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  Al Weed for Congress P.O. Box 608 Lovingston, VA 22949 434-220-2434
Cost of the War in Iraq:
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On receiving the endorsement of the Sierra Club
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Oct 9, 2006 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. There are many critical environmental issues facing our region. One of the most important is at a stage of crisis here in Albemarle and surrounding counties. In 1999 I founded Rural Nelson in my home county to work against reckless development. In 2002 we formed Advocates for a Sustainable Albemarle Population for the same reason. The Greene County Taxpayers Association is also worried about rampant growth in their country. Bedford and Campbell Counties outside of Roanoke and Lynchburg are dealing with the same issue. Local governments and community organizations are working hard to make sure central Virginia does not become another Northern Virginia. My opponent does not share that concern. 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. His bill will allow his developer friends who don’t like a zoning restriction to bypass local courts go straight to federal courts. He has no problem allowing his wealthy contributors to intimidate local zoning authorities with threats of costly lawsuits. If they want to build more town houses, taller apartment buildings, or go against any local restriction, all they have to do is sue. Republican and Democratic attorneys general from more than 30 states, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Conference of State Legislatures and leading environmental groups have all opposed Mr. Goode’s bill. The United States Supreme Court has said that local governments are better equipped to deal with zoning disputes. Mr. Goode ignored all of these organizations in the name of his contributors. I trust the local governments and community organizations in our region. They need the support of the federal government to keep these reckless developers at bay. I will provide this support. 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. Thank you. |
  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
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