Letters

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

As someone who has spent much of my career working in politics at the regional, state and national level, I have never felt the need to write a letter to the editor on behalf of a candidate for whom I worked. Until now.

I understand that politics is a full-contact sport; I have delivered a few licks in my day, and along the way I've been on the receiving end of a few jabs, as well. That's just how the game is played. But this campaign has been shockingly different.

The manner in which Democrat John Lesinski has willfully lied during this campaign so he can get ahead is truly shameful. On two separate occasions, Lesinski has accused Del. Gilbert of "stealing" from him. Pressed for a shred of evidence to back up his bogus claims, Lesinski demurs, simply churning out more dishonest attacks.

Lesinski is an ex-Marine reservist and often advertises that he served "in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom" (it's right there on his Web site, if you care to look). To be very clear, Lesinski never served a day in Iraq. The closest he has come to combat action was in his air-conditioned office in Washington D.C.

As a wounded Iraq war veteran who served two tours in Iraq as a Marine, I take exception to opportunists like Lesinski who embellish their military service record for political gain. I feel obligated to set the record straight on behalf of my generation of warriors who actually have served -- and continue to serve -- honorably in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Todd Gilbert, like all of us, isn't perfect. But at his core, he is an honest man who says what he means and means what he says. It has been an honor to work with such a principled, effective leader.

Del. Gilbert should be commended for running a campaign of such integrity and substance. Todd has always put his principles above any kind of political gamesmanship. It's a shame that I cannot say the same for his opponent.

Wade Zirkle
Campaign Manager
Gilbert for Delegate
291 Belgravia Road
Edinburg
Oct. 27, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Over the past few weeks, my campaign has been the target of increasingly dishonest and desperate attacks by my Democratic opponent. My mother always said that if you can't say something positive about someone, its best to say nothing at all, so I will refrain.

I have instead worked to focus my campaign on the issues that are important to the people of the 15th District. On Nov. 3, as voters head to the polls, I ask you to consider my leadership record in Richmond.

Last spring I was one of only a handful of delegates to vote "no" on bailing out Virginia's reckless spending habits with so-called federal "stimulus" money that is bankrupting our country.

I have always stood firm against new and higher taxes, knowing full well that the best way to grow our economy is with less taxes and less government intrusion into the pocketbooks of our families and small businesses.

I passed legislation that keeps illegal aliens who commit crimes behind bars before trial, instead of roaming our communities. I have fought hard to uphold traditional family values by co-sponsoring legislation that ensures marriage is between one man and one woman. I have fought to defend our Second Amendment rights. And I have helped preserve our rural way of life by actively supporting policies that protect farmland and green space.

I am proud of what we have accomplished in Richmond, and I ask that you visit my Web site, www.

delegatetoddgilbert.com, to view a complete list of what I have accomplished with your support and where I stand on the issues.

It has been a privilege and an honor to serve the people of Virginia's 15th District. When I first ran for the Virginia House of Delegates four years ago, I promised voters that I would stand up for our shared values in Richmond. I am proud to say that I have been exactly the representative I said I was going to be. It with this in mind that I humbly ask for your vote on Nov. 3.

Todd Gilbert
132 N. Main St.
Woodstock
Oct. 27, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Mr. President, we are less then a few days away from fundamentally changing the direction of this country. The president of the United States issued a call similar to mine when it was five days away from the presidential election of 2008.

Well, Mr. President, you've had your chance to make your case and we have rejected your attempts to "fundamentally" change the direction of this country.

On Nov. 3 this commonwealth will gather together in unity to exercise our constitutional right to vote. We shall vote to either accept or to reject President Obama's policies. Despite the attempts by the federal government to cripple our energy sources and to cripple our jobs market and our health-care system, Bob McDonnell will rise up and take Virginia with him as he begins the process of putting this commonwealth back on track. Bob McDonnell will have much work to do in order to fix the damage caused by the failed policies of the Tim Kaine administration.

Bob McDonnell will make bringing jobs and opportunity to every region of Virginia his top priority.

Education is also a top priority of Bob McDonnell.

Bob McDonnell will set realistic goals concerning the energy crisis by first drilling for domestic oil and natural gas and using our coal resources in an environmentally safe manner. Then he will begin the process of responsibly of generating new forms of energy such as wind, solar and other renewable energy that will bring new jobs to the commonwealth.

Unlike Sen. Deeds, Bob McDonnell has a transportation plan now and it is easily available on the Web at www.bobmcdonnell.com for us to read and evaluate.

Bob McDonnell has proven that he is willing to look beyond the partisan politics and look to the future. This year's election promises to be historic and will send a clear message to Washington D.C., that change is coming. And only with Bob McDonnell at the helm will this change be able to take place.

