Democratic candidate for the House of Delegates,18th District thinks we can do better

This week, the Virginia legislature passed the 2021 budget to spend the proceeds of the American Rescue Plan (HB 7001). This budget provides funding for salary raises for law enforcement officers, replenishes the unemployment fund, increases funding for college education and mental health services, supports access to high-speed internet for all Virginians by 2024, and other projects improving the quality of life for all Virginians. With all this, it still ends up with a budget surplus.

This budget bill passed with significant bipartisan support; more than half of the Republican caucus voted in favor. Unfortunately, Michael Webert, the delegate from our 18th District, was among the minority who voted against this excellent legislation. This is not in the least bit surprising; Delegate Webert seems to think the duty of a delegate is simply to vote against any bill that crosses his desk. In the combined 2020-21 sessions, there were 115 “key votes, according to the “Vote Smart” website. Webert voted “aye” on only 20 of these.

The 18th District deserves better. We need a delegate who evaluates legislation on its merits, and votes in the interest of the citizens of the district and of Virginia. That doesn’t seem to be Michael Webert.

Douglas Ward
Sperryville
Candidate for House of Delegates