Daleville reader asks to support Padgett for Amsterdam supervisor
I’m writing to ask for your support in voting for Dirk Padgett for Botetourt County Board of Supervisors.
Our county is facing real challenges, and the increasing tax burden on our citizens is one of the most pressing. We need new leadership – someone who will listen, act, and put the needs of the community first. Dirk Padgett is that leader.
Dirk brings fresh perspective, a commitment to fiscal responsibility, and a clear understanding of what families and small businesses in our area are going through. He believes that government should work for the people, not the other way around.
Let’s make a change that matters. Vote for Dirk Padgett and help bring responsible, responsive leadership to the Amsterdam District.
Richard Britt
Daleville
Supports White for Republican nomination
I am a life-long resident of Botetourt County, a Town of Buchanan native, and a property owner in the Buchanan community. I have observed first hand Amy Stinnett White’s work ethic and dedication, through her service on the Board of Supervisors, as well as her consistent and long-time volunteerism and community involvement.
In a time where keyboard warriors point out issues without offering any suggestions or solutions, Amy works every day to help make the Buchanan community a better place, while also understanding the challenges we face to keep taxes low, while also providing essential services that help make Botetourt County a safe place to live and raise a family.
I trust Amy to continue to work to strike a balance between keeping taxes as low as possible, while still providing essential services. Amy always works to do the right thing, and that’s the kind of leadership and vision I want for Botetourt County. If doing the right thing makes you mad, then you need to do some soul searching. The last thing our county needs is some Linda-come-lately telling us how they do things in California.
Please vote for Amy Stinnett White in the upcoming Republican Primary on June 17.
Scott Beard
Fincastle
Supports Delegate Austin for re-election
I am writing to express my support for Delegate Terry Austin in the Republican Primary on June 17.
As a Botetourt County native, with a history of local and state governmental service to our community, Delegate Austin understands the impact that our transportation systems have on our economy and our quality of life. Specifically, he has been a consistent and forceful advocate for improvements to Interstate 81 and was the driving factor behind the $80 million project that upgraded the previously unsafe 10 miles of Route 220 between Iron Gate and the James River Bridge near Eagle Rock.
My family and friends travel these roads daily, and many of you and your families do as well. It is imperative that we have someone who will continue to fight for, and prioritize, projects like these that directly impact our area.
Delegate Austin, as a ranking Republican on House Appropriations and an influential member of the Transportation Committee, is uniquely positioned to do this, and has continued to prove his effectiveness by securing much-needed road enhancements along the Interstate I81 corridor that will improve safety for us all.
I encourage everyone to vote to re-elect Delegate Terry Austin, so that he can continue to work effectively, and tirelessly, for us in Richmond.
Mary Bess Smith
Fincastle
Response to Patterson’s May 14 Letter
I feel compelled to respond to Mr. Patterson’s May 14 letter and his total mischaracterization of Linda Rottman, candidate for Buchanan District supervisor. I base my observations on facts I know about Linda as well as witnessing hundreds of conversations she has had in the living rooms and kitchens, and on front porches of Buchanan residents.
Mr. Patterson repeatedly described Linda Rottman as a “disgruntled Californian.” Let me clear this up. Yes, Linda lived in California because her employment was there. She was raised in Wisconsin with much the same values that prevail here. She chose to retire in Buchanan because of the county’s beauty and rural way of life, conservative values and low taxes. Having witnessed California’s demise first-hand, she is extremely aware of the danger signs and is running for the Buchanan Board of Supervisors seat to prevent Botetourt County from becoming California.
Linda is a true fiscal conservative. She is not running out of self-interest or personal complaints. It is obvious to me that she cares about our struggling residents and is running to give them a voice that they don’t feel they have had in a long time.
Linda is acutely aware of the necessity of tax dollars to fund essential services. In fact, she indicated in her Feb 25, 2025 announcement of her candidacy that she intends to define the essential functions of local government and eliminate wasteful spending that doesn’t include those functions. I know Linda has attended the county budget subcommittee meetings as I have seen her there. There is plenty of waste to be eliminated. Linda understands the necessity of digging into the budget to distinguish needs from wants. This county desperately needs supervisors who will question and push back against the administration’s expansion of its bureaucracy and vision of converting Botetourt County into Roanoke.
Mr. Patterson seems to be unfamiliar with zero-based budgeting. The federal government is now the leader in eliminating wasteful spending and has mandated zero-based budgeting for leading agencies. Whether or not other localities follow the example, shouldn’t this county embrace a tool that ensures spending is justified and taxpayers are getting a return on their hard-earned tax dollars?
The results of the county’s current budgeting process are simply not sustainable for most county residents. To think otherwise is simply being out of touch. To ignore that is shameful.
Mr. Patterson and Supervisor White both tout the fact that next year’s budget was approved without a tax increase as evidence that our taxes are being kept low. They fail to mention that the board also approved a $2 million budget deficit this year rather than raising taxes in an election year. Not only is this not transparent, but again, not sustainable for citizens.
The relationship between the taxpayer and county administration is currently out of balance, whether we’re talking soaring taxes, an out-of-control budget, expanding development or substandard communication. I deeply admire Linda’s conviction and energy to step forward and ask the tough questions.
Buchanan residents, you have an opportunity to take your county back by voting for Linda Rottman.
Terri Woodward
Fincastle
