Tuesday [1/22/2019] was a sad day for our great Commonwealth of Virginia. There were warning signs pointing to that possibility starting late Monday afternoon.
Our Delegate Margaret Ransone, with almost no notice, rescheduled a committee hearing on the Equal Rights Amendment from 12 noon to 7AM. For those who don’t follow state government very closely, scheduling a committee hearing for 7AM isn’t uncommon, but rescheduling a committee meeting on short notice – especially when the subject of the hearing is the Equal Right Amendment which will draw record public attendance – is, at the very least, suspect.
I, Francis Edwards, was in attendance at that subcommittee hearing chaired by Delegate Ransone. By the time it was over I wasn’t just upset at the outcome (I support the Equal Rights Amendment because I ultimately believe women deserve the security of the same constitutional protections as men have enjoyed since the founding of our country), I was embarrassed that we are represented by a Delegate who blatantly and proudly scorns our shared values of fairness, equality, freedom and democracy.
Not only did she again block ERA legislation from even being able to reach the House of Delegates for debate, she violated procedural rules of ethical behavior by singling out a member of the audience – an embarrassing first for the House of Delegates. Apparently, even those in her own party were embarrassed by her behavior and are exploring ways to punish her.
It’s bad enough that Margaret Ransone readily uses the capitol police in her tactics to refuse meeting with her constituents with different points of view. Apparently, if you don’t see the world the way that Delegate Ransone sees it, your point of view doesn’t matter to her. She won’t even pass the legislation on for the whole House of Delegates to debate and vote on it. Would that be so awful? What’s even worse is her willingness to lie and degrade women for her own political purposes. For example, she proudly touts that she is a self-made businesswoman. If that were the case, I, more than anyone else, would applaud her life’s story. But it’s simply not true. Margaret Bevans Ransone inherited her position as President of Bevans Oyster from her father, (who is also her biggest political contributor).
Refusing to meet with constituents. Sneaking out of offices to avoid hearing a differing opinion. Changing hearing times at the last minute to hide a shameful vote against equality. Breaking 400 years of legislative decorum to argue with a citizen against whom she holds a grudge. Misleading the public about her privileged life story.
Bottom line: We expect better from Del. Margaret Ransone. Her behavior does not reflect the good moral character of the friendly people of the 99th District. We need someone who will show up to Richmond with the intent of representing every constituent of the 99th District. We need someone who will stand up in the face of adversity, criticism, and not hide behind the capitol police. We need someone who is capable of working together and allowing democracy to work. I’m Francis Edwards and unlike Del. Ransone, I will Show-up, Stand-up, & Work Together!
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