The GOP plan would reward states for reducing the number of uninsured, limit damages in medical malpractice lawsuits and allow small businesses to band together to buy insurance exempt from most state regulation.

Unlike the House Democrats' plan, the Republicans wouldn't require people to buy insurance or employers to offer it. They also envision no expansion of Medicaid or subsidies to help lower-income people purchase insurance. Neither would they bar insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions.

The Republican initiative is certainly cheaper than the Democrats' plans, which over 10 years carry price tags of around $900 billion, although offset by savings and new revenue. But the GOP plan makes virtually no dent in the number of Americans without insurance. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that after 10 years 17 percent of the non-elderly population -- about 52 million people -- would lack coverage.

In addition, while the CBO validated Republican claims of lower insurance premiums, the reductions vary depending on whether people get coverage through small or large businesses or buy it themselves. And the lower rates are averages, which suggests a big difference in what the healthy and less healthy would pay. By weakening requirements that insurance cover certain services, the cheapest policies under the Republican plan won't cover much.

While Americans satisfied with the status quo should welcome the GOP plan, the current system, with its millions uninsured, which shifts medical costs onto the insured, and its emphasis on fees for service, which encourages unnecessary and expensive procedures, is unsustainable and demands the substantive change Democrats advocate.

Though a staunch social conservative as a legislator and, to a lesser degree, as attorney general, McDonnell seldom broached such distractions on the hustings, concentrating instead on jobs, transportation and schools. And he stuck to his message with a practiced unflappability and genial disposition that exuded confidence.

McDonnell's poise was in blatant contrast to Creigh Deeds, his Democratic opponent. The senator from Bath County struggled to connect with voters in Northern Virginia, the mother lode for successful Democratic candidates in the Old Dominion. Despite a strong boost from The Washington Post's editorial page, Deeds was vague about solutions to the region's traffic congestion before finally endorsing higher transportation taxes, a stance that bombed in other parts of the Old Dominion.

Rather than articulating a positive vision of a Deeds administration, the Democrat seized on McDonnell's old master's thesis, which espoused old-fashioned social conventions mostly disavowed by McDonnell, as proof of his foe's cloaked radical persona. Deeds' harping left him with an image as a negative campaigner.

Deeds was also ambivalent about President Obama, whose ambitious agenda has rankled Virginians but whose young supporters, so crucial to his carrying Virginia in last year's presidential election, Deeds needed. Most of them stayed home Tuesday while the Republican base flocked to the polls.

McDonnell's victory and the defeat of Democratic Gov. John Corzine in New Jersey buoy the GOP faithful, who nevertheless remain deeply divided over the direction of the party. McDonnell's winning strategy belies the mantra of GOP purists.

The skills McDonnell displayed on the campaign trail must now be transferred to the more onerous task of governing and fulfilling those campaign pledges in an inhospitable economy.

Sir:

H.R. 45 -- another czarist approach to socializing government. The bill is really about guns or no guns. If this legislation becomes law, we will all be adversely affected.

Listen to the language. The sponsor uses the term "trafficking in firearms," throughout the bill. Benign? I think not. Just listen to the evening news. "Today, law enforcement officials arrested, Bla for trafficking" in stolen cars, prostitution, illegal drugs, etc. We don't say trafficking in milk or chain saws.

Why do they want to put a criminal taint on the legal sale of firearms. The bill states that the government feels it must control the "trafficking" between dealer and citizens (not criminals) and between citizens and citizens.

The fact is that the real data about gun violence will not support legitimate efforts to modify or abolish our Second Amendment rights. The legislation also has language to pursue unwarranted searches of our homes, a protection found in the Fourth Amendment.

This legislation is giving the attorney general unprecedented latitude to decide what a violation of the act is. Insidious creep.

Strong language in the bill reflects its dangerous intent.

You're going to pay fees on guns that you have already paid taxes on. They want to retro a tax on guns you bought up to two years ago. This county has long taught hunting and shooting sports to our children.

Professor Bellesile is wrong. This act will forbid you from so much as showing a gun to a young person under the age of 18. And the criminal penalties, daunting. You will need a license to by a gun and to sell a gun. The U.S. government will have to approve every transaction.

And when you make application to the feds for your license, you will have to provide a signature releasing your medical records. And after all of this, the attorney general, at his discretion, may inspect how you store that gun. I don't know about you, but mine are stored in "my house"

Read it, folks. Call your representatives. Remind them that you vote.

JOHN R. AUSTIN
308 Dragoon Court
Cross Junction
Oct. 15, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Craig D'Angelo, a police officer trying to supplement his family's income, saw an ad on TV for owning his own lucrative high-tech business and dialed the 800 number on the screen.

Jim Vitale, the telemarketer on the other end of the phone, told D'Angelo how he could hop on the cusp of a business revolution, owning and operating Internet kiosks. D'Angelo took out a second mortgage on his house, bought two machines, set up the terminals and started his business.

Vitale was making $50,000 in one month -- but not from the business he was luring D'Angelo into. He was profiting off the bogus pitches themselves, selling products to unsuspecting victims.

The two men are featured in a Web video from the Federal Trade Commission, warning consumers about business opportunity scams.

Virginia has a Business Opportunity Sales Act. The statute provides criminal penalties for violations which are enforceable by the local commonwealth's attorneys. The statute also provides for private rights of action for injured parties.

To avoid business opportunity scams:

• Resist the urge to make hurried decisions.

• Get real in-person references, not fake ones that may be in cahoots with the fraudster.

• Obtain disclosure documents and earnings claims.

• See the set-up. Don't just take someone's word for it over the phone.

• Don't just take a business rating's word for it. For instance, the company that D'Angelo was suckered into had no complaints filed against them with the Better Business Bureau.

"The best advice I can give anyone considering a business opportunity over the phone," Vitale says now, is to be quick to say "no" and slow to say "yes."

Every year thousands of people lose millions of their hard-earned dollars to con artists selling fraudulent business opportunities. If you fear you have been scammed, contact the FTC at (877) FTC-HELP or www.ftc.gov.

BILL MIMS
Attorney General
900 E. Main St.
Richmond
Oct. 1, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

In the article "State seeks $300 million to improve rail, remove trucks from Interstate 81" (Oct. 14 issue), no mention is made of Rail Solution's vision to remove trucks from the same Interstate but on a much broader scale.

Rail Solution is an organization of residents and communities in the I-81 corridor whose goal is the removal of not 15 percent, as the article states, but 60 percent of long-haul trucks running between Harrisburg, Pa., and Knoxville, Tenn.

To date 53 governmental organizations in the Virginia-Tennessee I-81 corridor, including Shenandoah and Warren counties, have endorsed the Rail Solution plan of action.

The goal is achievable by means of roll-on/roll-off technology that is capable of accommodating any tractor-trailer combination. Here the driver guides his vehicle onto waiting flatbed rail cars easily modified for the purpose. Once secured, the driver goes to a car at the rear of the train for relaxation and required rest, thereby removing the threat of accidents due to fatigue. At the conclusion of the journey rig and driver exit the train together.

The simple, practical and elegant beauty of this system is that, among other advantages, it is cost and time competitive with vehicles on the road and demands far less loading and unloading space than massive port and inland terminals now in use or contemplated for the future.

It also allows for shorter trains to be run at much higher speeds, especially as track improvements are made and grade crossings eliminated. And the cost of putting such a system in place is less expensive than VDOT's active plan of widening I-81 with all the delays, congestion and pollution such widening will cause.

Rail Solution is seeking federal funding for a $2 million study that will demonstrate the value of what is known as the "Steel Interstate." Rep. Rick Boucher of Virginia's 9th Congressional District has indicated his strong desire to push for such funding provided the request for it comes through the Virginia Secretary of Transportation. To date no such request has been made.

It's anyone's guess as to why this has not been forthcoming.

Walter D. Clark
Treasurer
Rail Solution
P.O. Box 2
Maurertown
Oct. 18, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

There's good news and bad, Gene Rigelon Good news: Worldwide depopulation is in high gear. Bad news: Americans are just as expendable as Third Worlders.

While America's puppet, the U.N., gave awards to Indian officials who "encouraged" depopulation by bulldozing shanty towns and forcing the poor to undergo sterilization if they wished to have another place to live (1984), more finesse is used here.

Here women are enticed into believing that a two-bit career in the Wacky Widget Corp. has much deeper meaning than raising the next generation of human beings. Poor men, without the responsibilities marriage imposes, just seem to wallow in perpetual adolescence. Their morals, corrupted in government schools (sex ed), mean marriage offers no special incentives anyway. Most who do marry typically break up. Result: more abortions, fewer children and messed-up kids from broken homes.

Apparently, social engineering didn't produce enough depopulation because the government resorted to fluoridating water systems. What isn't widely revealed is that fluoride is a poison derived from aluminum refining, not a cavity fighter. Isn't it rather bizarre the way officials today can predict the number of future Alzheimer's cases, for a disease that was almost unheard of 40 years ago?

Chemtrails are regularly spewed into the skies above Front Royal by the U.S. Air Force. Chemtrails contain barium salts, aluminum salts, fungi and the fibrous filaments that cause Morgellons disease. This program -- a combo weather control, population control, enemy control scheme costing trillions -- has been polluting America's air since 1999. It caused respiratory death statistics to shoot from No. 8 (1999) to almost No. 3 (2004). Impressive. It has links to cancer, asthma and heart disease too.

Finally, we get to Frankenstein: Monsanto and its genetically modified foods, which kill animals (fast). But don't worry. Monsanto's friends at the FDA assure us these Frankenfoods are fine for humans and require no warning label on the thousands of GMO products (lest people avoid them?).

So eat, drink, breathe and be merry, for tomorrow we die, Gene, guaranteed so if we turn our "health" care over to the very people who want us dead.

