To the Editor:
Your article on the 41st District delegate race between Dave Marsden (D) and Michael Golden (R) ["After 32 Years, Who's Next?" Connection, Oct. 6-12, 2005] was an informative look at the candidates. The contrast between their views on bipartisanship was particularly revealing: Mr. Marsden was quoted as saying “We need bipartisanship in Virginia ... I'd represent every constituent — regardless of their political party," whereas Mr. Golden disagreed, stating his view that "It's more important to be effective than bipartisan."
Given the current polarized political climate, where partisanship has led only to political gridlock at every level, Mr. Marsden’s comment was like a breath of fresh air. Mr. Golden’s, on the other hand, sounded like the words of one who is either too naïve to understand that politics requires the ability to work with people who hold opinions different from your own, or so entrenched in his own ideology that just he doesn’t care about the opinions of a large proportion of his potential constituents (or, perhaps, both). Unfortunately, this “my way or the highway” attitude won’t get the people’s work done in Richmond.
I’m supporting Dave Marsden for delegate because I believe he’ll carry on the tradition of moderate representation we’ve come to expect in our district. Jim Dillard (R), our delegate for 32 years, was a moderate voice for our district, and, as chairman of the House Education Committee, an effective champion for our schools and children. Crossing party lines, he’s endorsed Mr. Marsden as his successor. We need more members of the House of Delegates who will put aside partisanship and work with members of both parties to achieve results for their constituents and all the citizens of our commonwealth, not just those who share their particular extreme views. I urge Republicans and Democrats to join me in supporting Dave Marsden for delegate on Nov. 8.
Kurt Heinz
Springfield