Some Augusta County residents recently attended a town hall meeting and asked legislators to protect the area from budget cuts, according to The News Leaders.

The residents were concerned about budget cuts affecting transportation, education, public health and Gov. Tim Kaine's recommendation to shut down the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents.

Del. Steve Landes, R-Weyers Cave, will host two other town hall meetings for the 25th District: Saturday 9-10:30 a.m. at the Elkton Area Community Center, and noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Crozet Public Library.

Landes also encouraged residents to attend one of the public hearing the state is hosting to get input on the budget. The closest meeting to the area will be conducted at noon Thursday at Grafton-Stovall Theatre at James Madison University.

"Local residents questioned state spending priorities during a town hall meeting Tuesday and asked legislators to shelter this area as much as possible from budget cuts.

More than 65 people attended the session hosted by Del. Steve Landes, R-Weyers Cave, at Augusta County's Government Center to discuss proposed state cuts and the upcoming General Assembly session, which convenes next week. Residents voiced opinions supporting a range of budget priorities, including mental health, public education and transportation projects."

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