Reader says Patterson’s letter was condescending, arrogant
This is in response to Bob Patterson’s letter to the editor on March 20.
His comments were quite condescending, leading to the point of arrogance, and preposterously projecting himself as the authority in other people’s affairs.
He started with his purported previous letter to the editor as “striking a nerve” (no sign of humility here) in the county and told people not to be “cherry-picking content,” as if he were instructing students on what they should and should not do. I highly recommend he should cogitate on how badly and arrogantly his words and comments come across.
Further, he went on to comment that he reviewed “all of the transfer deeds recorded that day.” It is apparent he really doesn’t have much to do but scrutinizing others’ deed transfers, etc. For what purpose, one must ask, other than for him to use in self-initiated unnecessary quarrels. Moreover, he also chided someone’s previous letter that stated “a 93% increase in assessed value.” It is not his place to dispute how the 93% increase was calculated or under what circumstances that transpired the figure.
Just a friendly reminder, “An idle mind is the devil’s playground.” He should spend his idle time in some self-reflection and correcting his inappropriate, disrespectful comments about others. Here’s the appropriate paraphrase to help him remember: the free rein of one’s loose tongue cuts (metaphorically) one’s own throat. One thing for sure, Patterson absolutely deserves at least a ten-fold assessment on his real property, if he has one.
Likewise, he broke his own rules about “cherry-picking” when he remarked on the word “EMS” by comparing it with an insurance policy. Indeed, it is a social contract/insurance policy. What’s troubling is he didn’t mention anything else but that word, contradicting his own prohibition of “cherry-picking.” What hypocrisy! Furthermore, the letter was clearly addressed to and implored the county assessment official for re-assessment; it certainly was not addressed to Patterson for the purpose of eliciting his pontificating and unwarranted comments.
In addition, as it’s like an insurance policy, Patterson is reminded that good drivers without DUI, speeding, and other vehicle violations receive a hefty discount on the insurance policy. Therefore, people who conscientiously take care of themselves to free up public service, i.e., EMS, etc., must be appreciated and praised, rather than “cherry-picked” and making it his self-aggrandizing opportunity for an unsolicited didactical session. What a pity.
Here are some recommendations for Patterson: 1) as an adult (I assumed) he should know that there’s eloquence in silence – practice often; 2) if he must utter words or write, make sure his words are true, factual, positive, and/or affirming others; 3) rather than idly “policing” others’ affairs and being a nosy, know-it-all, he should do some community volunteer work – like substitute teaching; and 4) he should apologize for the condescending comments he’s made about others thus far with impunity, if he’s a mature person.
Here’s the perennial wisdom prescription for his ailment: “Know Thyself.”
Anna Yu
Cloverdale
Residents have questions concerning reassessments
We have several questions regarding the recent reassessments of properties in Botetourt County.
How was the firm of Wampler-Eanes chosen to do the reassessments? Was the job put up for bid with Wampler-Eanes submitting the lowest bid? How much did the county pay Wampler-Eanes to do the reassessment?
How much did the properties owned by the members of the Board of Supervisors increase in reassessment?
According to Wampler-Eanes, the average sale price of homes in Botetourt increased in value 33% since 2019. Why did certain areas of the county and certain properties increase 60 to over 90 percent in reassessment?
Our home has a driveway of three-tenths of a mile long and is surrounded by trees. No accurate assessment could be made without coming to the house. Neither of us spoke to an assessor and there was no paperwork left indicating a reassessment was done. Did all the other much nicer and larger homes surrounding us also see an increase of over 90% in their reassessment?
We have been told we can appeal the reassessment. The odds of getting our reassessment reduced are about the same as having a UFO land in our backyard.
Charles and Barbara Fridley
Eagle Rock
