Included, in its entirety. 

From the News and Messenger:

EDITORIAL: Stewart’s duty is to Prince William County

Our View
Published: June 26, 2010
Corey Stewart, not content to let the spotlight shine only on leaders in another state, is now pushing a law in Virginia similar to illegal immigration legislation in Arizona.

Virginia’s version would, among other things, “Make it a violation of Virginia law to fail to complete alien registration documents,” according to Stewart’s website: http://www.coreystewart.com/ruleoflaw. Police officers would be required to check “in any lawful contact, the legal presence of an individual, when practicable.” Go to Stewart’s website to see all aspects of the proposed law.

The issue here isn’t whether the legislation is a good idea, it’s whether Stewart has any business pursuing it. His job is to be the chairman of the Board of County Supervisors, so what is he doing trying to change state law? That is the job of our delegates and state senators, some of whom have stated that they are pursuing state remedies for illegal immigration already. Perhaps if this were a proposal supported mainly for the good of the county, we would understand. However, arguably, Prince William County, which already has a controversial illegal immigration law, is the jurisdiction that would benefit least—despite Stewart’s assertion that some illegal immigrants who have fled may be returning.

In an interview with Editorial Page Editor Alex Granados, Stewart said that state leaders in Richmond have shown themselves incapable of doing what’s necessary.

“The legislature down there has had three years to do something, and they have done nothing,” he said.

Furthermore, he says that the attention he has received in the past as a crusader against illegal immigration will be a boon to his current effort.

“For better or worse, I have the notoriety on the issue that I can use,” he said.

And by spreading news about the proposed bill to everyday citizens, he hopes they will pressure state legislators to take action.

Stewart is right that state legislators have not found a fix for illegal immigration. But that probably has more to do with the fact that the issue is complicated than with anything else. The newspaper has never found our area’s leaders particularly fearful of controversy. Quite the opposite, in fact. And regardless, it is not Stewart’s place, as BOCS chairman, to do their job for them. He has a responsibility to Prince William County, one that cannot be effectively fulfilled when he is focused on reforming state law.

As for Stewart’s notoriety and its usefulness, he is correct. His reputation will bring attention to illegal immigration reform. However, it will also bring attention to Prince William County—attention that it does not need.

When the county went through its debate over illegal immigration years ago, a great deal of negative publicity was focused here. Perceptions of the area across the country varied widely, but no matter the opinion, the county became intertwined with controversy.

Gradually, the uproar has faded. However, with Stewart’s involvement in this new illegal immigration fight, the county, once again, will become a focal point.

In a time when local jurisdictions are battling a tough economy, Stewart should not hamstring us with a possibly negative reputation. What businesses will want to invest in a seemingly divided community? What professionals will want to move here when all they hear about us in the news relates to strife? Stewart’s notoriety might be good for illegal immigration reform, but it’s not good for the county.

Whether or not the attempt to model Virginia after Arizona succeeds, one of the main people to benefit from this will be Stewart. We have already seen with his short-lived attempt to become lieutenant governor that he has higher ambitions. We don’t fault him for that—that is the nature of political leaders. However, we have a problem with Stewart harping on issues outside the county for the sake of his own reputation, which we believe is the case here.

 

Virginia probably does need better illegal immigration laws. It also needs strong leaders to make it happen. But we don’t need Corey Stewart to do that now. He was elected to focus on the residents of Prince William County, not the state. Until he is actually elected to higher office, we would like to see him keep his focus here.

45 Thoughts to “Finally, N & M Takes a Position”

  1. WOW! The “News and Messenger” has done an excellent job of exposing Stewart’s rattlebrained idea. The sad news is that many readers will damn the paper for pointing out that Stewart’s efforts are not what he was elected to do. Further, despite evidence to the contrary, Stewart continues to use illegal immigration as the foil for his cockamamie idea. I think he will soon find that spiting in the face of his party’s leaders is like peeing into the wind. Accusing them of being do-nothings will come home to roost when he makes his move toward a state job. Perhaps he will have to run as an independent.

  2. Elena

    Ouch!! Can you say scathing? This opinion piece was fabulous!

