Poquoson mayor wins special Va. House election

Posted to: Elections Hampton News State Government
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From staff and wire reports

HAMPTON

Poquoson’s mayor will be changing offices now that he’s been chosen as the new Hampton delegate.

Republican Gordon Helsel, the only name on the ballot for Tuesday’s special election to replace former Del. Tom Gear, has won with more than 2,000 votes, according to unofficial results posted on the Virginia Board of Elections website.

The 61-year-old Gear stepped down in January for health reasons. The Republican’s seat was empty during the General Assembly session that ended late last month.

"In Hampton Roads today voters elected a candidate committed to limited government, fiscal conservatism, and economic prosperity,” Gov. Bob McDonnell said in a news release.

Pilot writer Lauren King and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Standing up to the HRTA

Submitted by Reid_Greenmun on Wed, 03/09/2011 at 6:49 am.

Gorden stood tall when he objected to the scam of the unconstitutional HRTA - the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority. Many may no longer recall his bold and brave stance onjecting to this abomination. The HRTA was an unconstitutional, all-appointed regional taxing authority created by ex-Senator Marty William's bad bill HB 3202 in 2007.

Gorden stood up to the bullies like Norfolk's Mayor Paul Fraim and did his best to point out how inappropriate the concept of unaccountable, all-appointed regional government really is - in the process he earned my respect.

He also earned my gratitude.

I'm glad to see a man of principle and steadfastness is going to Richmond. We need more representatives like that in our General Assembly.