years will change the character, values and landscape of Shenandoah County forever. I am neither liberal nor conservative and my view is pragmatic and preservationist. I like the way it is and want to keep it that way.

We have lost our representation. Their plans and decisions are made in private conferences, away from public view. Then comes time for vote and public comment, the public is limited to how much time to express viewpoints and to a BOS that has already made up their minds. Too much debt and lack of transparent governance makes time for a change, November 3rd.”

As per 7Bends’ press policy as it relates to all candidates, this information was furnished by the John Lesinski campaign, and is published here verbatim:

Luray, VA – Last Friday, in an article posted by the Northern Virginia Daily, Delegate Todd Gilbert expressed that he does not believe supporting American troops and veterans is a “key issue” facing Virginia. This is in keeping with Delegate Gilbert’s legislative record, in which he has proposed no legislation to support military service members.

Gilbert’s statement was a reaction to John Lesinski’s proposal to provide tax credits to small businesses that employ members of the Military Reserve or National Guard. According to a Workforce Management survey, 51 percent of employers would not hire a member of the Military Reserve or National Guard for fear that these service members will miss work for long periods of time. While this form of discrimination is illegal, it is still common practice. Lesinski served for 26 years in the Marine Corps and Reserves and retired with the rank of colonel. Supporting American troops and veterans is a key legislative priority for Lesinski.

“Support for our troops and veterans is always a key issue,” said Lesinski. “It is absolutely irresponsible that my opponent would disregard those who have defended our freedom.”

Rather than addressing Lesinski’s proposal, Gilbert attacked Lesinski for “failing to talk about his stance on key issues.” Lesinski has addressed many issues during this campaign but has focused primarily on job creation and economic growth. Over the last six months, Lesinski has put forward the following plans:

- Provide a tax credit to small businesses that employ members of the National Guard or Military Reserves.
- Encourage job creation through a corporate income tax holiday.
- Establish a “Rail First” transportation plan for the Valley to encourage job creation and limit government spending on transportation.
- Limit excessive power rate increases for Valley residents and businesses.
- Expand the availability of locally-grown food products to those in financial distress.
- Provide an employee-based tax credit to small businesses.
- Limit waste and fraud in Virginia’s health care system.
- Provide additional job training and support for those who have lost their jobs.

“My opponent has allowed the 15th District to reach the highest unemployment rate in the Valley,” said Lesinski. “Apparently, he feels that creating jobs and growing the economy are also not ‘key issues’.”

Lesinski is the only candidate for the 15th District House of Delegates who is a decorated veteran. During his term of military service, Lesinski commanded intelligence billets and was called to active duty to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lesinski retired from military service in 2006, with the rank of Colonel. In addition to his direct military experience, Lesinski has been active in the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, which provides college tuition to children of Marines killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is also working to organize informational sessions in the Shenandoah Valley regarding the Wounded Warriors Program, which provides medical aid to disabled veterans.

As per 7Bends’ press policy as it relates to all candidates, this information was furnished by the Todd Gilbert campaign, and is published here verbatim:

Edinburg, VA – Goodlatte, Howell, Obenshain, Gilbert draw crowd of over 250. A fundraiser held on Saturday for Delegate’s Todd Gilbert’s (R-Woodstock) re-election campaign hauled in over $19,000 in contributions from over 250 supporters across Virginia.

The Pig Roast & Bluegrass Fundraiser, held at the Zirkle Farm near Edinburg, featured speeches from U.S. Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Bill Howell, Virginia Senator Mark Obenshain, as well as Delegate Gilbert, himself.

“I am truly grateful and very humbled by this broad outpouring of support from people across the 15th district,” Gilbert commented after the event, “The people of this district clearly care about the issues that I’ve taken on:  Fighting out-of-control government spending, keeping taxes low so our economy can prosper, and standing up for our shared, conservative values.”

“Delegate Gilbert has a strong record of principled, effective leadership,” said Gilbert’s Campaign Manager, Wade Zirkle,  “People are obviously very appreciative of what Todd has fought to do in Richmond. They are adamant about ensuring that his Northern Virginia Democrat opponent’s big-spending, big government ways will be made known to the people of the 15th District.”

