It has been an honor to serve my constituents in Southside and Southwest Virginia for nearly 20 years in the Virginia House of Delegates. During my time as delegate, I have received tens of thousands of letters, e-mails, and phone calls on many issues. Yet, without question, the single issue about which I’ve been contacted the most is the recent skyrocketing of electric utility bills.
In the last two years and amidst the worst economic recession in 70 years, APCO power bills have increased by more than 60 percent. Appalachian has requested 13 rate increases in the last five years alone. Families in western Virginia are receiving power bills of more than $200, $500, even $1,000. Many must choose between paying their power bill or buying food, medicine, or paying their mortgage. Instead of responding to this problem with real reform, some legislators in Richmond struck a backroom deal with AEP. They sold out the citizens by slapping a band aid on this gaping wound and offering lip service instead of solutions.
But we cannot give up. I have decided to take further action and take this fight to the people of southwest Virginia. I have posted a petition on my website at www.wardarmstrong.com and I encourage everyone to sign on. I will be delivering the names and petition to my fellow members of the General Assembly and Appalachian Power.
Also, I am holding town hall meetings and will be in Bluefield on Saturday March 6th at 2 p.m. (at Shott Hall on the campus of Bluefield College) to discuss the problems that exist and what we can do together to fix them.
Real reform always comes from the people. I hope you will join me in the fight for fair electric rates.
Delegate Ward Armstrong
House Minority Leader, Virginia General Assembly
Letters to the Editor
March 5, 2010
Please attend town hall meeting in Bluefield on APCO rates
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