Austin’s leadership helps Horse Center and local economy thrive
As Delegate Terry Austin seeks re-election in the June 17 primary, I want to highlight the meaningful impact he’s had on Virginia’s horse industry and the Rockbridge community.
In 2022, Delegate Austin worked closely with leaders in the horse racing industry to direct a portion of historic horse racing revenues to the Virginia Horse Center. Since then, more than $3.2 million in new funding has been secured – critical support that helps the center remain a nationally recognized venue and a valuable economic driver for the region.
The horse industry as a whole contributes an estimated $1.2 billion annually to Virginia’s economy, and the Virginia Horse Center plays a central role in that success. It brings in national events, supports local jobs, and hosts dozens of community activities throughout the year.
Delegate Austin also helped secure $300,000 to repave the Horse Center’s parking lot, improving accessibility for the many youth programs, fundraisers, and local competitions held on site. He understands that this facility is more than an equestrian venue – it’s a vital part of the community.
Delegate Austin’s leadership has made a real difference, and I’m grateful for his continued support of our industry and region.
Debbie Easter
Executive Director
Virginia Thoroughbred Association
Support Dirk Padgett for Amsterdam Board of Supervisors seat
The June 17 primary is almost upon us, and it is a critical moment for the future of our community.
As a resident of Daleville, I’ve witnessed firsthand the explosive growth in our area – particularly the traffic congestion that has become nearly unmanageable. This kind of runaway development, without thoughtful planning, threatens our quality of life and the character of our neighborhoods.
We need a proven leader who will represent all citizens – not just a select few. Dirk Padgett is that leader. He has the experience, integrity, and commitment to guide our community forward in a responsible and balanced way.
Rachel Hancock
Daleville
In response to Ms. Rottman’s letter
I have looked at Ms. Rottman’s most recent letter to the editor and was surprised to learn that she claims to be from Wisconsin. While at the candidates’ forum conducted by the Botetourt County Republican Committee (BCRC), she claimed to be from “many states.” Perhaps what she reveals about herself is dependent on her surroundings, like a chameleon.
Having said that, I accept her invitation to talk about her “platform.” At the BCRC candidates’ forum, she articulated that she “stands for the opposite of Amy’s voting record.” What does that mean? Is she “for” anything or just “opposed” to everything?
Ms. Rottman does repeat that she opposes raising taxes – a position with which everyone can agree until it comes time to lead and make real decisions affecting the county. Then hard decisions must made (do we include or cut fire and rescue and police, include or cut teachers and staff at our public schools, include or cut recreational opportunities for our children, etc.?) and the issue of taxes becomes real.
Ms. Rottman proposes a budgeting system called “zero based budgeting.” While she correctly articulates the dictionary definition of that system, she has no specifics to bring forward. In fact, when specifically asked what she would not include in future budgets, she deflected this question stating that was something for the county administrator to deal with. Does she have a vision or is she merely an obstructionist who has no real plan to move Botetourt forward?
I suspect we are all for eliminating waste in our county. I also suspect that no one wants to pay more in taxes. However, someone who can only speak in overarching platitudes and abrogates her sought after responsibility when asked a specific question is dangerous for our county. We may not always agree with a decision our representatives make, but we should have confidence that they are leading us forward. Leadership is more than grand platitudes while obfuscating, obstructing, and avoiding specifics. Leadership is tackling problems head-on with an eye towards a viable solution – I have heard neither of these attributes from Ms. Rottman.
I encourage my neighbors in Buchanan to vote for Amy White!
Mac Doubles
Fincastle
Patterson responds to Rottman letter
Linda Rottman, the self-proclaimed disgruntled Californian (as she so proudly exclaimed at one of the “slew” of budget hearings she attended and one of the few I attended to witness the circus performances by the chronic complainers) is now attempting to bolster her image by letting everyone know in her letter to the editor last week that she is from Wisconsin instead of California. She could have gone into a little more detail and let us know if she went to California with her disgruntlement or if she acquired it there. Perhaps, since she must not have found her “perfect retirement place” in her native state of Wisconsin while she spent five years looking for it, she may just be a disgruntled Wisconsinite in a Californian’s clothing. Beware.
Linda-come-lately talks about dreams, not realities. She never gives facts, just fantasies. Always generalities, no specifics. I have previously questioned if there are any local governments in Virginia who use zero-based budgeting. Apparently there are not as neither she, nor her friend who wrote a letter in your May 21, 2025 edition, bothered to address that issue. All they can do is tell you how great it is and that the federal government has “mandated zero-based budgeting for leading agencies,” without telling us which agencies, if there are any – again, generalities instead of specifics, fantasies instead of facts.
I did fail to mention in my May 14, 2025 letter that the board approved a $2 million budget deficit this year. I did so because the vast majority of that went to the schools and Ms. Rottman has stated that the quality of public education is a strong personal interest of hers, so I had no idea she or her fellow complainers would be upset with that, or choose to mischaracterize it for political fodder.
