Thanks Senator Head for speaking out
Thank you, Senator Chris Head, for calling out the inappropriate books for children in our county libraries at the August 27 Board of Supervisors meeting. It’s clear you’ve done your research and then had the courage to speak out.
This issue is not about parental rights or about the First Amendment protecting other viewpoints with which one disagrees. This is about books for teens and children that are harmful, which seek to destroy their innocence and even pave the way for them to be victimized.
Yes, teens and children will unfortunately discover things that are inappropriate on the internet if they have access. But our community should not be forced to be complicit and pay for these materials with our tax dollars.
See for yourself. Go to WeAreBRACE.org and look at examples from some of the books.
Charles Ruhl
Fincastle
Reader thanks Senator Head for comments
I would like to thank Senator Head for speaking at the Board of Supervisors meeting concerning the inappropriate children’s books in the Botetourt County libraries.
Senator Head spoke for me and many of my friends. This battle has been going on for too long with no changes by the county. In fact, there has been no compromise in any way. I feel like the supervisors are not listening to their citizens’ concerns. Again, thank you, Senator Head.
Rick Porter
Troutville
Buchanan Deserves a Future
With the impending elections, it is important for all citizens to take note and to participate. The candidates running for a seat on the Buchanan Town Council or for mayor should first be congratulated for being willing to put their hat in the ring and wanting to serve. Thank you all for that.
But also, they should be willing to put forth and publish, on social media and in local papers, their platforms. Just what are the candidates’ qualifications? What do they bring to the table? What work experience do you have that can convey to running a town government, what specific certifications, experience in budget and grant preparation do you have, what level of leadership, management or sales experience do you have that can convey to running a town?
Incumbents who are running should be able to show what you have contributed to providing a better quality of life for the residents and stakeholders of the town. What matrix or documentation can you provide to demonstrate that?
What are your visions for the town? What do you see are the biggest obstacles for the town to achieve success? What is the biggest potential or resource the town has to expand on? What is the plan to revitalize Main Street and other commercial and residential areas?
Put it in writing! Let everyone know what they are voting for, not just who!
Buchanan is at a crossroads. Citizens have proven they are willing to participate in trying to achieve success in and for the town. There are three notable groups striving for success. The Recreation Economy in a Rural Community (RERC) has spent hundreds of hours in volunteer time to create outdoor economic avenues for the town. The town theater is about to undergo a major renovation. This renovation will draw all types of cultural events to the town. In addition, the Buchanan Town Improvement Society, which owns the Historic Wilson Warehouse, has made progress in restoring the property and grounds providing the community a venue for educational and cultural events and other gatherings.
The missing link has been a viable, dynamic, visionary town government. A government that can keep employees, create and maintain a positive work environment and create a positive image of and for the Town of Buchanan. A government that is not afraid to ask for assistance and to openly cultivate and seek mutually beneficial relations with other governments, whether local/state or federal, institutions and the private sector.
This election is a crossroads. It is time for Buchanan citizens to demand and expect excellence and innovation from its elected officials. Again, I applaud all who are running and greatly appreciate your willingness to serve. Thank you. But what do you bring to the table? Where is your published platform? If you have one, advertise where it can be found.
Buchanan deserves a future. That future is now!
Steve Grigg
Buchanan
