The survey sent by Rep. Bob Goodlatte

Note from Dan: Joe Campbell of Glenvar was recently invited by Rep. Bob Goodlatte to fill out an online survey regarding energy. Campbell was less than pleased with design of the ‘survey,’ and in the letter that follows he let Goodlatte know that. The email that Goodlatte sent along with the survey is below the jump.

To Congressman Bob Goodlatte:

Sir,

I declined to fill out your on-line energy questionnaire because it doesn’t allow me either to rank the proposed policies numerically or even to express disapproval of some of the choices. Instead, it gives me only the Hobson’s choice of choosing one, or choosing all.

For example, I strongly oppose drilling in ANWAR, and I have devil-in-the-details reservations about offshore exploration and/or drilling.  I strongly support renewables and low-carbon-footprint energy. But the form is incapable of capturing my priorities, which was, I hope, the purpose of the form.  Worse, if interpreted as real data, you will form a simplistic, incorrect picture of your constituents’ opinions.

Now, a more cynical person would consider the structure of this form to be politically disingenuous.  I, however, would actually like to commend your efforts because I would like a simple, convenient medium through which to express my preferences– in a sensibly nuanced form.  Therefore, I’m giving you a do-over; namely, asking you to construct a form that allows me to choose not only those items of which I approve, but also those of which I disapprove.

Respectfully,

Joe Campbell
ROANOKE COUNTY

Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Roanoke County

Gas Prices on the Rise

Gas prices are on the rise once again. In the Sixth District, some areas are already seeing prices approaching $4 per gallon. This is a costly reminder that the United States has grown dangerously dependent on foreign oil sources.

That is one reason why the House of Representatives has focused on advancing policies to maximize American energy production. The House has passed numerous bipartisan bills designed to set a national energy policy that encourages environmentally sound ways to find and use more traditional and alternative sources of energy in our own country. However, the bills have stalled in the Senate.

I am a strong proponent of an all-of-the-above energy policy that utilizes America’s rich energy resources. Abundant and affordable sources of energy drive a strong economy. I hope you will take a moment to answer the survey question below regarding America’s energy policy. I look forward to your response.

Bob Goodlatte
Member of Congress