LTE: Letter: Mike Webert has proven he’s earned another term

Please join me and thousands of supporters in voting for Del. Mike Webert for Virginia Delegate this Nov. 5. First and foremost, Mike is a man of integrity and honesty. He is a principled proponent of individual freedom and opportunity for all.  

His past service has been excellent, and he is gaining in seniority so that he can do even more for Fauquier residents.  

As a lawyer, I can get by with saying we probably have enough lawyers in the General Assembly. Mike Webert is a professional farmer working over 2,000 acres in Fauquier, thereby contributing much to our economic output. So I think it is beneficial to have a farmer in Richmond; after all, agriculture is still Virginia’s #1 industry and a big part of Fauquier’s economy.  

Mike has been in a real leader in promoting our very important equine industry.  He cares about our quality and rural way of life. Mike’s oldest boy attends Fauquier public schools (and so will his youngest boy when he is old enough) so our educational system is definitely a priority for him along with health care, transportation and keeping us from being over-taxed and overregulated.  

Let’s rehire him for another term. You know the old saying: “If it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it.” 

James Rich 

The Plains 

Note: This letter originally appeared in the Fauquier Times on October 28th, 2019.

Warren County Delegation Announces Legislative Initiative for Economic Development Authority

October 28, 2019

Contact: 540-999-8218

Fauquier, VA – Today, Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Rockingham), Delegate Chris Collins (R-Winchester), Delegate C. Todd Gilbert (R-Mount Jackson), and Delegate Michael Webert (R-Fauquier) announced that they are working towards improving accountability, transparency, and oversight within the Warren County Economic Development Authority.

“Delegates Collins and Gilbert and I are closely monitoring the situation in Warren County,” said Delegate Webert, “We have begun conversations with attorneys at the ethics council, and will continue to craft legislation as more details of this case emerge. Transparency and accountability are needed more than ever right now to restore the public trust in local government. The legislative package we are working on will be laser-focused on addressing these issues so that we catch bad actors beforehand.”

Delegate C. Todd Gilbert one of the authors of Virginia’s ethics reform laws who also serves on the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council, stated, “Having worked on these issues for years, it is clear to me that we can and must do more to provide oversight and accountability to these economic development authorities. We are already in discussions about potential legislation and await the outcome of pending cases to ensure we have the best information available as to how to proceed.”

“I look forward to bringing integrity back to local government,” said Delegate Chris Collins (R-Winchester), “and making sure that we have the proper checks balances and accounting to ensure that we bring confidence to the citizens that this does not happen again. It is a priority for our delegation to find a solution to this oversight problem, and we will be working together to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

Senator Mark Obenshain commented, “I am committed to passing legislation that will increase local government transparency and accountability that will help prevent another EDA scandal from ever happening again. Last year my bills (SB 1430 and SB 1431) passed that required local elected officials to receive Conflict of Interest and Freedom of Information training, and next year I want that to be expanded to cover appointed officials, including EDA members.”

Senator Mark Obenshain, Delegates Chris Collins, C. Todd Gilbert, and Michael Webert all represent Warren County in the Virginia General Assembly. The next General Assembly legislative session begins in January 2020.

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LTE: Del. Michael Webert has been a strong supporter of public safety efforts

From traffic safety, school safety to combating the opioid crisis, Del. Michael Webert has been supportive of law enforcement every step of the way.  

In 2017, Delegate Webert worked hard to pass HB 1392. This bill allowed for select former law enforcement officers to carry firearms in our schools, giving them the ability to protect our children by working as armed School Security Officers. In 2019, he co-sponsored HB 2721, which allowed us to expand our recruitment efforts for SSOs to again help with school safety.  

When it comes to the opioid crisis, Del. Webert has worked with us regarding requests for funding to ensure we have the resources we need. He’s been an advocate for Fauquier County and worked diligently, being part of the solution to the challenges we face.   

Del. Webert has sponsored legislation that enables law enforcement to better protect our children though enhanced penalties for individuals who pass stopped school buses and continues to advocate for laws that would allow us to focus our traffic enforcement efforts on distracted driving, making our roadways safer.   

Mike has a proven track record of success as a legislator and advocate for Fauquier County, the 18th District and our law enforcement community. When you go to the polls on Nov. 5, I hope you will join me in voting for Michael Webert for Delegate. 

