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Debate Exposes Plan to Push Infamous Tax Again

(SPRINGFIELD, VA)--In a remarkable display of out-of-touch politics, Delegate David Albo Tuesday announced his intentions to reintroduce his now infamous Abuser Fees legislation.  The legislation, which was repealed in 2008 in the face of overwhelming public opposition, resulted in up to $3,000 traffic tickets on Virginian residents.

"I think that is the way we go, I think we can get enough votes..." Albo boasted at Tuesday's Mason Neck Civic Association Candidates Forum.  "It's a plan that I've passed out of the House of Delegates, and it's a plan that can pass again."

The Abuser Fees, which led to thousands of dollars in surcharges for Virginia--but not out-of-state--drivers on even minor traffic infractions led to a widespread disapproval from Republicans and Democrats alike.  Nearly 180,000 Virginians signed an online petition against the legislation. At its repeal in 2008 in the face of overwhelming public disapproval, even Albo, author and lead sponsor of the legislation, voted to repeal the fees.  Now, he plans to again pursue this unpopular, unfair tax.

"Virginians deserve more than gimmicks and unfair tax hikes as a solution to our traffic problem," said Greg Werkheiser, candidate for Delegate.  "We need legislators with the ability to reach across the aisle and change the funding formula to bring transportation money back to Northern Virginia."

"That Dave Albo is considering reintroducing this legislation is beyond comprehension," said Werkheiser Campaign Manager David Mason.  "When hundreds of thousands of Virginians, local and national newspapers, and dozens of legislators of every political stripe line up against bad policy, it is time to take the hint.  It is clear that Dave Albo is completely out-of-touch."

Greg Werkheiser is the Democratic nominee for Delegate in Virginia's 42nd House District.  He is a nonprofit director and educator who has dedicated his life to giving back to his community.  He lives with his wife, Marion, in the Charlestown neighborhood of Springfield.  They are expecting their first child this winter.
 
His website is www.gregfordelegate.com.
 
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WATCH THE FULL DEBATE AT:  www.gregfordelegate.com/watch-first-debate

TRANSCRIPT EXCERPTS

ALBO:    This has been some thing I've been working on, really, very intensely for about five or six years now. 

Once I reached a leadership position in the House Courts of Justice Committee you get to a point where you can start moving things forward.

Delegate Tom Rust and I wrote a bill and this bill basically said you know what?  We're willing to do what we gotta do, because there is no money. 

::SNIP::

ALBO:    We put that bill in in 2004, 2005, 2006, and in 2007 we actually got the bill passed, it was signed by the Governor. 

::SNIP::

ALBO:  I think that is the way we go.  I think we can get enough votes...

::SNIP::

WERKHEISER:    The transportation plan that Dave just referred to had three components...the second was the Abusive Driver Fees, the most loathed piece of legislation in modern Virginia history.

::SNIP::

 ALBO:    It's a plan that I've passed out of the House of Delegates and it's a plan that can pass again.

PRESS RELEASE      
WERKHEISER FOR DELEGATE
                           
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 24, 2009                                                                                              

CONTACT: David Mason
202-230-8304