Town Meeting 2005

5th District Congressman Virgil H. Goode Jr. speaks to
an attentive group at Crawley Forum. On Tuesday, November 29, 2005, The Wilson Center for Leadership sponsored a "town meeting" with Virgil H. Goode, Jr., the VA Congressman for the Fifth District. Rep. Goode spoke at 7:00 p.m. in Crawley Forum at Hampden-Sydney College. He reviewed what had transpired thus far in the current session of Congress, which was in fall recess.

Congressman Goode then reviewed several issues still pending in the current session of Congress, including his proposal to discourage persons trying to enter the United States along the California to Texas border by erecting a long fence. In addition to the immigration issue, other topics included tax policy, the need to explore for more oil in the United States (including Alaska), and his support for alternative fuels (including fuel derived from soybeans, noting that although fuel derived from soybeans is more expensive than oil right now, at least the money is going to U.S. farmers and not to foreign sources). Goode took a number of thoughtful and provocative questions from the audience.

Despite an unseasonable thunderstorm with accompanying heavy rain, the session was well-attended; about 75 college and community members came to the event.

     

(l - r) H-SC President Walter Bortz introduces Virgil Goode; Congressman Goode addresses
the audience, a student asks a question.

  

(left) A H-SC student poses a question to the Congressman; Rep. Goode listens intently.