Gary West
For Virginia House of Delegates, District 94
Blog
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94th House District: A Civil Disagreement Between Oder and West
Posted Oct 18 at 10 PM
94th House District: A civil disagreement between Oder and West
By Austin Bogues
247-4536
10:28 PM EDT, October 18, 2009
NEWPORT NEWS
A few months after winning the Democratic primary, Gary West went out knocking on doors in the 94th House District wearing a new pair of shiny, black loafers.
After a few hours, attorney general candidate Steve Shannon, a fellow Democrat, told him, "You're going to need some rubber soles if you're going to run a campaign."
A political upstart in his first campaign, West heeded the advice. He's knocked on over 3,500 doors since May.
Both he and incumbent Del. G. Glenn Oder wage daily ground battles in a race where votes are won with personal, retail-style politicking.
Neither candidate actively hawks their political affiliation, though their campaign offices are littered with party paraphernalia. They both speak of each other politely, forgoing the intense rhetoric that frequently infiltrates politics.
However, they do disagree on transportation funding, a top concern in Hampton Roads.
The 94th includes some of the more well-to-do areas of the city, from historic Hilton Village to waterfront neighborhoods near Menchville High School.
The voters are politically moderate. Oder is a Republican and won the seat in 2001, but before that it was held by Democrat Alan Diamonstein for over 30 years.
Oder
Most evenings, Oder knocks on 50 to 100 doors before returning to work at Kaufman and Canoles, where he works along with fellow lawmaker Sen. Tommy Norment and former Newport News Mayor Barry Duval. The 52-year-old typically stumps in a shirt and tie, slacks, and running shoes. He stops to play football with kids and chat with their parents about taxes. In addition to his fliers, he gives parents a guide for Halloween safety.
"We put a shameless plug on the back page," he said. "I call it the value added campaign."
Sometimes after an evening of campaigning, he will return to work until midnight. That is typical of Oder, who has been one of the workhorses of the General Assembly.
Initially confining his events to his district, he now branches out and will stump for legislation across the state, attending public events to bolster his plan for transportation funding and the crackdown on payday lending, his two signature issues. His campaign office in Newport News is at a former payday lender's, and he sits on the board of the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization.
He has sponsored bills to raise money for transportation by using revenue from increases in future growth at the Port of Virginia. The Senate has tabled both measures.
West
Gary West, 55, has spent most of his 25-year professional career fighting for worker's rights and making sure they are justly compensated when injured. A Loyola University-trained attorney, he moved to the Peninsula 20 years ago to raise his family. West has also specialized in asbestos litigation.Friends said they were tired of hearing him complaining and pushed him to step forward.
His soft-spoken, even-keel demeanor is displayed when canvassing through neighborhoods like Hilton Village, where demographics range from older, conservative voters to younger newlyweds with liberal leanings. West asks each householder what issues concern them, never in a hurry to break off a conversation.
"I've worked with people in some of the most hostile situations and managed to forge compromises," he said. "I know I can work to bring people together in the General Assembly."
West disagrees with Oder's stances on transportation. He doesn't think a steady source of funding can be produced without a hike in the gas tax.
West also opposes off-shore drilling for oil and natural gas. "We need to look for clean sources of energy and promote green jobs first," he said.
West also would like to see Virginia increase teacher pay closer to the national average.
"It costs $104,000 or more to incarcerate someone," he said, "but $4,000 of education can prevent that from happening."
http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-local_oderwest_1019oct19,0,123304,print.story
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House Candidates Take on Children's Issues
Posted Oct 07 at 10 AM
By Kimball Payne
October 3, 2009
NEWPORT NEWS - — Republican Dels. Phil Hamilton and G. Glenn Oder sparred with Democratic opponents Robin Abbott and Gary West, respectively, late Thursday during a Newport News forum focused on childrens' issues.
The forum, sponsored by Voices for Virginia's Children, drew a largely partisan crowd. Out of about 100 folks in the audience, at least three dozen were campaign staffers, volunteers or supporters covered with campaign stickers or sporting campaign T-shirts.
The topics coupled with a question-and-answer format kept the forum from producing major sparks in the contentious races for the House of Delegates. But for the second time in a week, the incumbents and challengers worked to draw distinctions.
When the moderator asked about the 200,000 Virginia children without health care, Hamilton and Abbott offered voters a clear dividing line when it comes to universal medical coverage for children.
Hamilton, R-Newport News, chairman of the House Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee, said voters need to remember that parents should be the primary caretaker for children.