  3. Ken Anderson

    I don’t know. If he goes on a self-aggrandizing tour of lies outside our county, that means he’ll do less damage inside our county. Isn’t there something to be said for that?

    Maybe this is Corey’s way of admitting the truth: that his precious anti-immigrant law was repealed 2 years ago, and we as a county are in line with state law and NOT requiring police to make on-sight judgments about immigration status when deciding how to apply the law to people on the streets.

    I find it so ironic that he says that 70 percent are happy with the law, but doesn’t care to mention the teeth were removed 2 years ago and the county sees that a sensible compromise to address an issue for some residents that need not have destroyed the peace and prosperity for all.

  4. Ken Anderson

    Elena, I did not find it as scathing as it could have been. The authors seemed hesitant to go all the way for fear of criticism from the loudest and most vociferous voices who never quite went away. They’ve had a grudge ever since the law was repealed in my opinion. This latest turn with the Tea Party eating the Republicans alive during the primaries is making them think this extreme right agenda is the way to win elections in the general. I’m not so sure about that. The country moves left while desperate extremist on the right move further to the right. Something’s gotta give.

  5. Ken Anderson

    George, we don’t want Corey Stewart to run as an independent. He can’t even think on his own independently of Greg Leticq and Tom Tancredo. He ran for office on smart growth and hasn’t kept his word. I lost trust in this man a long time ago. An extreme partisan is all he is and all he will ever be. Let him go to the Tea Party, but he cannot run as an independent. There has to be some place for non-partisanship in this country.

  6. Rick Bentley

    That’s a fair editorial, but I’m still on his side.

  7. Need to Know

    I don’t consider Corey an extreme partisan but rather a self-aggrandizing demagogue. As I’ve written in this blog many times, I’m a proud, life-long Republican. People such as Corey Stewart, whose only interest lies in self-promotion, are not needed in our party.

    With that said, the political atmosphere is creating a fertile environment for people like Corey. The latest I’m hearing in the news is that President Obama is getting ready to issue a blanket amnesty for illegal aliens by executive order. This move would be as dumb, or dumber, than anything Corey wants to do. It would also contribute to a climate of fear that the President would do an end-run around the legislative process, which feeds propagandists like Corey and makes them more credible with groups such as the Tea Party movement.

    If President Obama does indeed issue an amnesty, of something similar thereto, without going through Congress, November will see Democrats and traditional Republicans slaughtered at the polls and our country will be run by people like Corey Stewart and Sarah Palin. I can hear some people now saying how wonderful that would be – not me.

    In any event, Corey is just a fraud. He professes to oppose illegal immigration while taking huge campaign contributions from firms that exploit illegal alien labor. Please see my post #4 in the previous thread:
    https://www.moonhowlings.net/index.php/2010/06/21/history-reinvented-count-the-lies/#comments

    I’m glad the “News and Messenger” finally took a position on Corey’s antics. They have so often in the past just played along to get along with whomever is in office or is perceived as a community leader here. They have helped offset that image with this editorial. Corey should be dealing with the affairs of Prince William County but that is not going to happen. We’re just an afterthought for him now as he plans his move to the Lt. Governor job.

  8. Need to Know

    The editorial says,

    “We have already seen with his (Stewart’s) short-lived attempt to become lieutenant governor that he has higher ambitions. We don’t fault him for that—that is the nature of political leaders. However, we have a problem with Stewart harping on issues outside the county for the sake of his own reputation, which we believe is the case here.”

    Unfortunately, this statement is true about career politicians such as Corey. Prince William has become one of the most corrupt and poorly-run counties in the nation under its pro-developer Boards and their cronies in the County Government.

    We have over a year until the next BOCS election in 2011. How about finding and electing people to the BOCS who have no ambition for higher office but who will serve our community? Who will stand up to developers and clean house in the County staff? Perhaps some successful business leaders of integrity who will serve here but don’t want to go to Richmond or Washington? Maybe I’ve being Pollyannaish but that’s the kind of government the Founding Fathers envisioned.

  9. Newspapers are supposed to “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” Nice job with this editorial, News & Messenger.

