5th Congressional District Candidate Addresses Standing-Room-Only SSV Audience
SSV President Sue Liberman welcomed attendees to the forum featuring Tom Perriello, candidate for Virginia’s 5th Congressional District. She said that Rep. John McGuire had been invited but did not respond to repeated efforts to reach him. Perriello thanked SSV for the opportunity to speak and expressed disappointment that McGuire was not present.
Perriello discussed the cost of living, tariffs, the war in Iran, and access to health care. He noted that tariffs cost each 5 th District resident an average of $2500, with gas/food/fertilizer adding an additional increase of $1200. This equates to approximately $100/week out-of-pocket costs. He said his priorities include reducing costs, ending tariffs, ending the war in Iran, and preventing cuts to Medicaid that he believes would threaten rural clinics and medical centers. He mentioned, as an example, Augusta County is facing a 50% increase in rescue calls due to the closing of Augusta’s clinic.
During the question-and-answer period, attendees asked about congressional oversight of the executive branch, outreach to conservative voters, the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the war in Iran, the federal debt, employment prospects for recent college graduates, and Perriello’s preferred congressional committee assignments.
In his responses, Perriello emphasized Congress’s authority over spending and the need for Congress to assert its role in decisions about war. He said that listening to constituents is essential to representing the district and discussed challenges facing rural residents, including health care access, farming costs, and childcare. He noted that he does not accept contributions from lobbyists and corporate PACS. On the federal debt, he called for changes to the tax code and higher wages. He named Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and Transportation as committees of interest.
Perriello closed by thanking attendees and introducing members of his staff and his mother. He encouraged those present to share what they heard and to participate in the election. Early voting starts September 18 th . President Liberman closed the meeting with a reminder of SSV’s mission and membership opportunities. She noted that dues are $25/year. In the future, SSV plans to video its programs and provide a link on the website. SSV is also working on acquiring nonprofit 501(c)3 status. President Liberman extended condolences to SSV founder, Gene Ecton Smith Davis, on the passing of her husband Bill Davis. She also offered a remembrance of September 11, 2001, and encouraged attendees to vote.
October 11 th – International Relations