Smaller gov't in Bell's plans

Government reform, congressional redistricting and liquor privatization were chief among Del. Dickie Bell's concerns as he addressed constituents at a town hall meeting Thursday in Verona.

Bell championed Gov. Bob McDonnell's forthcoming government reform package.

"I believe smaller government is better," he said. "There are plenty of places we can make changes. It's not just about making government smaller ... but about making it better."

Bell admitted his opposition to liquor sales privatization is a departure from that stance. He said he believes ABC stores provide needed state revenue and are less prone to crime than private liquor stores might be.

"In my opinion, that's behind the times," said Randy Turner, a meeting attendee. "Any state that's come out of this kind of program and allows liquor stores to be run privately has seen tax revenues go up."

Bell, who represents House District 20, said he worries this part of the state might lose representation in redistricting following the 2010 census.

"The issues that effect this district are quite different than those [elsewhere]," he said. "We're experiencing a bit of a divide in interest and resources, with fewer resources in rural Virginia than other places. It's a real concern these days."

While listing the budget as a priority, Bell said he expected this year's cuts to be less painful than in the previous year.

"This year won't be as dramatic," he said. "We're going to be looking seriously at more budget cuts and that's where we're going to be unless the economy turns around. Right now there are lots of positive and encouraging signs."

Bell said he plans to introduce legislation in the upcoming session to:

• Require all state agencies to employ a zero-based budgeting method;

• Allow a corporate income tax cut of one-half of 1 percent for small businesses that increase their employment by 5 percent;

• Introduce a constitutional amendment designating Virginia as a right-to-work state;

• Allow American Sign Language courses in public high schools and colleges to fulfill foreign language requirements;

• Encourage prayer at public events and meetings;

• Make English the state's official language;

• Create a special "In God we trust" license plate;

• Grant unpaid leave to state representatives.

The last came after the Augusta County School Board in July refused to approve Bell's request for 15 days paid leave for his work as a legislator.