Sheriff Bob Mosier 

Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office 

Note: This letter originally appeared in the Fauquier Times on October 23, 2019.

LTE: Del. Michael Webert a champion for local issues

On Sept. 24, 2018, I witnessed a near-tragedy here in the Town of Warrenton. Two vehicles passed a school bus with the red lights flashing and stop arm extended while children were boarding the bus. One driver, talking on her cellphone, didn’t even realize what she did until she had already passed the stopped bus. 

That morning I called Del. Michael Webert and expressed my frustration with this growing problem, not only here in our community, but also the commonwealth. He immediately began to make phone calls and started working on legislation to ensure harsher penalties on those that place our children in danger.  

Del. Webert has also been a strong advocate and partner in our fight against the opioid epidemic in our region. During his time in office, he has championed legislation that will help our first responders and law enforcement officers eliminate barriers to communication, fought for funding for our town so that we can continue to battle this epidemic, and has been a fierce advocate for our firemen by co-sponsoring the cancer presumption legislation this past year.   

At the local level our residents don’t care about red or blue, we care about results and representatives that stand up and fight for us! Del. Webert has stood up for us, and I hope you will stand with me and vote for Del. Michael Webert on Nov. 5! 

Sean Polster 

Warrenton  

Note: This letter originally appeared in the Fauquier Times on October 23, 2019.

LTE: Del. Mike Webert’s values represent Fauquier well

By Amy Cassandra
Bealeton

Del. Mike Webert (R-18th/Marshall) has served our community well as a champion for Fauquier values in Richmond, where his voice drives legislation that’s important to our community.

The political ads hitting our mailboxes unfairly attacking Mike’s character don’t describe the representative we all know. Mike cares deeply about making life better for families in our community. And he’s not afraid of hard work or standing up for what’s right, even when it isn’t easy.

Mike and his family have deep roots in this community, so he understands his constituents and their families, careers, and priorities better than anyone else on the ballot.

Mike’s family values are second to none. If you’ve seen him with his darling sons or supportive wife for even a minute, you understand what I mean. Even when the General Assembly is in session and Mike is fighting for us in Richmond, he returns home in the evenings and leaves again before dawn to be there for his family. Early mornings, long days and compassionate tenacity are natural for a farmer like Mike.

Mike’s defense of the Second Amendment and support for law enforcement keeps the citizens of Fauquier safe. He knows Fauquier values quality public education, small businesses prosperity and the prudent spending of our tax dollars. He has demonstrated his commitment to those principles during his last eight years representing us.

These are just a few reasons why I’m voting for Mike on November 5th, and you should, too.

Note: This letter originally appeared in Fauquier Now on October 21, 2019.

LTE: Laura Galante does not have necessary experience for delegate

I read the letter from Ina Hall of Marshall regarding the candidates forum on Sept. 25 in Marshall with great interest. I agree with her that Ms. Galante was energetic. I believe that her energy should be put to good use in some capacity at the county level to develop her seasoning as a potential delegate. However, not this time. She has clearly no public sector experience. The idea of going to Richmond to “change things” smacks of the arrogance that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez brought to Washington.  

I am not sure what her cyber security experience has to do with local affairs. She even elevates her 4-H experience to be on a par with actual farming. As a former 4-Her, I agree that having  

4-H experience is wholesome and develops an appreciation for many aspects of agriculture and homemaking. Equating it to farming is a real stretch because it simply is not. Del.(Michael) Webert(R-18th)is a genuine farmer with all the issues of dealing with weather, animal husbandry and, of course, profit and loss.  

Mr. Webert’s responses were seasoned, experienced responses. He did not seem tired. It seems that Ms. Hall and Ms. Galante are not familiar with the sausage-making aspect of making law. The presenting and compromising that every bill undergoes before it comes up for a vote and then passed to the Senate to undergo its scrutiny, joint house compromise and then, if it passes muster, on to the governor for signature or veto. This is the abbreviated version. The real version can be found at: https://virginiageneralassembly.gov/virginiaLegislature.php?secid=20&activesec=2#!hb=1&mainContentTabs=4&content=4,includes/contentTemplate.php%3Ftid%3D52%26ctype%3Db%26cid%3D90&in=1. 

