To our state representatives: While you are in Richmond for the 2006 General Assembly, we ask that you not forget a few things.

First and foremost, do not forget who sent you there. You won your seat in Richmond because we, the tax-paying voters, put you there. And we did that because there isn’t enough room in the assembly hall for all of us to be in attendance and make the decisions that will affect us for years to come. You are our voice(s) and we hope you will speak for us when you do speak at all.

Secondly, you hold a very important position in our government. And with that position comes a great deal of responsibility, particularly when it comes to spending our money. Most of us are not extravagant spenders in our homes, so we expect nothing less from you.

When you do decide to support a spending bill, make sure you are using our dollars wisely. Because if you don’t, we will be forced to find somebody who will the next time.

And if you drove to Richmond, which we believe many of you did, we hope you took some time to look around during the trip n especially if you found yourself in one of our famous Hampton Roads or Northern Virginia traffic snarls. Were you paying attention?

You will most likely have an opportunity to address these unpopular gridlocks during your 60 days in Richmond n or at least we hope you do.

Don’t waffle on this. You are either part of the solution or part of the problem.

And when it comes up for discussion, remember your drive and how frustrated you must have been.

And when it comes time to vote on solving our transportation issues, think them through and educate yourself on both sides of the issues before you cast that all-important ballot.

Once again, remember those of us you left behind and how we are still dealing with those same traffic nightmares day-in and day-out.

You have embarked on a very important odyssey and we wish you well. We also hope to hear back from you often to let us all know how things are going and how our money is doing.