Senate Democrats praise McAuliffe for creating good government commission

This afternoon, Senate Democrats praised Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s creation of a new commission to propose ethics, transparency, and various other good government reforms, emphasizing the need to restore Virginians’ trust in state government and reiterating their belief that this year’s ethics omnibus left important work undone.

Said Democratic Leader Sen. Dick Saslaw (D – Fairfax), “In light of recent events, we need to restore Virginians’ trust in their elected representatives. Our Commonwealth should have an ethical, transparent government that is fully responsive to citizens’ needs. This commission will move Virginia in the right direction, and I commend Gov. McAuliffe for his good work. I look forward to working with the commissioners, and I await their recommendations with interest.”

Said Democratic Caucus Chair Sen. Donald McEachin (D – Henrico), “As a strong proponent of ethics reform and ensuring we have the highest standards, I look forward to working with the governor’s commission to create real reform. I am confident the commission will work with the legislature to protect the prerogatives of the people of Virginia. I encourage the commission to do everything they can to find ways to restore Virginians’ confidence in the integrity of our government and our elected officials. I thank the governor for this critical step in that process.”

Said Sen. Adam Ebbin (D – Alexandria), “I am a strong supporter of ethics and transparency reforms. When this year’s ethics bill passed, there was still much left to do, and I am glad to see our governor take up that work. I look forward to working with this commission to enact the common-sense standards that Virginians expect and deserve.”

Said Sen. John Miller (D – Newport News), “We must take politics out of redistricting.  For years, I have introduced legislation to create a bipartisan redistricting commission. I am very pleased to see the governor’s new commission will recommend changes to take the redistricting pen out of legislators’ hands and give it to people who do not have a vested interest in the outcome. I look forward to working with the commissioners to ensure that voters choose their elected representatives on the basis of their vision for Virginia — and not on party label.”