Democratic candidate Robin Abbott (93rd) and Gary West (94th) each issued statements today in support of the inclusion of compensation for Arthur Whitfield in the special session. Their statements are below the fold.
From Abbott:
Candidate Robin Abbott Supports Legislative Action To Address Aid For Arthur Whitfield
Newport News, Virginia – July 30th, 2009 – Democratic Candidate for the House of Delegates VA 93rd District, and Consumer Rights Advocate and Attorney Robin Abbott, joined legislators and candidates from across Virginia today in supporting the call to address legislation to provide relief to Mr. Arthur Whitfield during the upcoming General Assembly’s special session.
“I believe that Virginia legislators in the House have a moral obligation to compensate Mr. Whitfield for the time he was wrongfully imprisoned as quickly as possible” Abbott said.
From West:
DELEGATE CANDIDATE, GARY WEST, CALLS FOR WHITFIELD COMPENSATION
Urging legislators to provide recourse for Arthur Whitfield, West expresses his intent to take up the issue next year if action is not taken.
Newport News, VA, July 30, 2009 – Delegate candidate, Gary West, today announced his strong support for proposals to compensate Arthur Whitfield. Along with legislators from all sides of the political spectrum, West has called for this issue to be addressed during the upcoming special legislative session.
After a meeting between West and Newport News Sheriff Gabe Morgan, the two commented on the need for immediate action. Morgan applauded West for his understanding of the issue and compassion for the plight of Whitfield. Morgan said “public faith in the integrity of our justice system and legislative process strengthens the hand off those charged with enforcing the law.”
Calling on his opponent to support legislation aimed at compensating Whitfield, West said “if my opponent and others fail to take action during special session I pledge to make this issue a legislative priority next year.” West has spent his legal career standing up to bureaucracies, seeking recourse for wrongfully harmed working families, and he’s prepared to take on this fight.
With a strong record of community leadership, Gary West is running for the District 94 House of Delegates seat. Gary West will face Republican incumbent Glenn Oder in a general election matchup November 3rd.
For more information about Gary West, please visit www.garywestfordelegate.com.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 