Politics as usual

Given my position as News Director of two area radio stations, I avoid public discussions of local political races. That seems a no-brainer. I have no compunctions about discussing national politics, political philosophy, political history, or much anything else for that matter---but I usually shy away from the local stuff to avoid the appearance of favoritism.

But after listening to the latest salvos fired in a high-profile political race, I feel compelled to throw in my two cents---and its worth every penny!

(R) Bill Stanley and (D) Roscoe Reynolds are locked in a tight and costly battle for the redrawn 20th District Senate Seat in Southside Virginia. In what was one of the worst cases of gerrymandering I have ever witnessed, the new district boundaries cut an irregular swath through out area. It looks like a Dragon's Head in front of an old Viking ship. See for yourself below.

The new lines prompted Stanley, who already represents Danville and Pittsylvania County in the State Senate, to move a few miles west to challenge Reynolds in the 20th. More of Stanley's current constituents reside in the 20th as opposed to his redrawn 19th district. Yes, I know its confusing. Keep up with me here.

Stanley's residency has been one of the talking points Reynolds has highlighted in his campaign. His latest ad takes Stanley to task for "abandoning" his current constituents to run in the new district. It takes quite the level of chutzpah to call this an abandonment, especially when more of Stanley's current constituents are in the 20th than in the 19th. Reynolds, it should be noted, voted in favor of the new district boundaries. If he has an issue with them, he needs look no further than the mirror to begin pointing fingers.

One is forced to wonder what Reynolds thinks about fellow Southside Democrat Ward Armstrong. Thanks to a Republican-brokered redistricting in the House of Delegates, Armstrong was drawn out of his seat. Most of his current constituents are in the Ninth District. Like Stanley, Armstrong moved a few miles west for the chance to keep representing as many of his current constituents as possible. Would Reynolds say that Armstrong is "abandoning" his current constituents? Smart money says "no."

Lest ye think I'm picking on Democrats only; here's another beef. In one of his retaliation ads, Stanley made the sharp political move of getting his mother to vouch for his residency. I would think "Mom" would have seriously credibility with most folks. But in the ad, she says, "If Bill promises to bring jobs to Southside, he'll bring jobs."

Unless Bill Stanley opens a business and begins hiring people, he will NOT "bring jobs to Southside." That's not what the government does. Government's role is to create the economic climate by which jobs can be created. Thinking that jobs come from government is incorrect and potentially disastrous.

This race is just a microcosm of the "politics as usual" that has led to the Tea Party, Occupy Wall Street, and a whole steaming stew of general frustration and dissatisfaction among the populace. I'm hesitant to blame either of the candidates, since their campaigns are being largely run by politicos from outside of our area. Those Washington and Richmond-based organizers know what works and what doesn't. Apparently what DOESN'T work is an honest debate, common sense, a frank discussion of the issues, and treating the electorate with respect.