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