As of the last campaign finance reporting period, Gilbert held a $62,362 to $13,515 cash advantage over his opponent. “This outpouring of support gives us great momentum and the resources we will need as we head into the final weeks of the campaign.  We are very energized and confident that our message is getting through,” said Gilbert.

Election day is November 3.

As per 7Bends’ press policy as it relates to all candidates, this information was furnished by the John Lesinski campaign, and is published here verbatim:

Mt. Jackson, VA – Despite serving our country honorably, many members of the Virginia National Guard and Military Reserves are struggling to find work. Businesses are often hesitant to employ someone who could be called to active duty for months at a time. State and Federal regulations prohibit this form of employment discrimination, but it is still common practice. In fact, a 2007 Workforce Management poll found that 51 percent of employers would not employ a member of the National Guard or Military Reserve.

John Lesinski, a candidate for Virginia’s 15th District House of Delegates, has created a plan to encourage small businesses to hire service members and prevent military employment discrimination. Details of this plan will be presented today at 4:00 p.m. at the future Veterans’ Park, in Mt. Jackson (located at the north end of Union Church Cemetery, on the corner of Main Street and King Street).

“I will fight to make sure every veteran and member of our armed forces has a job if they want one,” said Lesinski.

Lesinski, a retired colonel in the United States Marine Corps, is proposing two key activities to ensure jobs for members of the National Guard and Military Reserves:

Provide a tax credit to small businesses of up to $1,000 for each Guard or Reserve member they employ with permanent, full-time work.
Establish a designated hotline within the Virginia Attorney General’s Office to respond to military service members and veterans who are victims of employment discrimination.

By focusing on tax incentives, Lesinski intends to mitigate some of the risk for small businesses who hire service members. The proposed tax credit would apply to businesses with fewer than 50 employees and would amount to 2 percent of the employee’s salary, up to $1,000. Not only would this tax credit help secure jobs for service members, it would also help prevent service members from losing their jobs if called to active duty. Moreover, small businesses that employ service members would receive much-needed tax relief.

According to Lesinski, “This plan helps small businesses that do the right thing and support our troops.”

Some legal assistance is provided to service members through the U.S. Department of Defense. However, Lesinski believes that the Virginia Attorney General should also respond to claims of discrimination against military service members, either directly or through an appropriate state agency.

The establishment of an employment discrimination hotline is a low-cost initiative to facilitate efficient communication between victims and the Attorney General’s Office. In addition to protecting service members on a case-by-case basis, the hotline would also help identify and take action against unscrupulous employers who repeatedly discriminate.

“If we are serious about supporting our troops, we need to move forward with this plan,” said Lesinski.

The National Guard and Military Reserves constitute about 48 percent of America’s military forces. Lesinski’s plan will improve military retention and recruitment while fulfilling Virginia’s moral and patriotic obligation to our troops. Lesinski also strongly supports the six legislative priorities of the Joint Leadership Council of Veteran Service Organizations, which includes tax relief for disabled veterans and fully funding the Wounded Warriors Program.

John Lesinski spent 26 years in the Marine Corps and Marine Reserves. During his term of service, he commanded intelligence billets and was called to active duty to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lesinski retired from military service in 2006, with the rank of Colonel.

In addition to his direct military experience, Lesinski has been active in the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, which provides college tuition to children of Marines killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is also working to organize informational sessions in the Shenandoah Valley regarding the Wounded Warriors Program, which provides medical aid to disabled veterans.

U.S. Bill of Rights

Strasburg – In about two months from today – on November 3, 2009 – we’ll be served up with another election day. How are you going to vote? How will you gather the latest information about the candidates?

And, how can you be sure that you see all of the messages put out by the candidates – so that you can make an informed decision on who to vote on – based on who the person is?

Stay tuned this whole 2009 election cycle to 7Bends.com for “Truth in advertising” coverage.  What each reader will read on the “Election PR” tab of 7Bends.com will be just what online news editors are being sent by the candidates. You’ll be privy to the editors’ inbox of candidate press releases.

