Leesburg, VA. May 3, 2010. “My hero is Andrew Jackson, the first non-aristocrat who was elected President of the United States whose message of fairness still resonates today,” said Senator Jim Webb at the Loudoun County Democratic Committee’s (LCDC’s) 7th Annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner Saturday night. Webb discussed his belief that there are “three Americas” with the gap between the upper class and the middle and lower classes widening at alarming rates. Webb noted that the average ratio of the CEO’s annual compensation to the compensation of the lowest paid worker has increased from 20:1 in 1965 to 400:1 by 2005.
In that context, Senator Webb addressed two bills he has sponsored: the new GI Bill of Rights (which has thus far benefited 250,000 veterans), and the Taxpayer Fairness Act (which will enable the taxpayers to split the bonuses paid in 2010 with the highest paid financial system executives whom the taxpayers bailed out). The latter bill will place a one-time, 50 percent excise tax on bonuses above $400,000 paid to individuals working for institutions that received at least $5 billion in taxpayer bailouts. Webb also discussed his proposed commission that will develop major reforms of the US criminal justice system - an approach favored by each of the three major law enforcement organizations as well as the ACLU..
At this annual dinner at Lansdowne Resort, LCDC Chairman Mike Turner discussed new initiatives in the organization, including the theme of “locally grown” which promotes community volunteerism, and his goal to double the membership in the LCDC over the next 18 months.
Jeff Barnett, Democratic Party candidate for US Congress in the 10th District, is a military veteran, corporate planner and accomplished author. He discussed his platform that is oriented to responsibly solving today’s pressing problems “in our time”, especially for the middle class. In contrast, he summarized Frank Wolf’s performance over the past 10 years, which has included Wolf’s senior role on the powerful House Appropriations Committee that has contributed to our nation’s $10 billion debt.
House of Delegates Minority Leader Ward Armstrong, delivered a strong message about the need to work hard in all elections and avoid complacency. He proclaimed that, “The fight never ends”. Armstrong also questioned the policies of the McDonnell-Cuccinelli administration that has cut $600 from public education at a time when the US needs to be more competitive in the global economy. Armstrong stated that the voters of Virginia are perceptive and will recognize that Democratic Party candidates offer a more moderate and practical approach to solving Virginia’s economic, education and transportation problems.
Pamela Butler sang a rousing rendition of the National Anthem. Later, awards were presented to Senator Mark Herring, past LCDC Chairman Rollie Winter, and O’Faolain’s Irish Pub. In addition, Herring presented Alan Raflo with a copy of the special resolution from the floor of the state General Assembly that celebrated the life of his late father, former Leesburg Mayor and Board of Supervisors Chairman, Frank Raflo.