Tim Ratigan
324 W. 10th St.
Front Royal
Oct. 27, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

I am writing today in support of the re-election of Del. Clay Athey on Nov. 3.

I am supporting Clay, in part, because he has advocated public policies that benefit all of his constituents equally. Most fair-minded people agree that he has not promoted a partisan political agenda that would divide the people he represents along party lines.

In his role as House policy chairman, Clay has always been interested in good ideas that can be implemented at the state level to help all Virginians regardless of party affiliation. I believe that is why Clay received endorsement for re-election from various groups across the political spectrum, including the National Federation of Independent Business, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, the National Rifle Association and the Virginia Farm Bureau, to name a few. They endorsed Athey because he believes that the interests of small businesses, working farms, historic battlefields and the scenic vistas that make the Northern Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley unique can all be advanced by working together across party lines.

Clay Athey has not been afraid to oppose his party when he thought it was wrong or when the party's position didn't benefit the constituents of his beloved 18th District, which he has called "the most beautiful Legislative district in Virginia."

While working in cooperation with our local elected officials on most occasions, Clay has also been willing to publicly state his opposition to a local policy when he thinks it hurts local residents and the businesses that create their jobs.

Clay Athey was also a lone voice in Richmond standing up to Dominion Power's huge power lines when other politicians accepted their political contributions and allowed Dominion to desecrate our beautiful scenic vistas with their huge power lines.

For these reasons and many others, we should all vote, regardless of our party, to re-elect Clay Athey as our delegate.

RONNIE MADAGAN
120 West St.
Stephens City
Oct. 25, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Many people know that I was born in Winchester. And that I have volunteered for more than 20 years to the nonprofit community.

I have served both Govs. Gilmore and Warner on the Virginia Financial Authority Board. This was one of the reasons why I decision to run as an independent for commissioner of the revenue.

These are difficult times for nations, state and the city of Winchester. I feel my strong ties to Richmond could be an advantage to the city if I were elected as an Independent. In additional to my duties as the next commissioner of the revenue, I could use my contacts with the Virginia Financial Authority Board and the new governor.

As an independent I could asks the new governor to help the city of Winchester. If he were to help an independent requesting more resources to Winchester, he would be viewed as neutral.

As your commissioner of the revenue, my duties and responsibilities are governed by the laws and Constitution of Virginia. The primary job is to make such that all real estate assessments, business licenses and personal property taxes are keep up to date. The commissioner of the revenue does not set tax rate; these are set by Winchester City Council.

As your commissioner my goal is to make sure all real estate assessments will be recorded properly, I will make sure that all vehicles are properly assessed and I will make sure that all of the meals taxes are properly accounted for.

I promise the citizens that I will make this my only job. The commissioner of the revenue job is full time. It requires a commissioner to be in the office 52 weeks a year. It is 40-plus hours a week and it needs to be the commissioner's only job.

Rick Brown
1025 Armistead St.
Winchester
Oct. 20, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Let me begin by saying something that was told me many years ago and it took a long time to sink in: "The faults we see in others are always our own shortcomings." In other words, what we don't like in other people is usually things we do ourselves.

Also an old but very wise man from Philadelphia said something that makes a lot of sense to me now and this was also many years ago: If you accuse an honest man of doing something dishonest, he will not go on the defensive and get angry, but if you call a thief a thief, he will get angry and try to defend himself.

I try hard not to criticize the person but to take issue with the policy of that person, but in this case it is hard to do. I'm speaking of the criticism of Dennis Morris.

The November election is drawing near and we need to make the best choice, both on the local as well as the state level.

On the local level, having worked closely with Sharon Baroncelli through the American Red Cross, I have no doubt she will do best for Shenandoah County. I asked her why she put herself through this kind of adversity and her reply was, "I want to give back to the county." This is dedication, my friend.

As far as Dennis Morris is concerned, I strongly believe he is also a dedicated person who does his best for his fellow citizens. Look at the way Dennis handles the things his opponent throws at him and his neighbor wrote about him.

I refer to the opening paragraph in this letter. No, I'm not calling anyone a thief or accusing anyone of being dishonest. Just look at the way Dennis handles controversy as opposed to his opponent.

On the state level do we want to continue down the same path? As the unemployed.

EARL M. CUTLIP
3094 Oranda Road
Strasburg
Oct. 19, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Jim Fitzsimmons is running for the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors from District 4 in this November election.

I served with Jim on the Shenandoah County School Board for many years and found him to be a man of integrity, a man who had our children's interest at heart and a man who did his homework and was prepared.