Use 7Bends this election cycle to get unedited news.

Bookmark 7Bends.com today.

It has been said that a “candidate’s only job is to get elected.” Not many would argue with that – based on their recent observations of the U.S. political system.

In strategic communications, media strategy, and political “posturing,” the behavior – and sense of passion and perserverence – that one sees in a candidate right before the election is what you’ll get.

What someone is putting out into the world physically is the only real indicator as to who they really are inside. As career counselors advise, for example… “pay attention when you’re being interviewed for a job. Someone who is “courting you” is likely treating you the best they’ll ever treat you.”

Publicity-wise, what you see in a candidate’s approach and style speaks volumes:

- Do you see attacking and defensiveness? Well, that tells you something.
- Do you see proactive, thoughtful, frequent messages to constituents from any given candidate?
- Does the candidate view him/her as the boss/expert of the district they represent, or are a candidates’ constituents his/her guides?
- A candidate’s message trail will give a voter a great indication on what subjects are a priority for each candidates …and a voter can also see if the candidates is taking action as they campiagn (“practicing what they preach”)… or just giving lip service to what he/she feels voters want to hear?

Between now and election day… is when/where candidates start to really focus on getting their main messages and values out to as many people as possible. By the press a candidate’s campaign releases, voters see what each candidates stresses, where they go, who they talk with, and if/when they choose to speak to their “challenger” in person – on purpose.

Some more observations one may make include:

- Is the candidate real – does he/she talk with you or at you?
- Is the candidate fair?
- How does a candidate handle questions, criticisms, and disagreements?
- Does a candidate stoop to ridicule or downplay or diminish their “opponents” point of view?
- Does a candidate spend more time in negative jabs, or alternatively, on focusing on clearly communicating where they are going, and how that direction benefits you, and your daily life?

This is a message to all candidates and “party machines”:

We are not just bi-partisan; 7Bends.com is multi-partisan.

We will print any and all of the official press releases from any candidate running for election on November 3.

Repeat. We will print any and all of the official press releases from any candidate running for election on November 3.

The email address to use when sending press releases from a candidate is: electionpr@7bends.com.

We will not pick and choose which news from which candidate we will publish. We do not have any agenda – except freedom. Our objective is to provide the information to voters that we receive – all of it. This policy and approach is in support of the U.S. Bill of Rights.

(See the text of Article I of the Bill of Rights below.)

To follow along on 7Bends, join the 7Bends Fan Club on Facebook, or choose the “Election PR” heading under the pull-down “Categories” Menu at the top of the 7Bends home (index) page -in the left margin.

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Bill of Rights – Section 1

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

As per 7Bends’ press policy as it relates to all candidates, this information was furnished by the John Lesinski campaign, and is published here verbatim:

Luray, VA – John Lesinski, a candidate for Virginia’s 15th District House of Delegates, is unveiling a plan that will create jobs in the Shenandoah Valley while dramatically reducing traffic on I-81.

The Rail First Initiative would direct the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to establish a state-of-the-art freight rail system for the Valley prior to carrying out plans for I-81 expansion. Lesinski will provide details about the Rail First Initiative today at the Grand Opening of his Shenandoah County Campaign Office, located at 115 West Court Street, in Woodstock.

“A world-class rail system will bring jobs into the Valley, while improving safety on our highways,” said Lesinski.

Rail First focuses specifically on utilizing rail to expand and create new industry. The development of a viable rail transportation system would provide a strong incentive for manufacturing and other businesses to locate in the Shenandoah Valley, bringing much-needed jobs into the region. This is particularly true for regions that do not have direct access to I-81 or other major highways, such as Page County. Rail First aims to broaden rail capabilities by improving and expanding existing rail infrastructure, as well as creating new infrastructure. Moreover, the plan requires that the CTB and VDOT work with the General Assembly to create tax credits and other financial incentives for new and existing Virginia-based companies to use rail.

According to Lesinski, “Rail may not fix everything, but it’s the best first step toward putting our economy back on track.”

