Defending Liberty

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All they want is good government.

To the Tidewater Libertarian Party, good government means tax dollars directed toward roads, highways and schools.

Bad government means tax dollars spent on light rail and an arena.

Virginia Senator Jeff McWaters, a Republican whose district encompasses a majority of Virginia Beach, was scheduled to speak at the group’s Dec. 1 breakfast meeting held at the Fresh Cut Restaurant located on Lynnhaven Highway in Virginia Beach.

But McWaters excused himself, saying he had an intestinal sickness. The former founder of managed care corporation, Amerigroups Inc., was slated to present his ideas about raising money to fund transportation projects.

The group heard from City Council members, Bill DeSteph and John Moss, instead, and from Virginia Senator Steve Martin, Republican candidate for Lt. Governor.

The meeting began with the Lord’s Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Each speaker was framed by a banner in the background proclaiming, The Tidewater Libertarian Party, The Party of Principle, The Party of Freedom, and the American flag.

Both Moss and DeSteph disparaged the economic impact studies economists James Koch and Christine Chmura, saying the numbers were flawed, and they challenged the estimated attendance numbers highlighted by the studies.

“I think we have some issues with the numbers,” DeSteph said.

Yet Moss softened his tone.

“Bill and I are considered the naysayers,” he said. “But we are willing to consider a smart deal.”

Neither DeSteph nor Moss considers the present arena deal a smart one.

“They are pledging your money, your income,” Moss said.

But Moss said schools and road projects should be the city’s top priority.

“I have said over and over again, we have got our priorities in the wrong place,” he said. “This is about good stewardship and government.”

Moss called for a frank honest discussion about the arena. He even said it was alright for the city to admit the arena deal won’t make money, as many of these deals in other cities don’t make money.

The last speaker, Martin, whose district includes Amelia, Chesterfield and Colonial Heights, pitched his conservative values.

“I am a legislator with a solid conservative track record,” he said. 

Seven candidates are vying for Lt. Governor, Martin said.  

The Republican party controls Virginia's House of Delegates. Republicans see a chance to control the Senate, which is split evenly between the two parties. 

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's bid for governor has emboldened the Republican party. Add to that a distaste by many Republicans for the Obama administration's policies and the tide could turn in favor of a Republican controlled state house in the next two years.