Gary West

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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