The district I represent cuts a long swath through the mid-northwestern section of the state; bordering against West Virginia it runs from Blacksburg in the south and rural Bath County to the north. As with all legislative districts throughout the Commonwealth, the 12 th district is home to the kind of rich diversity that gives each region in Virginia unique character. Residents include college professors from Blacksburg, small farmers in Bath and Craig Counties, doctors and business owners in Alleghany County, school teachers in Covington, and parents and concerned citizens throughout each locality. Because Richmond is not an easy commute for folks who live in the 12 th District, I don’t get as many constituent-visitors to my office during the General Assembly session as Delegates and Senators who reside closer to the Capitol. That’s why it’s particularly gratifying when groups or individuals make the effort to visit on behalf of an issue or legislative concern.

This past week, the pace of legislative action picked up toward warp speed, and with it comes an influx of people on a mission. I was pleased that numerous legislative concerns brought a good many constituents to my door. A contingent of doctors from throughout the New River Valley stopped during “White Coat Day” to share their exasperation with rising medical malpractice insurance costs. There are more than a dozen bills this session that take aim at malpractice policies in an attempt to halt or reverse the escalating trend. The physicians expressed further concern about Medicaid reimbursement and direct assignment of benefits, fearing that access to quality health care is compromised when doctors feel limited in their ability to practice.

Later in the week, representatives from environmental organizations, like Brad Kreps from the Nature Conservancy in Bath County and Beth Obenshain with the Virginia Land Trust headquartered in Blacksburg, stopped by the office. Although they brought information covering different issues, they share concerns about the protection of the Chesapeake Bay and clean-air initiatives.

I spoke with School Superintendents--from Alleghany County Bob Grimesey and Eddie Graham from Covington--who came to discuss budget concerns as well as issues that will directly affect schools and school board administration. Mary North, school board member from Montgomery County, stopped by as well with Blacksburg resident Elizabeth McCommon to check in with comments about education and environmental issues.

Mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse took center stage with visitors from Community Services Boards. Joe Sargeant, Director of Alleghany Highlands CSB, brought board members Sally Putnam, Eleanor Payne and Charlotte Williamson. Mike Wade was the sole representative from the New River Valley CSB. They shoulder administrative responsibility for serving clients with drug addictions or mental illnesses that threaten their ability to function in society. In addition, Mark Cruise and Mara Servaites from the Associations of Free Clinics discussed ways address medicine and pharmacy access for low income families.

Aside from enjoying the interaction of folks from home and the ease that comes with the discussion of issues among people who understand and care about their community, the visits from local constituents provide direct contact with the people who will be affected by the laws we enact. Every day, lobbyists come to my office or leave professionally printed, sometimes spectacular color documents arguing one side or another of every issue we introduce during the General Assembly. They put together well reasoned, well written arguments to prove their point. Lobbyists are well-trained professionals who bring critical information to the attention of legislators; but for me it is the conversation with the state employee frustrated over minimum salary raises, the remarks of the landowner worried about land use measures, the businesswoman wrestling with more required paperwork and fees, the commuter angered by roads that receive little or no maintenance, the mom addressing clean air for her children’s health, the dad fighting for his mentally retarded child, that provide the loudest reminder of why we have government and what I can bring to the work that will make the 12 th District an even better place to live and raise a family. Our time in Richmond is limited and too often overwhelmed by meetings, making it difficult to remain open to visitors and interruptions. But it is those moments with constituents who take their time to elaborate points of view that I often find the keenest perception and sense of direction.

I certainly invite you to visit me in Richmond to discuss local or legislative issues of importance to you, and as usual, I hope if you have questions or concerns about legislation mentioned in this column, or any legislative matter, you will not hesitate to contact me at any of the following addresses.