Editor, The Herald:

I want to encourage voters in the 22nd Virginia Senate District to vote for Tom Garrett. There are a number of reasons this is important. Mr. Garrett is a conservative who will not raise taxes and will cut back on government regulations. Mr. Garrett believes the government at all levels should be constrained by constitutional limits and not try to do too much. When the government gets involved insuring outcomes in education, work, or personal behavior, society ends up with fewer, not more, rights and opportunities.

Tom Garrett is a strong supporter of a citizen's rights, including property rights, gun rights and the right to work without joining a union. Keeping the rights of Virginians strong and our taxes low will continue to strengthen our state as an attractive business location and will bring jobs to our state.

I have followed the General Assembly process for a number of years and have been dismayed at the practice of the Democratic leadership in the State Senate of using committees to kill bills passed by the House of Delegates. This is routinely done to bills the leadership knows would pass the Senate, if a vote were held. This dispicable practice is completely partisan and will only be stopped by taking control of the Senate away from the Democrats.

A vote for Tom Garrett will also be a vote to put the Virginia Senate in the hands of fair-minded legislators who will not be afraid to let the Senators vote on bills passed by the House of Delegates.

Join me in voting for Tom Garrett for Senator.

Cindy Koether

Prince Edward