This week’s question: What are issues most important to you as your weigh your decision in race for governor?
The Buzz is a weekly question about an issue affecting the residents of Hampton Roads.
During the pandemic, we have allowed the governor, through executive order, to assume powers he really is not granted by the state Constitution. So, I want a governor who will defer to the legislature, and a legislature that understands the proper, limited role of government in our lives. Wm. Donald Tabor Jr., DDS, Chesapeake
My tax dollars should support environmental issues, early childhood education, school systems that teach factual information along with context. The governor should attend to public safety by supporting sensible gun laws and pandemic controls, while modeling rational behavior. Separation of church and state, as with our balanced budget, should be a given.
Virginia S. Dopp, James City County
The No. 1 issue is personal and political Integrity. I want those running for office, especially the executive, to truthfully detail what their position is on the very public and relevant issues foremost in Virginia. I want to know how they will govern and what objectives they will push to achieve, by issue, their position. John R. Baer, Yorktown
Law and order and highway safety are important to me. People who break or ignore the laws should be arrested, charged, afforded due process, and punished appropriately, if convicted. Operating vehicles should have current safety inspections and be driven by drivers with current, valid licenses. Why isn’t this happening now?
Don Vtipil, Norfolk
The two most important issues that will decide my vote are the candidates’ stances on mental health funding and medical care access.
Talbot N. Vivian, DHA, Yorktown
Only one issue matters: striking a blow against the anti-democratic, anti-republican, authoritarian, liberty-reducing, truth-denying spirit that has possessed the Republican Party. Defeating that spirit is so critical to the future of the commonwealth and country that nothing else matters one whit.
Michael Holloway, York County
Primarily pro-life and fiscal conservatism. Additionally, pro law enforcement and consistency in punishment for crimes, followed by reducing and/or eliminating excessive taxes.
Alan Duhon, Waynesboro
Virginia doesn’t allow a governor to succeed himself, so the opportunity to choose a former one is appealing because of experience in the office. McAuliffe’s opponent has never held elective office. His background seems to in making a lot of money with short-term investments. McAuliffe gets my vote. He was a competent governor and will be again.
Jeffrey Shelton, Chesapeake
I seek a candidate having displayed integrity and proven public service. It takes a special ability to direct a large state organization/agency while cooperating with local governments (cities and counties), some experiencing economic hardship. Once the campaign ends, governing all the people is a monumental task, done in cooperation by a leader with a proven track record.
Ross Kearney, Hampton
My most important issue is ensuring that the progress of the current administration in the areas of redistricting, environmental policy, racial equity, voting access and marijuana legalization is preserved and built upon.
Dale Timmer, Newport News
Trust. Can I trust a man who says publicly that Trump is the reason he’s running? Almost 80% of Republicans and virtually 100% of Republican politicians preach the “Big Lie” that their leader won the 2020 election. I cannot trust any of those politicians, including Glenn Youngkin.
Ed Prior, Poquoson
The children are our future and currently our future is in jeopardy. The public education system is infected with leftwing, Marxist radicals that mean to indoctrinate our children. Terry McAuliffe has actually said that parents should have no voice in what is taught to their children. That alone should disqualify him.
Sam Jackson, Newport News
For America’s sake, we must make this election a referendum on the Trump party’s methodical, remorseless campaign to undermine trust in elections, give partisans ballot-counting power, intimidate election staff, perpetrate violence, then cravenly project it all onto others. (“What about Portland BLM!?”) Trumpism-complicit candidate Youngkin must lose colossally.
Steve Corneliussen, Poquoson
This election is about more than the Virginia governorship. It’s about resoundingly rejecting “Trumpism” and those complicit in perpetuating its egregious practice of disinformation and polarization; it’s about preserving our democracy, decency, truth and honor in public service; and also spurning Youngkin’s deceptive claims disguising his true intentions.