The 2013 legislative session for the Virginia legislature has now come to a close. It is a good time to reflect on what went on in Richmond. Our local representatives are to be applauded for the actions they took that will benefit us all. They passed a budget and took steps to alleviate the transportation problems that have plagued us for decades. Credit should be given where it is due. However, we as citizens and voters must be alert to those who would take credit where it is not deserved.

As Rep. Wolf has said, “facts are stubborn things.” Here are the facts: Del. Barbara Comstock voted against the budget. Therefore, she can not honestly take credit for measures it contains, including

•      A 2 percent raise for teachers and school support workers,
•      Funding for an additional 1,700 in-state spots for Virginia colleges and universities, and
•      Grants to hire school security officers for local public schools.

Del. Comstock was the only local legislator to vote against the budget. If, as stated in her recent letter to constituents, education, school safety and increased in-state spots for our college students are really some of her top priorities, why vote against a budget that funds these initiatives. Voters should be thinking about a change in November. Comstock’s challenger, Kathleen Murphy deserves a close look.

Janet Taliaferro

Leesburg