News Article

Bolling Swings Through Winchester On 100 Ideas Campaign

Thursday, May 31, 2007
Sam Brock
Tv3 Winchester

The concept isn't exactly original, but it's good for Virginia nonetheless.

100 ideas is a statewide initiative that will use the input of local citizens to help craft government policy.

The effort, spearheaded by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, involves town hall "idearaisers" where anyone and everyone can voice their opinion.

"100 Ideas for the Future of Virginia is our effort to engage the people of Virginia in a serious discussion about the challenges that face our state," said Bolling.

Bolling kicked off the Shenandoah Valley leg of his tour with stops today in Winchester at the Handley Library and Rotary Club, and in Front Royal at the city government building.

Attendees fired away on anything from the state of government revenues, to soaring fuel costs, to funding for the arts.

Bolling appreciated the insight, and said the process is critical in forming unity and consensus- regardless of party affiliation.

"Whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, whether you're a liberal or a conservative, an independent, a Tory or a Whig," exclaimed Bolling, "hopefully we can all start focusing on the things that matter most."

100 ideas is a two-year process, with the first dedicated to gathering information and the second to packaging ideas into a platform for the state's success.

"At the end of the two years, we want this initiative to help us craft a positive vision for the future of our state, a blueprint of what we want Virginia to look like not just in the year 2010, but in the year 2020, and in the year 2030," said Bolling.

For those not comfortable expressing their opinions publicly, the Bolling team also accepts written input.

To find out more about the program, visit www.100ideasVA.com.

For additional information contact Randy Marcus at 804-786-2078 or 804-814-7117 (cell) or randy.marcus@governor.virginia.gov.