    I’d also like to see reporters finding other sources to quote instead of always defaulting to Mr. Stewart. They might just unearth some of those emerging leaders you seek, Need to Know.

  10. Need to Know

    MOM, Lafayette and I are working on finding some people like that but we still have a long way to go. There is movement, which people will be hearing more about later. I’m not referring to John Gray’s recent announcement. John might mean well but a platform based only on “I’m sick of Corey Stewart” with no positive ideas won’t go far. Moreover, John has switched from Republican to Democrat to Independent, and back and forth among those, and hasn’t even told anyone what he considers himself this month. We’ve got to find more credible people than John.

  11. Manassas insider

    Mr. Bentley, I ask you this question again. The same question I asked you and Kelly about Corey in an earlier thread. Neither of you have ever even acknowledged my posts. Im not trying to ‘trap’ you or anything like that.

    That question is – (again) Why is Corey trashing his fellow republicans in the General Assembly in his new zeal for glory? I believe the Prince William delegation has worked on, and has done things about illegal immigration in the G.A. He says “the legislature has done nothing”. This is simply untrue. Or should I call it a lie?

  12. Probably he is trashing them because he has new found friends who he thinks will do him some good. Maybe those new friends are just as unreliable in the end.

    It really wasn’t smart for him to diss the local delegation.

    Speaking of that article….in the same newspaper….there was an article on on the Tea Party Rally. Underneath that story, in the comments, some moron who is not permitted on this blog said that the 9500 Liberty people ran anti-bvbl.net. That is not true. They most certainly did not. Alanna, Elena and I ran anti-bvbl.net.

  13. Manassas Insider asks a good question and one that is very worthy of any answer. The Prince William Delegation has worked on real problems with real solutions. I believe that we have mentioned Jackson Miller’s successful legislation addressing gangs and their presence near schools, hospitals, etc., just as an example. Other legislation has been introducted. Introducing legislation is no guarantee others will vote for it.

    Our legislators are also very careful to make sure their legislation passes Constitutional muster, both state and Federal, something Stewart has seriously overlooked.

    How long would it take for Stewart’s legislation to draw fire on that score? I expect locked and loaded best describes it.

  14. Rick Bentley

    “That question is – (again) Why is Corey trashing his fellow republicans in the General Assembly in his new zeal for glory? I believe the Prince William delegation has worked on, and has done things about illegal immigration in the G.A. He says “the legislature has done nothing”. This is simply untrue. Or should I call it a lie?”

    They have accomplished nothing. Like the national Republican party, they work to present an illusion of movement while doing nothing.

    I’m not so big on parties. I think this nation would be better off without a Democratic Party, Republican Party, Communist Party, Tea Party, Coffee Party, or any type of “party” which is just a construct by which people work to exploit common resources and goodwill towards enrichment of their social friends. We need an “Anti-Party”. We need to move beyond parties.

    The Soviet Union had the central “Party”. We have two, and they both suck. Why should we accept this? Why do the rest of us keep voting for Democrats and Republicans?

  15. Lafayette

    I wish the full article were available online still. Does anyone remember reading an article in the WaPo 2/8/09? The headline read Stewart Softens Tone, Shifts Focus From Immigration to Economy. This all of the story you can view online without purchasing the article.
    http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/1640632931.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Feb+8%2C+2009&author=Kristen+Mack+-+Washington+Post+Staff+Writer&pub=The+Washington+Post&edition=&startpage=C.6&desc=Stewart+Softens+Tone%2C+Shifts+Focus+From+Immigration+to+Economy

    Corey, just needs to decide what his platform really is and stick to it. We’ve seen him run on smart growth and immigration. Smart growth has been thrown out the window completely. One needs to look no further than http://www.vpap.org to see the donations from those in the building industry. Then he moved onto immigration and ran with a resolution that was introduced by John Stirrup, not Corey. Then last year he says his focus is shifting from immigration to the economy. Now, he’s back on immigration. I’m sure when 2011 rolls around he will have yet another new platform.

    I don’t favor illegal immigration and believe we need to have stricter enforcement of our existing laws and reform as a whole. However, amensty is NOT my idea of reform. Corey reallly needs to stick to the business of the county for which he was elected. We have plenty of issues right here in our backyard that our Chairman should be focusing on.