Sandra O'Gorman
203 Lee St.
Front Royal
Oct. 19, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

My thanks to Richard Kapf of Winchester for his wonderful letter on Jody Bradley (Oct. 10 issue).

You said in your letter what a lot of us have been thinking since the tragedy happened. You did an excellent job on your write-up.

BETTY F. STULTZ
3549 St. Luke Road
Woodstock
Oct. 15, 2009

The first round in August, which Karzai won, was so tainted by corruption and irregularities that he was pressured by the international community into agreeing to a runoff. But that fell through when the challenger, Abdullah Abdullah, withdrew, convinced that the new election would also be unfair.

The Obama administration, which had touted the election as a sign of progress in a war-torn land deemed crucial to American security in the campaign against Islamic terrorism, is now stuck with Karzai, a slim reed at best but now perhaps fatally tarnished.

Obama, who has been wrestling with a new military strategy in Afghanistan, admonished Karzai to "move boldly and forcefully forward" with reforms to curb rampant corruption and the drug trade that fuel the Taliban insurgency.

Whether Karzai is so inclined is doubtful, however. Since being installed as president after the rout of the Taliban in 2001, he's turned a blind eye to corruption -- his brother and one of his running mates have been implicated in the opium trade and he reinstated a warlord accused of war crimes -- and has achieved little progress in improving the livelihood and security of his people.

While Obama augmented U.S. forces by 21,000 to "secure the election," his Afghanistan commander, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, is seeking an additional 40,000 troops to wage a counter-insurgency campaign, which smacks of "nation-building." But such an enterprise is doomed without a reliable partner government in Kabul.

Unless Karzai undergoes a swift leadership conversion, the U.S. needs to lower its sights and rethink its Afghan strategy. The Karzai we've come to know isn't worth more American money and blood.

Sir:

Who knows where Dennis Morris stands?

He openly supported preservation of the old Shenandoah County Courthouse but at the last minute voted for a costly new one, doing so without regard to his constituents or the troubled economic times.

He wholeheartedly gave his endorsement for a regional jail -- even calling for its construction west of Toms Brook -- then voted against it. The record indicates his silence at the board meeting when the regional jail was approved and there is nothing to indicate that he attempted to bring other supervisors along to his newly acquired point of view. Is this politically expedient or what?

He claims that he is renewed and energized by his exaggerated number of precinct meetings but conveniently hides behind a frivolous lawsuit in order to smother public debate and stifle questions.

On Nov. 3, the voters in District 5 can write a much-needed headline for this newspaper. Let's hope it reads that the Dennis Morris song and dance has come to an end.

LARRY E. VANCE
48 Mountain View Drive
Maurertown
Oct. 21, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Yes, I'm going with Bob McDonnell. Creigh Deeds has tried to use his paper against him, but I feel that, if anything, it helped him.

Not only is he for Christianity, he also has ideas to help get us out of the mess that two Democrats got us into. To bring to memory the closing of most, if not all, rest areas in the state. And all the people who lost jobs because of the closings.

He has shown that he knows how to help our wonderful state of Virginia come back to the right side as well as help bring us back to were we were.

Rick Randall
204 Wolf Gap Road
Edinburg
Oct. 29, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

In his letter (Oct. 30 issue) Todd Gilbert says his mother told him to say nothing about someone if he can't say something positive.

Does anyone else remember him calling Mr. Obama a communist and a nazi?

Todd, you're not listening to momma.

Jay Sperry
5923 Gospel St.
Mt. Jackson
Oct. 30, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Several months ago, I decided to run for the House of Delegates in the 15th District which includes all of Shenandoah, Page and Rappahannock counties and part of Rockingham County.

I had never run for elected office before, but I realized that my experience, temperament and background allow me to be a strong advocate for our community. Public service has always been important in my family, and this played into my decision to join the U.S. Marine Corps nearly 30 years ago.

In the Marine Corps, there aren't Republicans and there aren't Democrats. There are only Americans, working every day to keep America strong. This is the attitude that I want to bring to the House of Delegates -- a desire to keep Virginia strong and prosperous, regardless of party platforms.

If elected, my primary objective will be to create jobs and grow the economy. The 15th District has the worst unemployment rate in the Valley and among the worst unemployment rates in Virginia. Over the course of my campaign, I have presented voters with a variety of specific plans that will get folks back to work and put our economy back on track.

My ideas include tax credits to small businesses, additional incentives for new or expanding businesses and a renewed focus on improving our local railroad system. I recently put out a video outlining my economic plans, which can be found on my Web site: www.JohnForDelegate.com.

Perhaps more important than my specific economic plan is my core belief that our community needs a pro-active leader in Richmond. Instead of huffing and puffing about extremist ideologies, we need practical advocates who are more concerned about the well-being of their constituents than advancing the political agenda of one party or another.

I believe that good ideas come from both sides of the aisle, and the best solutions are found when everyone has a seat at the table. If you agree, then please vote for me on Nov. 3.

John Lesinski
Friends of John Lesinski
P.O. Box 466
Luray
Oct. 30, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

For the last several months, I have worked closely with John Lesinski to run a campaign that focuses on critical issues facing the Shenandoah Valley. I have seen John put out bold new ideas for creating jobs and putting people back to work, including a 21-page economic plan. I saw him take on Allegheny Power for its frequent and excessive rate increases.

All the while, John has been working harder than anyone I have ever seen because he believes the Valley needs an advocate and a public servant in Richmond. That's not what we have in Todd Gilbert.

For each idea that John has put forward, Gilbert has responded with negativity, accusations and insults. The Gilbert campaign has even gone so far as to openly attack John's military service, using insulting terms such as "ex-Marine" (all Marines know the proper term is "former Marine") and insinuating that our citizen-soldier Reserve forces are second-class.

Perhaps I wouldn't be so offended if Gilbert had any ideas of his own, but he doesn't. Todd Gilbert prefers to stand on the sidelines, spewing partisan hatred, rather than working toward real solutions for people like you and me. We've seen this in Gilbert's campaign and during his four years in office.

So, while I'm disappointed in the actions of Gilbert's campaign over the last few weeks, I'm not particularly surprised. Gilbert obtained confidential information about our campaign, posted the information on his Facebook page and gloated about it with great pride. It was absolutely unethical and inappropriate to use information that he was not supposed to have. Perhaps this is "politics as usual," but that doesn't make it right.

This week, John asked Gilbert for two basic things: an apology for using information that wasn't his and a disclosure of who gave him the information. These are reasonable requests.

How did the Gilbert campaign respond? Negativity, accusations and insults.

Am I surprised? No, but I'm disappointed. And you should be too.

Vote John Lesinski for delegate on Nov. 3.

Camron Gorguinpour
Campaign Manager
John Lesinski for Delegate
5 S. Broad St.
Luray
Oct. 30, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Each cemetery has different rules for what arrangements are allowed, and eventually abandoned plants, faded artificial flowers or loose bouquets will be removed (not the ones placed on top of the tombstone) Especially after the various holidays, cemetery crews remove these items because of the hazard to mowers.

But in this case that isn't so.

My mother's companion of 30 years passed away 14 months ago. Every occasion my family places flowers and or ornaments on the grave at Riverview Cemetery in Strasburg, then makes sure it is secured to the ground so the wind doesn't blow it away.

We often make visits to the cemetery to check the flowers, but they were gone. This is the third incident that this has happened.

Which led to the conclusion that someone has/is taking these.

This is disgusting. This has been happening far too often. We put flowers and ornaments on the grave and they go missing. If you ask me, it takes one sick-in-the-head person to do something like this. Where are the morals?

I hope that whoever is doing this one day gets a taste of his own medicine. What goes around comes around. (Shame on you.)

Flowers placed on a grave are in remembrance who's not forgotten.

PAMELA STICKLeY
160 Falcon Trail
Winchester
Oct. 15, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

It amazes me that your newspaper can give full coverage to the gay march in Washington last Sunday (Oct. 11) but not one word about the first Life Chain held in Woodstock Oct 4.

Around 175 people participated. How many does it take for you to report on it? 2,000, 3,000 or doesn't it matter?

For those who are wondering what the Life Chain is, we stood beside Route 11 and Route 42 with pro-life signs. We had 99 percent positive responses from passing vehicles. It is a nationwide pro-life stand and has been going on for at least 20 years.

Rosemary Sheering
1728 Fravel Road
Woodstock
Oct. 15, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

I don't understand rabid Obama hate. It's almost like a sickness -- people frothing at the mouth, waiting for every bit of negativity to sink their teeth into. I think if people could inject Obama hate directly into their veins, they would.

Purified Obama hate: the newest high that cable news networks are selling in the darkened alleyways of people's minds. People start showing signs of withdrawal if there isn't anything new to hate, and each time they hate it has to be for bigger, badder reasons. We live in a nation of people addicted to fear and hatred.

The awarding of the Nobel Prize for Peace is the latest Obama venom that seems to have bitterly impassioned a large number of people.

Without making a case either for or against the prize, let's throw this out there: Why do you care? When's the last time the Nobel people handed out prizes and you got really peeved? Sure, sometimes we roll our eyes and sometimes we scratch our heads, but when's the last time you actually got angry about a Nobel Peace Prize?

I'm beginning to envision previously rational people hiding in the shadows of Dumpsters behind cable news network buildings, in the throes of their latest withdrawals, pleading, "feed meee, my precioussssssss!"

Kellie Morton
306 N. Muhlenberg St.
Woodstock
Oct. 12, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

In response to Gene Rigelon's latest fantasies and misinformation obtained from dubious Web sites, I quote for his re-education statistics from the current U.S. Census Bureau and U.N. figures:

Population growth: There are 6.7 billion people in the world right now (U.S. Census Bureau Web site). Rigelon states that "world population will be more than 11 billion by 2035." However, according to current Census Bureau information, in 2035 world population will be only 8.5 billion. Further, it states that world population growth rates have been decreasing since 1960 and by 2050 will be reduced to less than 0.5 percent (that's only half a percent, Gene).

