York Democrat files to challenge Rapp

The Virginia Gazette, by Steve Vaughan
January 31, 2007

WILLIAMSBURG – With all 140 seats in the General Assembly up this fall, the first local challenger has announced.
 
Troy Farlow, a York County Democrat, filed papers with the State Board of Elections for the 96th House seat of Republican Melanie Rapp.

Farlow, 35, plans to exploit the gridlock of the legislature, blaming Rapp for her share.  He said that there is discontent over how she has performed.

“I have talked to people all across the district,” Farlow said in a statement Monday.  “From Norge and Toano to York and Tabb, and one thing is abundantly clear:  People are frustrated with the half-promises and political-speak coming out of Richmond.  To change the General Assembly, we’ve got to change the people we send there, and that’s just what I aim to do.  The people of the Peninsula deserve a strong, independent voice that will stand up and make the tough decisions for our community.”

Rapp, a teacher and former member of the York Board of Supervisors, was elected in a special election in 2001 to succeed Jo Ann Davis when she went to Congress.  Rapp has already survived three re-election bids as an ardent no-tax candidate, including two races targeted by the Democratic Caucus in 2001 and in 2003.

The 96th was gerrymandered to be top-heavy with Republicans.  It includes parts of York and James City and a small section of Newport News.

Farlow was born on the Eastern Shore and lives in Queens Lake.  He got his degree in accounting and has worked in investment banking.  He also served as a legislative aide to Del. Lynwood Lewis (D-Accomack).  Last year he briefly sought the Democratic nomination to run against 2nd District Rep. Thelma Drake but dropped out.

Farlow said he thinks the most important issues facing the 96th are transportation, education and growth.

“I am passionate about these issues,” he said, “because they require innovative and forward-thinking solutions that force us to look beyond political party and work together.”

He said that’s something the General Assembly, which has found itself deadlocked two out of the past three years, hasn’t had enough of.

“I am disappointed…that many of our elected officials in Richmond abdicate responsibility and pass the burden on to local communities.  We need real solutions from the General Assembly, and I cannot stand by while these officials blatantly pick partisanship over progress, and politics over people.”

He will formally launch in March.  For now, he said he’s walking door-to-door to get the pulse of the voters.

Rapp, who is in Richmond for the General Assembly session, did not respond to requests for comment.  Later, her office said that she had to return home Tuesday for a family medical emergency.