Roanoke Tea Party Special Update

This is an excerpt from a recent e-mail from the Roanoke Tea Party.

" If you attended our Public Meeting on Thursday evening, you are aware that one of our members, Jerry Johnson, asked for the Roanoke Tea Parties endorsement of his House of Delegates Campaign, I discussed with the members present, holding a vote on this request at a special meeting.  As you can see from the letters below, my actions did not follow our bylaws.  I apologize for the confusion.  Since I have recused myself from the Board Vote due to my relationship with Mr. Johnson, please direct questions on this matter to our Sgt. of Arms, Greg Aldridge."

"As the parliamentarian and Sargent of Arms I am obligated to enforce the rules under our adopted bylaws.  As I stated Thursday night, we do not use Roberts Rules or the like for conducting official business.  We also do not have a provision in our bylaws for accepting items from members at meetings to be voted on by members for passage.  Mr. Tarbutton is aware of that, but he is an extremely conciliatory person with a good heart and wanted to try to accommodate you Thursday night.  Unfortunately, I cannot allow him to break the rules even if everyone considers it to be for a good reason."

"Here is a run down on the procedures that must be followed to facilitate your request for an endorsement."

"Under our bylaws all official business is voted on by the board expect the annual election of board members."

"A rule was adopted under the bylaws that requires the board get approval from the members for any endorsement it has voted to make."

"To follow procedures the board must first vote on an endorsement.  If the board approved an endorsement, the members are entitled to ratify that vote or strike it.  If the board votes no or votes not to bring up a vote on an endorsement, there is no vote held by members on that issue."

"At the request of Mr. Tatbutton, the board held a vote on your endorsement and it was not approved."

"Mr Tarbutton recused himself from the situation and the vote because of his relationship with you.  If you would like further information on this matter, please contact me.  I would be happy to answer any questions."

The later part of this letter was signed by Greg Aldridge.

State Senate Race

Today's Roanoke Times has an article written by Dan Casey about Ralph Smith.  Smith who was ousted by the new Senate redistricting has found a possible home for the upcoming 2012 session of the General Assembly. 

Everyone has wondered what Senators Newman, Stanley and Smith would do after redistricting was in place.  After last Thursday, we need not worry any longer.  Senator Newman will continue to represent those in the 23rd district.  But things were not that easy for Senator's Stanley and Smith. 

Senator Stanley announced he will be running in the 20th district against Roscoe Reynolds.  Stanley will be moving from one side of Franklin County about 10 miles away to a home he already owns.  Much of Stanley's district falls under the new boundaries of the 20th district and those in much of the area already know him.

The boundaries of the 19th district stretch almost as large as a congressional district, going from the border of Campbell County to the far reaches of Wythville.  The 19th now represents three Bedford County precincts, Roanoke County, Montgomery and farther into the southwest.  Many not knowing this brings together a family history for Senator Smith, with the Bedford area he now hopes to represent covering the area his mother is from to the Smith Hollow Road his father is from.  With dead center being the area his parents met and chose to call home and raise their family.  This area couldn't be any better for the conservative Smith to seek to represent.  It is unusual for Dan Casey to write a positive article about GOP candidates.  He hit the mark when he described Senator Smith as a true conservative and someone that is in touch with his constituents. 

We need to take three seats in the Senate and keep all the seats we have.  Senator Stanley is stepping out and attempting to unseat one of the long term Dems and we applaud him for his leap into this district. 

Gentlemen, we are behind you and will rally the troops to help you with your elections!