Two congressional candidates addressed those attending the second annual Voter Education and Candidate Forum Tuesday: Incumbent 9th District U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith and challenger, Anthony Flaccavento.

Flaccavento, a democrat from Abingdon, said he has been working at a grassroots level for more than 30 years. He said he is running “because I’ve seen what’s possible when you invest in communities. I believe in bottom up economics. I believe in investing in us.”

Flaccavento said he also is running for office because he believes one of the critical roles of the federal government is “to help us help ourselves. When the federal government makes itself a partner, we can see tremendous results.”

Redirecting federal resources can lead to more success in communities, he said.

Flaccavento noted that drug courts in parts of the district are effective, even though they are “small and under-resourced.” Those guilty of drug violations/drug problems are helped with employment and programs to return them to the community rather than jail, he said.

At 96, Flaccavento said he was nearing his goal of holding 100 Town Hall meetings during the campaign – a practice he plans to keep a couple of times each month, if elected.

Flaccavento also said he believes the creation of a national infrastructure ban, with bank-issued bonds used to help raise funds for infrastructure development which would include increased broadband access.

Like Griffith, he also supports the de-scheduling and decriminalization of marijuana while searching for medical uses.

Griffith, of Salem, said he grew up in a single parent household headed by a mother who was a school teacher. Griffith said he began working as a paper boy at the age of 12, then worked at McDonalds, as a janitor’s assistant and lifeguard. He also practiced law for 28 years.

Through those experiences and when talking to others across the district, Griffith said he learned that regulations and tax breaks are important. Regulations, he said, are especially important in rural areas which are attempting to grow their industrial base and also are home to agricultural operations.

For instance, the Waters of the United States rule defines which bodies of water are subject to federal jurisdiction, and clarify that small waterways, like ponds and headwaters, could be protected.

Griffith said he rallied against the proposal which would have meant the EPA would take control of small streams and dictate “how far you had to keep your cattle” from a water body. “Everybody knew that was coming.”

In terms of broadband and connectivity, Griffith said cable and fiber cannot be installed in “every nook and cranny. We cannot afford it.” However, new/emerging technologies may offer alternatives.

For instance, Griffith said Microsoft is looking into white space technology, and he believes the federal government “ought to be involved in that.”

Griffith said other companies also are experimenting with drones to ensure connectivity in some rural areas.  He said he also supports border security and ensuring veterans have access to medical and other care.

Three candidates also are up for reelection to the Stuart Town Council in November: Rebecca Adcock, Terry Dalton and Dean Goad.

Adcock, who is seeking her third term, addressed those attending the forum. Dalton, who was out of town and unable to attend, issued a statement. Goad also issued a statement.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, the incumbent, and contenders that include Republican candidate Corey Stewart and Libertarian candidate Matt Waters, each shared a message from their campaign stops and/or political ads at the event that was hosted by the Patrick County Young Professionals.