Politics

Sturtevant an ‘independent voice,’ Hashmi on the left

By Caleb M Soptelean on October 15, 2019 Politics, State News

SturtevantHashmi In the race for state Senate District 10, which includes a northern section of the Dale District, incumbent Glen Sturtevant, R-Midlothian, labeled himself an “independent voice” while Democrat challenger Ghazala Hashmi, also of Midlothian, laid out a liberal agenda during a VPM forum Oct. 9. Sturtevant is an attorney who is nearing the end of a four-year term after defeating Dan Gecker by 2.66 percentage points in a 2015 race to succeed longtime state Sen. John Watkins. Sturtevant criticized Hashmi several times throughout the forum for calling on Gov. Ralph Northam to resign in lieu of his college blackface…

‘Totally … opposite ends of the spectrum’

By Caleb M Soptelean on October 15, 2019 Politics, State News

Bynum-Coleman Cox House Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, and Democratic challenger Sheila Bynum-Coleman squared off during a candidate forum hosted Oct. 9 by VPM. The District 66 race could decide control of the House of Delegates, which the Republican Party has held since 1999. Cox said it was important that Republicans remain in control because of its pro-business credentials, citing an average Chamber of Commerce grade of “A” for Republicans and “D” for Democrats. In contrast, Bynum-Coleman said Democratic control would bring teacher pay raises to the national average, result in a minimum wage increase, protection for discrimination for lesbians,…

Supervisors Q &A: Why are you running and why should you be elected?

By Press release on October 8, 2019 Board of Supervisors, Chesterfield Government, Politics

Jim HollandJim IngleKevin CarrollMurti KhanShajuan MasonTammy Ridout Beginning this week and running each week through Oct. 30, the Village News will run an answer from a question posed to six Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors candidates. Jim Ingle, Bermuda (R) Chesterfield County is one of the best places to work, live, and raise a family in the commonwealth. As such, we should be represented by servant leaders who understand that our county’s continued excellence will be dependent upon a true focus on local quality-of-life issues like education, public safety, job growth and economic development. With over 25 years of business…

‘The Chase is on, with a few Miles left before its Pohl time’

By Caleb M Soptelean on October 8, 2019 Commentary, From the Editor, Politics, State News

Chase Miles Pohl I enjoy turning a phrase. Being a wordsmith has its privileges. Nov. 5 is right around the corner, and Chesterfield voters could have a big say in which party controls the state Legislature for the next two years. Since the Republicans only have a tenuous one-seat advantage in both the state House and Senate, each seat that could represent a tight margin will be closely watched. Virginia’s off-year election cycle usually doesn’t result in as many voters as even-numbered years – such as 2020 when President Trump will face off with former Sen. and Vice President Joe…

Running out of necessity

By Public Comment on October 8, 2019 Commentary, Politics

Lashley Dougherty By Gena Lashley Upon meeting Lindsey Dougherty, I thought she was just like the rest of us Chester mamas, other than the fact that she is running for the 62nd House of Delegates seat. Dougherty lives in Chester with her husband and two children, ages 8 and 3. She is around the same age as me, not too young but not yet into her middle-aged years. She wears glasses and was wearing professional, yet comfortable, work attire, and the kicker, she drives the dreaded minivan. She has an easy smile and a calm and patient demeanor. I immediately…

Candidates discuss Carvana development

By Caleb M Soptelean on September 10, 2019 Board of Supervisors, Business, Chesterfield Government, Economic Development, Politics

Jim Ingle, on left, and Murtaza Khan speak Sept. 3. Also pictured is Erik Goulet, center. (Caleb M. Soptelean photo) Last week, Republican Jim Ingle and Democrat Murtaza Khan spoke and answered questions about the proposed Carvana auto inspection and storage facility planned for Woods Edge Road. The project is slated to be considered by the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors on Sept. 25. Both candidates, who are vying to replace incumbent Republican Dorothy Jaeckle, also spoke in general about their candidacies. If either were now on the board, Khan said he would vote against the Carvana project, while Ingle said…

Four more years? Sheriff Leonard touts his accomplishments

By Caleb M Soptelean on August 6, 2019 Chesterfield Government, Politics

Leonard Sheriff’s deputy Chris Allen is pictured with Amor, the department’s explosive detection dog. Amor has been working at Chesterfield County courts and the jail since December. He alerts on more than 20 odors. (Caleb M. Soptelean photo) Although he says the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office is known for its Heroin Addiction Recovery Program, Sheriff Karl Leonard said the office can’t be defined by it. He mentioned several programs that benefit the inmate population, including some he’s implemented since being appointed sheriff in February 2014. The jail has work training programs – including forklift operation and food service – and…

Leonard finally has an opponent: Independent Kersey running for sheriff

By Caleb M Soptelean on July 23, 2019 Chesterfield Government, Politics

Rahn Kersey is a man of many parts. The Chesterfield native would like to add sheriff to his resume. That’s no small feat since incumbent Karl Leonard has been in the office for nearly six years after being appointed to the post in February 2014, then winning a special election in March of that year and a full four-year term in November 2015. Leonard was unopposed in both elections. Kersey, 51, served 14 years in the Army, including time in Bosnia and Kosovo, was a Transportation Security Administration employee at Richmond International Airport, and worked 10 years with the state,…

Letter writers defend Sen. Chase

By Public Comment on July 16, 2019 Letters, Politics

Sen. Chase is right to defend herself Editor: I wish to address an article from July 10 (“Guns, rape, and marijuana: Candidates criticized for FB posts”), specifically the portion attempting to shame Republican Sen. Amanda Chase for her views of women’s right to self-defense against rape or any crime, specifically through the use of firearms. Many issues surround elections, which are often decided by opinion, left or right, liberal or conservative. The right to bear arms is not one of those, but is a right (one of several) guaranteed by the Bill of Rights within the Constitution. These rights were…

Dems, GOP respond to state’s No. 1 business ranking

By Press release on July 16, 2019 Business, Economic Development, Politics, State News

Filler-CornCox Northam Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, House Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, and House Democratic Leader Eileen Filler-Corn of Fairfax County, responded last week to the state’s recent No. 1 ranking by CNBC in its annual business rankings of the 50 states. The top ranking is determined following an extensive study of all 50 states based on 64 metrics in 10 categories of competitiveness. Virginia is tied with Texas for most years named top state for business by CNBC, with wins in 2007, 2009, 2011, and now 2019. Virginia ranked No. 1 in workforce and education. Its other rankings were:…

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