Letters

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Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

In America we have many gifts of freedom that are taken for granted. The ability to vote for elected officials who represent the people is taken for granted. Included is our freedom to openly communicate not just during campaigns but throughout the government process with the elected officials.

An elected official whether a county supervisor or state delegate has the responsibility to listen to his constituents on issues. Then based upon reviews, research, further consultations and application of personal knowledge and experience, they need to apply all of the facts to further guide our government for the people they represent. Not everyone will be pleased with every decision or result.

I have personally met and discussed many issues with our incumbent supervisor, Sharon Baroncelli, along with our other supervisors, and Del. Todd Gilbert. Although we don't always agree, they listen and we work together and have solid discussions.

They consider all recommendations and make conscientious decisions based upon the facts available for what the county and state need for both today and the future. They each have specific experience to guide our government and yet they have a broad understanding to work with their peers on other current issues that we are faced with.

The key is that they are not focused on only one issue or problem. Issues constantly emerge and must be dealt with. Besides following through with current needs, Sharon and Todd have the capability to deal responsibly with any new issue.

Sharon Baroncelli is an experienced leader who works hard for our county. She respects her constituents, she is a team player and she does the right things for the right reasons. She is very supportive of the big picture for Shenandoah County.

Todd Gilbert has not only the view and concern of the constituents of the 15th District but for Virginia as a whole now and in the future. That is something I respect in both of them.
That is why I'm supporting Sharon Baroncelli and Todd Gilbert on Nov. 3.

Ray Powell
518 Henry Drive
Woodstock
Oct. 20, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Imagine your world when you become older or develop a disability. Imagine how you will travel, shop, clean your house, make financial decisions or retire to a life of independence and dignity. Have you ever thought about how you will get from where you are now to where you will be?

Our leaders are making decisions today that will affect your ability to live independently tomorrow.

Many of us confront these types of choices every day. Thousands of people who are over 55 years of age or who have disabilities experience difficulty in finding public transportation, lack the ability to remain in their homes and communities and struggle daily with basic health-care issues.

All of us must be involved in the process to find leaders who can help us address these challenges and resolve them in a way that integrates our communities together. We need leadership that will work to remove stigmas, prejudices and social barriers that cripple us from becoming the best society that we can be.

Become a part of the solution. Attend a candidates' forum, listen to debates, and most important, go vote.

Changes are coming, We can either let them pass us by or embrace them. Working together, we can make a difference.

Donald K. Price
Executive Director
Access Independence Inc.
324 Hope Drive
Winchester
Oct. 20, 2009
Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Since my previous letter (Aug. 21 issue), I have received one letter by mail and one letter to the editor taking me to task for referring to Chicago's idiot.

The letter by mail called me uncivilized and my writings tasteless. My only excuse is that I have not allowed myself to be brainwashed by MSNBC nor was I dumb enough to vote for Hussein.

In her letter to the editor (Aug. 28 issue), Janet Brome bet that I would not say such things about a "white president." Actually, I first used that statement in regard to Jimmy Carter, and I said a lot worse about Kennedy. I have my prejudices: ignorance and communism, both abundant in this administration.

Ms. Brome asked if I have read the Constitution. With a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, I have studied it. She asked that I cite the specific passage being ignored. There are so many.

Let's just consider the preamble ("establish justice": His attorney general refuses to punish Black Panthers who intimidated voters); "domestic tranquility": All he and his Marxist czars do is to pit one group against another; "common defense": He calls a policeman, who is doing his job, "stupid"; "general welfare": He denied stockholders their rightful share of what was left of Chrysler and ousted the CEO of GM; "blessings of liberty": He has created nothing but confusion over health care, the unfairness doctrine and the placement of leftist czars.

She also questioned my use of VA hospitals, a guarantee I was given upon my first enlistment. My disabilities are service-connected.

Wouldn't it have been wonderful if his mother had remained a virgin?

RON L. ORNDORFF
Senior Master Sergeant
U.S. Air Force, Retired
222 Cool Spring Road
Strasburg
Oct. 16, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Todd Gilbert is obviously panicked about the upcoming election. You can see this whenever he's in the same room as his opponent, Col. John Lesinski.

Gilbert becomes visibly nervous, sweats profusely and turns bright red. I'm not a psychologist, but I find these reactions to be signs of general anxiety.

While Col. Lesinski has been putting forward new ideas for creating jobs and growing our economy, Gilbert continues to spew hateful partisan rhetoric that is as offensive as it is irrelevant.

Recently Col. Lesinski proposed a tax credit for small businesses that employ members of the National Guard and military reserves. This is clearly a good way to help businesses and support our troops.

What was Gilbert's response to an idea to help support our troops?

He attacked Col. Lesinski for not addressing "key issues." Apparently, Todd Gilbert doesn't think supporting our troops is a "key issue" for our district (or anywhere else).
Of course, Gilbert did point out that his campaign manager is a veteran. This might be the only job Todd Gilbert has created for a veteran (or anyone else) during his four years in office.

In the 15th District, there is only one candidate with 26 years of military experience.

There is only one candidate putting forward ideas for getting our economy back on track and bringing jobs back into the district. There is only one candidate with the temperament and wisdom to represent everyone in the 15th District.

That candidate is Col. John Lesinski.

It's time to put a real leader in Richmond. Please cast your vote for John Lesinski on Nov. 3.

Maxine Roles
384 Jewell Hollow Road
Luray
Oct. 20, 2009
Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

I think it's important to clarify some points raised by Del. Todd Gilbert during his campaign against Col. John Lesinski.

