www.roanoke.com

Taxpayers don't want to fund vacations

Thank you, Marquita Brown, for unveiling the real Salem City council in your article "Salem council meets in W.Va." (Oct. 20).

I would like to know how many times over the years Salem's council has met for lavish work sessions with the taxpayers' hard-earned money?

The citizens of Salem need to wise up. Our council members only care about themselves and their close-knit social circle, not the average taxpayer. Your property assessments are going up, your utility bills are rising, and the council members are living the good life.

Maybe I should run for city council along with some other average hard-working citizens who feel that the current council members are not doing the job they were elected to do.

That job is to represent the citizens in a totally open and honest manner, keeping in mind a realistic budget and reasonable taxes. Their job is not to have a vacation at my expense.

I hope that when one of these members asks for your vote, you will ask them for your free trip to Glade Springs. As a lifetime resident of Salem, I hope my free trip comes soon because I am unable to afford to stay there otherwise.

Retired teacher best pick for school board

I would like to encourage my friends and neighbors in the Catawba magisterial district to remember to vote for Susan Arnold for the Roanoke County School Board on Nov. 6.

Arnold has 39 years of teaching experience and, having just retired from the classroom, she knows exactly how to support the needs of teachers, parents and students in our community.

As a high school teacher who has worked with Arnold, I can assure you that her commitment to excellence in education is unquestionable and she is certainly the candidate who deserves your vote.

Trust Holland with children's education

Bob Holland, who is campaigning for the Blue Ridge seat on the Botetourt County School Board, has not only pledged himself to run a positive campaign of ideas but lived up to that ideal at every turn. He has also shown that he would dedicate himself to being a conscientious public servant.

When The Roanoke Times reported last summer that no one had filed as a candidate to represent Blue Ridge, Holland stated upon reflection: "This was an unfortunate situation. Service on the school board is far too important to lack for a competition of candidates and ideas." He is right. He has made his point clear in debates, discussions, and for all to see on his Web site (www.blueridgebob.com).

Holland has much wisdom and experience to draw from to benefit the residents of Blue Ridge. We need to vote for a person who understands doing the right thing and giving of one's self to benefit our future. Our kids need these roles modeled, and I for one want to see these on a school board I entrust with my children's future.

Ware's opponent will rue his remarks

I was saddened to read that Onzlee Ware's drug history was part of the election news ("Ware says career is effort to fulfill God's special plan," article, Oct. 23). I wasn't surprised Ware used his story to exemplify how recovering people change and live positive, productive lives.

I've known Ware for nearly 20 years. He was my mentor in an organization that helps people recover. His personality today has as much in common with a practicing addict as Osama bin Laden has in common with the Dalai Lama.

Ware's opponent says his political actions demonstrate a continuation of his attitudes from 32 years ago when he was involved in substance abuse. That contention opposes everything known about recovery today and it does a disservice to all recovering people.

Ware's opponent also accused him of acting like an "Uncle Tom" after Ware said kind things about someone who made a racist remark. Ware taught me that you don't throw people away because they say something wrong. We are all going to do it.

I'm also acquainted with Ware's opponent. I believe he's a good man and will regret his remarks. Perhaps that makes me an "Uncle Tom," a white Uncle Tom who now lives in Salem and, sadly, cannot vote for his friend, Ware.

Pollard is the type of leader Bedford needs

Why are we supporting Annie Pollard for Bedford County District 6 supervisor? Because she has convinced us that as an independent she will be committed to working toward less government, lower taxes, a clean environment, safe schools and will have much more community involvement in the affairs of the county.

Also, she has a firsthand knowledge of the county budget and operations from her years of attending almost all board meetings and other meetings while closely assisting her husband, Bobby, when he was a supervisor.

Aside from the above, she is currently serving as the chairwoman of the board of directors for the Bedford Museum, is a volunteer at the D-Day Memorial and is a member of the Bedford Breakfast Lion's Club, all of which reflect her strong interest in helping our community to be the best it can be.

In short, we believe that District 6 residents and Bedford County as a whole need leaders like Pollard.

Pollard is a better choice in Bedford County

It would be interesting to know how long your staff spent interviewing the candidates for the District 6 supervisor for Bedford County. I would guess about five minutes from your final choice ("Bedford County sheriff, supervisor," editorial, Oct. 22).

I worked as a county employee for 25 years and had the privilege of observing both Andrew Dooley and Annie Pollard. From my vantage point, I can assure your readers that Pollard is the best candidate to represent the citizens on the board of supervisors.

You were correct in your general support for both candidates because each is indeed capable in work ethic, but Pollard's unique skills of proven leadership in her quiet, determined way give her a wide lead over the other candidates for that seat.

Everyone has the right to an opinion and Election Day gives each of us the opportunity to be counted. Make voting your priority Nov. 6.

Overton would make the better sheriff

As a 29-year employee of the Franklin County Sheriff's Department, one of the saddest days of my career was when Sheriff Quint Overton announced that he was retiring. I knew that I, like all voters in Franklin County, would have to choose a new sheriff.

Since I have worked with the candidates, my choice was not an easy one. I see them and work with them on a daily basis and have established friendships with two of them.

In my decision process, I felt that I must choose a candidate who best fit my philosophy of law enforcement; a candidate who has a progressive management style; a candidate who has a strong character and integrity; someone with a proven track record in law enforcement; and a candidate who will ensure that the citizens of Franklin County will have the best possible sheriff's department in the state. Finally, I looked for a candidate who fit with my personal theology.

My decision was not easy and is not taken lightly. Therefore, I place my support with and urge all voters to elect Bill Overton as the next sheriff of Franklin County.