Education

Interview done by David A. Karaffa
Read online at: http://augustaconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/conversation-with-delega...

I had an opportunity to sit down with Delegate Chris Saxman and have a conversation about his experiences in the state legislator, where he stands on issues, and about his campaign.

First off, I was surprised and refreshed by how accessible he is. He stated, “People come up to me and we talk all the time, I go to the local YMCA and use the elliptical and I connect with residents. I go to Food Lion and get groceries and people will stop me and ask questions, I love it.” He spoke about how he gives his email address and cell phone number out regularly. He spoke about the many town hall meetings he does and mountains of surveys that he puts out. “I don’t like being a politician that is constantly trying to get your attention. People don’t want to hear about politics every minute of every day. I respect their time and make myself as available as I can be.”

Chris Saxman is a very down to earth kind of guy. He isn’t just an elected representative; he is a husband and father of four. When he is not fulfilling his role in government, he is running the family business, Shenandoah Valley Water. I was impressed by his story of getting into politics. “When I was a high school teacher of US History and Government, my students suggested I become more involved – so I did. That was 1992.” He spoke about how important it has been for him, being a delegate, to have grown up here in the valley. He delivered newspapers and cut the lawns of people he now represents in the House of Delegates.

We also discussed the economy and job creation. I pointed out that his opponent wants to bring green jobs to the valley. Chris responded by saying, “We need all types of jobs. We can’t pick and choose what jobs will be created through government, that is not governments role.” He also said, “With unemployment reaching 10% in Virginia, residents want any job. They don’t want a government handout, they want to earn it.” He said, “When a person has lost their job, they also feel their dignity as a human broken by not being able to support their family, and they want that back, not a government handout.”

We spoke about what his recipe for job creation would be. He said, “We need to learn from other states past mistakes. Virginia is the #1 state for business for a reason. We look at what other states have tried and we implement the changes that work at growing business and creating jobs. The lowering of the marginal tax rates and other taxes also help to create jobs.” He said, “If government is going to spend money to create jobs, it should be through investment in infrastructure, such as roads, schools, libraries, and other services that are already provided but need repair and improvement.”

Continued online at:
http://augustaconservative.blogspot.com/2009/05/conversation-with-delega...

April 15, 2009
The News Leader
By Trevor Brown/staff
tbrown@newsleader.com

STAUNTON — Construction workers laid pipes and dug deep trenches on the campus of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind as a light rain fell early Tuesday afternoon.

Although the work is tedious and there is a long way to go, members of the deaf and blind community said they are growing more excited about the $71 million worth of upgrades to the facility.

"This is excellent for all the students here," said Donna DeVito, who has worked with the school and is a member of the Virginia Association of the Deaf. "This is just a great opportunity for the community."

...

"This project has been over 30 years in the making," said Del. Chris Saxman, R-Staunton, who led the discussion. "We have done more than two dozen studies, but we are finally here. I want people to know we are on our way and the work is well on the way."

...

Rachel Bavister, a member of the Virginia Association of the Deaf, said she is proud of how the community banded together to take on such a deserving project.

"We should do everything to make sure our children are not left behind," she said through an interpreter. "We don't want to let them down."

Read the full story online at the News Leader:
http://www.newsleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009904150321