Concerning condoms: Statistics from www.UNAIDS.org show that condoms are totally ineffective in preventing HIV/AIDS. The Philippines established an HIV/AIDS program based on abstinence and the resulting HIV infection rate is exceptionally low: 113 per million. Thailand enacted a "100 percent condom use program" and the HIV infection rate skyrocketed to 9,072 per million.

Additionally, Dr. Helen Singer-Kaplan, who founded the Human Sexuality Program at the New York Weill Cornell Medical Center, wrote "The Real Truth about Women and AIDS" has said, "Counting on condoms is flirting with death."

The late Julian Simon, population expert and professor, stated: "Population growth does not have a statistically negative effect upon economic growth. We know that from 30 years of careful quantitative scientific studies -- just the opposite of what the public believes. Because human knowledge allows us to produce more finished products out of fewer raw materials, natural resources are becoming more available."

So much for Rigelon's bogus propaganda.

It seems the Ghost of Christmas Present from Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" should reprimand Rigelon as he did Scrooge with: "Will you decide what men shall live, what men shall die? It may be that in the sight of Heaven, you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man's child. Oh God! to hear the insect on the leaf pronouncing on the too much life among his hungry brothers in the dust!''

John W. Fusto
1112 Happy Ridge Drive
Front Royal
Oct. 14, 2009

Although it includes a government-run insurance plan, the lightning rod in the debate, the plan mostly builds on the current system of employer-provided health care. It requires big firms to cover workers or pay a penalty and offers subsidies to smaller companies to insure their workforce. Most individuals would be obligated to buy insurance although people with lower incomes would receive subsidies and Medicaid would be expanded, with the federal government picking up most of the tab.

Individuals and small companies would buy insurance at an exchange that offers basic policies. The public plan would be an option, but its rates would be negotiated with providers, a concession to moderate lawmakers by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who preferred using Medicare rates plus 5 percent.

Although the public plan is the most contentious issue in the debate, only a small fraction of Americans would be able to buy into it, belying the dire "government takeover" warnings of insurance companies and Republicans.

While insurers would get millions of new customers, they also face new restrictions, such as bans on denying coverage for pre-existing conditions, limits on what they can spend on advertising and bonuses and expanded scrutiny of industry practices.

It's paid for with an income tax surcharge on the wealthiest Americans and cuts in Medicaid and Medicare spending, including an end to subsidies to insurance companies for Medicare Advantage policies.

The House plan is more comprehensive than the hodgepodge the Senate is considering, but its virtues may become hostage to the political realities of fashioning a final bill that commands majority support in both houses. The ultimate version, though, must expand coverage, curb insurance company abuses and cut long-term health spending.

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

Sir:

I am a lifelong Democrat and one of the few former City Council women. I am writing in support of the best candidate to be Winchester's next commissioner of the revenue.
Today, Winchester is facing a very difficult financial time for the our citizens. For this reason, I have decided to vote for the independent candidate, Rick Brown, to our next the commissioner of the revenue.

I know all three candidates for the job of commissioner of the revenue. I know that Rick Brown is the most qualified to get the job done.

There were several factors that played in to my decision to back Rick Brown. That Rick has a good knowledge of finance was a major factor. Also Rick has strong ties to the past two governors of Virginia. He also has a good working relationship with our current U.S. Sen. Mark Warner. Rick worked for Gov. Warner in Richmond on the Virginia State Financial Board. This could be to Rick's advantage in the job of commissioner of the revenue.

Rick has contributed to a lot of local organizations such as the Salvation Army, Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity and Winchester Day Nursery. Rick is the current treasurer of the United Way. He also served for eight years on the Lord Fairfax Community College Board.

For these reasons, I will be voting for Rick Brown on Nov. 3 to be our next commissioner of the revenue.

MARIE G. KELLER
23 E. Whitlock Ave.
Winchester
Oct. 19, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

I have been a local businessman for the past 33 years. Since 1980 I have endured the Republican mantra that their party is pro-business. The GOP has called for lax government regulation, tax policies that redistributed wealth from the poor and middle class to the rich, accounting for gross national income that ignored the economic cost of the degradation of the environment and ignoring fiscal deficits during times of prosperity when the nation could have produced budge surpluses. For 30 years their paid political propagandists, who had the audacity to call themselves "conservative," dominated the mindset of our public policy culture.

I believe Republican policies are bad for business. I submit as evidence the economic train wreck that occurred in 2008. Creating a housing bubble by ignoring sound banking practices, causing a sea of foreclosures and wiping out nearly everyone's real estate equity, is not good for business. Creating a financial superhighway with no state police in our securities industry, causing a crash of the stock market requiring massive government bailout of banks, is not good for business. Creating the conditions for double-digit unemployment, loss or retirement savings for millions and a period of general deflation is not good for business.

Yet the Chamber of Commerce to this day maintains that it is pro-business and government protection of the consumer is bad for business and the Republicans in Congress are using that argument to obstruct the policies of the Democrats.

Hell is where each is alone and trying to feed only himself. Heaven is where people live in a community and they feed each other. The Republican policies, with their laissez-faire, hands-off, public-be-damned policies, create a jungle of self-interest, leading us each to our own demise. The Democrats, while not perfect, at least attempt to develop policies that encourage citizens to freely use their talents and resources to nourish one another.

As a local businessman, I recommend you vote for the Democratic candidates, Creigh Deeds for governor, Jody Wagner for lieutenant governor and Steve Shannon for attorney general.

WARREN D. GOLIGHTLY
874 Carpers Valley Road
Winchester
Oct. 18, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Over the last few weeks Todd Gilbert has tried to convince voters that his opponent, John Lesinski, is trying to avoid answering questions about his platform. Gilbert needs to check his facts.

I've never seen a more accessible candidate for public office than John Lesinski. He has appeared in numerous parades, two fairs and countless community events. I've also seen him in the local news dozens of times talking about different issues. This is not to mention the fact that he has been going door-to-door throughout the 15th District.

On Oct. 6, Lesinski appeared on WSVA for what was supposed to be a radio debate with his opponent, Todd Gilbert. When Gilbert didn't show up for the debate, Lesinski spent a whole hour answering questions from people who called in.

He addressed a wide variety of issues during this program. The ones I remember from that show are: He believes marriage should be between a man and a woman; he wants to leave all options on the table (including oil and coal) for establishing energy-independence; and he's a staunch defender of the Second Amendment.
I happen to disagree with his perspectives on these issues, but it's insane to suggest that he's avoiding the subjects.

Although I don't agree with Lesinski on some issues, as a small business owner, I believe he's the best candidate to bring jobs back into the Valley. He is very accessible and always willing to hear my thoughts and concerns -- even when we disagree.

I will be happy to cast my vote for John Lesinski, and I urge you to do the same.

Natalie Zuckerman
1695 Judy Lane Extended
Stanley
Oct. 21, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

My reasons for supporting Creigh Deeds for governor, Jody Wagner for lieutenant governor and Steve Shannon for attorney general are summed up by the slogan, "Keep Virginia moving forward." I strongly believe election of any of the McDonnell-Bolling-Cuccinelli ticket would be a major step backward.

Mark Warner as governor inherited from Republican predecessors a state in fiscal disarray and turned Virginia into one of the best managed states in the country. Creigh Deeds helped pass that agenda, which included increased funding for education and public safety. Creigh also wrote legislation saving and creating jobs.

Bob McDonnell opposed those initiatives and now talks about jobs and education, despite his voting history.

Bill Bolling likewise talks up education, while having the same history of voting "no." Neither has coherent plans to fund education going forward. In fact, they propose taking money away from schools and public safety to spend on roads.

Bolling's opponent, Jody Wagner, was Mark Warner's state treasurer and Tim Kaine's secretary of finance. She was one of the keys to Virginia's becoming best managed state, best for business and best for raising children.

Like McDonnell, Ken Cuccinelli is a far-right ideologue -- only he doesn't try to hide it. They are both anti-choice even in cases of rape and incest and against stem-cell research. Cuccinelli does not believe in climate change, will sue the federal government if it restricts carbon emissions and calls environmentalists "watermelons": green on the outside, red (communist) on the inside. As attorney general, he won't defend state laws he doesn't agree with.

Democratic candidate Steve Shannon is a former prosecutor committed to keeping families safe. He founded Virginia's Amber Alert program, has prosecuted hundreds of drunk drivers and child molesters and has a record of combating gang violence and environmental lawbreakers.

Deeds, Wagner and Shannon are all proven, centrist, practical public servants who will do what is best for all Virginians. Don't be fooled by election year repackaging. Vote Democratic Nov. 3.

ERIC OLSON
1571 Blue Mountain Road
Front Royal
Oct. 21, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

It seems pretty clear to me:

• If you want your Virginia 15th District delegate to be single-focused on unenforceable gun-control regulations and tweaks to laws around illegal drug manufacturing, vote for Todd Gilbert.

• If you want your Virginia 15th District delegate to be multiple-focused on addressing all of the pressing issues facing the Shenandoah Valley and all of Virginia, vote for John Lesinski.

• If you want a delegate with lawyer talk, "huff-and-puff" self-importance and some local legal experience, vote for Todd Gilbert.

• If you want a delegate with decades of military and business experience who can make an informed decision, vote for John Lesinski.

• If you want a delegate who toes the party line and votes 95 percent of the time with his party without compromise or meaningful discussions with anyone of the opposite party, vote for Todd Gilbert.

• If you want a delegate who will listen to both sides, help work out acceptable and sensible laws and make up his own mind, vote for John Lesinski.

• If you want a delegate who has not had an original idea in four years, vote for Todd Gilbert.

