Sept. 26-One of the things my parents taught me is to always stand up for what is right. Which is why I have been an outspoken advocate for the people of Southside and Southwest Virginia over my time in the General Assembly.

Folks here work hard, go to church, serve the community, treasure our families, and play by the rules. We've taken some knocks the last few years--with a bad economy made worse by greedy special interests that prey on us when we're down. Which is why it's so important for folks here to have a forceful voice in Richmond. The wealthy special interests have plenty of friends in Richmond. But I work-and fight hard--for the people's interests, not the special interests. What are the key challenges facing families in our area? At the top of the list is jobs. We continue to experience some of the highest unemployment numbers in the state. I’ve worked to enhance and improve Virginia’s economic development programs and attract new jobs here, like the recent announcement of 150 new jobs at Monogram Food Solutions and 40 new jobs at Applied Felts. And I recently sponsored the Governor’s legislation to create Mega Site Grants which will encourage large employers to set up shop right here in Southside and southwest and create new jobs. While concerted effort has been made to create jobs, job creation must continue to be the number one priority of business, community and government leaders in our area. How do we create jobs? First with educational opportunity. I wrote the bill that created the New College Institute in Martinsville. The college will be up for what amounts to recertification in 2012. New College must be supported and expanded to provide our area with the college graduates we will need to attract the businesses of the 21st century. Second, with infrastructure to attract and service new businesses. We need to begin construction on I-73, the only new interstate highway in the nation. And we need to finish Rt. 58...particularly the stretch up Lover's Leap. And in addressing our transportation needs we cannot saddle our children and grandchildren with a mountain of debt. We need to have a fiscally responsible means of paying for our roads. Third, we must ensure that Virginia government is spending our tax dollars with companies that creates goods and services right here in Virginia, not overseas in China and Mexico. That way we’re creating jobs here at home, not in other countries. And of course one of the biggest problems facing our community is high electric bills. Last year I formed an electric utility regulation workgroup. The unanimous conclusion is that Virginia's regulations need to be reformed. Virginia’s businesses agree. The Coalition for Fair Energy Rates, a group of industrial, commercial, and retail businesses across the Commonwealth have stated that the longer Virginia’s regulation “remains intact, the higher electricity rates will rise above levels that otherwise would be paid under customary legislation.� Skyrocketing electric rates are costing us jobs. Unfortunately too many politicians in Richmond want to turn a blind eye to the problem...to blame high electric bills on reasons other than themselves. I have taken on the utilities, in particular, Appalachian Power Company, for continually raising rates in this area. I believe it is unfair, bordering on unethical, for APCo to have 9 rate increases in the last 4 years while making record profits and paying top executives millions in compensation, at a time when families here are struggling with double digit unemployment and businesses are struggling just to keep their doors open. I have stood up and spoken out. The utilities don't like that too much... but I don't work for them. I work for you. Finally, I will work to expand in-home care for seniors, so they can stay in their homes rather than be forced into nursing homes. There are many challenges facing Franklin, Henry and Patrick counties. I believe I have the experience, the leadership and the energy to help find solutions to our problems. And I will continue to fight til the cows come home for a fair shake for hard-working families in our area. Ward L. Armstrong