In her May 21, 2025 letter to the editor, Ms. Woodward reminds us that, when Ms. Rottman announced her candidacy on February 25, 2025, she indicated that “she intends to define the essential functions of local government and eliminate wasteful spending that doesn’t include those functions.” When does she plan to do that? All she did in her May 28 letter to the editor is spell out that she is not a Californian (without denying she is disgruntled) and her same old complaints (1) eliminating wasteful spending without identifying anything specific or how she would accomplish it; (2) reducing taxes without any specifics on how she would propose to do this and what governmental services would suffer as a result thereof; (3) reining in irresponsible development without identifying what development she considers to be irresponsible or how she might propose to restrain or control it; and (4) that she would actually listen to the residents without saying she would do what they asked or what is in their best interests. I concur with what Mr. Kidd suggested in his letter last week and also question whether or not she actually has any real plan.
Ms. Rottman and her fellow complainers all talk about “taking our county back” but they don’t say how far back they want to take it. 1900? 1950? 1975? Back to when? Back to when we had limited fire and EMS here? Back to when we had very limited public safety? Back to when we had to go to the City of Roanoke for almost everything we needed? I submit that people who live here are not leaving because they love what we have and people who did not live here have chosen to move here in large numbers because they love what Botetourt County has to offer.
Mr. Kidd’s letter has informed you where you can move if you want to have lower taxes, but be prepared for fewer services and conveniences if you do. And, if you do, you will soon come to realize how nice things were when you lived in Botetourt County.
So, let’s keep Botetourt County on its current successful path and vote to re-elect Amy White for the Buchanan seat on the Board of Supervisors, either by voting early from now through June 14, 2025 in Fincastle, or on June 17, 2025 at your local precinct.
Bob Patterson
Fincastle
Buchanan District
Endorsement for Austin
I am writing to endorse Delegate Terry Austin for re-election to the Virginia House of Delegates in the Republican Primary on June 17. I have known Delegate Austin for many years and had the opportunity to work with him on various matters. His integrity, character, and tireless energy are unmatched, and he consistently prioritizes the needs of the 37th House District.
Terry’s pragmatic approach to problem solving sets him apart. He addresses the challenges facing our Commonwealth by protecting personal freedoms and supporting traditional values, all while fostering consensus in the General Assembly. He effectively avoids partisan gridlock while remaining true to conservative principles.
As a lifelong resident of Botetourt County, Terry brings a unique perspective to his work. His success as a small business owner and his service on local boards have given him a deep understanding our needs. In Richmond, his leadership has been instrumental. On the Transportation Committee, he secured funding for critical projects like the widening of I-81 and expanded Amtrak service. As Ranking Republican on the Appropriations Committee, he championed local initiatives while ensuring state tax dollars are returned to residents.
Terry is also a steadfast supporter of local law enforcement, the right to bear arms, and cutting unnecessary government regulations. His advocacy for these priorities demonstrates his commitment to preserving the values and freedoms we hold dear.
I deeply appreciate the positive impact of Delegate Austin’s leadership. I encourage my fellow residents of the 37th District to join me in supporting Terry Austin for the House of Delegates. His proven record of service and dedication to our community make him the clear choice.
Edward W. Clark, Jr.
Roanoke
(In Botetourt)
Williamson endorses Amy White for supervisor
Amy Stinnett White should be re-elected as the Buchanan District representative on the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors. She is in her fifth year of service and is the current chair of the board. But first, she must be nominated as the Republican Party candidate for supervisor for the Buchanan District in the June 17 Republican primary. I encourage my fellow Buchanan voters to go to the polls on June 17 and provide Amy with that nomination.
Amy is the last in a line of six conservative supervisors from the Buchanan District, starting with Webbie Booze in the late 1980s, to champion economic development in the county. First there was East Park Commerce Center which has filled with manufacturers, been expanded, and filled again. Then the Greenfield Industrial Center property was acquired and developed. It has steadily filled with high end quality manufacturers. Literally thousand of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in property value have been created. Supervisors from the Buchanan District have provided leadership on the Board of Supervisors for the decisions that enabled that economic development and job creation. Without the tough decisions to buy and zone land, build roads, install water and sewer lines, and hire and keep experienced economic development staff, none of those jobs would exist in Botetourt County. Look around and ask yourself how many of your friends, neighbors and family members have jobs in Botetourt County because of those farsighted and long range decisions.
Don’t endanger the Buchanan District’s important role in governing the future of Botetourt County by allowing the nomination of some Johnny, or Linda, come lately promising the illusion of tax cuts without hurting schools, emergency services and law enforcement, while promoting a silly budgetary gimmick that ran aground 35 years ago, when we learned zero-based budgeting was a useless exercise when almost all local government services are mandated by the State Constitution or acts of the General Assembly of Virginia.