Hamilton said the General Assembly has made great strides in recent years funding the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security program, which acts as an extension of the federal children's health insurance program. Hamilton said Virginia would work to cover more children but cannot make it a mandate.
"Virginia has made a lot of progress," he said. "But I do not believe that it is the government's role to support all services for all people all of the time."
Abbott countered that in addition to efforts to promote preventative medicine, cut down on childhood obesity and emphasize wellness in the community to cut on costs, Virginia must strive to provide medical care to all 200,000 children currently without coverage.
"I believe it is our moral obligation to provide health care to all children," she said. "I want to make certain that every child has access to the best quality health care we can provide."
Oder, R-Newport News, detailed how he worked to make sure Newport News Public Schools received state funding for the preschool program that was put in place before General Assembly expanded the program throughout the state. Local school districts had been footing the bill for the early education. He said that pre-school should be a major point of emphasis.
"Let's save a lot of money keeping a kid out of jail and in school," Oder said.
West also stressed the need for intense early education, saying that every dollar spent on a child's education is more like an investment in the future than an expenditure.
West said he would support requiring insurance companies to cover autism, "unlike my opponent, who voted against this legislation."
Oder said lawmakers in Richmond cannot support every initiative that crosses their desks.
"Where is the money going to come from?" he said. "All of this costs money and these are tough decisions."
http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-local_forum_1003oct03,0,5148590.story
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Mental health dominates forum for House of Delegates hopefuls....
Posted Sep 30 at 1 PM
House of Delegates lawmakers and a handful of challengers pledged their support for mental health treatment and services Tuesday night during a 90-minute forum in Newport News.
The evening forum was a largely subdued affair as incumbent legislators and House hopefuls took turns affirming their commitment to community-based care, drug courts and funding to cut down on the waiting list for patients waiting for medical health care.
With state tax coffers still struggling thanks to the global economic slowdown, state services have faced a series of budget cuts under Gov. Timothy M. Kaine. Revenue estimates suggest that lawmakers are likely to confront even more budget holes when they return to Richmond in January.
But the forum featured some pointed moments, as local candidates looked to draw differences between themselves and their opponents. Del Phil Hamilton, R-Newport News, had clear command of the issues as the chair of the House Health, Welfare and Institutions committee and the House GOP's go-to lawmaker on mental health issues.
Hamilton noted that he has passed numerous pieces of legislation to help give mental health advocates and patients a stronger voice in Richmond, creating an inspector general's office for the intellectually disabled, championing reform following the Virginia Tech massacre and opposing cuts to funding for mental health waivers.
"I have been a strong voice," Hamilton said. "I'm proud of my record setting priorities."
Hamilton's opponent Democrat Robin Abbott detailed her personal struggle after her first son, Nicholas, was born with severe cerebral palsy. Abbott said she would work tirelessly for patients and families dealing with few options and difficult decisions.
"I've dealt with mental health issues day after day for 29 years," Abbott said.
Del. Glenn Oder, R-Newport News, noted that in January a tax credit designed to help offset the costs of making homes more accessible will be increased to $2,000 from $500.
"There's not a lot you can do for $500," Oder said. "I wish we could do more."
Democrat Gary West said that he supports the trend towards more community care for mental health problems which has happened in recent years because overarching institutions cost significant amounts and have been known to isolate patients.
But West said that lawmakers must work to make sure that no one falls through the cracks.
Poquoson Mayor Gordon Helsel is running against Del. Tom Gear, R-Hampton, who wasn't at the evening forum. Helsel said that try to get offenders with substance abuse problems into treatment instead of prison, and he said that means having enough judges on the bench - a clear shot at Gear who has been a central figure in some longstanding Peninsula judicial disputes.
"We have to appoint judges in a timely manner," Helsel said. Delays "back the system up and waste taxpayers money."
Democrat Sam Eure is also running for Gear's seat. Eure said that the judicial system is clogged with people who need drug treatment, and he said the state could save money by focusing on getting addicts off drugs rather then locking them up.
"We incarcerate way too many people simply on drug charges," Eure said.
Del. William Barlow, D-Isle of Wight, is facing a Republican opponent and an independent challenger, but Barlow was the only one in attendance. He said that lawmakers need to be protective of the state's main bank account - the General Fund - which is used on public education, public safety and health care. Barlow noted that some transportation plans would dip into the General Fund.
"It sounds innocuous when you say General Fund, until you think about what the General Fund pays for," Barlow said. "It's going to be a huge issue in the campaign."
