White urges participation in Republican primary
Greetings Buchanan residents, constituents and friends – this week kicks off the Republican primary in Virginia and I want to encourage participation in this election. As many of you know, the Buchanan seat on the Botetourt Board of Supervisors is up for election this November, and I am proud to be running for re-election for this seat.
My reason for serving and for running for re-election is quite simply my love for this community. I have lived in Buchanan for most of my life, and I currently reside on my family’s six-generation Century farm. My hope is that I can serve this community so that it serves generations to come. I want my children to have a community where they can raise kids and grandkids; I want future generations to have opportunities while being able to enjoy a rural lifestyle that contributes to the community. I want them to have opportunity and security.
This election season brings a laser focus on taxes, and promises to lower them. I would offer that governance and leadership are much more than a tax rate. Taxes are very important, yes, and greatly impact our citizens. However, to focus singularly on taxes, in my opinion, is short-sighted. In order to position our county and our community for the future, we must take into account all aspects of government and our community.
For example, our school system has infrastructure needs that must be addressed. The school budget makes up 32.8% of the overall budget this year. I am a proud graduate of James River High school – in fact, my family is a three-generation JR family. I feel that our schools are at a crossroads right now – we must scrutinize school costs and budget requests while realizing that we have aged infrastructure and deteriorating facilities. My next four years of service will revolve around a promise to see that a plan for the future of Botetourt County Public Schools is solidified, and that citizen input is considered and reflected in the decisions made.
Additionally, our law enforcement, fire and emergency services make up 30.4% of the overall budget. Public safety is integral to the fabric of our community, and I will continue to support these departments and the invaluable work that they do.
These are just two of the issues that I look forward to discussing as we proceed through the primary season. I urge you to become involved, talk to the candidates and learn for yourself what motivates each of us, and what our priorities are.
Early voting begins this Friday, May 2, at 8:30 a.m. in the Voter Registration Office at 2 East Main Street, Fincastle. Office hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday and the office will be open the two Saturdays immediately before the primary: Saturday, June 7, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Saturday, June 14, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The primary will be held on June 17 and you can vote at your normal precinct. I am running for the Republican nomination for this office.
Regarding this specific campaign, please remember, it is my tax rate, too. I understand the concerns about the tax rate – and will do all that I can to balance the often-competing needs of our community. I love Botetourt County, this community and I look forward to continuing to serve. I also welcome conversation and input from you, the community, and look forward to sharing time with you.
Amy White
Buchanan
Reader calls for reflection and resistance
My hope for those voting for the current President, perhaps pleased so far with his policies and approach though likely with misgivings, is to decide if there would be anything he or his appointed surrogates might do that would constitute for them a bridge too far.
Were that bridge, too, demolished, drastically affecting either pocketbook or principles, or both, I pray they consider joining the mounting resistance on behalf of a kinder, more just America. May none of us forget that though the family is fractured, we are still sisters and brothers.
Charlie Finn
Fincastle
