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Schultz tells Rotary members public service is an obligation

By Drew Houff
The Winchester Star

WINCHESTER — In an appearance before the Winchester Rotary Club on Thursday, Democrat Karen K. Schultz talked about her family’s involvement with the organization, as well as her decades of public service to the community.

Schultz, Republican Jill Holtzman Vogel, and independent Donald C. Marro are seeking Virginia’s 27th District Senate seat, which is being vacated by Sen. H. Russell Potts Jr., R-Winchester. He announced in February that he would not seek a fifth term.

Schultz‘s husband, Gene, is a member of the Rotary club, and she said her family’s support of the organization’s programs and events had made her feel a part of the Rotary family.

An education advocate and longtime public official in the Winchester area, Schultz told the group, meeting in the Travelodge of Winchester, that her decision to run was a simple one.

Democrat Karen K. Schultz talks with Winchester Rotarian Ajay Virmani after the club’s weekly meeting on Thursday at the TraveLodge in Winchester. Schultz is running for the 27th Senate District seat against Republican Jill Holtzman Vogel and independent Donald C. Marro.
(Ginger Perry)

“My father was in the Texas state legislature, and I was raised with the idea that public service is a responsibility and one that must be done to make our community strong,” she said. “Frankly, there are many of you in this room who have been leaders in our community. Government, education, and health care — you really inspired me, and many of you came to me and said, ‘We encourage you to run.’”

Schultz said her goal was service from a moderate standpoint, without the partisan bickering that occurred during much of this year’s General Assembly session.

“I think it’s important that we keep this position here, someone who knows this particular area, [and] who has worked in this community for 30 years,” she said. “As former chair of the Winchester City School Board and an associate professor in the [Shenandoah University] School of Pharmacy, I have proven my desire to serve.

“I have a track record. I have held leadership positions. These are qualities I mention that I will bring to the state Senate to make sure this community is well-represented with a moderate and common-sense approach. Our community deserves a leader with that track record.”

Schultz said Virginia’s out-of-date and poorly planned transportation infrastructure puts undue pressure on localities trying to handle traffic, the transport of goods and services, and other quality-of-life issues.

She added that many people are concerned about the abusive-driver fees adopted during the 2007 session to help fund long-range road plans in Virginia.

“Abusive-driver fees have been one of the top concerns [in meetings with the public],” Schultz said. “It was implemented with the idea of funding our transportation system, but it was a bad idea — plan and simple.

“More safety on our roads and funding badly needed transportation infrastructure are separate issues and should be treated accordingly. The abusive-driver fees should be repealed and replaced with a comprehensive transportation package.”

Schultz also noted that the handling of illegal immigration remains a key concern for Virginia, and said action must be taken to help eliminate its financial burdens, and the burdens to citizen safety.

In her closing remarks, she cited her concerns about a personal attack by Holtzman Vogel during a debate on at Fauquier County High School in Warrenton on Wednesday.

“For the first time, my character was questioned by Ms. Vogel,” Schultz said. “I was shocked and very saddened. All of you know me here, and never in my 54 years have I had my character questioned.

“I want to tell you that these kinds of attacks on a person [are] not right. We will stick with the issues. It is, I think, a desperate effort to not focus on the issues. I encourage all of you as this race goes on, to remember that anything that is attacked on me or my family should not be done.”

She also said it was crucial for everyone to vote in the Nov. 6 election, in which Virginians will elect all 100 members of the House of Delegates and all 40 senators.

After her speech, Schultz explained what had bothered her about Holtzman Vogel’s remarks.

“At the last 20 seconds of the debate and I had no chance to rebut, she questioned my character,” Schultz said. “She was simply questioning my character and asking people to very carefully check the person’s character.”

Efforts to reach Holtzman Vogel or a campaign represenative were unsuccessful on Thursday. She is scheduled to address the Winchester Rotary Club next Thursday.