In the case of this summer’s session with gun control legislation under consideration, let us be clear. It was Gov. Ralph Northam who killed the legislative session with no further work on gun control legislation pending the outcome of the Virginia Beach tragedy, for which unfortunately no gun control legislation could have prevented.  

I support Ms. Galante in an attempt to run for school board or the board of supervisors. I strongly suggest gaining some public sector county level legislative experience before taking on the business of the commonwealth.  

I hope you will join me in supporting Michael Webert on Nov. 5!  

John P. Moliere 

Hume 

Note: This letter originally appeared in the Fauquier Times on October 18th, 2019.

LTE: Fighting on our behalf

Since Delegate [Michael] Webert was first elected I’ve personally gotten to know him because he takes every chance he gets to engage with all members of the community, including our students at RCPS. 

He is a family man, a farmer and a sportsman like so many of his constituents. He sees the challenges inside the district and then he heads down to Richmond to fight on our behalf. His track record of working across party lines to bring about common sense governance benefits Virginians and residents of the 18th District.

He is the founding member and co-chairman of the Virginia Business Development Caucus. His legislation reduced red tape and was crucial in Virginia being named the most business-friendly state in the nation. He has worked at the forefront to bring horse racing back to Virginia that brought jobs and revenue.

I know that Mike represents my best interests at all times because he takes a deep interest in the 18th District and is so deeply vested in our community. On Tuesday, November 5th, I hope that you will join me in voting for the only candidate that understands what it takes to represent Rappahannock, the 18th District, and Virginia.

Hodge Miller

Washington

Note: This letter originally appeared in the Rappahannock News on October 4, 2019.

Regulatory Reform is Ahead of Schedule

October 2, 2019 

Contact: 540-999-8218

Fauquier, VA – Yesterday, the Governor’s office announced that the regulatory reform effort led by 18th District Delegate Michael Webert was on track and ahead of schedule.

Speaking about the announcement, Webert said, “We created the framework for a systematic review and reduction of unnecessary regulations in 2018, and I’m happy to see my legislation meeting that goal. Reducing regulatory requirements on Virginia’s small businesses and entrepreneurs has been a top priority of mine, and this report highlights our bipartisan approach to cutting red tape.”

HB 883, patroned by Delegate Webert in 2018, created a pilot program that requires the Department of Professional and Occupational Licensing (DPOR), and the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), to reduce regulations 25% by July 1, 2021. As the report notes, the initial results of the pilot program exceed projections:

The initial results of the pilot program indicate that each pilot agency exceeded the first year reduction objective of 7.5 percent. DCJS reported a reduction of 10.14 percent, which it achieved primarily by streamlining the application process for licenses, registration, or certifications. The regulatory boards supported by DPOR reported an overall reduction of 9.78 percent, which they primarily achieved by lowering barriers to entry into affected professions and improving regulatory clarity.

“This bill reflects our efforts to work in a bipartisan way to achieve commonsense solutions to the challenges we face,” Webert said. “When we looked at the Department of Professional and Occupational Licensing, and the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), we saw an opportunity to cut unnecessary regulations, and that’s exactly what we have done.” 

Governor Northam praised the efforts to reduce unnecessary regulations. In February 2018, the Governor endorsed Delegate Webert’s legislation, HB 883, and his efforts to roll back excessive regulations. 

“Reviewing regulatory requirements to ensure they are doing the job in the least restrictive way possible is just common sense,” said Governor Northam. 

In addition to the two pilot agencies, DPOR and DCJS, 41 additional executive branch agencies will need to submit their regulatory catalog by July 1, 2020. 

“I look forward to seeing what’s next,” Webert said, “because this is just the beginning of making government more streamlined and effective for its citizens.” 

Michael Webert is a Virginia farmer who represents the 18th district, an area that covers all of Rappahannock, and portions of Fauquier, Warren, and Culpeper counties in the Virginia House of Delegates. He is currently serving his third term in the legislature, and sits on the following committees: Militia, Police and Public Safety; Commerce and Labor; Counties, Cities, and Towns.

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The Virginia Police Benevolent Association Announces Endorsement of Michael Webert for the 2019 Delegate Race

Fauquier, VA – The Virginia Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (VAPBA) is proud to announce its support for the election of Michael Webert for the 18^th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. In a recent candidate screening process held by the VAPBA, Michael Webert displayed dedication to helping the PBA’s cause by supporting strong effective law enforcement.