The cost of expanding I-81 is estimated at approximately $13 billion. Estimates for rail expansion along the I-81 corridor have been reported as low as $6 billion. Lesinski is confident that revenues generated by drawing new businesses into Virginia, as well as the money saved by opting for rail, will allow the Commonwealth to make high-priority safety improvements to I-81 while providing incentives for businesses to use the rail system. The net result of Rail First will be more jobs in the Valley; fewer trucks and commuters on I-81; environmental preservation; and a stronger financial position for Virginia.

While some of the work to expand rail in the I-81 corridor requires interstate cooperation, most of the necessary work will take place within Virginia’s borders. For example, upgrading small railroads and rail connections will dramatically improve rail operations within the Commonwealth. In fact, small railroads can be used to promote regional tourism by providing visitors with easy access to a variety of tourist locations. Maximizing rail infrastructure to Virginia’s Inland Port will also allow increased transport of domestic and international goods, without increasing regional highway traffic. For those aspects of rail expansion that require interstate cooperation, active negotiations will be necessary to ensure effective and timely implementation of rail infrastructure.

“It takes leadership, creativity, and teamwork to find solutions that all Virginians can be proud of,” said Lesinski. “We can’t afford to let another year go by without action to solve our transportation crisis.”

This is the latest in a series of economic proposals by Lesinski. Last month, Lesinski proposed an income tax holiday for new or expanding businesses that create 100 or more jobs in a previously unused industrial space. He has also been working to stem the dramatic increases in local power rates and recently proposed an employee-based tax credit for small businesses.

Business groups cites Gilbert’s 100 percent voting record on small business issues

The nation’s largest small business advocacy group, the National Federation of Independent Business (NIFB) has announced that it has endorsed Delegate C. Todd Gilbert (R-Woodstock) in his bid for re-election to the Virginia House of Delegates. NFIB is also the largest small business organization in Virginia representing nearly 7,000 members statewide.

The NFIB noted that Gilbert has a 100 percent positive voting record on issues affecting small business. On the day the endorsement was announced, NFIB Virginia State Director Julia Hammond said, “Delegate Gilbert has a proven track record of supporting policies that allow small business to prosper. We are proud to support him once again for re-election.”

George Shaffer, local NFIB member and owner Shaffer’s BBQ and Catering, which has been in business in Woodstock since 1952, praised Gilbert, saying, “I gave Todd his first summer job as a teenager, and he worked for me until he graduated from law school. Todd knows the needs of local businesses here in the Valley and I’m proud to support him once again.”

Leroy Lancaster, a local NFIB member who has owned and operated Lancaster Enterprises in Luray since 1975, also voiced his support for Gilbert, adding, “Todd has been consistent about supporting policies that help small businesses grow. Higher taxes and more regulations have never been good for business or the jobs they create, and Todd understands that.”

Upon receiving the endorsement, Delegate Gilbert said, “Small business is the backbone of our local economy. Recently, Virginia was once again ranked as having the best business climate of any state. I believe that my votes in favor of small business have helped us attain this ranking. By continuing to support pro-business policies, we have laid the groundwork for Virginia to emerge from this recession more quickly than states that stifle business through oppressive taxes and regulations. As a result of our positive business climate, Virginia will be getting people back to work before the rest of the nation catches up.”

Delegate Gilbert was referring to the recent ranking by CNBC which named Virginia the America’s Top State for Business. Forbes magazine also ranked Virginia as the Best State for Business for the past three years.

Small business accounts for 98 percent of all Virginia employers and half of the state’s private-sector jobs, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Small Business Administration. NFIB’s political support is based on a candidate’s position and record on small-business issues. The endorsements come from the NFIB/Virginia SAFE (Save America’s Free Enterprise) Trust, the political action committee for NFIB/Virginia’s membership.

Today’s endorsements come on the heels of the Virginia Farm Bureau’s endorsement of Gilbert and puts considerable grassroots support of the state’s small businesses behind Gilbert’s campaign. Small business
owners and their employees vote in high numbers and are known for actively recruiting friends, family members and acquaintances to go to the polls.

Virginia’s 15th House District in comprised of Shenandoah, Page, and Rappahannock Counties, and the Swift Run precinct of Rockingham County. Election Day is on November 3rd.