Please do the prudent thing for yourself, your family and the Buchanan District: keep Amy Stinnett White on the Board of Supervisors for four more years.
John Williamson
Buchanan
Reader urges support for Austin
As the Republican primary on June 17 approaches, I urge voters to support Delegate Terry Austin for re-election to the Virginia House of Delegates. Many of you are aware of Delegate Austin’s success growing our economy and improving our transportation systems during his time in the General Assembly. What you may not know is that he has been instrumental in addressing the healthcare workforce shortage in our region through his leadership in establishing the Blue Ridge Partnership for Health Science Careers.
Started in 2019, the BRPHSC is a collaborative effort among educators, employers, and economic development professionals in the Roanoke and New River Valleys, the Alleghany Highlands, Rockbridge County, and the greater Lynchburg region. Its mission is to improve health sciences education and align instruction to meet the workforce needs of the region’s health employers, including hospitals, health systems, long-term care facilities, and emerging biomedical companies. This initiative was inspired by Delegate Austin’s personal experience as a cancer patient at MD Anderson, where he observed how the hospital collaborated with the local school system to educate students in health sciences and guide them toward career opportunities.
Under his guidance, the partnership has created pathways for students to enter health science careers, addressing the critical need for qualified healthcare professionals in our area. Notably, the initiative has facilitated collaborations with institutions like Virginia Western Community College, providing students with opportunities to connect with industry leaders and gain insights into various health science careers.
Furthermore, the partnership has gained statewide recognition and secured significant funding to support its programs. The Claude Moore Charitable Foundation recently granted over $390,000 to the Blue Ridge Partnership to fund health science educational programming in schools across Southwest Virginia.
Delegate Austin’s commitment to fostering a robust healthcare workforce demonstrates his dedication to the well-being and economic vitality of our communities. I encourage my fellow citizens to vote for Delegate Terry Austin on June 17 to ensure continued progress in health sciences education and employment opportunities in our region.
Mikki Barranco
Daleville
Former board chair supports White for supervisor
I would like to offer my support for Amy White who is running for the Buchanan District supervisor on the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors. I read Linda Rottman’s article concerning the upcoming election where she is interested in the Buchanan supervisor position. I don’t know Linda Rottman but she seems to be a good person, intelligent and is interested in serving Botetourt County on the board. However, I DO know Amy White, how she has served faithfully and studies the issues, confers with her constituents and peers before making her decisions. I know this because I served with her during my 16 years on the board and observed firsthand how dedicated she is, how she has served the county and the thought and research she puts into her research before making decisions. One supervisor does not run the board or make decisions unilaterally. It’s a team effort. She doesn’t make decisions lightly or without thought. Amy White has represented her constituents in Buchanan well. And again, one person does not make unilateral decisions on taxes. It takes a board of five members to do that.
She not only excels in supporting public education but supports Botetourt County in all areas. And YES, taxes are a big topic in the county. These are not decisions to be taken lightly. And I, as well as everyone else in Botetourt County, want to see our taxes used as they are needed, not “wanted.” I have personally observed decisions she has made and reasoning behind her decisions. She has made good decisions for the citizens. I would ask her constituents to consider to continue to support her for another term on the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors for the Buchanan District.
Billy Martin
Blue Ridge
File photo
Carly Fiorina Endorses Chairman Terry Austin
It is my sincere privilege to offer a strong endorsement for Delegate Terry Austin, who is seeking re-election to represent Virginia’s 37th District in the House of Delegates. As the Honorary National Chair of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), I have had the unique opportunity to work closely with Delegate Austin. Throughout our collaboration, I have consistently observed his exceptional leadership qualities, tireless dedication, and unwavering commitment to conservative values and principles.
Terry Austin’s steadfast devotion to responsible governance, economic growth, and the well-being of his constituents has had a significant and positive impact, especially in Southwest Virginia. As Chair of Virginia 250, Delegate Austin has insured that we emphasize Virginia’s foundational role in American history as the birthplace of our nation. He is dedicated to our founding ideals and to fostering a deep sense of patriotism and pride among Virginians and all Americans
Delegate Austin diligently represents the interests of the residents of Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, parts of Rockbridge, and the cities of Buena Vista, Covington, and Lexington. As the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee, he plays a pivotal role in shaping fiscally responsible policies and budgets that directly benefit the families, businesses, and communities of the 37th District. Terry’s deep understanding of economic and community development has consistently resulted in thoughtful legislation and initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Southwest Virginia.
Terry Austin exemplifies the highest standards of public service, characterized by integrity, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to conservative governance. His dedication and proven leadership record ensure that the Commonwealth of Virginia, and especially the residents of the 37th District, continue to thrive.
I strongly encourage every voter in the 37th District to join me in supporting Delegate Terry Austin on June 17, 2025. Virginia—and indeed our entire nation—greatly benefits from his continued leadership, experience, and dedicated service.
Carly Florina
Honorary National Chair of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250)
