Why does VOP consider meeting with General Assembly members to be important?
You probably agree with a VOP belief that community, economic, social and environmental policy should be developed with the greatest input from the people it is meant to serve. That seems like common sense. It should just be the way things work in a country called a democracy. But it doesnt work unless ordinary people have the power to participate in making decisions. Without power, decisions are made for us without even seeking our input. Thats not a problem for political science professors. Its a practical problem that costs each one of us tax dollars and allows unfair situations to continue. As VOP has worked to make life more fair in Virginia, we have learned from experience that the General Assembly is the center of decision-making power in Virginia. Some examples: The General Assembly can override local governments. When Arlington County passed a living wage ordinance in 2003, following the example of Alexandria, Father Leonard Tuozzolo, pastor at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic
