The Roanoke Branch NAACP and local chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority hosted a public forum Friday, Oct. 16 for candidates in the Nov. 5 Virginia Senate race.
WDBJ reporter Joe Dashiell moderated the well-handled event held at the Roanoke Higher Education Center downtown.
Among the six candidates on the ballot, the four who participated–vying for 21 District Senate were incumbent Senator John Edwards (D), Nancy Dye (R) and Don Caldwell (I).
Newcomer Mike Hamlar was the sole participant at the debate, running for 19th District Senate–as his opponents David Suetterlein (R) and Steve Nelson (I) did not attend.
The debate revealed no surprises from the panel of candidates who offered an extremely civil line of discourse responding to questions from various sources.
During opening statements, Sen. Edwards, a member of the local NAACP, took the opportunity to mention a small portion of the many accomplishments he’s achieved throughout his 20-year career in the Virginia Senate.
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter appointed him US Attorney, Chief Federal Prosecutor for the Western District of VA. “I employed the first African Americans in the US Attorneys’ Office,” he proudly mentioned.
Edwards was also instrumental in development of Roanoke’s Higher Education facility and led efforts to revitalize Henry Street that included such successful projects as the Culinary Arts School.
He capped his opening remarks with mention of one of his pet projects he’s “been working on for a number of years,” and announced “Amtrak is coming here in 2 years.”
A quick study of his current bio reveals an astounding list of legislative and public service honors and awards.
Nancy Dye basically spoke of her life as a doctor/surgeon in partnership with her husband in their business manufacturing medical devices. Politically she said she feels “that politicians ignore this part of the state” and pledged her allegiance (if elected) to “the people of the 21 District.”
Roanoke City Commonwealth Attorney Don Caldwell, a Botetourt Co. native is a straight shooter running as an Independent because he believes “the two party system is broken.”
Calling attention to the TV attack ads presently running Caldwell said “according to the attack ads Edwards and Dye are the two biggest devils in the Roanoke Valley depending on which ad you want to believe.” Caldwell said the two parties spend to much money attacking each other and added, “My goal is to take an independent message to Richmond in support of what is best for this area,” His opening statement was a point that resonated well with the audience.
Mike Hamlar, a self-professed storyteller, spoke of his love for the area, and his business prowess as family partner with Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home and other ventures.
Each candidate responded negatively to the first question about the voting rights act invalidated in 2013 by the Supreme Court that opens the door to voter suppression tactics.
Edwards directly took issue with the reticence of House Judiciary Committee Chairman, Con. Bob Goodlatte and his reluctance to call a hearing on the matter.
Nancy Dye agreed and raising the issue of rights restoration said, “I think it’s very important that we look at all voting rights laws including those designed for prisoners released with non-violent convictions.” She also said she would support and strengthen safeguards to address any specific voting violations.
Vigilance is the key to allowing all Americans the right to vote,” said Caldwell.
Hamlar reflected on his experience at the very voter rights rally in downtown that challenged Con. Goodlatte and the Supreme Court decision, calling it a “very moving experience.”
“We want to make voting as easy and accessible as possible,” said Hamlar who also spoke of low voter turnout trends regarding recent local elections, as being shameful.
All the candidates agreed on such issues as the need for police body cameras, more concentrated efforts to curb gun violence, enhancing services for veterans and upgrading provisions for special education.
Consensus varied however on more comprehensive issues as Medicaid Expansion, Charter Schools, Planned Parenthood and the state’s “Ban the Box” measures that remove questions about a person’s criminal history from public sector employment applications.
The engaging and extremely informative debate lasted just under 2 hours and provided the perfect opportunity for community members to familiarize themselves with not only who the candidates are but where they stand on various critical issues.
The forum closed after comments from Delta president Diane Jones and local NAACP president Brenda Hale who urged everyone to get out and vote in the November 3 election.
