Yesterday, Brian Moran kicked off his day in Hampton Roads on the radio with Tony Macrini who generates a tension that always offers an opportunity for lively discussion. Some time ago, Macrini established a program standard for interviews that includes the requirement to field questions from callers and, on one occasion, refused to have Governor Kaine on because his scheduler would not agree to that condition. Moran capped off the day with the formal endorsement from five of Hampton Roads' mayors.
Tony Macrini describing the gubernatorial field: "Here in Virginia we have some very interesting, even outstanding gentlemen, even some who have actually done something in Virginia."
Warming up to a discussion of the issues, they talked about how much time and how often Delegate Moran has visited Hampton Roads and the similarities between Northern Virginia and this area. Moran took the opportunity to announce the support of five Hampton Roads mayors and that there would be a formal announcement later in the day. Responding to a question from Macrini, Moran explained that he had decided to step down from the House of Delegates after 12 years. "If it's worth doing, its worth doing right." He said he had determined that he could not do both jobs well. "It's not about the next 45 days, it's about the next four years."
Tony Macrini: "You and Creigh Deeds are buddies?"
Delegate Moran: "Well...we have been..."
They discussed Moran's grandfather's arrival in America in 1901 with one suitcase. He's met his wife-to-be on the ship on the way over. They had seven children, and then his own father had seven children. Moran proudly discussed his father's stint as coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, leading them to a 5 and 3 record prior to a stint in the Navy during World War II. Prior to that his father played offensive guard for the Redskins before they moved to Washington.
Tony Macrini: "If I look at Terry McAuliffe, Bob McDonnell, and you, can we be assured that if one of you three is elected governor...St. Patrick's Day will be a paid holiday?...What's with you Irish guys...they can't find one Italian?"
Turning to more serious matters, Moran remarked that the Governor is doing what Virginia families are having to do. From Fairfax to Galax, people are struggling and state government is going to have to tighten the belt. The books in Virginia have to be balanced ("We can't print money like they do in Washington") and the Governor is doing that. He recalled that this had to be done in 2002 when Governor Warner took over.
Delegate Moran: "I would think that any taxpayer in the United States would be wary of why we have to duplicate a port for an aircraft carrier in Florida."
When Macrini asked what kind of industry Moran is looking to bring into Virginia, he outlined a number of initiatives. One of the members of the Governor's trade mission to India last year, they brought back industry to Salem and Southside. On another mission, he met with three different CEOs in Israel from a cancer research firm, a manufacturing firm, and a technology firm. Moran mentioned the possible link to the bio-technology research center in Richmond for the cancer research firm. The manufacturing firm is making the safety glass for Humvees in Greensville county near Emporia and employs 140 Virginians at the plant. The technology firm has developed military applications that can be adapted for commercial applications in the health care industry and he looks to having that located in Virginia. In addition to these more traditional industries, he looks forward to the development of energy technologies. Alternative energy technology, switch grass and wind, offer opportunities. These, he pointed out, provide the dual benefit of reducing our dependence on foreign oil and creating jobs.
Delegate Moran: "If we would make an investment of one billion dollars in our transportation system, it would create 35,000 jobs...not only create jobs in the short term, it would generate economic prosperity in the long term."
Moran believes we must continue to invest in our community colleges to provide the workforce necessary for these industries. IKEA has worked with the college in Danville to develop a curriculum that will provide the skills necessary to work at its plant. That's the type of coordination, cooperation with business, that private/public partnership, Moran believes we need. A technically trained workforce is key to a growing economy.
Tony Macrini: "It's wonderful to be erudite and have a wide frame of reference but finding a job as an English lit major...you know what I mean?"
Macrini brought up Frank Wagner's advocacy of drilling here and now. Moran countered that the problem with offshore drilling is that it's not going to accomplish much for another dozen years at best. "We really need to be serious about pursuing clean alternatives for energy." Moran asked why we didn't get serious in the '70s when fuel rationing led to odd and even license plate days. He argued that there needs to be a real seriousness of purpose. When Macrini pointed toward natural gas, in line with Wagner's argument, Moran pondered that he is not so sure the technology exists to drill for gas only, that there is potential impact on the tourist industry, and there is concern for the naval operational area.
Closing the discussion, Moran took the opportunity to emphasize how pleased he is to receive the support of five of Hampton Roads' mayors. Moran stated that there's a great deal of synergy between Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads; they are facing a lot of the same challenges. Moran said he wants to meet those challenges as the next Governor of Virginia.
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Cross posted at Blue Commonwealth
Cross posted at VBDems.org - Blogging our way to Democratic wins in Virginia Beach!