"DANVILLE, Va. — In an effort to garner early support for a bid to win the Democratic nomination for the 5th District congressional seat, Al Weed spoke to to the Community Action Coalition Saturday.

Weed, should he win the Democratic nomination, would be running against Rep. Virgil Goode, R-5th, in the 2004 election.

“I never really thought I’d be a politician,” Weed said. “I feel the 5th district needs leadership.”

In order for Southside to compete on a long-term basis in the global economy it must offer something that employers can’t get in Mexico or Manila, said Weed, a Democratic activitist.

“What we must offer is a quality of life that comes when a community draws together to create a vision of its own future — one that promises a better life for them and their children,” Weed said. “That which will keep your most talented children here, will surely draw industry wanting to invest here, to stay here and to become an integral part of this region.”

He spoke about the Trade Adjustment Act and how that funding retrains trade-impacted workers for new jobs. A better and more lasting use of the funding would be for improvements in the community’s education system, Weed said.

“A long term commitment by the people in this region to pay teachers the salaries they deserve would be a sign that the community will dig deep to build a future.

“We can vote to ensure that our children will not be faced with massive debt, inflation, no chance of home ownership and decreased chances of college. We can vote to ensure that our elderly parents and poorest children continue to have the safety net of Medicaid.

“We need to vote for all of this because because our current congressman has not voted for Southside and will not vote for Southside,” Weed said.

During a question and answer session, someone asked Weed what he would do to keep jobs from going overseas.

Weed said he wasn’t sure the tide could be stopped.

“All I can do is get this into debate on whether free trade is working. The best I can do is promise this will be an integral part of my campaign.

“I hope I’m bringing energy, new ideas and compassion in the bid for congressman. I’m real excited, people are responding,” Weed said. “It’s a time when people are looking for different leadership.” "(Emily Cropp, the Danville Register & Bee, May 10, 2003)

Contact Emily Cropp at ecropp@registerbee.com or at (434) 793-2311, Ext. 3119.