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Sarah Goodman

is a good pick for Windsor Hills

I urge those living in the Windsor Hills Magisterial District to join me in supporting Sarah Goodman for supervisor. Goodman grew up here and attended Windsor Hills' schools. She is now a mother, Roanoke County high school English teacher, former Realtor, and a PTA/community volunteer with proven leadership skills and a vision for our future.

Goodman will ensure that education is a high priority, and has received the endorsement of the Roanoke County Education Association. She will promote economic development and job creation, and has been endorsed by the Business Leadership Fund (Chamber of Commerce organization) and the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors. Goodman understands the complex relationship between the encouragement of new growth for Roanoke County and the quality-of-life amenities that benefit residents.

Goodman is an excellent communicator and will listen to and advocate for all citizens. She plans to be very accessible and hold citizen input meetings throughout the district. She understands both collaboration and compromise, and will work well with others. She has also earned the endorsements of a broad spectrum of community organizations, not all mentioned here due to space.

Please join me in voting for Goodman.

Deeds' mill visit showed true measure

As actions speak louder than words, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds gave a shout-out this week for Virginia. When he rearranged his campaign to visit Franklin, he told the men and women of Virginia that people are more important than politics. Candidate Deeds cares about the commonwealth of Virginia and showed leadership in going, meeting and listening to the paper mill workers facing unemployment.

The campaign slogan "Deeds, not words" tells me that when we elect him on Tuesday, Deeds will be a man of action.

Elswick better suited for Windsor Hills

Having met and listened to both board of supervisors candidates running for the Windsor Hill District, I believe Ed Elswick will better serve the residents of Roanoke County. Now retired, but with 31 years business experience under his belt, Elswick will be able to devote the time and attention needed for this position.

After reviewing his Web site, www.edelswick.com, I am hopeful he will be fiscally responsible, as well as instrumental in creating a climate to attract economic development to our area. I think he has been misunderstood regarding greenways, and although I too enjoy a stroll on them, I would like to say greenways aren't going to keep our graduating children in Roanoke as much as decent-paying jobs will.

I also like that Elswick seems very accessible, is an advocate for citizen input via an advisory council, surveys and an ombudsman, and has an actual platform that you can read on his Web site. I will be voting for Elswick, who will put principles before politics.

School board needs Stovall's experience

The Oct. 21 editorial "Keep a strong board in Roanoke County," giving endorsement to Mike Stovall's challenger for Roanoke County School Board, shows The Roanoke Times needs to spend a little more time covering local education. You reference the need for more open communication, yet it's Stovall you contact when you want information on Roanoke County School Board happenings.

Stovall is accessible to his constituents. He has consistently worked for us in the Vinton magisterial district, and we appreciate the renovations and additions he has worked for on our behalf. He has served as chairman and vice chairman and has done a great job.

Jason Peters is on the outside looking in. His and his wife's children have been home-schooled or been in private schools. Observation, not experience, is all he has to offer. He has no idea what's needed in our school system.

Stovall has been involved with the PTA and worked within Roanoke County schools for 20 years and has served on the school board for 14 years. Stovall's a tried and true, experienced public official and has the experience and dedication to continue leading our great schools.

Bolling is strong on plans, achievements

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling was the clear winner of the lieutenant governor's debate. At one point, Bolling responded to Jody Wagner by saying, "That was a meaningless platitude about nothing." That quote sums up her entire performance. She provided few specifics and spent most of the time dishonestly attacking Bolling.

Bolling clearly outlined his record of accomplishment during his 18 years of public service and his specific plans to create new jobs, grow the economy and restore fiscal management to state government. He was the candidate who was all substance, and Wagner was the candidate who was all fluff. Bolling will be receiving my vote on Election Day.

Frank will put district over party

On Election Day, I will be casting my vote for Peggy Frank in the 7th District, House of Delegates, because we need a new direction in the General Assembly.

There are many critical issues facing our commonwealth. We have a $1.35 billion budget shortfall and our sheriffs and colleges have been hit with repeated funding cuts. The current House leadership has not helped to address these serious issues.

In fact, the current House leadership has been a major part of the problem. For example, the House voted this spring to reject $125 million in federal stimulus funding to support unemployment benefits. Frank's opponent followed the lead of his party bosses in voting to reject these benefits. These funds were our federal tax dollars; while other states received help for their unemployment programs, we Virginians did not receive our fair share.

Unlike her opponent, Frank will be a practical problem-solver who will vote the interests of our district instead of following the lead of party bosses in Richmond. I ask all residents of the 7th House District to join me on Tuesday in supporting Frank, who will bring a fresh voice to Richmond.

Frank will advocate for New River Valley

I am proud to support Peggy Frank's campaign for the House of Delegates because she will conscientiously work to procure jobs in our community.

Having served Montgomery and Pulaski counties as a prosecutor for more than 18 years, Frank has a long record of serving New River Valley families. She knows how to make the case for the valley and will be an advocate we can count on in Richmond.

Frank understands that our colleges are the backbone of the New River Valley economy. I was glad to see in The Roanoke Times article about her campaign on Oct. 20 that she will be an advocate for partnerships between local businesses and our colleges to create jobs right here.

Frank also understands the importance of programs like the Governor's Opportunity Fund to create jobs in areas like Southwest Virginia. I find it telling that her opponent, Dave Nutter, has voted against expanding that fund even though other states are expanding their economic incentive programs.

The people of the New River Valley need a delegate who will be on our side. That is why I am voting for Frank.

Walker will clean up commissioner's office

Douglas Walker is running for the commissioner of the revenue. I had a brief interview with him and was greatly impressed. He answered my questions without hesitation and without equivocation. What struck me as most important was his concept of public office. He believes it is an honor and duty to serve the people, and not a career.

He said the current office holder has been there for 12 years and that not all is well in the commissioner's office.

Some city businesses are simply not being taxed, thus the others must bear the entire tax load. It could be due to an outdated record-keeping system or because of favoritism; no matter what the cause, it is unfair that some businesses don't pay any city tax.

On a personal level, he seems like the type of man I would like to deal with if I have tax questions, and so I support him in his bid for office. Also, he has a great last name. However, I know of no direct relationship with Walker.

Pratt will be a strong voice in Richmond

Carole Pratt has worked diligently to get her message of job creation and economic growth to everyone in the 6th District. I have known Pratt for more than 25 years and have seen her apply this same drive and determination in local, state and national organizations.

She is a leader and advocate of education who sees job growth in our area as directly tied to education, skilled worker training and retraining.

Pratt has a long-standing interest in our community's economic health. Her appointment by other community leaders to various economic development organizations is indicative of their confidence in her ability to facilitate economic growth and job development.

Pratt has owned a small business. She understands the needs of small business and supports not only the creation of new business but creating an environment where our current small businesses can thrive.

Pratt is our best choice for 6th District House of Delegates. She will study every aspect of legislative issues and work with other representatives in Southwest Virginia to develop a coalition focused on bringing jobs to our part of the state. We need this experienced and dynamic force in Richmond. Vote Pratt on Tuesday.