I'm sure if elected to our Board of Supervisors on Nov. 3, you will find Jim to be the same person I knew and served with on the School Board. He will have his district constituents at heart and will serve them well.

C.J. Borden
71 Ruth Court
Strasburg
Oct. 22, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

The November election approaches and the citizens of District 4 in Shenandoah County are faced with an important decision as to who will represent them for the next four years. It's an important decision, but the choice is clear: Sharon Baroncelli is that person.

Over the past four years Sharon has worked tirelessly and diligently for the people of Shenandoah County. She has demonstrated leadership in doing what's right for the future of our county.

Before Sharon makes any decision, she will look at the facts presented and listen to the citizens for their input. The decisions made may not be the most popular in the short term, but they will prove to be in the best interests of our citizens in the long term. Sharon will not make empty promises just to get elected. She is a straight shooter.

One quality that Sharon has exhibited during the past four years is her accessibility and readiness to discuss the issues with her constituents. She works in downtown Woodstock, she attends many events in the community, her phone number is in the book. She has been a visible and a viable member of this community, both politically as well as professionally.

I do not wish to disparage the other candidates, but where have they been the last four years? Are they accessible to you? Are they a single-issue candidate?

We are still facing tough economic times on the national, state and local levels. We need qualified people to lead our county.

As stated at the beginning, the choice is clear. We need the experienced leadership of our Republican incumbent. On Nov. 3, I urge all voters to cast their ballots for Sharon Baroncelli.

Sue Hughes
President
Shenandoah County
Republican Women
P.O. Box 702
Woodstock
Oct. 19, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Recently Mark Prince, candidate for District 5 supervisor, circulated some information regarding REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) and the "what if?" possibility of that company's locating here in Shenandoah County.

He put quite a spin on it. He would have you believe that our county officials (namely, Dennis Morris) didn't do their jobs and allowed that opportunity to slip right through our hands.

What he neglected to disclose was the fact that it was he who single-handedly (or should I say underhandedly) destroyed that opportunity. Prince placed phone calls to REI and supplied them with false and twisted information. Soon after, REI decided to locate elsewhere.

Recreational Equipment Inc. specializes in high-quality hiking and camping supplies. The potential tax base this company could have brought to the county was an estimated $39 million. This company had the potential to produce approximately 220 new jobs, positions which no doubt could have been filled by county residents, at an estimated hourly rate of $13. Prince did not consider that "real money."

How can anyone consider voting for a man who insists on honesty but bends the rules to benefit himself? How can anyone consider voting for a man who demands transparency, yet neglects to tell the whole truth?

I don't want a supervisor who talks a big game. I want a supervisor who has my family's best interest at heart. Dennis Morris works hard for us. He gets results.

Teddy Roosevelt once said, "The man who really counts in the world is the doer, not the mere critic. The man who actually does the work, even if roughly or imperfectly, not the man who only talks or writes about how it ought to be done."

Dennis has always been what Teddy Roosevelt simply called a "doer". If you want a show horse, vote for someone else. If you want a work horse, vote for Dennis. He gets things done. That's why I will vote to re-elect Dennis Morris for District 5 supervisor.

JIM GILLENWATER
31 Cattle Lane
Toms Brook
Oct. 28, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

I am an employee of the Shenandoah County Public Schools. I have driven a bus for more than 20 years.

Evelyn "Porky" Burner is my sister. Regardless of our relationship, I am still a tax-paying citizen of Shenandoah County. This is why I am writing a letter.

I would like to know why Karen Whetzel spent more than $43,000 on landscaping at Stonewall Jackson High School.

If it costs $1,000 or more, it is to be brought before the central office and if it is $999.99 or less, it does not have to be brought before the central office. All invoices for the landscaping at Stonewall Jackson High School were for $999.95 or less with multiple invoices dated for the same day -- all less than $1,000, all from the same landscaping company.

I would like to know why this project was not put out for bids.

I would like to know how she could do this with all the budget-cutting that has been done for the last couple of years.

I would like to know why our ag or horticulture class could not have helped with this.

ILA L. RYAN
9622 John Sevier Road
New Market
Oct. 29, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Time after time we have heard President Obama and his administration complain about having to clean up the mess they inherited.

To begin with, they did not "inherit" anything. They ran for the office and won on a platform of "hope," "change" and "yes, we can."

Nine months after they took office, they are still hoping that things will change for the better, but more and more we are coming to the realization that no matter how much we hope, Obama and his administration cannot change conditions for the better the way they are going about it now.

It is time for President Obama and his administration to stop blaming present conditions on the past administration and start delivering on the promises that got them into office.

Howard Fenton
435 Indian Spring Road
Woodstock
Oct. 22, 2009