I learned this morning that the time for today’s Williamsburg meeting that includes Dels. Melanie Rapp (R-Yorktown), Del. Phil Hamilton (R-Newport News), Sen. Thomas Norment (R-Williamsburg), and Del. Barlow (D-Smithfield) is at 4:00 not noon at the Williamsburg Regional Library on North Boundary St..
Confirming with Sen. Norment’s office, I was told by one of his staffers that I shouldn’t characterize it as a budget meeting, but rather the usual legislative wrap-up, and that the Chamber controls the questions, with most of them being asked by the Chamber and “a few” written questions taken afterwards.
First of all, the legislative session isn’t “wrapped up,” so this can’t be simply that. Secondly, if a large part of the conversation isn’t about the budget, you’ve got to wonder about the chamber’s priorities. Thirdly, since when does any organization or group of lawmakers get to decide what questions people ask of their representatives. Fourthly, you can always not let them go until they answer your questions.
What was that Del. Brian Moran said? Something about the “raw arrogance of power”?