Letter of support for Scothorn
Dear Voter of the Valley District,
In a few days (June 20) you will vote to select a nominee for the Board of Supervisors in the November election.
Mac Scothorn is the incumbent supervisor, so it is fair to judge him by his record. Those policies enacted by the board have a direct impact on the quality of life here in Botetourt County; fiscal practices determine tax rates.
Consider our collective experience in the following categories:
- Median value of owner-occupied dwelling – $225,000
- Unemployment rate – 3% (statewide…3%)
- Per capita income – $49,948 (up 11% since 2016)
- New business starts – 4.2% increase (regionally…2.16%)
- Real estate values – increased by 14% (driven largely by property demand)
- Moody’s bond rating – Aa1
Mac did not create these impressive economic data points alone, but he has been a diligent, dedicated board member – a team player, known for his high ethical and moral standards.
Let’s keep a good thing going. Vote for Mac Scothorn on June 20.
John Alderson
Daleville
Donations needed for Fincastle fireworks
There is less then a month before the Fourth of July fireworks display at Breckinridge Elementary School in Fincastle will be held. The fireworks display will cost $7,000 this year because we had to hire a professional fireworks company. We will be using the same company, Master Display, as we had last year. Donations will be needed. We appreciate all who donated to the wonderful event in the past.
Donations can be brought to the Fincastle Town Office or sent to Town of Fincastle , P.O. Box 250, Fincastle, 24090. You also can call the Town Office at 540-473-2200 to use your debit or credi card to make a donation.
Our Fourth of July fireworks display has been enjoyed by many people in Botetourt and other counties. Let your friends, co-workers, and families know about the Fincastle Fourth of July fireworks display. Come and have an enjoyable time together with family and friends.
Let’s make the 2023 Fincastle Fourth of July fireworks display the best show of the year.
Paige Ware
Fourth of July Fireworks Committee
Student participation in school fundraising should be voluntary
In Virginia, parents have fundamental rights concerning the education and upbringing of their children (§ 1-240.1). Concurrently, participation in in-school fundraising may not be solely by student choice.
During the budgetary processes, public education funding is debated with the needs of other recipients of federal, state, and local funds. Since FY 2008-09, state direct aid per Botetourt County Public Schools (BCPS) pupil has decreased by almost 12%. This year, BCPS will receive approximately 34% of the Botetourt County budget and a resolution was adopted about funding the BCPS Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). In addition to public funds, many public schools receive support from businesses, corporations, foundations, and non-profit groups. Likely intended to supplement, this support supplants when public funding is inadequate.
A significant portion of public school capital improvements in Virginia have been funded through school fundraising campaigns. Schools have benefitted immeasurably from the generosity of donors and volunteers. Participation in school fundraising should be voluntary. When fundraising occurs outside of school and/or working hours, student and staff participation is voluntary: one acts of his or her own accord to participate.
When fundraising occurs during school and/or working hours, the definition of voluntary participation becomes debatable. Virginia public policy allows for voluntary participation to be defined as a student having the condition upon enrollment of “participant” in fundraising who may change his or her condition to “non-participant” without punitive consequences. Voluntary student participation should be defined by student or parental consent.
Students should have the condition upon enrollment of “non-participant” in fundraising, changeable to “participant” by choice of the student or parent. To preserve existing parental rights and ensure that student participation in in-school fundraising is voluntary, parental consent should be required.
From the Virginia Department of Education, “When schools partner with parents, and actively seek their involvement, students are more likely to experience improved outcomes.” Requiring parental consent for student participation in in-school fundraising would demonstrate effective partnership between schools and parents. Adequate public funding is also essential to student success.
The BCPS CIP Resolution is a step forward in addressing the needs of public education in Botetourt County.
Emily Williams
Troutville
Opposed to proposed Craig-Botetourt Trail
A trail is being highly considered to be constructed. It is rapidly moving along, known as the 26-mile Craig-Botetourt Trail.
We as residents along State Rt. 817 and the community of Oriskany have learned of this only lately.
Nothing apparently comes out in any news media, therefore few people are aware of it.
The trail is on the original railroad bed running from Eagle Rock to New Castle. This trail is going through the peaceful community of historical Oriskany and State Rt. 817 – a gravel road.
I live on 817 and a good number of residents also. Without concern for our safety, etc. we will be invaded by horsemen, bicycles, and hikers. There is no cell service here, EMS and police take at least 60 to 90 minutes to arrive.
It appears the multi-county supervisors, CTB and VDOT do not realize the danger to us using the trail in our vehicles.
We do not need more trails with 5,000 acres 0.9 of a mile away; plus all the many other trails in this area that are seldom used.
Our hunting will be greatly reduced, causing loss of revenue to both counties involved and the State of Virginia.
We have reached out many ways: signs, petitions, brochures and meetings.
We need to get this out to all people!
K.R. Sellers
Eagle Rock
Endorses Scothorn as supervisor
If you know who I am, then you most likely know my father, Mac Scothorn.
Yes, Dr. Scothorn is my dad, but I would like to state that I have seen my father firsthand with patients, the Botetourt community, friends, family, and even strangers.
I have seen him give each and every one of those people the utmost respect and kindness. So, even if Dr. Scothorn was not my dad and I happened to be in one of those categories, then I would most likely still be saying what I have to say right now.
Mac Scothorn is not only a devoted board member and doctor, he is a devoted husband, dad, brother and son. Over the many years of my life, I have watched my dad do everything in his power to improve Botetourt County. Not just in one way, but many. I’ve seen him listen to everyone who has input, comments, or concerns. I’ve seen him take care of anyone and everyone he encounters on a daily basis as well as watching him get up at 4 a.m., not just to get that early morning workout in, but to work on things every day to help the county and his patients.
I’ve never truly seen someone who genuinely cares and is so devoted to the county or his patients. With that being said, I hope everyone truly gets to encounter my father not only within the work field but outside of it, I wouldn’t trust anyone more with this county.
Carrington Scothorn
Cloverdale
