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Democratic candidate opens office, says jobs and rail are top priorities
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By Preston Knight -- pknight@nvdaily.com
WOODSTOCK -- The Democratic candidate for the 15th District seat in the House of Delegates laid out his plan to save $7 billion in Interstate 81 improvements during a rally Wednesday night.
John Lesinski, of Washington, Va., is challenging Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Woodstock, in the Nov. 3 election. At Wednesday's rally, held to announce the grand opening of Lesinski's office in the Shenandoah County Democratic headquarters at 115 W. Court St., the candidate said he stood for three things -- jobs, jobs and jobs.
In that regard, Lesinski is looking at I-81, where he proposes "Rail First," an initiative directing the Virginia Department of Transportation and Commonwealth Transportation Board to establish a "world-class" rail system instead of expanding the roadway. The rail system would cost $6 billion, compared to $13 billion for expansion of the highway, he said, savings that could be used, for one thing, to provide incentives to bring even more jobs in.
Additionally, truck traffic would be reduced and the environment would become healthier, Lesinski said.
"Manufacturing companies look to communities that have world-class rail," he said.
Lesinski added that Page County, which lacks I-81 access, and the Virginia Inland Port, which would be given the opportunity to grow, especially stand to benefit with rail.
The plan requires transportation officials to work with the General Assembly to create tax credits and other financial incentives for new and existing Virginia-based companies to use rail, Lesinski states in a news release. Upgrading small railroads and rail connections will improve rail operations within the state, the release states, and small railroads can be used to promote regional tourism by offering visitors easy access to tourist locations.
Approximately 60 people from as far away as Rappahannock and Page counties attended the rally, which also featured remarks from a representative of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds, and Jim Fitzsimmons, who is seeking the District 4 seat on the Board of Supervisors.
Fitzsimmons, a former School Board member, said he opposes a regional jail because of the costs to be incurred for years to come and wants to lead the charge to make agriculture the area's major economic engine. He said he is particularly concerned about the elderly and people on fixed incomes.
With less than two months left before the election, Lesinski told those in attendance that a lot of work is left to do to make all of the Democratic candidates victors. He asked for volunteer help, money, votes and for people to spread the word about their platforms.
Rail First, which he admits is not going to "fix everything," is the project Lesinski wants to publicize most right now.
"Get behind me so we can get Virginia back on track," he said.
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