Area legislators: Funding for roads essential

Friday, March 21, 2008

By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer

The General Assembly’s lack of action on transportation needs is causing a crisis in Virginia, according to state Sen. Roscoe Reynolds.

“Until we’re willing to bite the bullet” and discuss possible ways to generate revenue for highway needs, those needs will persist, Reynolds, D-Ridgeway, said during the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Post-Legislative Affairs Breakfast on Thursday.

“You cannot build roads for free,” said Del. Ward Armstrong, D-Collinsville. “We’ve got to have the revenue to do that.”

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Animal related bills pass through General Assembly
February 25, 2008

WDBJ7.com

Tougher punishments for animal fighting are moving through the General Assembly. The latest focus is on cockfighting, a sport that is actually legal as long as gambling isn't involved.
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Budget gives NCI $750,000
Friday, March 14, 2008

By BULLETIN STAFF REPORTS -

The new state budget approved Thursday provides $750,000 of the $1 million in additional funds sought by Gov. Tim Kaine for the New College Institute. “The New College is the big winner” in this area, said Del. Ward Armstrong, D-Collinsville, on Thursday. “It’s clearly an indication that the New College is important; it’s something the General Assembly wants to stand behind.
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Legislators working on office fate
Sunday, March 16, 2008

By PAUL COLLINS - Bulletin Staff Writer

Gov. Tim Kaine’s administration is looking at staff cuts but not closing the Martinsville Virginia Employment Commission office, according to Del. Ward Armstrong. Armstrong, D-Collinsville, said that he has communicated with Kaine on the subject, requesting that the local office not be closed. Armstrong said the administration perhaps is looking at staff cuts instead.
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Lawmakers discuss session

Friday, March 21, 2008

By MICKEY POWELL - Bulletin Staff Writer

Del. Don Merricks said Thursday he learned a lot about being a lawmaker during his first session of the General Assembly.


“You have to build relationships” and be able to cooperate with other lawmakers, he said during the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Post-Legislative Affairs Breakfast.

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Legislator to sponsor pension bill
By SHAWN HOPKINS - Bulletin Staff Writer

In the wake of former Henry County sheriff Frank Cassell’s sentencing, a local legislator and two state House candidates have proposed legislation that would prevent elected officials convicted of crimes from receiving state pensions.

Del. Ward Armstrong, D-Collinsville, said that since Cassell was sentenced last week, a number of people have asked him about the former sheriff’s pension. Armstrong told them that because Cassell already is retired, he should receive the whole thing regardless of the circumstances of his exit from office.
Virginia Retirement System (VRS) officials have verified that.

“Most of the people I’ve talked to were pretty upset about that,” Armstrong said Monday.

He said he talked to Democrat House candidates Andy Parker, who is running for the 16th District House seat, and Adam Tomer, who is running for the 14th District seat. They had heard similar things, he said.
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Armstrong has governor's ear
Tuesday, February 27, 2007

By GINNY WRAY - Bulletin Staff Writer

The day Del. Ward Armstrong was elected House Minority Leader, he met with Gov. Tim Kaine twice to discuss transportation and payday lending legislation.

On Wednesday, four days later, he expects to appear with Kaine in Roanoke to discuss the transportation package passed by the General Assembly on Saturday and problems with it.

That access to the governor is one of the benefits Armstrong sees of his new role as House Minority Leader.
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Editorial: Armstrong in position of influence
Sunday, February 25, 2007

Del. Ward Armstrong’s election Saturday as House Minority Leader puts him in a position of influence and helps put Southside Virginia back on the map.

The Minority Leader coordinates his party’s actions on the House floor, recruits prospective candidates and influences where thousands of dollars in Democratic campaign contributions are directed.

It is the first time since the death of A.L. Philpott that an area resident has held one of the top leadership roles in the General Assembly. Philpott, a Bassett Democrat, served in the House for 33 years and was elected its Speaker in 1980, virtually ruling the House.
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Armstrong elected minority leader
Sunday, February 25, 2007

By BULLETIN STAFF REPORTS -

Former delegate Barnie Day of Meadows of Dan called Del. Ward Armstrong’s election as House Minority Leader “hugely significant. It should lead to the (House) speakership.”

The House Democratic Caucus on Saturday elected Armstrong, D-Collinsville, to the post in a 27-12 vote. He replaces Del. Frank Hall, D-Richmond.
“I’m very humbled they asked me to lead,” Armstrong said.
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Ward Introduces Eric Ferguson

Watch Ward's introduction at the Official Ferguson for Delegate Campaign Kick-Off held at the Franklin County Court House on Thursday, March 29th, 2007.



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