Annie B - Bad for Business

This letter appeared in the Southwest Times early last week (links mine):

Reading through Sunday’s edition of the Southwest Times I came across an advertisement in the “Spirit of Autumn” section. In the ad our own Delegate Crockett-Stark of Wytheville highlights Virginia’s recent ranking as the “Best State for Business” by Forbes magazine, apparently in the belief that she’s done something to contribute to that ranking.

Why is that a bad thing? It seems delusional, given the fact that Pulaski County’s unemployment rate reached 6.8% in May alone. This was the third highest unemployment rate in the state, behind only Martinsville and Danville. July was hardly better, with unemployment at 6.4%, still the fourth highest in the state.

The layoffs at Volvo and closures of New River Industries and Pulaski Furniture have taken their toll on our workers. With more than 1200 people out of work over the past few months, it makes me wonder where our delegate is getting her information.

I could care less whether Northern Virginia or Hampton Roads have a favorable business environment if it means families here in Southwest Virginia can’t put food on the table because they’re out of a job. Perhaps our delegate should rethink her priorities, and take a much closer look at the harsh reality facing her district.

Patrick Lambert
Dublin, VA

Annie B. Plays Both Sides On School Choice

Note: Cross-posted at Raising Kaine

Annie B. Crockett-Stark is at it again, this time trying to play both sides on the issue of school choice. During her first run in 2005, Annie received support in the form of mailers from the Family Foundation of Virginia, All Children Matter, and the Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers. Their investment was rewarded in 2006 when she supported HB1843. In the words of the VEA... (emphasis mine)

This bill gives public money to private schools when our state is 38th in the nation in state support for K-12 education. Further, it provides a monetary incentive to home school. This is disastrous public policy. Abusers and addicts will keep their children home for the money.

Where's the flip-flop then? Turns out she was for HB1483, before she was against it.

Shame is, Delegate Crockett-Stark can't seem to stop contradicting herself. Two weeks ago, Delegate Crockett-Stark and her supporters were at the New River Valley Fair passing out report cards from the Family Foundation of Virginia, touting her 95% rating from them. One of their key policy stances? School Choice. Now Annie B. is going around trumpeting her recent endorsement from the VEA who, as we all know, adamantly oppose legislation that directs public funds to private schools

Annie B. is trying to have it both ways on school choice, plain and simple. I can't imagine what she must have told the VEA to receive their endorsement. She's already in bed with the Family Foundation, and we know what they think of teachers...

For School Choice (Or Not) - It's Gotta Be... Annie B!

What Annie B. Really Thinks Of Her Donors

Note: Cross-posted at Raising Kaine

Courtesy of her hired fundraiser's Facebook page, we catch a glimpse of what Delegate Annie B. Crockett-Stark really thinks about her donors. If this is how she talks about people who contribute to her, I shudder to think how she talks about regular voters. I think we all remember 2005, when another one of her staffers was thrust into the media spotlight. You can see the highlights of that incident here, here, and here.

Disclaimer: The sentence in question contains profanity. If you still want to see it, you can click on the thumbnail to see a screen capture of Elisabeth's page. Zoom in on the lower right-hand section to see how Annie really feels about her donors.

For those wondering, Anthony Reedy is her presumptive campaign manager and legislative aide. Elisabeth Beamer is her fundraiser, former Political Director of the College Republican Federation of Virginia, and the owner of the offending Facebook page.

Last time, it was a staffer bad-mouthing district residents. This time Annie is the one at fault. Will she accept responsibility for her statement or get rid of this staffer too?