Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli discussed electric rates and federal cap and trade legislation during a town hall meeting Thursday afternoon in Rocky Mount. He also defended his visit against criticism he was pursuing a political agenda rather than official state business.
Speaking to a friendly crowd at the Franklin Center, Cuccinelli spent most of the session explaining the factors behind recent increases in the cost of electricity. He also warned that federal cap and trade legislation will drive customers' bills much higher.
He fielded comments from a half dozen speakers, including Doug Bassett, the Chief Operating Officer of Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Company in Galax. Bassett told Cuccinelli he shares concerns about cap and trade legislation, but said it is current state law that has allowed his electric rates to climb 47 percent in three years.
One speaker criticized Cuccinelli for a meeting he said had "political overtones." He questioned the cost of the visit, and the lawsuits Cuccinelli has filed against the federal government and the University of Virginia.Cuccinelli defended his priorities saying no one should be surprised by his agenda. "I said I was going to do exactly what I'm doing," Cuccinelli told the crowd.
