Marshall, Anderson focus on economy, road money in 14th District debate

The economy remained the top issue of the campaign as the two candidates for the 14th District in the Virginia House of Delegates faced off in a spirited debate Tuesday night at the American Legion Post 325.

Incumbent Delegate Danny Marshall, R-14th, and his Democratic challenger, former Danville Mayor Seward Anderson, answered questions focusing mainly on the local economy and transportation funding.

About 50 people listened — and applauded at times — as the candidates rehashed arguments about economic development tools and addressed past decisions in bringing businesses to the area. Marshall and Anderson remained civil throughout the debate, although both skirted some questions and spun their answers on others.

Anderson was asked if he regretted the city’s annexation in 1988 to acquire businesses such as Goodyear and whether the city should have supported a more cooperative relationship with Pittsylvania County. He said he did not regret the decision.

“I think the greatest good that has come out of this annexation … is the city and county have joined into mutual benefit pacts with one another,” Anderson said.

Marshall argued that the annexation was a mistake.

“The city went out and pillaged the county,” Marshall said. “…The city and county working together has nothing to do with annexation. I think you might call that spin.”

Marshall was asked about his support of the $7.8 million the city spent to fund the Coleman MarketPlace commercial development — and his 2007 criticism of then-challenger City Council-man Adam Tomer’s vote against those funds. The development delivered half of the jobs promised — exactly what Tomer warned about.

“Who in the world knew that the world has turned upside down as of last September?” Marshall asked. “(At) Coleman MarketPlace … we’re getting money that is spent here … it’s creating tax base for us. It is still a good idea to give incentives for Coleman MarketPlace.”

Anderson responded by comparing the $7.8 million investment Marshall supported for Danville to the $20 million available to the state in the Governor’s Opportunity Fund, which Marshall has voted to cut.

“That was roughly 7 percent of the general fund budget of the city of Danville,” Anderson said. “Yet my opponent says $20 million is sufficient for the Governor’s Opportunity Fund. I think it’s a little disingenuous to say that $7.8 million was a good investment… This idea of Danville being a retail hub may be a little misplaced.” 

Neither Marshall nor Anderson supported uranium mining if there is any threat to public safety. Both vehemently expressed support for gun rights, and both agreed that Virginia’s rest areas should be reopened as soon as possible. Neither supported raising any taxes during the recession — something which Democratic gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds has said is “on the table” to fund transportation.

When asked which of the gubernatorial candidates’ plans they supported for transportation, Marshall said Bob McDonnell’s plan to privatize ABC stores “is a step,” but the first step is an outside audit of VDOT. Anderson did not address Deeds or McDonnell specifically but instead maintained that selling state-run liquor stores would “kill” education funding.

When asked how they would divide $4 million in stimulus funds among education, public safety, mental health and transportation, Marshall mentioned only education and mental health. Anderson listed them in order of education, transportation, mental health and public safety.

Overall, Anderson listed his top priorities as economic development and jobs, education, transportation and veterans’ services. Marshall said his top priority was education.