Monthly Speaker

CARMA - Colonial Area Republican Men's Association

MONTHLY SPEAKER INFORMATION

The CARMA Luncheon Speaker for October 18, 2018 will be
Digby Solomon, Publisher Emeritus, The Virginia Gazette/Daily Press

Digby Solomon will be the October 18th Luncheon Speaker for CARMA. He was publisher of the Daily Press and the Virginia Gazette. He has spoken to CARMA about 2 years ago, and has been asked to discuss the state of the media in the United States as it relates to the political parties. Following is a brief bio of Mr. Solomon.

Digby A. Solomon renewed his ties to the Virginia Peninsula in February 2007 upon being named president, publisher and chief executive officer of the Daily Press Media Group. The company distributes content across multiple media platforms, including the Daily Press, The Virginia Gazette and the Tidewater Review newspapers, specialty print publications, dailypress.com and affiliated websites, mobile and broadcast.

Before returning to the Daily Press, where he had served two prior tours of duty, Mr. Solomon spent the previous three years as president of Hoy, Tribune Publishing Company’s Spanish-language newspaper, with editions in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Under his leadership, Hoy became the fastest growing Spanish language newspaper in the United States, reaching more than 1.5 million readers. Previously, he served as general manager of the Chicago Tribune’s Internet business and director of electronic media at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Solomon spent eight years at the Daily Press, where he began as a reporter and served stints as an assistant metro editor and business editor before being named director of new media, a role in which he launched the Daily Press’ Internet operations.

Mr. Solomon’s multimedia background also includes roles in television and radio. For six years, he also worked as a Latin American correspondent for United Press International in South America and Puerto Rico.

He holds degrees in journalism and political science from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

The CARMA Luncheon Speaker for Sept. 20, 2018 was
Congressman Rob Wittman

Congressman Rob Wittman Serves Virginia's First Congressional District, which includes most of James City County, and areas both north and south. Speaking to a large group of members the Congressman provided information on many topics, and then answered questions. CARMA thanks the Congressman for his visit.

Congressman Wittman spoke about the efforts to bring high speed internet service to rural areas and why it has such a wide impact on education. The ability for students to do research, to link up with school activities, etc. He then spoke about the need to develop stronger CTE education programs, that allow students to, in lieu of college, find careers in the skilled trades, and in many occupations which do not require a 4 year degree. He stated that 46% of recent college graduates have not been able to find work in their majors.

He spoke about how he wanted Congress to stay in session this past August, since they had not finished work on the appropriations bills, having passed only 6 of 12. He wrote to Speaker Ryan, who would not keep the House in session. He believes, no work, no pay. Back in session now, the House will take up these appropriations, by most likely passing continuing resolutions, which he does not favor. He is hopeful that the military appropriation will stand, which allows 2 air craft carriers to be built simultaneously, and 13 more warships. He is a strong proponent of rebuilding the Navy and equipping all the other services with the technology and equipment they need.

He spoke of the November election...he said voter turnout is absolutely key. Any available time that folks have to call voters, to walk streets, or to aid Republican candidates would be greatly appreciated.

He then responded to questions:

1. Questioned about term limits - He spoke of the committee chairperson term limits, and how they are limited. He also spoke of the general issue, and didn't feel Congress would pass any such restrictions.

2. What happened to the Freedom Caucus and the reporting about the national deficit? He said this has been very quiet and POTUS was working with budget advisors to pay down the debt as fast as reasonable. He advised that of a 4.2 trillion dollar budget, only 1.3 trillion is discretionary.

3. What are your thoughts on the Kavanaugh nomination? He said he supports the open hearings involving Professor Post, but she must be willing to come forward and testify, as will Brett Kavanaugh on the accusations. It is not an FBI matter since no Federal laws havew been broken.

4. What are your opinions about the North Korea movement? He thought it is very positive, but it must continue to move towards more and more healthy relations.

5. Will the War in Afghanistan ever end? He told us this is still a tribal nation, our military advisors are deployed to keep the Taliban from returning, and until there are major changes in the way the country is governed he didn't see and long term hope for change and peace.

6. He was questioned about redistricting. In Virginia, the democrats offered a plan that uprooted 8 sitting delegates, all Republicans, not acceptable. The Republicans have since tendered a plan. He beieves the Supreme Court will eventually resolve this.

7. Asked about the crossover voters in 2016, he said there were anti - Hillary democrats, as well as anti Trump Republicans which has muddled the numbers, and the understanding somewhat. He said they are working on reaching out to Republican voters who are in this crossover category, to try to secure their commitments.

8. Has the morale in the military improved? He replied he believed it has. With support from Washington, and a small pay increase, he believed that the daily life is improving.

9. Immigration, and the Guest Worker Visa program. This is a vital programbut the allowable numbers are set very low. Most companies participate in a lottery to obtain workers. These are LEGAL workers who follow all the rules. He was disappointed that the Goodlatte bill did not pass which would have resolved many of the issues connected with the program.

10. How is your relationship with POTUS? He said he has been up to the Whitehouse on a few occasions. He is very direct, well briefed, and expects everyone to be accountable for their actions and responsibilities.

11. Asked furthwer about skills education programs. He beieves there is an equal level of success between CTE skill/certificate graduates and four year college graduates. He believe it must start in the elementary and middle school years that parents say OK that these two paths are equally OK. He said he thought that career earnings might be equal or more for the CTE students.

Congressman Wittman was thanked for his comments, for visiting CARMA (again) and for providing candid comments.