Comments: Keep the uranium ban in Virginia!
Posted: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 9:31 pm
By SEN. FRANK RUFF
15th District
I hope that all have had a blessed holiday season.
Each week I write a column to give insight into the happenings around the capitol.
I write this week's column as we prepare to return to Richmond for the 2012 session of the General Assembly.
The session begins Wednesday, but we will be there in meetings and preparing on Monday.
It is important for legislators to know the concerns of those we represent so that we may better represent you.
We welcome letters, calls, and emails. Emails are generally the timeliest and give us, in writing, your concerns.
We welcome calls but sometimes what we think we hear is not exactly what you meant. However, one way or another let us know your thoughts.
We can be reached by email at sen.ruff@verizon.net , by mail at P.O. Box 332 Clarksville, Va. 23927 or phone at 804-698-7515.
Additionally, you can go to our website, frankmruff.com, and send us a message from there.
You can also find information about legislation that interests you plus other information. It has links to each of the communities as well as to various useful state websites. I encourage you to go to the site.
On the website in the coming days I will ask you to respond to some of the issues that I expect will be debated during the session. I hope you will choose to respond to that questionnaire.
Two of the issues that will be dealt with are the following:
Should Virginia lift its moratorium on mining uranium in Virginia?
Some say that we should, that modern mining methods and state and federal regulations should make it reasonably safe.
Others say that we should be very sure before we lift the moratorium that it is safe and will not harm the health or livelihood of those around the mined area and those downstream.
Virginia's Retirement System balances are not as high as they should be for several reasons such as the recession and the fact that people are living longer.
Gov. McDonnell has proposed a major investment to return the fund to levels needed. It will also force local governments to do more. This will put additional pressure on localities.
Should we try to build up the VRS as the governor has proposed or should we try to spread it over several more years?
These are the types of issues that we will face in addition to many others. Watch the website for the complete survey of your opinions. I look forward to working for you.
Sen. Frank Ruff of Clarksville represents the 15th District, which includes part of Pittsylvania County.
http://www.wpcva.com/opinion/article_80ce3718-3bfc-11e1-a5ef-0019bb2963f4.html
