 |
 |
 |
 |
  Al Weed for Congress P.O. Box 608 Lovingston, VA 22949 434-220-2434
Cost of the War in Iraq:
(JavaScript Error)
|
                 |
 |
October 10, 2006
|
Al Weed joined members of the Sierra Club Monday to
officially receive the endorsement of the venerable
institution. His record of environmental protection
and his campaign promise to promote the bio-fuels
industry were cited as reasons for the endorsement.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Sierra Club. In my life I have worked to protect and preserve the natural environment of our region, and look forward to continuing this work in Congress,” Weed told those gathered. The Sierra Club federal Political Action Committee made a contribution to Weed’s campaign. “We are going to put our money where our mouth is,” said John Cruickshank who is chair of the Piedmont Group. Cruickshank was joined by Tom Olivier, Political Chair of Piedmont Group, and by Al Fioretti a member of the Blue Ridge Group. Weed took the opportunity to talk about one critical environmental issue in central Virginia – development. Curbing massive development has long been an issue to Weed. In 1999 he formed Rural Nelson, which is aimed at stopping reckless development in his home county of Nelson. He also helped form Advocates for a Sustainable Albemarle Population which has the same goal in Albemarle County. “Local governments and community organizations are working hard to make sure central Virginia does not become another Northern Virginia,” Weed said. He stressed that support from the federal government is crucial, but the wealth and political power of big developers often block that support. Weed criticized his opponent, Republican incumbent Virgil Goode, for his support of big developers. “Mr. Goode is co-sponsor of a bill recently passed by Republicans in Congress that effectively takes zoning power away from local governments and places it in the hands of developers. I’m disappointed, but not surprised. During his years in Congress Mr. Goode has received nearly $100,000 in donations from real estate and construction PACs. Just this year he has received over $10,000 from developers working in the district. To him, this bill is just more pay to play politics,” Weed said. The bill, if made law, will allow developers to take disputes over local zoning ordinances straight to federal courts, resulting in massive lawsuits for local governments who wish to restrict inordinate growth. Weed closed his remarks by pledging his full support to local governments after being elected to Congress. “I have a record of fighting for our communities, and I value the Sierra Club’s recognition of that record. With their support, and the trust of the voters in this district, I will go to Washington and fight to protect our rural heritage. I will fight for our needs, not the desires of wealthy contributors.” |
  Podcast of Al Boxing on K92 FM Morning Show! Podcast of Al on K92 FM Morning Show! Podcast of 9/29 Talk with Cumberland H.S. Students Podcast of 8/27 Albermarle County BBQ Podcast of 8/29 Senior Statesman Forum Podcast of 03/13 Town hall meeting on Iraq war Podcast of 02/01 DFA candidate forum Podcast of 01/21 candidate forum |
 10/10 Goodyear Picket Line 10/9 Sierra Club Endorsement 9/19 Specialist James Wilson at D-Day Memorial
|
| The National Debt: |