• If you want a delegate who has already proposed his own new ideas for transportation in Virginia (along with how to fund those initiatives), vote for John Lesinski.

It seems very clear to me that John Lesinski is the candidate for the 15th District.

Lee Jette
2765 Saumsville Road
Maurertown
Oct. 26, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

On Oct. 14, we attended the candidates forum at the Toms Brook Fire Hall. While Mark Prince is a very successful and accomplished businessman with his solar air-conditioning unit, he is at a loss for contributing to his community or the economics of this county.

Prince was very quick to tell the crowd that he has several patents, both established and pending, and I commend him on that, but why send his business out to China? He stated that it was too costly for him to build his solar air-conditioning units in this country and building them in China was a cheaper alternative for him. Could he have not in some fashion created jobs in this county with this business?

With the entire country looking at "going green" in our manufacturing of products, why send anything to be manufactured in China as they right now are the biggest polluters of our environment? You had an article last week on the effects on some towns in China from the pollution being carelessly dumped too near towns, water supplies and not disposed of properly. Is Prince OK with this careless waste to our environment?

Dennis Morris has been a supervisor for many years, but he does work for the people in District 5. He is available to listen if you have a question or problem that he can help with. Dennis does not have patents, pending or otherwise. He doesn't have a business in China. Dennis is a farmer by trade, grew up here in Shenandoah County and knows the meaning of a long day's work on a tractor. Dennis is a hard-working man like the rest of us, getting up early and going to bed late and much work in between. Dennis has worked hard at listening to his constitutes and being the best representative that he can be for us.

In closing, we would encourage all in District 5 to come out on Nov. 3 and vote. We hope your vote will be for someone whose interests are here in Shenandoah County and not adding to the Chinese economy.

Ralph J. Sine
Rebecca O. Sine
2341 Brook Creek Road
Toms Brook
Oct. 25, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

There is a song in the "Music Man" in which Robert Preston, in speaking with a fledgling salesman, extols the virtues of knowing the territory. John Lesinski doesn't know the territory, but something tells me that he understands the relationship between commercial real estate development and state government.

Perhaps that is just the paranoia that the present administration in D.C. has visited on me. Apparently Lesinski understands "freebies" when he supports taking federal dollars for the state use. Federal money always comes with strings attached or favors to be repaid. With the current federal administration, these strings are more likely to take the form of tentacles that one will never be able to shake loose.

If the state is worried about funding unemployment insurance, health care and unfunded mandates, maybe it can borrow the money directly from the personal bank accounts of those who created this mess. Did you know that in 10 years the national debt will equal our GDP. That is if we don't lose any more jobs or businesses.

I think I will vote for the man who puts the bad guys in jail.

I do not know Alice Richmond, but I do know that she has a problem with the truth. If your alter-ego is leading a life with which you feel comfortable, why would you deny it? If stress is a precipitating factor in whether you 'fess up or not, doesn't that bring into question your ability to perform honestly under pressure?

I also know that we haven't had a lot of success finding leaders from Ivy League schools and that goes for both sides of the aisle. Maybe it is the "elitism" that they carry with them when they leave the ivy-covered walls. Frankly, I would rather support a graduate of Winona State University with both feet on the ground who also works for a living.

JOHN W. LACAVA
23 Murchison Lane
Luray
Oct. 22, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Recent disclosures in area newspapers (see The Free Press, Sept. 24, and Daily editorial, Oct. 10) have detailed an inappropriate relationship between Shenandoah County Supervisor Dennis Morris and a local developer and their attempts to dispose of one of the developer's properties. All of the sales scenarios would have resulted in significant expenditures of taxpayer dollars.

This was not the first of Morris' ethical lapses, but it certainly is one of the most completely documented. The revelation of the facts underlying the various schemes to sell this property are the result of the tireless efforts of Mark Prince, Morris' opponent in the upcoming election.

Virginia laws concerning conflict of interest are extremely broad. Short of physical theft by the elected official or a clear-cut case of bribery, the law depends on an alert and informed electorate to remove via the election process elected officials who engage in chicanery of this sort. Re-election of the misbehaving official means concurrence with his actions. Investigation of conflict of interest allegations is typically delegated to a commonwealth's attorney who at best is a political animal.

During Morris' long tenure on the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors, he has participated and in many cases led in the dramatic expansion of the Shenandoah County government to include a vastly expanded workforce and many capital improvement projects that will have to be paid for many years into the future.

We are mortgaging our future. Those of you who have received your real estate tax reassessments should readily be able to see how the Board of Supervisors intends to pay all of the increased costs.

I have no idea how many instances of cronyism to the detriment of taxpayers have occurred that were not uncovered by an alert watchdog such as Mark Prince.
If, knowing the above facts, you are satisfied with Morris' stewardship of the Shenandoah County taxpayers' dollars, you should be willing to store your cattle feed in his barn.

Vote for Mark Prince for Shenandoah County supervisor on Nov. 3. A change is definitely needed.

JOHN FRAVEL REILEY
608 Fox Den Road
Strasburg
Oct. 22, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

I am writing to endorse a life-long resident of Winchester to be our next commissioner of the revenue. I feel that Rick Brown is the right man for the job at a time when the city of Winchester needs strong leadership in the commissioner's office.

The city of Winchester will face many financial hardships in the future and that is why it is so important that we have strong financial leadership to work to hold the line on tax increases.

Rick Brown has been active in the business community for many years and has given his time and financial support to many local charities. He has served for eight years on the college advisory board of Lord Fairfax Community College. He served under both Gov. Jim Gilmore and Gov. Mark Warner on the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority as one of the 10 board members.

Due to Rick Brown's experience in business and finance at the regional and state levels, I feel strongly that this has helped to make him truly qualified for the job of the city's next commissioner of the revenue.

As a school teacher with more than 30 years' experience, the last 22 in the Frederick County school system, I have had the opportunity to see many young people, including Rick Brown, develop into solid, contributing members of society.

I am asking every voter to take a stand and vote for a positive change on Nov. 3, by voting for Rick Brown for the commissioner of the revenue.

KRISTIN MARTIN
107 Frontier Fort Lane
Strasburg
Oct. 23, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Serving as a Shenandoah County supervisor involves far more than a single issue.

Sharon Baroncelli capably represents District 4, not only at the twice-monthly meetings of the board but also as a member of the Finance Committee and the Property and Public Works Committee and as the chairwoman of the Economic Development Committee. In addition, she represents the board on the County Planning Commission, the County Library Board, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Shenandoah Valley Regional Partnership.

Beyond those official duties, she is consistently available to her constituents to discuss an issue, to help negotiate the county political process or to pitch in and volunteer.

As a resident of Fort Valley, I am aware of Sharon's faithful participation in the famous ham and oyster suppers served by the auxiliary of the Fort Valley Fire Department. As a member of Narrow Passage Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the chapter and I were beneficiaries of her wise advice during the enhancement of court square, which might have resulted in the removal of our cherished bust of Peter Muhlenberg, but didn't.

Sharon examines the facts and then she makes a decision. On any particular issue, it might be a decision you would agree with, or it might not. What would you expect? Like everyone else, county supervisors are subject to the law that you cannot please all of the people all of the time.

Sharon Baroncelli has effectively represented District 4 for the past four years, and the county will be well served if she continues in that position for the next four.

That is why I am casting my vote on Nov. 3 for Sharon Baroncelli for District 4 supervisor.

Ann A. Hunter
9293 Fort Valley Road
Fort Valley
Oct. 27, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

The candidacy of Karen Whetzel for the District 1 seat on the Shenandoah County School Board offers the opportunity for District 1 to have a highly qualified representative.

I have known Ms. Whetzel for 15 years and am very impressed with her dedication and commitment to the students. She will bring to the board 38 years experience as an educator in the Shenandoah County schools. During these years she was a teacher, principal and administrator.

Ms. Whetzel has the front-line experience and knowledge of how the system functions at all levels. She is articulate and will be a terrific advocate for the students, ensuring that appropriate attention is given to the education that takes place inside the buildings, not just the construction of the buildings and athletic facilities.

We need to make the most of this opportunity and elect an experienced, dedicated and articulate educator to the School Board for District 1.

Harold Fossett
P.O. Box 1156
New Market
Oct. 27, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

As an independent voter with a conservative preference, I found myself voting mostly Republican.

The governor's race has the Democrat as a more conservative candidate. Bob McDonnell has opposed or voted anti-gun the majority of the time. However, he has recently flip-flopped somewhat lately. Moreover, he is being praised by animal rights activists who want hunting phased out, and he has concurred with their thinking.

McDonnell is not well versed on rural Virginians' culture and ways of life -- maybe he doesn't care.

His liberal views are not what are needed in Virginia at this time.

A.L. JENKINS
3617 Guard Hill Road
Front Royal
Oct. 26, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

It seems in the last four to five weeks The Northern Virginia Daily has published a number of letters attacking the character of John Lesinski, candidate for House of Delegates.

One letter suggested that John Lesinski did not have the "values" of Valley people.
Since when, when you serve your country for 26 years and retire from the United States Marines as a colonel, is that not consistent with Valley values? Since when, when you are born into modest circumstances (his parents were both educators -- his father a high school teacher) and you work hard as John has to afford a better way of life, to own a nice home and to send his two kids to college, inconsistent with "Valley values?"

Since when, when John suggests that 1.5 million square feet of existing unused commercial space be used to create jobs for the unemployed of the Valley, is that inconsistent with "Valley values?"

Another letter praised John Lesinski's opponent for having the "courage" to vote no on both federal stimulus packages earmarked for Virginia.

How much courage did it take for his opponent to say "no" to the stimulus? Not much. He holds two government jobs, both paid by the taxpayers of Virginia. He, Mr. Gilbert, is feeling no pain.

