There is a lot going on this week with the start of the General Assembly, Richmond flirting with developers over a coliseum, Confederate statues on the march, Pipeline companies desperate to sell “natural gas” overseas, energy companies avoiding solar while keeping their coal interests profitable and leaving us with the ash, and old governors keeping their old deals in place.
In Virginia the whole scene reminds us of the roots of the Old Dominion. But unlike the old days when power came with the whip and beatings, the new Domination comes from paying public officials with campaign cash, jobs and favors.
You fund a governor’s campaign: he’s your man, or mayor, school-board member, supervisor, etc. It’s an influence auction and our taxes are the prize. Yes Our taxes.
No matter which side of the aisle the power is on, the money will seep in and corrupt the democratic process. That means that all citizens will have to keep an eye on their “public servants” to help them avoid temptation.
Here are some sources to help you get up to speed and keep you in the loop.
Some sources:
Follow the Money: click here
VirginiaPublicAccessProject-Citizen’s Guide: click here
Richmond Sunlight: click here
Virginia Lobbyist in a box: click here
Sierra Club in Richmond, Lobby training day:Click here
Virginia Interfaith Center Legislative Priorities: Click here
Virginia Interfaith Center Lobby Day: Click here
League of Women Voters Legislative Priorities: Click Here
Virginia Citizen’s Defense League lobby day: Click Here
Women’s Equality Legislative Summit (1/6): Click Here
Some Newsy insight from the news rooms:
Fight over energy policy fuels Virginia election spending from the AP : Article
Political watchdogs: