Stand for Hanger   Dear Editor, Rockbridge Weekly: WE THE PEOPLE of the 24th Senatorial District have voted 12 years for Emmett Hanger to represent our interests in the Virginia General Assembly Senate for many good reasons, namely, because he accomplishes the job and puts a shine on an often maligned occupation. We take for granted the fact that we have a state senator we know like and trust because that is Emmett. Long before he was a leader in the oldest continuous general assembly, he was a leader in his church as teacher, trustee, and moderator; Ruritan community as club president and zone governor; civic groups as president and founding member of Transition Industries; director and founding member of Augusta County Fair; Augusta County Republican Committee chairman; Vice Chair Sixth District Republican Committee; and an infantry officer in the Virginia Army National Guard promoted to Commander of Harrisonburg National Guard. Always loyal to duty to others here and always a trusted leader for 30 years, that is Emmett. We elected him Augusta County Commissioner of the Revenue above all because we knew of his unquestionable integrity; an MBA with concentration in Accounting, success as President of Dominion Business Schools, and well- known business acumen as a business owner were secondary. As our legislator he studies policy and enjoys nurturing relationships to exercise prudent wisdom in the procedural management of our government. He knows how to accomplish his job and holds the respect of constituents and colleagues alike as he humbly does so, ranked among the top 10 state senators, that is Emmett. He has worked consistently to improve land conservation, and conservation easements to protect our natural resources and our rural landscape. He chairs the Commonwealth Competition Council to assist state agencies and private businesses to thrive more efficiently. He was elected by his peers to chair the Budget and Revenue Commission for the National Conference of State Legislatures. He has a seat on the Senate Finance Committee to help guide the budget for over six million Virginians. Virginia is rated the top state in which to do business and second best for launching new companies, in both instances because of its stable regulatory environment, economic climate, quality of life, and growth prospects. These high marks were boosted by Virginia’s AAA bond rating which has been achieved through the ongoing work and steady dedication of experienced legislators, that is Emmett. He represents 200,000 constituents and he knows us. He’s worked closely with us he has taken a stand for us and he’s told us what we needed to hear, not always what we wanted to hear, but the truth. The truth is hard to press into a sound bite. The truth is, he is recognized in Richmond as having taken the lead on issues dealing with illegal immigration since 2004, to prohibit illegal immigrants from getting any state services, including but not limited to in-state tuition. Emmett has consistently advocated tax reform. He believes in the state covering its obligations to its citizens, meaning, services need to be paid. Five hundred million dollars of the seven hundred million dollars collected were returned to the localities. He makes thoughtful tough decisions based on what is best for his constituents not what’s popular or easy because that is his job. Tuesday, 12 June, we will vote for the best Republican candidate to run as our state senator. I hope you agree, that is Emmett. Vickie Parkinson Ft. Defiance, VA

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