Another letter attacked Lesinski for wanting Virginia to accept the federal stimulus money.

The point is that the stimulus money is Virginia taxpayers' money and by turning down the second stimulus Virginia taxpayers' money went to other states. How stupid!

I urge everyone to vote for John Lesinski. Unlike his opponent, he has empathy for hard-working people who, through no fault of their own, have lost their jobs. Col. John Lesinski will work hard and across the aisle to represent the citizens of the 15th District, and he will bring energy and intelligence to the job of delegate.

Henry Gorfein
8 Rush River Lane
Washington, Va.
Oct. 27, 2009
Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

I am writing in support of Dennis Morris in his run to continue as supervisor representing the 5th District, Shenandoah County.

I met Morris many years ago on my way to the polling booth in Mt. Olive on Election Day. He introduced himself to me and said, "I am running unopposed for supervisor, but I want you to know that I am dedicated to my service in that role and I would welcome comment or contact from you any time that there are issues you feel are important." He gave me his card and I thanked him and then looked at my watch. The polls had just opened.

Since that time I have come to know that Morris is exactly that: accessible and dedicated. He really appears to love his role as supervisor, and he obviously loves getting to know the people he represents. He is a kind man who makes friends wherever he goes, and I've never seen him show less than a cheerful, optimistic disposition.

I am one of those who cannot imagine why anyone would actually want to serve in politics. He is exactly the type of individual I want representing me. I appreciate his service and thank him for accepting the challenge and opportunity to re-up for another term on our district's behalf.

Marc Jaccard
1206 Jadwyn Road
Maurertown
Oct. 27, 2009

The consumer price index, on which the calculations are based, has declined this year. Payments won't be reduced, though, because the 1975 law sets a floor under benefits. And beneficiaries received a 5.8 cost-of-living increase last January because of soaring fuel prices.

But Obama has proposed to override the law and send every beneficiary a $250 check, ostensibly to salve economic pain but, not incidentally, to curry favor with a voting bloc that regularly goes to the polls.

Most economists, including some in the administration, think the idea -- price tag: $14 billion -- is half-baked. If the rationale is to give the economy another dose of stimulus, there are other segments of society that have probably suffered more from the recession and are definitely more inclined to spend a government bonus than retirees.

Obama's eagerness to pamper retirees is a worrisome reminder of politicians' unwillingness to make the tough choices necessary to get the federal budget under control and cut the record deficits that threaten the nation's long-term fiscal security.

"Entitlement reform" is the innocuous term that covers shoring up Social Security and Medicare through benefit cuts or new revenue. But that daunting task won't be addressed if the politicians balk at merely keeping Social Security benefits steady as mandated by law.

Sir:

Why do I support Mark Prince for District 5 supervisor?

Honesty, integrity, patriotism, service to country, family values, intelligent, hard-working are just a few words that come to mind.

Mark Prince took on the "establishment." Due in large part to his courage and determination in bringing all the facts related to the proposed site to light, the regional jail will not be located in Toms Brook.

Dennis Morris was promoting the Toms Brook property then. His empty "no" vote now does not change the facts.

Knowing the difference between right and wrong and acting appropriately is at issue. Instead of the Board of Supervisors asking for Morris' resignation when his dealings with Chuck Maddox and conflict of interest concerns were brought to light, they have only seen fit to stonewall concerned citizens by operating behind closed doors, withholding information and filing a lawsuit against a patriot much like the British attacking James Madison and friends for declaring independence.

Don Litten would have us believe that he is an independent thinker and savior of the legal system by filing suit against Mark Prince. I see this lawsuit as an abuse of power and an attack on freedom of speech.

The only career politician who is being promoted by the legal system is Dennis Morris. For me it only reinforces why we need to vote for Mark Prince. The "establishment" is out of control.

Had the Board of Supervisors acted responsibly and been responsive to its constituents' concerns and requests, the Freedom of Information Act suit filed by Mark Prince would not have been necessary and there would have been no legal expenses on either side.
The right thing to do on Nov. 3 is to elect Mark Prince to the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors, so that all voices can be heard and decisions are made with the county's best interests in mind -- not just the interests of a select few.

GEORGE REEVES
2017 Mt. Olive Road
Toms Brook
Oct. 20, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Ken Cuccinelli, a fellow Virginian and graduate of George Mason, has served in our state Senate for three terms. He knows Virginia's needs. As a husband and father of seven, he also understands what it takes to raise a family in today's world. He wants the best for his family and yours.

As attorney general Ken Cuccinelli will have the authority, motivation and intellect to defend Virginia's rights in accordance with the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution reserves all rights not specifically given to the federal government for the states and the people. Yes, states have rights and it is the attorney general's duty to defend them.

When bad laws are legislated that are contrary to these rights, the attorney general can challenge them in the court so they can be declared unconstitutional. Can it happen? It has happened.

Supreme Court Justice White appointed by Roosevelt was the deciding vote in the court that declared the most radical of Roosevelt's New Deal laws unconstitutional.

Ken Cuccinelli has promised to defend Virginia's small business community, Cuccinelli has said he will go after unconstitutional taxes and regulations. If he is elected, successful small businesses and the jobs they create will have a defender. If someone without this determination is elected, small businesses, along with all the jobs they provide, will continue to erode.

He has promised to enforce the immigration laws in Virginia and make this an issue with the federal agencies here. This will also help to open up the job market.

We need an attorney general committed to actually fighting for Virginia, to protect our citizens from harm and protect our businesses environment.

I urge you to vote for Ken Cuccinelli for attorney general and pray that God gives us good and courageous politicians to change the disastrous direction our country is heading.

GERARD RENINGER
20 Gloucester Road
Front Royal
Oct. 5, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

I am writing to support Dennis Morris for county supervisor.

I first got to know Dennis when he was an officer in the FFA, the Future Farmers of America, at Strasburg High School. I was a U.S. forester who taught FFA members forest management and how to fight forest fires. The early leadership skills Dennis developed in FFA are still needed in our county today.

Decades later I retired as a forester and managed the erosion and sediment control program for our county. Meanwhile, Dennis had progressed to leadership roles in county government. I learned that Dennis appreciates that farmers and landowners are some of our best stewards of the land. When issues arose, he supported positive and educational approaches as the way to solve problems.

Over the decades I noticed and appreciated that Dennis does not jump to conclusions but takes the time to listen to all sides of an issue. I have personally seen that, even as a young man, Dennis treated everyone with courtesy and respect.

I endorse Dennis for his support of farmers, maintaining country values and his unwavering dedication to the community.

JAMES ALLEN HEPNER
6173 Back Road
Maurertown
Oct. 20, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Strasburg residents can be glad that the commonwealth's government has come through with funding for replacing old low-water bridge on Deer Rapids Road. They might also take it as food for thought: This is a prime example of that "wasteful government spending" Republican candidates are so worked up about. Yes, that much-needed bridge is indeed being paid for with -- taxpayer dollars.

Of course, there are a few other projects around here that could use some funding. The new South Fork Bridge. The western extension of Va. 37. The new high school in Clarke County. The regional jail. The list gets pretty long.

"It all depends on funding," says VDOT's Ed Carter.

Hmm. When you say "funding" instead of "spending," it sounds different somehow.
Republicans keep chanting, "Spending! Spending! Spending!" as if it were all being splashed out for ice cream and chocolate cake. They don't want to admit that taxpayers' money is being spent for things taxpayers want and need. They are so stuck in their "government-is-bad" rut that they can't admit the government is doing things that have to be done.

What, rebuild the roads and bridges that have been neglected so long? Who needs it? Wasteful spending! Those VDOT workers make too much money anyway. Pay teachers and police officers a decent wage? Hey, they're public-spirited folks. They should be happy to risk their lives and sanity just for the honor of serving the public. A new fire engine? Those things cost money. Let 'em hold a bake sale.

Yeah, everybody's against government spending -- except when it's for something you need yourself. Then it becomes "funding."

People really need to think long and hard about what's going to happen to the things they need when a Republican becomes governor again.

Is that Deer Rapids bridge still going to be built? Don't bet on it. That would be "spending." All those other projects we need so much around here? Hoo, boy. Going to take a lot of bake sales.

Or you could vote for Creigh Deeds. Because that's what Virginia really needs. Deeds, not words.

Alexander Mackay-Smith IV
207 Raven Road
Stephens City
Oct. 22, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Any person willing to run for an elective office should be thanked. They are contributing to the American form of government. When a candidate, incumbent or first-timer, asks for your vote, he is making a contract with you. He is asking you to trust that he will make decisions to spend your money frugally and wisely.

Spending citizens' money, particularly money not yet earned, is the most intrusive and delicate part of representative government. The voter must trust that the representatives' decisions will be right and not bankrupt the community.

Now is the time when voters in Districts 4 and 5 can decide if they have been represented correctly. Their supervisors' decisions have committed nearly 100 million tax-dollars, yet to be earned, for new projects and plans to spend more if they are re-elected.

The incumbents' ability to spend your money has been proven.

Elections should be about representatives voting on your behalf. It should not be about friends or family or employers.

Representing others is a difficult but high honor.

The current spending spree by Shenandoah County supervisors makes it clear. They will spend your money, your children's money and even money your grandchildren will have to earn. Citizens, you know how they will vote if re-elected.

It is time for a new team of solid conservatives.

Vote for Mark Prince, District 5.

Write in Cindy Bailey, District 4.

Kim Rinker
185 Wolverton Road
Edinburg
Oct. 18, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

The citizens of Shenandoah County District 5 have a critical decision to make on our local representation this Election Day.

Mark Prince and Dennis Morris represent very differing views of how the citizens of Shenandoah County should be represented by their Board of Supervisors and the way the board should operate.

There is a lot to be said for being a team player, when the team is headed in the right direction. But during the past 30 years the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors has made decisions that have not addressed the best interest of our county.