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Hamilton - ODU: Gary West calls for Hamilton to resign - links to Oder...
Posted Aug 26 at 1 PM
The Shad Plank
by: Kimball Payne
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Democrat candidate Gary West is the latest to call for Del. Phil Hamilton's political head, aiming a bank shot at his Republican opponent Del. G. Glenn Oder for staying mum on the Hamilton flap.
West is a first time candidate for the House running against Oder, a Republican incumbent who represents the 94th District - which is basically the western half of Newport News. Five of the six statewide candidates from both political parties have called for Hamilton to step aside, and now West is adding a local voice to the chorus.
Hamilton is under a House ethics investigation because he was already seeking a job at Old Dominion University before he helped the school secure $500,00 in annual funding for an educational center. Hamilton was hired on as a $40,000-a-year part-time director of the center, but resigned last week after details of his links to ODU started to surface.
West previously served in on the Newport News Planning Commission so he has some name recognition on the Peninsula, but he isn't exactly a household name - so joining the call for Hamilton's to step away is a logical move. West also makes sure to link his opponent - Oder - to Hamilton, an easy connection to make because the two have close ties and a good relationship.
Here's a snippet from West, needless to say this is unlikely to change Hamilton's mind.
“Enough is enough,” West said. “Hamilton has breached the public trust and should own up to his misconduct and resign.”
While Democrats and Republicans at the highest levels have joined forces to call for Hamilton’s resignation, West’s opponent has remained silent. Delegate Glenn Oder has taken no steps to distance himself from Hamilton and has yet to rebuke his colleague and friend. The two Newport News legislators are slated to appear together at a joint office opening event over Labor Day holiday.
West expressed his belief that “citizens of Newport News deserve representatives who value public service over personal gain”. West continued, “I respectfully ask Glenn Oder to put friendship and partisanship aside and do the right thing for the people by joining me in asking Phil Hamilton to resign.”
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West poll: “rife with opportunity”
Posted Jul 31 at 11 AM
By: Vivian Paige
Friday, July 31, 2009
Gary West, the Democratic candidate in the 94th district, released memo (pdf) summarizing the results of his recent polling. The pollster, Myers Research & Strategic Services, makes an interesting point about Gary’s appeal to independent voters:
While both West and Oder receive solid support from their respective partisan bases, a majority of independent voters are not convinced that the incumbent deserves to be sent back to Richmond. With concerns that align more closely with Democrats, independent voters will likely respond positively to West’s practical, solutions based messaging.
Of course, in order to get that message out, you know what Gary needs, right? Time, money and people, the three keys to any successful campaign. I attended Gary’s office opening last night and there were a lot of people there and lots of energy. Folks were signing up to volunteer and taking yard signs as they left. But there are never enough volunteers, so head over to Gary’s website and sign up to help.
Can’t get to Newport News? Then you already know how to help Volunteer with your wallet!
http://blog.vivianpaige.com/2009/07/31/west-poll-rife-with-opportunity/
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DFA endorses Gary West in 94th
Posted Jul 10 at 12 AM
I just got the following email from Democracy for America:
_________________________________
Longtime community leader Gary West has spent his legal career taking on big corporations and government bureaucracies on behalf of the people. West and attorney Richard Glasser were among the first in the country to pursue litigation on behalf of workers and their families who had been exposed to asbestos.
Gary’s appointment to the Newport News Planning Commission in 2001 was a continuation of his lifelong commitment to public service. His unanimous appointment to the Commission proved he can bring people together in the name of progress. Gary currently serves as Chairman of the Regulations Committee and seeks to bring his work to the next level as your representative in the Virginia House of Delegates.
Gary West is the only DFA-endorsed candidate in the race for Virginia House of Delegates, District 94.
VOLUNTEER OR CONTRIBUTE RIGHT NOW TO HELP MOVE VIRGINIA FORWARD
With your help we can improve the way Virginia builds roads, educates our children, and keeps our homes and families safe. As a long time resident, Gary understands the needs of the community and will work with YOU to bring progress to Virginia.
Stand with Democracy for America and support Gary West in the race for Virginia House of Delegates, District 94.
TAKE A STAND – LEND A HAND!
Thank you for all you do!