    It’s like Moon said you can introduce legislation, but that doesn’t mean it will always pass in the GA. I found Corey’s comments about our local delegates quite interesting, and not in a good way. Does Corey really think Delegates Miller & Marshall have not introduced bills to protect The Commonwealth with regards to gangs, etc.? I’m no Marshall fan per se, but I am always willing to give credit where credit is due, and Delegate Marshall does deserve credit on this issue. Honestly, what does Corey want the legislators to do? I guess he thinks those that introduce bills should bully their fellow GA members into voting for bills.

  16. Lafayette

    Rick, yes, it would be quite fair to call it a lie.

    I love the idea of the Anti-Party. Both parties suck. I’m sick of having to pick the lesser of two evils.

  17. I am not pleased with either party myself. However, to say that the local delegation has done nothing is simply a lie. I am also not a fan of Bob Marshall’s. However, I can’t bash him on this one.

    What is it that Capt. Sound-byte (Thanks, MoM) thinks he can do better? Draw a lawsuit from the DoJ?
    Corey needs to stop trying to use PWC as a stepping stone. He has damaged our reputation enough. We look like the quintessential bo-hicks after he finishes running his mouth.

    I hope the paybacks will be rough on Corey when he wants to do something other than be a supervisor. [evil grin]

  18. Lafayette

    @Moon-howler
    I don’t think the carpetbagger has a clue what the rest of The Commonwealth is like. His payback will hopefully be felt at the polls in a state election.

    It’s a shame that the local Republicans will not run against an incumbent. We need all seats on the board ran opposed in 2011. Enough of some candidates running unopposed. C’mon PWC wake up!!

  19. RingDangDoo

    @Moon-howler

    >>>Underneath that story, in the comments, some moron who is not permitted on this blog said that the 9500 Liberty people ran anti-bvbl.net. That is not true. They most certainly did not. Alanna, Elena and I ran anti-bvbl.net.

    Giggles. That’s analogous to the Washington Post saying the Democrat Party doesn’t run their newspaper.

  20. Rick Bentley

    I really like the idea of an anti-party, a website and a pledge and a movement to only vote for independent candidates.

  21. Diversity Gal

    On a side note…I read on a website for the Manassas Tea Party that Chick-Fil-A sold concessions at the rally, and that proceeds went to the Manassas Tea Party. Does that count as an endorsement/sponsorship? Just wondering…

  22. Excellent question, DG. How does one find out?

    RingDangDoo-your comments are the same as calling me a liar. I know who owned antibvbl, I know who set it up, and I know who operated it. It was not Eric Byler or Annabel Park.

    And don’t giggle at me. Get your facts straight so you don’t look as stupid as the person in the N & M looked.

    We have never claimed that we don’t work with Eric and Annabel. Check the movie out. But they had nothing to do with the operation of this blog. They had other fish to fry.

  23. @Rick Bentley
    Rick’s repeated question as to why Corey keeps trashing his fellow Republicans is somewhat akin to askng, “Have you stopped beating your wife?” There is no answer–Corey is Corey and trying to explain his actions can’t be done. Why waste breath or electrons? I suppose he is betting on the Tea Party to save his bacon. Someone mentioned that the Tea Party was eating up Republicans–one win does not constitute “eating up” in my very humble opinion. I believe the Tea Party is the best thing that ever happened to Democrats.

    I’m looking for a bumber sticker that says: “I’m Sick of Corey Stewart! How About You?” Thanks for the idea Need to Know.

  24. There are places to get those made. I guess any mention of being a media whore would be bad taste?

  25. Pat.Herve

    It is all politics – grandstanding on an issue as election time approaches (he is starting early), whether it is GOre and Bush on Social Security, Corey on Immigration, or pick your candidate. They take an issue, bring to the top, and make it the central issue to a campaign (Abortion often comes to mind), and then after being elected, let the issue die down. They call all say what they want about the rule of law, I still see many day laborers (who are often illegal) congregate at the local hot spots.