Mark Prince is not a politician -- this is the first time he's run for public office. What Mark Prince is, though, is a man who will stand up for the high principles that I believe we in Shenandoah County hold dear. He is committed to the Golden Rule, his family and America, and has served each well.

Many of us "outsiders" would consider ourselves blessed to have been born in this valley, but since we weren't, we did the next best thing and chose to spend our lives here. We care deeply about the heritage and promise of our area.

I know Mark Prince work very hard for the people of District 5, young, old and in-between, people in town and in the countryside, our people who have special needs and our people who have talents to share as volunteers.

I urge you to contact him if you have questions about what he can do to help us. I can tell you this much: He knows it will take extraordinary effort to work effectively in the current environment, and he's willing to put for that effort.

We need to start doing our part to help make a difference in our Shenandoah County government too.

Voting for Mark Prince Nov. 3 is our chance to step forward. He's offering another voice to be heard in open discussions -- not business as usual behind closed doors.

BECKY REEVES
2017 Mt. Olive Road
Toms Brook
Oct. 20, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Virginians deserve better. As former Gov. Mark Warner told us when his four years ran out, our state was in good shape, that we had a surplus and really it was not. His lieutenant governor, Timothy M. Kaine, now our governor, has done nothing but raise taxes and cut the budget.

We face some serious challenges in Virginian today. Candidate Bill Bolling for lieutenant governor has the experience to cut wasted spending and opposed raising taxes on small businesses.

Bob McDonnell, during the past two years voted the legislator of the year, will create jobs and will be a qualified, full-time governor.

State Sen. Kenneth I. Cuccinelli, a candidate for our next attorney general, stands for faith and family and will have the chaplains of the police force in our state to be able to say "Jesus" in their prayer.

I have met all three humble men working to free the unborn and for the unit of marriage. They will give us the leadership we need to vote for on Nov. 3.

DAVID RUSSELL
301 N. Cameron St.
Winchester
Oct. 19, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

We endorse Karen Whetzel for election to the Shenandoah County School Board. Her 25 years of teaching (1971-1996) in New Market Elementary, Ashby-Lee Elementary and Central High School, plus her 12 additional years (1996-2008) as assistant principal at Strasburg High School and principal at Stonewall High School, unquestionably make her the best candidate for election to the Shenandoah County School Board.

The undersigned, as education volunteers at Stonewall Jackson High School over the past several years, have great admiration for Karen's leadership and knowledge of the education system. As principal, she encouraged a strong ethos among teachers, administrators, students and volunteers. She fostered a sense of communication among all educators and students that instilled a love of learning. This type of leadership is needed on the School Board. Karen Whetzel can lead in that spirit.

We have witnessed situations that reflect Karen Whetzel's sensitivity to the needs of teachers, students and parents. Teachers need to be fully supported both financially and administratively to meet the educational needs of their students. Students who have language and learning limitations need help to remain on track with their peers. Parents who are facing financial, marital or English-language challenges need understanding and support to help their children succeed in school. Karen Whetzel understands these needs and fully supports efforts to meet these needs.

We respectfully ask readers of this letter to recognize the importance of an experienced educator to be a member of the Shenandoah County School Board. We have no doubt that Karen Whetzel, based on her extensive experience in the Shenandoah County school system, will be a dedicated and inspirational member on the board, who is fully committed to the educational needs of our children.

John Slifka
Former Vice Principal
Fairfax City Schools
Barbara Fagan
Former ESL Specialist
Arlington City Schools
Jim Etgen
ESL Volunteer
P.O. Box 316
Basye
Oct. 22, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

I strongly support Dennis Morris in the upcoming elections on Nov. 3.

Dennis has been a member of our Board of Supervisors and has represented District 5 with honor and integrity. He has listened to his constituents and made decisions on our behalf.

Dennis is an example of the individuals that he represents. He is a farmer and a man of the community. Dennis serves on county committees that bring smart growth to our county. He also has experience in the agriculture and business sectors. He is an entrepreneur and has what it takes to again represent our community well.

It is important for all individuals to vote in this election for the ticket that has a plan and goals for our area. Being that Dennis is serving as a Republican and works with the other Republican candidates, he has good conservative values that we can depend on. Dennis is always willing to provide a helping hand in community activities and work to better our communities.

I look forward to seeing Dennis sit in the Board of Supervisors conference room again because I can trust him to be educated and conscientious about the decisions he is making.

I am proud to be able to vote for Dennis Morris, District 5 representative to the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 3.

CORA GNEGY
80 Pine Grove Road
Strasburg
Oct. 21, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

The purpose of this letter is to acknowledge the candidacy of Irving "Skeeter" Getz for the District 5 School Board seat in Shenandoah County.

A resident of the county since birth, Getz is a model product of our effective education system and Valley culture that we continue to benefit from. College-educated and possessing vocational skills, he will have ample awareness of the academic needs of our youth.

As a lifelong neighbor and friend, Irving "Skeeter" has also demonstrated a strong commitment to the community and has often expressed a fervent interest in the highest and best use of taxpayer dollars.

He recently retired from more than 51 years of dedicated public service to the county, which should alone serve as a sufficient endorsement on Election Day.

TERRY MARTIN
8708 Back Road
Maurertown
Oct. 20, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

After reading arguments for weeks now on the merits of voting for one candidate or another, I felt it would be appropriate to remind voters of the Virginia General Assembly 18th District that the incumbent Del. Clay Athey is asking for his constituents to vote to re-elect him.

Clay Athey is a native of this area and has been active in politics hereabouts for years. Clay Athey served as a Front Royal Town Council member and as the Mayor of Front Royal before being elected to distinguished service as our delegate to the General Assembly.

Del. Athey has proven to be an advocate for family values, lower taxes and less government intrusion into our lives. Clay Athey has been, and will continue to be not just an acceptable representative in Richmond but an excellent one, to be sure.

Athey has always been accessible to all by phone, e-mail or personal "one-on-one" meeting.

Vote to re-elect Del. Clay Athey. He is honest and certainly an admirable representative of our 18th District.

RICK STEELE
1424 Locust St.
Front Royal
Oct. 22, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Why didn't Shenandoah County win the competition in 2006 for the new Recreational Equipment Inc. distribution center and its jobs?

REI is a uniquely public spirited company, contributing greatly wherever it operates. As a sportsman and lifelong promoter of athletics, I was disappointed when we were not chosen.

I wrote to Sally Jewell, president and CEO of REI, and later spoke to her. They had 80 communities in contention. Shenandoah County was among three finalists. Pennsylvania won.

The trump card Pennsylvania played was community involvement and spirit. Their athletic groups and supporters welcomed the company representatives at a sports fair production they organized to demonstrate how committed their people were to all things athletic.

No big secrets were kept in Pennsylvania. None of their people had to plead for Freedom of Information and ultimately get hauled into court, by their own, for it. How unfair and unfree.

The greatest asset of any country is the ingenuity of its citizens.

Patricia Botts
555 Oaktree Road
Fort Valley
Oct. 22, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

It disturbs me when perceptions of political candidates are distorted.

First of all, Ken Cuccinelli has allegedly stated that as attorney general he will support/implement only the laws he agrees with. If this is true, he is admitting that he will violate laws to satisfy his personal political philosophy. An attorney general is selected to enforce laws, not override them.

Then there is the banter that Creigh Deeds has no plans. Deeds is not going to outline an elaborate plan for transportation or anything else when he knows the money is not there and until he is in office, he will not know what his options will be.

Remember Jim Gilmore who got into office by promising to end the car tax and nearly bankrupted the state trying to do so? My, we have short memories.

Bob McDonnell is advertising plans that are a fantasy and will never solve anything. Yes, let's do sell the liquor stores to private citizens and end, once and for all, the continuous revenues from liquor sales. Duh! The idiocy of that idea is a no-brainer.

Unfortunately, we live in an age when citizens expect the best of services from their government but do not want to pay for those services. Remember, you get what you pay for.

If only the public would read and study and think, we would not continue putting people in office who do not have our best interests at heart.

Joette Bailey
107 Setting Sun Court
Stephenson
Oct. 23, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

The upcoming election for governor is almost as frightening as the one 12 years ago when Jim Gilmore rode to victory on a flawed promise.

Bob McDonnell is offering to provide more services and fund projects without raising additional revenues. Government spending is a zero sum game. Unless taxes are raised, program increases must be funded by cuts in other programs.

Virginia has been recognized as a well managed state by bond rating agencies, national associations and financial magazines. Election of Bob McDonnell is likely to result in an economic disaster for state finances. His expected revenues are based on faulty estimates. The promised improvements will result in the curtailment of important programs and shifting of costs which will bring tax increases by local governments.

For more than 40 years, it has been the Republican Party mantra that taxes should be reduced, although when they have control, they have significantly increased spending. Gilmore, our last Republican governor, almost bankrupted the state government with his car tax platform. Even now, almost $1 billion is committed to those tax refunds, moneys that could be going to highway construction and maintenance, education and other projects badly needed.

Bob McDonnell has run a much smoother campaign than Creigh Deeds and apparently many people have not carefully listened to and analyzed McDonnell's campaign promises. His proposal to sell the state liquor stores is not likely to garner the $500 million he states and the transfer to private ownership would remove almost $100 million annually from state revenues. He has not identified where he would find the additional funding he promises for highways. Unless he were to reduce the car tax rebates, he would have to reduce other programs such as aid to the localities and education.

One of the most outrageous attack on Creigh Deeds comes from the oil companies, a key McDonnell ally. An increase of five cents, or less, in the gas tax would be less than the price changes at the pump over one recent week.