-Jim
Jim Dean, Chair
Democracy for America_________________________________
Getting the DFA endorsement is no small feat. Congratulations to Gary!
http://blog.vivianpaige.com/2009/07/09/dfa-endorses-gary-west-in-94th/
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Gary West, candidate in the 94th
Posted Jun 16 at 5 PM
by: Vivian Paige
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 8:55 am
At last Saturday’s Unity Rally, DPVA Chairman Dickie Cranwell mentioned that Democrats have candidates running in 72 of the 100 House of Delegates seats up for election this fall. One of those candidates is Gary West, a first time candidate for office in Newport News’ 94th House district. He is challenging Republican incumbent Glenn Oder. I had the pleasure of spending some time with him a few weeks ago.
West, 55, is a native of Virginia, having been born in Dry Fork, near Danville. He graduated from Bridgewater College and obtained a masters’ degree in political science from Virginia Tech before attending law school at Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans. He practiced law for a few years there but came back to Virginia to be closer to family. His wife, Linda, was raised in Virginia Beach. Together with their two daughters, the family relocated to Newport News in 1989, where Gary joined the law firm of Patten, Wornom, Hatten, & Diamonstein. (For those who are not familiar, the firm does a lot of work representing those who are afflicted with occupational lung diseases, most notably asbestosis. In partnership with Norfolk attorney Richard Glasser, they were among the first in the country to pursue litigation on behalf of workers and their families who had been exposed to this deadly contaminant.) After a brief stint with Rutter, Mills, Gary has been a solo practitioner since 2003. During this time, he also served on the Newport News Planning Commission.
Mentioned briefly on his website is something that I think really defines the man Gary West is: his family. His wife is a breast cancer survivor. This diagnosis came at a time when their two daughters, Catherine, now 24 and Diane, now 22, were in high school. Gary cut back on his law practice to care for Linda and the girls. Having watched him interact with his family on a couple of different occasions, there is genuine love and admiration among them. It is this dedication that Gary brings to the campaign. I get the sense that the whole West family is running for office.The 94th district is an interesting one. Ten of the 19 precincts in the district lie in the 3rd Congressional district, represented by Democrat Bobby Scott. The other nine fall into the 1st Congressional district, represented by Republican Rob Wittman. Support of both Democrats and Republicans will be necessary. Gary has already demonstrated that he has both: his appointment to the Planning Commission garnered the unamious vote of the members of Newport News City Council.
He intends to focus his campaign on the big problems of our day: transportation and crime prevention. We discussed briefly his ideas on both, and more information will be forthcoming over the next few weeks.
Gary West will be a formidable challenger in this district. I look forward to his campaign and election.
http://blog.vivianpaige.com/2009/06/16/gary-west-candidate-in-the-94th/#more-8123
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Peninsula's Gary West: Another Democratic Pick Up to Flip the House
Posted Jun 05 at 10 AM
by: Eileen Levandoski
Fri Jun 05, 2009 at 08:12:38 AM EDT
Every time I've stepped over the Big River I've been hit by the "Gary West" phenomenon and now it's starting to hit my In Box too. So far this Democratic candidate for the 94th House district is doing everything right!
Peninsula folks can't stop talking about this guy who hopes to bump off current Republican Delegate Glenn Oder. This includes one Pat Murphy, who in 2007 jumped from the Trisha "Shut Down Public Schools" Stall's campaign feet first into the ultimately successful campaign to elect Democrat John Miller to the Virginia State Senate. Here's Pat's blog post on ol' Mr. Oder, FYI.We need to strip the gavel away from Speaker Bill "House of No" Howell and hand it over to Delegate Ward Armstrong as House Majority Leader. Six seats need to change hands to accomplish that mightily important fete. Democrats in Northern Virginia have targeted 3 seats that broke for Obama and are currently held by Repugs. Let's add Hampton Roads as a contributor with pick ups in the 94th (Gary West) and 82nd (Peter Schmidt)... both a very real possibility if we work very hard!
http://www.vbdems.org/diary/2991/peninsulas-gary-west-another-democratic-pick-up-to-flip-the-house -
House of Delegates: Newport News candidates square off
Posted May 01 at 10 AM
Only 6 months until election day! In the first round of forums hosted by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, I laid the groundwork for my campaign by squaring off against current 94th District Rep. Glenn Oder. Kimball Payne covered the "Meet the Candidates Forum" for the Daily Press here:
House of Delegates: Newport News candidates square off
Join me at the next forum on October 15, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Newport News Public Schools Administration Building Auditorium, 12465 Warwick Boulevard in Newport News.
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House of Delegates campaigns shaping up in Hampton Roads
Posted Apr 12 at 2 PM
Kimball Payne of the Daily Press presents a run-down this area's Democratic candidates for the VA House of Delegates race. Check out the article here:
