Engineer looks forward to see turbines on North Mountain
Editor:
As a Fincastle resident, I’m excited to hear that Rocky Forge Wind continues to move forward. I’ve camped under wind turbines, erected a small one on my property, and work on them daily as an engineer for GE Wind.
Not only that, Apex has chosen a state-of-the-art GE wind turbine to install on North Mountain that I had the pleasure of testing during its design phase in recent years.
This project has been a long time coming and the benefits will be great for our area. The support is still here for Rocky Forge and I can’t wait to see the turbines get built here in my home community producing more jobs per kWh than dirty coal.
I also would like to thanks our Renewable Energy club REEVA, the Sierra Club and Dabney Lancaster in the public hearings helping to make this possible.
Mark Hanson
Fincastle
Educator, sportsman supports Rocky Forge Wind project
Editor:
As an educator in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and someone that cares deeply for the future of our children, I wholeheartedly support the Rocky Forge Wind project. As clean energy becomes more common in the United States, it is time for Virginia to join this new era of energy production. The completion of the Rocky Forge Wind project here in Botetourt is the ideal step for the Commonwealth to take in the direction of a clean energy future.
This project will invest in the local economy and provide local revenue that can help our schools for decades to come. These funds will help provide a bright future for the residents of our county, ensuring our children have access to the best education we can offer. Switching to cleaner energy sources will also help curb the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and maintain a healthy environment for the future of our children.
In addition to being an educator, I am also an avid sportsman, which makes protecting our wildlife habitat particularly important to me. The same pollutants that are harmful to humans are harmful to wildlife.
Wind energy is compatible with outdoor recreation because it will help reduce these pollutants, and it is not difficult for wildlife to become accustomed to wind farms. What I have read, indicates that the research shows that wind projects actually rank near the bottom of the list of developments that negatively impact wildlife.
Considering this, it is time to move forward with Rocky Forge Wind, and for the Commonwealth of Virginia to take this step forward to a cleaner, more sustainable future in energy. This is a win-win project for Botetourt County.
Drew Barrett
Troutville
Letter from Amy White
It is hard to believe that three months have passed since I was appointed to represent the Buchanan District on the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors. First and foremost, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve our community in this capacity. Second, I want to thank all of you who have reached out to me and who have supported me.
I have enjoyed meeting with people throughout Buchanan, the County and many longtime friends. I have heard your concerns, your needs and your ideas and I look forward to continuing these discussions. I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as the Buchanan District Supervisor so far. I intend to run for this seat in November, and if it is the will of the voters, I would be honored and humbled to continue to serve in this capacity and continue representing your interests.
With all the state, federal and international issues that we currently face, it is easy to become distracted from the things that matter most, one of the most important being our local communities. During the election and for my time in this position, I will focus on the local issues that matter most to Buchanan and Botetourt County, as a whole. I will continue to talk with the citizens and to do my best to address their needs. I am a strong supporter of the agriculture community and I will continue to work towards expanding broadband. Although there are still many who do not have access to this vital utility, the County has made great strides in this area.
I believe that there is great promise in the Town of Buchanan, and I will work to help the Town grow by promoting responsible economic development. I have lived in Buchanan most of my life and was raised by farmers and small business owners. My commitment to our region is deep and sincere. Serving in this role, is one way I can give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family.
You can expect me to run a positive, locally focused campaign. As you know, campaign promises can be dangerous. I will make the following promise that I know I can fulfill. If elected, I will serve with vision, integrity, and strong passion for and commitment to this community. Throughout the election cycle, I will continue to represent the Buchanan District to the best of my ability and continue to learn about the role of the Board.
I am seeking the Republican nomination for the Buchanan District Board seat. The primary for that nomination will be held Saturday, May 1 from 9:00am – 12:00pm at Buchanan Elementary School. Any registered voter in the Buchanan Magisterial District may vote in this very important primary.
Please let this letter serve as a call to action. We are blessed to live in a land where we have the freedom to vote. Please exercise that right on May 1st – I will see you there. Thank you for your continued guidance, trust and support.
Contact Amy directly at amy4buchanan@gmail.com.
Weddle will seek another term on School Board
It has been an honor to represent the Amsterdam District on the Botetourt County School Board the past four years, and this year as chair. I am enthusiastically announcing my intention to continue this role and run for re-election this November.
I am a lifelong resident of Botetourt County. After graduating from James River High School, I earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology from James Madison University and a Master’s of Education degree in Health Promotion from Virginia Tech. My husband, Chris, and I have two daughters attending Botetourt County Public Schools, allowing me to interact often with other parents and share their stories of excitement and concerns regarding the school system.
It is important to me to be an advocate for students and parents alike. I volunteer often at school and am privileged to hear from both teachers and parents. Building a relationship with families in the Amsterdam District is crucial to understanding and representing educational concerns of the community. I want to ensure all taxpayers are well represented and know exactly how their money is being spent. In my term the School Board has reflected that vision, establishing transparency through a line-item budget and streaming and recording all meetings.
It is critical for teachers to have their needs met while also balancing student needs and school maintenance on aging buildings. I want to make sure that Botetourt County is a desired teaching location so that we recruit and retain teachers of the highest quality. That can only be done with competitive salaries and quality facilities.
Botetourt County is at a pivotal moment in its history. Hundreds of new jobs are coming to the area, the Amsterdam District in particular. The School Board and Board of Supervisors must work in harmony to establish an infrastructure that not only meets Botetourt’s near-term needs, but frames the county for decades of success.
Our school system is in a strong position. However, it is time to build on that base. Our school system realized considerable accomplishments during my term despite the pandemic. I look forward to building on that progress with the rest of my esteemed board members and our new superintendent.
Anna Weddle
Botetourt School School Board
Representative – Amsterdam District
