Senate candidates outline plans for economic development

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ROANOKE, VA - On Tuesday, the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a Virginia Senate Candidate forum. The event was free and open to the public. All candidates for District 21 State Senate seat faced off followed by a forum with the three District 19 State Senate candidates.

District 21 covers areas including parts of Giles County, Montgomery County, Roanoke County and Roanoke city. The three person race includes incumbent John Edwards, Republican Nancy Dye and Independent Don Caldwell. For many who attended the public forum it was their first chance to hear where each side stands on key issues like jobs and economic development.

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John Edwards (D) pointed to his experience as senator and his role in bringing projects to roanoke.

"Amtrak is going to be a huge job creator in bringing tourist and businesses," said Edwards. "It will help the economy enormously so I proud to be leading the fight to bring Amtrak here to the Valley."

Prosecutor Don Caldwell was aggressive with his answers at the forum. The Independent laid out his specific plan to attract businesses by improving roads through tax increases.

"The number one key is that we have to improve I-81," said Caldwell. "That is why I am pitching an increase in the retail in a price of a gallon of diesel fuel of 10 cents."

Republican Nancy Dye said her background as a business leader makes her a strong candidate. The retired surgeon said education and building better partnership are key to job growth.

" We need to form strategic regional partnerships such as the Virginia-Tech Carilion Medical Center, said Dye. I am positioned to do that as a member of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors and the Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council.

After hearing from the candidates, it will be up to voters to decide who they feel will best represent Virginia's 21st district.