By Marty van Duyne
For PotomacLocal.com
Falmouth, Va. –– Republican Sen. Richard Stuart and House Speaker Del. Bill Howell announced their bid for reelection Wednesday.
A full house crowd braved a deluge of rain and hail to show their support for the cheer on the 28th district Senator and Delegate.
Family and patriotism head list of priorities for Stuart
Stuart introduced his family and told the gathered assemblage that quality of life for all Virginians was a driving force in his actions.
He was responsible for legislation banning “robo call” solicitations. Since the enactment of the law, many other states have followed suit.
“I wrote that silly little bill that allows you to fly the American Flag in your front yard without the HOA being able to tell you to take it down,” the Senator and Marine Corps Reserve Veteran told supporters. “I say it’s a silly little bill. But it’s not for those of us who are patriots.”
He co-wrote a bill to provide tax relief for disabled veterans and said it is important for us to support those that have served and given so much for our country.
Seen as somewhat of a lone wolf, Stuart said, “I define myself as someone that puts you first.”
At times that effort has put him at odds with his own party such as his recent push for a strong fiscal policy.
“But I have to do what’s right,” said Stuart.
Recognizing that residents spend an insurmountable amount of time in traffic, the Senator co-sponsored the House transportation bill that will help fund efforts to fix problems without adding to taxes.
His efforts also include adding Stafford County to the George Washington Toll Road Authority.
In that same vein, he introduced legislation that allows VDOT maintenance of right of way’s by nonviolent criminals on suspended sentences or probation.
Known to be tough on crime Stuart sponsored legislation to get synthetic marijuana off the shelves of stores where it was previously legally sold to children.
He also introduced the Blue Alert Program that will be administered by the State Police in cases when an officer of the law is missing, seriously injured, or killed in the line of duty under suspicious circumstances.
Stuart was the recipient of the 2010 Virginia Sheriff’s Association’s Legislator of the Year award and he acknowledged Stafford Sheriff Charles E. Jett in the audience.
A staunch supporter of the disabled, the senator has sponsored, written, or co-sponsored numerous laws to support persons with disabilities and their families.
In 2011 he sponsored legislation to remove personal privacy information from windshield placards. In 2010 he sponsored legislation to allow parents to recover attorney fees in cases brought before the court in support of their child in a special education program for children with disabilities. And in 2008 he co-sponsored Del. Mark Cole’s (R-88, Stafford, Fredericksburg) legislation to allow Service Dogs in public schools.
The senator has also supported legislation to support and protect agriculture and the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Stuart told the assemblage that Virginia has again been rated as one of the top places to work and raise a family and he wants to ensure the area remains in that top ranking.
“It’s all about the quality of life for people I represent,” said Stuart. “I believe there is still work to be done.”
The senator supports reining in government spending, bringing more jobs to the area, addressing transportation issues, and strengthening our families.
“I humbly ask for your support as I seek a second term,” said Stuart.
Howell optimistic about adding party seats
Howell announced his bid for re-election and recognized legislators in attendance and Virginia 1st District Rep. Rob Wittman’s Chief of Staff Mary Springer.
Stafford officials included Garrisonville District Board Supervisor Mark Dudenhefer, Aquia Supervisor Paul Milde, Falmouth Supervisor Susan Stimpson, and Hartwood Supervisor Gary Snellings.
He also acknowledged Stafford Commonwealth’s Attorney Daniel Chicester who with 40 years in office is the second longest serving Commonwealth Attorney in Virginia.
Howell told his constituents that the redistricting plan has moved forward.
“We are going on the presumption that the new districts will be the same ones we have in November,” said Howell.
He said he is optimistic about gaining a majority in the Senate.
Howell said with the newly formed 2nd House District that includes part of Stafford and Prince William Counties he believes the party can pick up additional seats in the House.
Dudenhefer announced that he would be running for the 2nd District seat earlier this month.
Howell reflected on past successes and thanked his constituents saying, “We couldn’t do it without your help.”
The 54th Speaker of the House has served the 28th District since 1987. Details on his platform can be found at https://williamjhowell.org
For more information about Sen. Richard Stuart visit www.stuartforsenate.com
Marty van Duyne is an award winning independent photographer and journalist.
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