September 14, 2007 - Commander Del Toro (ret.) and Mark Cole squared off in the first debate of the campaign before the Military Affiars Council Thursday night. Below are the highlights:
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Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star
By Emily Battle
Carlos Del Toro, who is challenging Cole as a Democrat, said he doesn't support the authority concept, but that the problem is an overall "huge failure in leadership" on the Assembly's part.
Del Toro cited a lack of leadership several times in criticizing Cole and the legislature at large.
When time came for closing remarks, Cole told the audience, "My opponent has come up here and been very critical of me and my leadership with a lot of bluster."
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Del Toro said he criticized Cole because he was claiming to have supported new road money for the area while having voted against the transportation bill.
Del Toro also said he criticized Cole for not fighting hard enough against the abusive driver fees that were a part of that bill. Had he been in Cole's place, Del Toro said, "I would have fought hard to remove the abuser fees, and then I would have approved the bill."
Cole said it's unfair to call him a hypocrite for claiming credit for road money just because he voted against this year's transportation bill.
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Mark Cole voted against the bi-partisan, compromise transportation bill which passed the House 85-15, but thinks he should be able to claim credit for the funding in the bill?
It's clearly time for decisive leadership and a Delegate that understands you have to be part of finding a solution to our traffic mess. Commander Del Toro will be an effective Delegate for our region and our state.
Veterans for Del Toro is a group of retired servicemembers who are committed to bringing focus, commitment and passion to the Virginia Legislature by helping elect Commander Carlos Del Toro (Ret).