GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 706, which would shift the power to appoint the Executive Director of the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission from the Governor to the Commission.

Since its creation in 1999, the Tobacco Commission has played a critical role in efforts to transform the economies of Southside and Southwest Virginia, investing millions of dollars in revitalization projects such as the Regional Backbone Initiative and providing growers with important indemnification payments.

Given the crucial economic development responsibilities of the Commission, it is imperative that the Governor have the ability to appoint a professional who will work as part of the entire team of state officials who strive to promote business development and entrepreneurship across the Commonwealth.

No reason exists for the Governor to cede this power.

I share the goals of the patron of this legislation who I know is committed to doing everything possible to bring about renewed prosperity in Southside and Southwest Virginia.  Any shift in the balance of power of gubernatorial appoints should occur in conjunction with a broad review of issues including the merits of a two-term governor.