Ed Hoole
P.O. Box 655
Basye
Oct. 25, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Creigh Deeds is not a dynamic candidate. He is not a powerful speaker nor a charismatic personality. He is simply a good, solid, thoughtful, reliable man who has a record of working quietly to get things done. He has good ideas and serious, realistic plans to help our commonwealth maintain its brief history of a solvent, well-run government.

Conversely, we can expect Bob McDonnell, if elected, to spend the next four years systematically and steadily mangling our economy, leaving our transportation system in an even worse shape and reaching out to our education resources to cover his financial missteps.

And why not? It's a tradition. Reagan/Bush left Bill Clinton with a fiscal sinkhole that he turned into a surplus; George II took that surplus and did his best to emasculate our fiscal system so we were an easy target for the recession and Obama is working mightily to correct that mess against the wishes of the "party of no." George Allen and Jim Gilmore presented Mark Warner with a legendary financial disaster that he and Tim Kaine have managed to right and to give us strength to face the current recession.

Todd Gilbert, true to form, voted against every sensible bill Warner/Kaine set before him and he fully expects to be elected again.

The pattern here is clear, dear reader, Republicans are very skillful at getting elected, but they simply cannot govern. Keep that thought in mind when you head for the polls on Nov. 3.

Donald Albright
3691 Conicville Road
Mount Jackson
Oct. 26, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

If people have yet to make up their minds on which way to vote Nov. 3, I strongly suggest they place a mark beside the name of Creigh Deeds, the only candidate in the race for governor who has his feet on the ground and his head in the real world -- a stark contrast to the wishful thinking and deceptive claims of his opponent, Bob McDonnell.

Only Creigh Deeds has put forth a realistic plan to come up with the $100 billion the commonwealth will need in the next two decades to fund the repairs and new road construction Virginia will need to maintain the highway system through which the life's blood of our economy flows.

If elected, Creigh Deeds has vowed to bring both Democrats and Republicans together to find new sources of revenue and avoid having to raid the general fund, so that meeting the pressing needs of transportation will not come at the expense of our schools, hospitals and law enforcement.

Make no doubt about it, the problem of our crowded highways will not be solved without finding new sources of revenue and it is not "socialism" when that money is used to replace an aging and crumbling bridge on Route 522.

What is Bob McDonnell's big idea to fund road construction? Sell off Virginia's liquor stores and pray the economy booms so much in the next year that the billions just roll into Richmond's coffers. Has anyone pointed out to Bob McDonnell that selling off ABC stores would only be a one-time windfall for the commonwealth (which hypocritically would necessitate higher taxes on beer, wine and hard liquor to replace the annual revenue the state nets from alcohol sales) and, considering recent events, isn't it a little too soon to start trusting in excessively rosy economic forecasts?

So on Nov. 3, vote Creigh Deeds for governor, and while you're at it, vote for Jody Wagner for lieutenant governor, Steve Shannon for attorney general and in the 15th District, John Lesinski for delegate.

Fred Schaefer
24 Water St.
Sperryville
Oct. 25, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

I am writing to tell you why I am voting for Dennis Morris.

I really don't care if Morris is a lifelong resident of Shenandoah County. What he has done for this county since becoming a board member is what matters. Morris is a fair and decent, hard-working man who I believe cares about this county and the citizens who live here.

Not all of us are perfect and I am sure Morris never has pretended to be, but some of the rumors I hear are just rumors. All I ever hear from Mark Prince is about suing the board members and Vince Poling.

Morris is a man who knows you by name and always ask about your family members. He is a big supporter of our Shenandoah County animal shelter, which is something I doubt Mark Prince even realizes is here.

Prince wants to put the board meetings on video and live Webcam. What do you think that is going to cost the taxpayers? These meeting are posted on the county Web site for anyone who wants to read them. I feel this is a waste of money.

Morris has gone door to door talking to people. I have yet to see Prince at my door. That speaks volumes to me because I feel he thinks we know enough about him to go and vote for him.

My vote goes for the best person for the job and that is Dennis Morris.

Robin Bradfield
351 Smoot Road
Woodstock
Oct. 24, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Why is it some Republicans (e.g., Retired Senior Master Sgt. Ron Orndorff, letter, Oct. 25, issue) are unable to state a point of view without resorting to personal cheap shots and name-calling? Is it lack of substance to their thinking? Are they only able to articulate their position on issues by parroting the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, and Bill O'Reilly?

Interesting that I would automatically identify the writer as a Republican -- Sgt. Orndorff doesn't state it anywhere in his letter. Must be that the Republican modus operandi was so evident in his otherwise empty comments.

I fail to see what can be accomplished by calling the president the "Chicago idiot" and his aides "Marxists" or how such childish language can be considered effective in supporting a position on an issue, regardless of the position one chooses to take on the issue.

Sgt. Orndorff, and those like him, must have been at recess during high school debate class where you learned that you're more likely to prevail in a debate by relying on facts, figures and substantive knowledge than on cheap shot buzz words, clichés and sound bites.

In his defense, I have to admit that Sgt. Orndorff, having apparently either been overcome with a fit of vitriol in rebutting a letter written by Janet Brome, or perhaps being incapable of presenting a cogent argument in defense of his views, at least maintained a "pro-life" ("pro-life" in quotations because these folks also support unrestricted gun ownership and the war in Iraq -- or any other war that happens along -- that's pro-life? Last I heard, guns and wars kill people ...) stance by stopping short of suggesting the president's mother should have had an abortion and simply suggested she should have "remained a virgin."

Unfortunately, it appears that either the Daily editors agree that spiteful personal comments constitute quality journalism, are fearful of violating a writer's First Amendment rights by choosing not to publish such garbage or are worried the Daily will be labeled a "Marxist" puppet of the Obama administration if it doesn't.

Barbara Pogue
305 W. Fairchild Drive
Strasburg
Oct. 25, 2009

Election letters

Today at 4 p.m. is the deadline to ensure publication of letters about the Nov. 4 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.

While Reid asserted that Senate Democrats would coalesce around the public plan option, they haven't yet. In fact, it's unclear whether he can amass the 60 votes needed to head off a Republican filibuster just to get the bill to floor debate. Olympia Snowe, the only GOP senator open to supporting the bill, said Tuesday that she would oppose the legislation because it contains the public plan.

Reid thought that by including an escape clause for states to opt out he could gain the support of moderate Democrats cool to the government-run plan. But some of them favor an opt-in option or nonprofit cooperatives and Snowe prefers a "trigger," in which the public option would take effect only if private insurance companies fail to foster enough competition in certain states.

Although Democrats in the House can't match the disarray in the Senate, they too are struggling to forge a majority around one bill. While there's more support in the House for a public plan, members differ about how robust it should be and the conservative Blue Dog Democrats continue to have qualms.

While the Democrats squabble, the insurance industry has unwittingly given reform a boost. Its selective analysis, warning of steep hikes in premiums if the legislation passed, backfired and gave fresh impetus to the public plan, which is supposed to be cheaper than private insurance. In addition, insurance companies have been sharply hiking premiums for small businesses, which drives home the unsustainabiity of the status quo.

The legislative scrum obscures the components of a reform bill, but the momentum for passage is building and Democrats realize that failure is riskier to their political futures than success.

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.

Don Simonpietri, the longtime owner of Simonpietri's Pawn Shop, is charged with illegally selling an AR-15 assault rifle and a 9 mm handgun. He was selling guns even though his federal license to do so had been revoked.

In what is known as the "firesale loophole," dealers who lose their licenses, usually after chronic violations, can transfer their inventory to their private collections and sell them without background checks or recordkeeping.

Where Simonpietri got into trouble, according to authorities, was in selling the guns to confidential informants who had told him they were convicted felons. Authorities have seized more than 1,400 guns from Simonpietri.

The bust was similar to stings earlier this year in which undercover investigators were able to purchase firearms at gun shows in Nevada, Ohio and Tennessee even though they said up front that they wouldn't be able to pass background checks. In Virginia, the notorious "gun show loophole," which allows private sales at gun shows without background checks, contributes to the "Iron Pipeline" of firearms to such places as New York. Virginia has consistently been a top source for guns used in crimes in that state, with as many as 1,000 traced to a single gun shop in Hampton. One of those guns was used to kill a New York City police officer.

The response of Virginia legislators has been to push bills such as one requiring localities that conduct gun "buybacks" to market those weapons to dealers rather than destroying them, putting yet more potentially cop-killing weapons on the street.

Some day, perhaps, our legislators will wake up and instead do something about the out-of-control trafficking in deadly weapons.

While several big banks hustled to repay the government to avoid what they regarded as onerous oversight, seven big companies in which Washington retains a financial stake have been ordered to slash compensation for their top 25 employees. Under rules issued by Kenneth R. Feinberg, the Treasury Department's pay czar, cash salaries will be limited to $500,000 for most of the affected employees. They will still be entitled to bonuses and stock but tied to company performance over several years.

In a more far-reaching move, the Federal Reserve announced that it would police banks' pay policies to try to discourage the reckless gambles that contributed to the financial meltdown. Although the Fed would not set compensation, it would review -- and could veto -- questionable pay packages at banks, including thousands that never received federal bailouts.

There is much posturing in these exercises -- an effort to tamp down public anger about outsized compensation -- and one should never underestimate the ability of financiers to divine ways around the restrictions.

But both initiatives strike at the itch for short-term profits, which fueled the excesses that led to the financial implosion, and aim to prod corporations to take a longer view of risks and rewards.

Although the titans of finance complain that the restrictions will send their brightest, most-driven executives to other firms or lines of work, that's not a bad idea. Their ingenuity could be better applied in other fields less susceptible to inadvertently wreaking economic havoc.

Sir:

Can anyone tell what Creigh Deeds platform for Virginia voters is? All he does is complain about Bob McDonnell.

McDonnell has plans for Virginians. Voters, be smart and give your support to Bob McDonnell.

