AG race
Sadly, in today’s politics, if you are a Republican, you must align yourself completely with President Donald Trump’s harmful, anti-constitutional policies.
In just the last 10 months, incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares, while supposedly representing the interests of the people of Virginia, has refused to take any action against the Trump administration’s illegal mass terminations of federal employees during the government shutdown. In addition, Miyares has repeatedly failed to join seven lawsuits filed by other state attorneys general that would protect the citizens of Virginia from the unconstitutional overreach of the Trump administration.
On the other hand, Democratic attorney general candidate Jay Jones effectively represented the interests of his constituents while in the House of Delegates between 2017-2021 and wrote the important legislation that established the “Ashanti Alert” for adult missing persons in Virginia. His bill served as a model for a similar federal law. He sponsored legislation on criminal justice reform, raising the minimum wage and gun safety.
No question, Jones, in private text messages with a Republican colleague, used some very inappropriate language while expressing frustration and dismay over the fact that his Republican colleagues were blocking the passage of any meaningful gun safety legislation. The fact that Republicans are falsely portraying this interaction as an actual threat speaks to their despicable, deliberately fallacious propaganda strategy.
A vote for Jones is a vote to sustain a strong voice for constitutional democracy.
Camilla Buchanan, James City County
Lacking sense
Re “Jay Jones” (Your Views, Oct. 21): The fact that Democratic Attorney General candidate Jay Jones shared his thoughts with a Republican delegate shows his lack of intelligence and common sense. These are not characteristics one might want in a state attorney general.
The fact that the letter writer compared what Jones’ said with a statement made by President Donald Trump was ridiculous. Trump did not name any individual, much less wish for children to die. In short, he was not specific and did not threaten any individual. He was making a point, admittedly not very well.
It is also interesting that Jones has never been anything but soft on crime and “progressive” in his outlook. That does not bode well for law enforcement in the commonwealth. But if you like crime and stupid policies, vote Democratic.
Andrew Brantley, Williamsburg
Vote yes
The League of Women Voters South Hampton Roads urges Virginia Beach voters to vote “yes” on the 10-1 voting referendum. A “yes” vote retains the existing 10-1 voting system, which was used in the last two local elections (2022 and 2024). In a comprehensive poll conducted by the University of Virginia, 81% of respondents preferred the 10-1 system.
A massive vote “no” effort — to persuade voters to dilute City Council representation by eliminating the existing 10 districts — is underway. The advocates’ proposed system is a hybrid — seven larger districts and three at-large council members. Never mind that a federal judge ruled the previous at-large voting system to be a violation of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Voters might wish to “follow the money.” According to the Virginia Public Access Project, the largest donors to the Every Vote Counts committee (funder of the “vote no” effort) come from the developer, real estate and hospitality industries. Why is so much money — well more than $600,000 to date — being given to this group to create at-large council members?
The mission of the LWVSHR is to empower voters and defend democracy. This is why we support voting “yes” on the 10-1 referendum. The 10-1 system ensures fair, equal and accountable representation for all of Virginia Beach.
Christine Anderson, League of Women Voters South Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach
Election letters
We will accept letters related to the election through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, and publish them, space permitting, through Friday, Oct. 31.