To learn more about Todd’s views and plans for the Valley, visit his web site.

From the fall issue of 7Bends of the Shenandoah Valley magazine…

A Message on Preserving Rural Virginia’s Culture and Values
By John Lesinski, candidate for Virginia House of Delegates, 15th Distict (Shenandoah Valley)

“Farming communities across the nation are struggling to stay afloat during this economic downturn. I have met with farmers throughout the Shenandoah Valley who have been pushed to the brink of bankruptcy. Agriculture is not just another industry, it is a way of life that is rooted back hundreds of years in American history. As our legislators work on ways to bring jobs back into Virginia and to ease the suffering of those in need, we cannot forget to bring relief to our community’s farmers.

I am running for Virginia’s 15th District House of Delegates, which includes Shenandoah, Page, Rappahannock, and parts of Rockingham Counties. The 15th District is composed entirely of rural communities, and it will certainly be my focus to help support my district’s farms and farmers. Here are a few ideas that I would like to focus on, and I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas:

1. The Shenandoah Valley has several wonderful farmer’s markets that need to be supported and expanded to provide healthy, locally-grown foods to residents and visitors. I believe that we need to explore all options to provide tax incentives to farmers and consumers who sell and purchase locally grown foods. If elected, I will also work to allow farmers to participate in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, which provides food vouchers to low-income pregnant women and children who are nutritionally at risk. Money is already allocated for this program, I would simply work to allow WIC recipients to shop at farmer’s markets for produce. This would bring money into the farmer’s markets and provide the freshest produce to those in need.

2. We need to look at ways to bring costs down to maintain a profitable farm. Rising energy costs are strangling small farms, particularly in energy-intensive farming such as the poultry industry. Electricity rates in Page County have risen about 35 percent since January, and it appears there are more increases on the way. I helped spearhead an effort in Page County to stop or slow the power rate increases so that farms, businesses, and individuals can survive long enough for the economy to recover. This effort has expanded throughout the Shenandoah Valley where power rate increases are having an equally devastating effect. While we certainly need to work against large rate increases, we also need to work toward lowering energy usage.

3. Virginia needs to invest in energy-saving technologies and renewable energies. I recently put forward an initiative to bring up to 1,500 manufacturing jobs into Shenandoah and Page Counties by offering a one-year income tax holiday to businesses who create 100 or more permanent, full time jobs. This plan is ideal for industries, such as green technologies, that may need an extra boost to get off the ground. I will be a vocal advocate in Richmond to focus our attention and resources on businesses that bring jobs and create economic growth throughout Virginia. The agriculture industry will continue to struggle until we find viable energy alternatives.

Despite the challenges our state and our nation currently face, I believe that there is great opportunity to grow and prosper. I am committed to working across all political lines to find solutions that benefit all Americans. Our community needs the agriculture industry to thrive, and we need to do everything possible to support the hard-working farmers struggling to put food on our tables and theirs. Let’s work together to find working solutions for working farms.”

To learn more about John’s views and plans for the Valley, visit his web site.

Mrs. Bailey, 43, a native of Shenandoah County and a resident of Woodstock, is a life-long Republican but will campaign as a conservative independent.

Before retiring, Mrs. Bailey held the rank of captain on the staff of the Shenandoah County Jail where she supervised a staff of 27 employees and held budgetary responsibilities.

In announcing her candidacy, Mrs. Bailey said, if elected, she would represent a conservative voice on the board and would vote the wishes of the people of Shenandoah County, something she says the current board seems unwilling to do. She said she would promote transparency at all levels of local government, and would insist that citizens are able to exercise their rights to public expression at open meetings. “Shenandoah County needs to be more pro-business and not bigger government,” she said.

Mrs. Bailey says Shenandoah County must prioritize capital needs and create a time-line to finance them. She has been an outspoken critic of a regional jail, a project she says Shenandoah County does not need.

Luray, VA – John Lesinski, a candidate for the 15th District House of Delegates, has just proposed a plan to help fill vacant and underused industrial buildings with job-creating businesses. More than 1.5 million square feet of industrial building space is either vacant or underused in Virginia’s 15th District, which includes Shenandoah, Page, Rappahannock, and parts of Rockingham Counties.

Lesinski believes that a conditional one-year income tax holiday for new or expanding businesses would lure large employers to existing facilities within high-unemployment regions in Virginia. In fact, the plan could generate more than 1,500 jobs in the 15th District. Lesinski presented the proposal yesterday at the Grand Opening of his Campaign Headquarters, located at 5 South Broad Street, in Luray, Virginia 22835.

“My opponent has done little to bring jobs into the 15th District, but my plan takes bold steps to encourage businesses to join our community and support our local economy,” said Lesinski.

The one-year income tax holiday would apply to new or existing businesses that add 100 or more permanent, full-time jobs to Virginia’s workforce in designated regions. Localities with unemployment rates greater than 8 percent for 6 of the previous 12 months would be eligible regions for this incentive program. In the 15th District, Page and Shenandoah Counties would qualify. Page County currently has an 11 percent unemployment rate, and Shenandoah County has a 9 percent unemployment rate.

The income tax holiday would have minimal impact on the State budget because it would apply only to new revenues. Moreover, the addition of new jobs would increase revenues and lower unemployment expenditures for the Commonwealth. Certain conditions would also apply to ensure that the tax holiday does not adversely impact existing Virginia businesses and that the recipient of the tax holiday would maintain the additional employees for more than five years.

According to Lesinski, “this is a win-win for our community, for businesses, and for Virginia.”

By focusing on existing buildings rather than new developments, Lesinski hopes to achieve a faster turnaround for bringing new businesses into the 15th District. While some existing buildings are not currently suitable for new businesses, measures are in place to modernize such facilities. For example, Virginia already offers facility renovation grants for businesses to improve antiquated buildings.

“We need leadership in Richmond that will find creative ways to bring jobs into Virginia,” said Lesinski. “That’s what we’re lacking now and what I hope to provide.”

Earlier this year, Lesinski proposed a tax credit to small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. That credit is intended to encourage small business growth and offset additional costs to extend unemployment benefits. The small business tax credit and the income tax holiday proposals are part of a series of economic initiatives designed by Lesinski to create jobs and improve the economy.

Luray, VA – Local educators and veterans are rallying behind a proposal to integrate Military Awareness Education into Virginia’s Standards of Learning. John Lesinski, candidate for Virginia’s 15th District House of Delegates, is spearheading the effort, which would require public schools to teach students about the structure and function of the United States military, military reserves, and National Guard.

“Military Awareness Education acknowledges the relevance and respect deserved by those who serve our country,” said Lesinski. “The impact is not just about national security, but also about the direct interactions that families, friends, and neighbors have with service men and women.”

Currently, the Standards of Learning do not explicitly address the Armed Forces other than in a historical context or to discuss the draft. Lesinski’s plan would add a brief segment into the Curriculum Framework for Virginia and U.S. Government that provides fact-based information about the different military branches, including active duty, reserve, and National Guard forces.

Additional information would be included to address issues facing veterans. The intent of this proposal is not to recruit students into the military, but rather to address an important segment of the government that has a far-reaching impact into the lives of Virginians.

Meredith Gorfein, a member of the Rappahannock County School Board, strongly supports this concept. According to Gorfein, public school instruction on military and veteran issues is vital to provide a thorough understanding of their roles and responsibilities in our government and society.

“Students see and hear lots of things about veterans and the military, but they rarely receive straightforward information about these issues,” said Gorfein.

Military Awareness Education is also gaining support among the local veteran community. Retired Marine Corps Colonel John Bourgeois feels that service men and women deserve recognition in Virginia’s public school system.

“One of the best ways to support our troops is to educate the public about their service and sacrifices,” said Bourgeois.

In early July, Lesinski presented Military Awareness Education to the public during his Honoring America Tour. “Honoring America Days” are officially recognized as the days between Flag Day (June 19) and Independence Day (July 4). Lesinski’s Honoring America Tour took him to Independence Day celebrations in Elkton, New Market, Stanley, and Sperryville. He has been speaking with residents of the 15th District and distributing literature regarding the initiative.

