Virginia gubernatorial candidate Sen. Creigh Deeds announced on April 20, 2009, that he's committed to the development of Fort Monroe as a national park. Below is the relevant transcript excerpt from the audio available at the Web site of "HearSay," Cathy Lewis's noontime civic affairs talk show on WHRV 89.5 FM, one of Norfolk's public broadcasting stations.

 

This is what the senator was reaffirming on Sept. 5 when he said, "A national park is the best way to go -- it's just a question of how we do it." Back on April 20, Sen. Deeds was preparing to face two other Democrats in a June primary. The 65-second excerpt transcribed below begins at about time 45:45 on the audio timeline at the "HearSay" site. Louis Guy is president of the Norfolk Historical Society and a co-founder of Citizens for a Fort Monroe National Park (CFMNP.org).

Transcript:

Louis Guy: Sen. Deeds, thank you very much for your comments. The next governor will be in the driver's seat as to what happens to Fort Monroe, and the 570 acres there are an incredible opportunity for our region and also for the nation that it be done right. Your appointments will make the difference and whether or not you can help, use your influence to get the National Park Service to be heavily involved in this wonderful waterfront facility.

Sen. Deeds: Thank you Louis. I'm committed to the development of that property as a national park. Frankly, Fort Monroe has historic significance not just to Virginia but to the United States, the many aspects there -- and historic tourists spend more money on average than any other tourists.

Cathy Lewis: So you are committed to the national park concept?

Sen. Deeds: I am -- committed to the national park.

(Home)