GLORIA J. PLAUGER
232 Walter Lane
Fort Valley
Oct. 15, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

I am writing in support of Creigh Deeds for governor because of his experience, vision and dedication to the well-being of the citizens of Virginia.

His extensive experience in the Virginia House of Delegates and state Senate uniquely qualifies him to work across the aisle to get things done in the state legislature.

The scope of his vision extends across a broad range of issues affecting all of us in Virginia including such things as:

* Providing immediate economic solutions for small business owners, homeowners and workers.

* Creating jobs through a statewide transportation plan that includes expanding traditional freight and passenger rail and bringing high-speed rail to Virginia.

* Reducing carbon emissions and creating green jobs, and taking steps to restore the Chesapeake Bay.

* Fighting for better and safer health care, and protecting homeowners from dishonest lenders.

* Implementing a broad range of actions to improve the education system in Virginia.

* Implementing a number of steps to improve the efficiency of Virginia's state government.

The foregoing demonstrates that Creigh Deeds has developed a serious and comprehensive agenda for improving the well-being of the citizens of Virginia. I believe that he would continue to govern in the finest tradition of Govs. Warner and Kaine.

RONALD N. LANDIS
158 Redtail Court
Basye
Oct. 1, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Virginia governor's race is at hand and we are being reminded and exposed to the philosophies of the two parties in their respective ads .

For instance, Republican typically claim they want "to get government out of our lives." Actually, they only want to remove certain aspects of government from our lives such as those things that disagree with their particular political doctrine -- for example, abortion, gun control.

Another Republican mantra: Campaigning for governor, George Allen proposed "saving money" by "downsizing government." After being elected, he initiated expensive, early retirements buyouts to state employees. Many "retired." In the case of VDOT, the road-building expertise of many years simply walked across the street and peddled their services, at substantial salary increases, to the highway contractor. Since the state now lacked that know-how, it had to pay through the nose for those services.

Republican hopeful Bob McDonald has announced he want to sell ABC stores to private investors, thereby "downsizing state government" and turning a one-time profit. Is this really in the best interest of Virginia citizens? Not likely.

Yes, there will be a one-time "profit" when trade assets are sold to new buyers. On the other hand, excluding sales taxes, the state will lose any ongoing profit. Once sole proprietors take over, citizens will lose control over how inventory is maintained, advertised and marketed. Moreover, unless the state allows more than one local store, the owners, without competition, will be able to charge whatever buyers are willing to pay. Prices are unlikely to fall.

Generally, states that control alcoholic beverages this way eventually end up easing regulations and experience an increase in consumption. Is this what Virginia really wants?

Be careful and fully explore the pros and cons of an issue before accepting what a politician proposes. On the surface, it may sound good, but is it really what's best. Moreover, what is the candidate really appealing to: our emotions or our reason? Whichever, our overall welfare will depend on our choices. Be wise and not, as often happens, gullible.

Thomas Harrison
914 Fairground Road
Front Royal
Sept. 29, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

A role in local elections has its difficulties. It's easy to go after prominent candidates you know only through the media. It's tougher if you know personally the guy you oppose.

So it is with Todd Gilbert. While he's aware I'm a political adversary, he greets me politely. But the issues are so pressing and Todd's record as a delegate is so dismal that I gladly support his opponent.

When Todd puts on his political cap, he's not so nice. In his first statement about his opponent he wrongly called John Lesinski a liar. He refers to him as "this guy." This guy, John Lesinski, spent 20-odd years serving his country in the U.S. Marines, retiring as a colonel. He's an esteemed business executive and a devoted family man.

Is he immune from criticism? No. Has he earned a measure of civility and respect? I think so. He's not, after all, a criminal defendant.

Lesinski has addressed serious issues. He moved to activate a state emergency agency to combat local unemployment. It's an agency created by Gov. Mark Warner -- not, as Todd erroneously claimed, by him and his colleagues.

In another bold move, Lesinski proposed a one-year income tax holiday for businesses creating at least 100 permanent new jobs, using vacant industrial and manufacturing space. This compares with Todd's vote to reject millions in national funds to give a hand up to the jobless, money now being used in other states.

John Lesinski has also devised a workable plan for a rail system that would cost a fraction of expanding I-81 without inflicting immense environmental damage.

A career of leadership has equipped Lesinski to put together commonsense proposals to deal with real problems that affect us all. If you would like constructive representation in Richmond that would enhance the House of Delegates, he's your candidate.

If a record distinguished by bills to allow college students to carry weapons on campus is acceptable and if a "no" vote on every positive proposal is enough, then Todd's your man.

Bob Lowerre
403 Spring Hollow Road
Woodstock
Oct. 12, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

I would like to take this opportunity to let citizens know why I am running for District 4 supervisor. After all, I committed 10 years of my life to District 4 School Board. And now after four years come back?

I am concerned about the direction this current Board of Supervisors is taking and how it is doing the business of government. From my side they are giving lip service to "rural living," "agricultural community" and securing safe haven for retired folks on fixed incomes who are living here with extended families.

More important, I am concerned of their capricious tone to the public and their disrespectful treatment of Sheriff Carter in public by humiliating him and criticizing him. In my opinion he is doing a good job protecting our community.

The debt is rapidly increasing in a time when experts are saying don't accumulate debt. As a county we pay $5.6 million in debt service and this figure will double the next four years at the current rate of decision-making. This means property taxes will go up and this will create an enormous burden on families and retired folks.

The board has also passed zoning ordinances to facilitate growth on Route 11 by discouraging small shop owners and encouraging shopping malls. The board is ready to approve cluster development throughout Shenandoah. We are poised for major development and tax increases will force landowners on fixed incomes to sell to developers.

These actions of the last four years will change the character, values and landscape of Shenandoah County forever. I am neither liberal nor conservative and my view is pragmatic and preservationist. I like the way it is and want to keep it that way.

We have lost our representation. Their plans and decisions are made in private conferences, away from public view. Then comes time for vote and public comment. The public is limited to how much time to express viewpoints and to supervisors who have already made up their minds.

Too much debt and lack of transparent governance makes time for a change, Nov. 3.

James A. Fitzsimmons
P.O. Box 125
Woodstock
Oct. 19, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

When I first met Creigh Deeds in 2005, he had been intensely preparing for a campaign tour during his run for attorney general and emerged from an office to greet us warmly. Creigh was especially interested in our story of political activism inspired by our son's first Iraq tour. It was our first encounter and yet he left us with a strong sense of familiarity.

Campaigns are tough, but I'm confident of the character and dedication Creigh Deeds brings to the office of governor for Virginians in every corner of this state. When the campaign is over, governing is for the next four years when the governor will have to work along with 140 legislators and state agencies to help Virginia serve its people.

It takes goodwill and focus like Creigh Deeds used as Mark Warner's Senate right hand to bring legislators together in the 2004 compromise to boost public safety and education programs. As The Washington Post stated in its recent endorsement of Creigh Deeds, he supports "sane fiscal and budgetary choices that have made the state one of the best governed and business friendly" and "played a constructive role in economic development."

By contrast the Post points out that his opponent, Bob McDonnell, offers a "blizzard of bogus, unworkable, fantastic proposals" that would "mainly cannibalize essential services like education, health and public safety."

Virginia needs to recover and I trust leaders who support an approach to governing that has a record of success, not just another all gain, no pain scheme like Jim Gilmore's car tax fiasco and the 2007 abuser fees.

Creigh Deeds gets my vote for governor, along with Jody Wagner for lieutenant governor and Steve Shannon for attorney general.

Noreen Hampton
500 Miller St.
Winchester
Oct. 20, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Please vote for Ken Cuccinelli for Virginia's next attorney general. If you, like me, are struggling to care for a mentally ill loved one, you can have no better friend in the office of attorney general than Ken Cuccinelli.

When Ken Cuccinelli was elected to the Virginia Senate, I went to him with my tale of troubles in my struggle to get help for my mentally ill family member. I knew Ken from his work as a family practice lawyer, providing legal services for the mentally ill and their families.

I am not in Ken's district and cannot vote for him. He listened anyway and was willing to work on legislation that would help me and tens of thousands of other Virginia families with mentally ill loved ones.

Sen. Cuccinelli has been a leader in the General Assembly in the effort to reform Virginia's outdated and ineffective mental health laws. During his years in the General Assembly, he successfully sponsored numerous bills aimed at improving the mental health code. As attorney general, he will be in a even stronger position to continue his work as a champion for reform.

Linfield Smith
7830 Glenister Drive
Springfield
Oct. 18, 2009

Editor
Northern Virginia Daily

Sir:

Currently, I'm having a problem believing some of the numbers I'm hearing during this Virginia election year.

One candidate for governor suggests that one way to improve Northern Virginia's roads is to sell Virginia's 328 ABC stores, which would raise $500 million for that purpose. He does not mention that it would be a one-time-only infusion of money or that the revenue currently generated by those stores would be lost forever. It also does not address the thousands of state workers who would lose their jobs.

Think for a moment. What buyer, with a half a billion dollars lying around, would be interested in purchasing 328 liquor stores? What would he get for his money? Best I can guess is several hundred feet of empty shelves.

He wouldn't be buying real estate, as most, if not all, of the stores are located in rented buildings or storefronts. He wouldn't be buying inventory. Even if that were possible, he couldn't sell it. After all, remember, Virginia ABC stores have a monopoly. Privately owned businesses cannot sell "hard liquor" to the public. It is unlawful.

What's that? He'll change the law. How? The last I heard, it was still one man, one vote in Virginia. Besides, the governor has no vote on legislative matters. He may propose but he does not vote. It takes a majority of the House and Senate to pass any law. The governor does have the power of veto, but even that can be overridden.

Common sense seems to indicate that this plan has no merit.

John Taylor
204 Jamestown Road
Front Royal
Oct. 19, 2009

Election letters

Oct. 28 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.