John Lesinski is a retired colonel in the United States Marine Corps. In 2003, Lesinski was called to active duty for Operation Iraqi Freedom and served in an inter-agency intelligence group at the Pentagon. He served in the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves for 26 years before retiring in 2006.

John’s web site is at  http://johnfordelegate.com/

In January, electricity rates were raised by 30% as part of a deal struck between Allegheny Power, the SCC, and the Virginia Attorney General’s office. Allegheny returned to the SCC in April to seek another rate hike, which was temporarily granted until a hearing is conducted in September. On July 30, Allegheny will return to the SCC for a hearing to request yet another increase.

“All over the Valley, folks with fixed incomes are getting their power turned off because they can’t afford these rate increases,” said Lesinski. “We, as a community, have the power to stand up for those who are in financial distress.”

Lesinski is particularly concerned about the impact the higher electricity rates will have on Page County residents. In February, Page County’s unemployment rate reached nearly 20%. While seasonal employment has temporarily brought the unemployment rate down to 12%, it is widely expected to rise again after the summer tourism months are over. Not only do the higher rates hurt residents, but small businesses are also suffering. As these businesses try to make ends meet, they are forced to make tough decisions on employment.

According to Lesinski, “we cannot allow a situation where small business owners have to choose between keeping an employee or keeping the power on.”

As part of his effort to fight the power rate increases, Lesinski and other concerned residents will be working to gather more signatures on the petition between now and July 30. A “Power to the People” rally will be held in Elkton this Saturday, July 25 at 19457 Huckleberry Drive. Information will be provided at the rally regarding the rising cost of electricity and specific actions that residents can take to stop the increases and reduce power consumption. Lesinski is also inviting concerned residents to join him on July 30 as he presents the petition to the SCC. Limited transportation will be provided from Page County to and from the SCC meeting, which is located at 1300 E. Main Street, in Richmond.

For more information, please email info@johnfordelegate.com.

John Lesinski is a retired colonel in the United States Marine Corps and a successful commercial real estate broker. He worked for 16 years in one of the nation’s largest commercial real estate brokerage firms. More recently, he established the Leland Group, LLC, which is a small business that focuses on bringing businesses into the Shenandoah Valley. Issues of job creation and economic development are central themes in his campaign.

As per 7Bends’ press policy as it relates to all candidates, this information was furnished by the Sharon Baroncelli campaign, and is published here verbatim:

Woodstock — Sharon Baroncelli has announced that she will seek re-election as the District 4 representative serving on the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors. District 4 includes Woodstock and Fort Valley.

Initially appointed to fill the Board seat left vacant after the untimely death of Supervisor Barry Murphy in September of 2005, Mrs. Baroncelli went on to win the election in November of that year. Her re-election bid will focus on maintaining the current way of life we enjoy in the valley, while planning for a successful future for the County and its citizens.

Supervisor Baroncelli is proud of what she has accomplished during her first term. She has worked diligently for continued cohesiveness and decision-making progress over the past four years. She has demonstrated effective leadership, open communication and partnership building on behalf of the citizens she represents.

Supervisor Baroncelli gave the following statement:

“It is a great honor to represent the people of the 4th District. I have very active and involved citizens who want to make a difference in our County and its future. I’ve worked closely with many constituents and plan to continue that process, asking questions, seeking out other’s opinions, researching the facts, making the best decisions and moving our County forward. I’m again asking for my constituents support and to afford me the privilege of continuing to represent them for another term.”

Sharon recognizes that the current issues facing our community deserve unwavering attention and support. She will fight to preserve open space and farm land; maintain and protect the natural beauty and resources in our County while dealing with responsible and balanced growth, and she will support and encourage economic prosperity by helping to attract jobs.

She will continue to effectively maintain open communication and partnerships with our towns, businesses, school and Public Safety officials. Sharon and her husband, Andrew, have been married for 22 years. They have three sons: Andrew, John and Matthew.

(Press release provided by the candidate.)

(Photo: picture of Sharon as she works as the Director of the Red Cross for Shenandoah and Page counties in Virginia.)