Mr.
Bob FitzSimmonds
2008-02-18 21:21:55
Senator Colgan and I engaged in a spirited debate prior to his re-election last November. The issues of illegal immigration and gas taxes loomed very large. On October 26, 2007 Senator Colgan published "Colgan's Straight Talk" on his campaign web site. In it he said that he was clearing the "innuendo, misinformation, and allegations. Here is where I stand!" A series of bullet points followed. The first two read:• I do NOT SUPPORT any increase in the gas tax
• I do NOT SUPPORT allowing in-state tuition for illegal immigrants
Prior to the 2007 campaign, Senator Colgan supported at least three different gas tax increases and twice voted to grant in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, so the "straight talk" seemed like quite a change of positions.
After his successful re-election in November, Senator Colgan returned to the Senate this winter and got opportunities to address both of these issues. Already this year, Senator Colgan voted for SB 652 allowing in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, and SB 713, which will increase the gas tax five cents over the next five years.
So much for Straight Talk. While everyone likes to be right, I have to confess that I would have preferred to have been proven wrong and seen Senator Colgan vote as he promised he would. For those of you who agree with me, please take a moment to email Senator Colgan at district29@sov.state.va.us, or call his Richmond office at 804-698-7529 and ask him to keep his word.