He says he's opposed to government spending, but Todd Gilbert receives two government paychecks -- one for being a delegate, the other for being a government lawyer.

He argues that it was fiscally responsible to vote for massive layoffs to teachers, police officers and firefighters, but Todd Gilbert refuses to take even a temporary pay cut of his legislator's salary.

He claims to want to bring jobs into our community, but Todd Gilbert has put forward no legislation to create jobs or improve the economy during his four years in office.

He wants us to believe that he's for lowering taxes, but Todd Gilbert has repeatedly opposed giving tax credits to businesses that put folks back to work.

He claims to be a staunch supporter of the free market, but Todd Gilbert has attacked Col. Lesinski for being a successful capitalist.

He accuses Col. Lesinski of not answering policy questions, but Todd Gilbert refuses to participate in a debate with his opponent.

He says he wants to be our voice in Richmond, but Todd Gilbert has been notoriously bad at responding to the concerns of his constituents.

We're all familiar with politicians who say one thing but do another. It's painfully clear that Todd Gilbert is this type of politician.

With 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, we can be comfortable that John Lesinski is a man of strong leadership and integrity. I believe that Col. Lesinski is the right person to represent our community, and I urge everyone to vote for him on Nov. 3.

Steve Beatty
433 Dearing Road
Huntly
Oct. 20, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

As we consider our choices for District 5 supervisor, I ask that voters tune out the overcharged rhetoric and instead take a close look at each candidate's character and complete record.

Today we live in extraordinary times, both globally and locally. Our nation, our localities and even our families are being tested. During these tough times we need a steady hand. We need experience. We need someone who will listen to our concerns and stand up for us.

Dennis Morris has served our county with distinction for more than 32 years. All the while, his dedication and commitment to the people of this county have never wavered.
Over the past few months I have seen Dennis repeatedly blindsided by vicious smears, dishonest attacks and cowardly whisper campaigns. But every time I've seen Dennis around town, he's always had a smile on his face and a kind word for me. He has shown true grace in the face of his adversaries, and I respect him for it.

Dennis gets things done for us. For more than three decades, Dennis Morris has stood with us through thick and thin. That's why, on Nov. 3, I'm standing with Dennis.

PAUL FRAVEL
29487 Old Valley Pike
Strasburg
Oct. 20, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

The other day in the rain, Rick Brown came knocking on my door asking for my support on Election Day to be the next commissioner of the revenue. I had met Rick before when he ran for commissioner of the revenue is the past. I remember he was barely defeated in a three-way race by Jay Russell.

Rick is running as an Independent because he refused to sign a pledge to the Republican Party to support all Republicans no matter who they were or what they stood for. Several years ago Sen. Warner refused to support Oliver North and Sen. Harry Byrd left the Democratic Party because he was asked to sign the same kind of pledge.

I sincerely believe that Rick will work to get all of the taxes billed correctly, which in turn will help lower all of taxes. This will help low-income families and seniors in these tough times.

No one can question Rick's integrity and courage for deciding to run as an Independent. For this reason I will be voting for Rick Brown on Nov. 3.

I have been a Republican all my life. Because the commissioner's office is suppose to be a nonpartisan job, I feel an independent can do it. I urge all voters to vote for Rick Brown. He will represent all the people of Winchester equally -- Democrats, Republicans and independents.

LOIS WISMER
362 Wood Ave.
Winchester
Oct. 19, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

I have known Rick Brown long enough to know that he cares about the Winchester community.

I personally have worked for a U.S. Fortune 500 corporation in the computer field overseeing critical computer information and securing data of computer files. I know the importance of maintaining correct data and security of business files.

I have looked at the commoner of the revenue job and its requirements, which would require someone with a high level of integrity and keen eye on security to protect and safeguard the personal information of the citizens of Winchester in the commissioner's office.

Rick Brown has demonstrated a high level of integrity of financial awareness as serving as the current treasurer of the United Way of the Winchester area.

Rick would have also had to meet with a high level of security clearance to be able to work in Richmond for the governors for the Virginia Business Financial Authority.

For this reason I ask every citizen to vote for Rick Brown to be our next commissioner of the revenue. He will protect our private information in the commissioner of the revenue office. Rick will make this his full-time job.

B.T. Baltimore
2634 Stoneridge Road
Winchester
Oct. 20, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

I have always been very thankful to have Dennis Morris as my supervisor.

Dennis has always been a tireless advocate for our county's education system. He has worked closely with the School Board and teachers alike to ensure that our young people get the best education that we can provide for them. Many of my friends in the teaching community feel the same way. They are grateful for Dennis' devotion to the families and children of our community.

We need his leadership and experience to guide us through these tough times. I will be supporting Dennis Morris for District 5 supervisor on Nov. 3.

KAREN P. GNEGY
80 Pine Grove Road
Strasburg
Oct. 20, 2009

Election letters

Wednesday at 4 p.m. is the deadline to ensure publication of letters about the Nov. 3 election.

Letters that arrive later will be published if space permits. No election-related letters, however, will be printed on Election Day.

Letters must not exceed 350 words and must be signed and include the writer's complete address and telephone number. The phone number, which is for verification, will not be published. Only one letter per writer is published within a 30-day period.

Letters can be e-mailed to jhoran@nvdaily.com or jhoran@shentel.net. E-mailed letters do not have to be signed, but a phone number is necessary for verification. Letters can also be mailed or dropped off at a Daily office, but e-mailed letters are processed faster.