Letters to the Editor - Nov. 18, 2009

Thanks, Rep. Perriello
With sincere gratitude, thank you, Rep. Tom Perriello, for the “yes” vote on the health care bill. The majority of the Fifth District sent you to Congress for change, and you have delivered. Almost a century after Theodore Roosevelt (1912) first presented health care, there is a bill out of Congress. This historic vote ranks in history with the 19th Amendment, Social Security and Medicare.

Attending three of your health care forums, I understand how difficult this vote was. It took courage and persistence to get the main issues you were after. You constantly said the bill had to be cost-efficient, deficit neutral and have reform. Reading the bill and press releases from the Congressional Budget Office, it appears you have performed brilliantly.

Some of the strongest provisions of the bill, and provisions that ultimately meant enough Democrats got on board to pass the legislation, came from your letter to the leadership, and advocating for ideas you got from the town halls.

In the Fifth District, 53,000 of our uninsured friends and neighbors will get insurance, 1,200 families will avoid bankruptcy due to health care costs, 15,200 small businesses will have their health insurance costs reduced and local hospitals and doctors will see a $48 million reduction in the cost of uncompensated care. That $48 million and other benefits will go a long way in stimulating the economy in the district. Then there is the help to 12,500 senior citizens from closing the prescription drug doughnut hole. As a senior on Medicare, that is a benefit that is appreciated.

At one of the forums, I sat with some who were shouting “no” toward health care reform, but once the political rhetoric was over, most said they were cautious and worried from what they were being told. Two even said they would be happy to be on Medicare next year.

Your vote was the correct historic vote. Thank you, again.

GORDON KOERNER
Shipman

Great fundraiser
The Rockfish Valley Community Center held its annual fundraiser, “Rockfish Nights,” on Nov. 7 with more than 200 people attending.

On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank the more than 100 donors who contributed to the silent auction, allowing many to leave with a certificate or special treasure in hand. A group of 15 volunteers, plus board members, contributed their time and effort to pull off this production.

Special recognition goes to Pat Gooch who coordinated the event. Carol McAvoy presided over the evening as a splendid emcee. Singer-songwriter Jesse Winchester delighted the audience and drew admirers from outside our county. His excellent sound service was donated by Richard Smith and Jim McAvoy. Claudia Gibson cooked another healthy and satisfying dinner for us this year. Local wineries and breweries provided their beverages for sale during the evening, and also made contributions, for which we are extremely grateful.

The evening was truly memorable, entertaining, and lucrative for the treasury of RVCC. Thanks to all who participated!

SARAH JANE STEWART
President
Rockfish Valley Community Center