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Orrock, Kincheloe running for 54th District House seat Date published: 10/31/2007
BY EMILY BATTLE
Republican Del. Bobby Orrock got himself a challenger for his 54th district House of Delegates seat last winter, with a comment he said was meant as constructive criticism. Kimbra Kincheloe, who is running as an independent against Orrock, said she decided to challenge the 18-year incumbent when, at a hearing about several pieces animal-welfare legislation, Orrock remarked on the amount of correspondence his office had received on a particular bill. Both Orrock and Kincheloe recall that Orrock said that he had received thousands of e-mails and hundreds of phone calls and faxes on the bill--which would have outlawed certain methods of tethering animals. Both say that Orrock said that correspondence effectively shut down his office. "I did suggest to them that any time a group in their lobbying efforts effectively shuts down a legislator's office that makes it somewhat difficult to hear your issues as objectively as you want us to," Orrock said. Kincheloe said Orrock said the e-mails were no way to win his favor. "That is absolutely not a way for a representative of the people to feel about his people," said Kincheloe, a 49-year-old real estate agent who lives in Spotsylvania County. "You just do not tell the citizens not to communicate with you." "I thought I was offering constructive remarks," Orrock said. "The issue may have been more that they didn't get the answer they wanted to hear." The tethering bill, along with another bill that would have outlawed the use of gas chambers in animal shelters, both died in Orrock's subcommittee on Agriculture, the Chesapeake Bay and Natural Resources. The way it died also troubles Kincheloe. She says she wants to end what she calls the "secret subcommittee" system in Richmond. Subcommittee meetings are open to the public. However, no minutes are taken, and votes are not recorded, so bills can die in these committees without written record of what happened. Orrock says this is a matter of keeping government efficient. He said that if votes were recorded, the General Assembly would need more money for more staff members to keep all the records. Orrock, 51, first won the 54th District seat in 1989. He fended off a primary challenge in 2005 from far-right candidate Shaun Kenney, and last faced a general election opponent in 1995.
Read more stories about Spotsylvania Date published: 10/31/2007
can be a lil over the top
Integrity amongst our political leaders is rare. Orrock proved this by his disrespect for his constituents. The 54th District is entitled to a leader with a voice for the people. Vote Kim Kincheloe to get this voice.
transportation mess- which is appropriate- because Orrock says nothing about the local transporation mess when he is in Richmond. The area has had enough of the "good-ole-boy Delegate for life" syndrome. Transportation IS the issue and the incumbnets have not done Jack and Sierra about it.
This so called "Challenger" has no experience. Bobby has been in office for 18 years! He is active in his community, church, and schools around our area. Every single person who has tried to challenge his position, has spoken untrue things about him. He has done nothing wrong but spoken his mind. Don't we want someone in office to stand up for what they believe in? Why support someone who has to down someone else to try to keep in the race? I support Bobby and this community!
I don't understand why everyone is upset over this issue. I have emailed him before about an issue and he, personally replied back. He has no problems with taking to any citizens in this district! Any one who has EVER faced Bobby has talked trash but when it comes down to it, nothing gets backed up! Hate him or love him there is a reason he is where he is! He keeps this community in tact, and he always says what he believes. Im sorry his words might have been twisted but Bobby will always be there!
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