Roanoke Times Endorses Bill Thomas

When it comes to constituent service, Anne Crockett-Stark, who represents the 6th District, probably knocks on more doors, chats with more folks, hikes up more hillsides to discuss waterlines that will most likely never be built than any other member of the House of Delegates.

But in the two years that she has had to find a niche, distinguish herself in some way other than running for friendliest or most talkative delegate, Republican Crockett-Stark has let down her constituents.

Fortunately, they do have a much better choice with Democrat William Thomas. The retired juvenile court judge has maintained the independence that he cultivated while on the bench and is proud that he won't be "obliged to vote a certain way."

That certainly can't be said of the Republican incumbent. Crockett-Stark has toed the party line and continues to defend egregious legislation such as the transportation bill. She thinks the fuss over abusive driver fees was instigated and kept alive by bloggers and the media.

Thomas understands the difficulties already in collecting fines and the futility of trying to collect even larger civil penalties, especially from people who can't afford huge fees.

He believes the General Assembly will need to revisit transportation funding in 2008 and said he would look for "fair, reliable sources."

Crockett-Stark is an entrenched loyalist with a majority party that has proved itself incapable of making hard choices necessary for good governance. And this is exactly where challenger Thomas stands out.

He strikes us as thoughtful and dispassionate in his examination of issues, and promises to be a delegate who will carefully weigh the repercussions of legislation in lieu of casting a vote in the manner expected by his party.

Voters in the 6th District, that includes parts of Wythe and Pulaski counties and Bland and Giles counties, would do well to select the candidate who has demonstrated a career of making hard decisions in a considered manner.

Only one candidate fits that description: William Thomas. (link)

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