  26. Lafayette

    @George S. Harris
    Here’s a website you can order from and they have a 24 hour turnaround. You can order just one or as many as you want. I have a friend that orders quite a few from this place.
    http://www.makestickers.com/Stickers_Pricing.aspx

  27. Rick Bentley

    “I believe the Tea Party is the best thing that ever happened to Democrats. ”

    A. Then it’s bad for America
    B. If your theory becomes clear, that the Tea Party hurts the Republicrats and helps Demicrans, then it’ll almost certainly abandon itself

  28. Footage of Prince William County and Manassas in a new music video:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBc_rfZt2i8

  29. Swooping Buzzard

    I am waiting for a “get rid of Corey Stewart” Facebook page.

  30. Vigilant Vulture

    Go create one and see how long before the faithful followers would report the group to Facebook.

  31. Swooping Buzzard

    Okay. I did. It’s Rid PWC of Corey Stewart.

  32. Swooping Buzzard

    Good. Be the first.

  33. kelly3406

    I am shocked, truly shocked that a politician is seeking the limelight on a controversial issue in an effort to garner support and votes.

    Here is my question to the ever vigilant Corey watchers and editorial staff of the N&M: If Corey Stewart were lobbying to make Virginia a safe haven for illegal aliens, would you oppose his involvement in state politics? I suspect that the N&M would have no problem at all with Stewart’s effort to change state and federal law if he supported comprehensive immigration reform rather than “divisive” rule of law legislation.

  34. I would.

    You seriously misunderstand what comprehensive immigration reform should be, I see.

    I strongly suspect weasel words are being used here for political advantage.

  35. Vigilant Vulture

    Kelly, most would not favor our county Chairman of the Board of Supervisors trying to push a bill in Richmond. He’s a county official elected to work for we the people of PWC. If he wants to advance a statewide legislation he needs to seek a state office. He needs to do the job he was elected to do. Or if he just couldn’t hold on long enough to run he certainly could have sought the help of local Delegate such as Marshall and Miller.

  36. Kelly3406

    Comprehensive reform includes a path to citizenship in most proposals I have seen. The weaselly part is that the politicians want to bundle that with border control and guest worker program because they know that the vast majority of citizens oppose citizenship for illegal aliens. So comprehensive reform is the only way that a path to citizenship could pass.

    As you know, the path to citizenship that I favor starts with a trip back to their native countries.

    I know that you would oppose it, but I suspect many others would not.

  37. Maybe withholding citizenship for 20 years would dispell some of those fears. I see nothing wrong with guest worker programs that match our labor needs.

    I question how many illegal aliens even want citizenship. I think most just want to be legal residents. Big difference. Legal residents cannot vote. That would end that discussion. It takes 5 years to get citizenship anyway.

    Going back to one’s native country complicates things. Husbands and wives aren’t always the same status. Neither are their kids. And what do we do about kids?

    Actually, what would be the point in people going back to their country of origin. I don’t think everyone should be eligible for permanent residency. Maybe there should be legal residency with a trial period…if one has been here illegally. Maybe those people could have temporary legal residency and if they don’t get into trouble then after five years, the legal residency would become permanent.

  38. Kelly, don’t think you know what I oppose and what I don’t oppose. I am not sure myself how I feel about various things. I know we need to change our laws to meet the needs of our country.

  39. Is Corey blowing in the wind, so to speak?

  40. Don’t diss Bobby Dylan.

    It seems that Corey will respond, depending on which way the wind is blowing, doesn’t it?

  41. PWC Taxpayer

    Kelly really nailed it. If Corey was talking about sanctuary laws, there would be no objection to his taking it local or his right to excersize his 1st Amendment rights on this blog. The fact is, however, that the vast majority of the residents of PWC support Corey’s initiative on this issue and his speaking out on it – to include the clear benefits (to include the reductions to the number of domestic abuse service calls that are not recorded in the crime statistics) just drives the Corey haters crazy.

    Lets leave prognostication re: Corey’s political strategy and his relationship with his Republican friends in Richmond out of it – He is a big boy and plays a pretty good game. Got some tought skin too.

    As to the idea that withholding citizenship for 20 years is not amnesty — wow !

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