“Thank you to the Virginia Police Benevolent Association and their support of my campaign. I am honored to have earned the support of this great organization. During my time in office, I have been a staunch defender of our officers. Now, more than ever, our law enforcement community needs our support. I pray that God will continue to bless our law enforcement and their families, and keep His protecting hand over them,” said Delegate Michael Webert.

“We are pleased to fully support Michael Webert for the 18^th District in the Virginia House of Delegates and we are confident that his knowledge and experience make him the best-qualified candidate. He understands the issues that are important to law enforcement officials here in the Commonwealth and will be a strong partner,” said Virginia PBA President, Joe Woloszyn.

Michael Webert is a Virginia farmer who represents the 18th district, an area that covers all of Rappahannock, and portions of Fauquier, Warren, and Culpeper counties in the Virginia House of Delegates. He is currently serving his third term in the legislature, and sits on the following committees: Militia, Police and Public Safety; Commerce and Labor; Counties, Cities, and Towns.

Virginia needs leaders like Michael Webert who sees the importance of strong, effective law enforcement. Michael Webert has shown the PBA that he has the knowledge of what law enforcement officers need to best serve and protect our citizens. The VAPBA urges the citizens of Virginia to support Michael for the 18^th District in the Virginia House of Delegates in this upcoming general election.

The Virginia Police Benevolent Association is a division of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association, Inc., a not-for-profit professional organization dedicated to improving the law enforcement profession.  PBA members are full-time or retired employees of the various federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement and correctional agencies in Virginia.  This professional association, funded by membership dues and citizen contributions, provides legal, legislative, disciplinary and other representation to member officers as well as an accidental death benefit to members’ beneficiaries.  The PBA prohibits members from engaging in or condoning any strike by law enforcement officers, electing instead to represent members through aggressive political action. For more information, please visit our website at www.vapba.org.

LTE: Mike Webert is working for veterans

I have known Del. Mike Webert (R-18th) for a number of years. He is Fauquier County conservative through and through, from his impassioned pro-life and second amendment legislation to his basic conservation. We know he works on our behalf by the sweat on his brow and the Fauquier dirt on his jeans. He is the real deal, a genuine farmer, and he cares about everyone, including my fellow veterans. 

I have had the honor of receiving three national awards for the work I’ve done and still do on behalf of veterans,  whether in pursuit of their entrepreneurial quests or simply securing their proper and earned disability benefits.  

Mike Webert has been instrumental in getting the new General Lewis “Chesty” Puller Veterans Care Center built in Fauquier County. The 128-bed long-term care and rehabilitation facility is being built on 30 acres located on the former Vint Hill Farms Station, which previously served as a U.S. Army and National Security Agency facility. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services will operate this facility, and it will serve Virginia veterans in Prince William and those throughout the 18th District including Fauquier, Rappahannock and Warren counties. 

I’ve read that Mike’s opponent has raised the issue of veterans not having local services available. This is just not true. Veterans are served by nearby U.S Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) at Charlottesville, two in Fredericksburg, Fort Belvoir and Staunton or the Out-Patient Clinic (OPC) at Stephens City or the Vet Center in Martinsburg, WV. We are geographically located in the center of three VA Medical Centers in Martinsburg, WV; Washington, DC; and Richmond that support these clinics. These medical centers work in conjunction with and are manned by physicians in training from nearby medical colleges: Georgetown, UVA, VCU, WVU and GWU are only a few of the 118 Medical Colleges and Universities that have an association with the VA. 

So frankly, Mr. Webert knows and understands the veterans’ needs, contrary to his opponent who only wants to get on a fabricated bandwagon regarding veterans’ issues.  

We have an expression, Vets Helping Vets. We do this every day at every DAV, VVA, VFW or American Legion Post: by vets for vets as stewards of veterans’ issues and their care. We do not whine “Poor me!” We just do. We understand that the easiest way to get on our feet is to get off our duff! Mike Webert knows us, and he knows that about us. He helps us when we are in need; we are now helping him dismiss false accusations leveled by his opponent. 

I hope you will join me in supporting Michael Webert on November 5!  

John P. Moliere 

Hume

Note: This letter originally appeared in the Fauquier Times on September 16th, 2019.