Thrilled to have Weddle running for School Board
Editor:
My wife, a Troutville native, and I moved to Botetourt County just over five years ago. As locals know, this is a great place to live, work and play. Many positive things are happening here.
When our niece by marriage, Anna Weddle, made the decision to seek election to the School Board representing the Amsterdam District we were thrilled. Having known Anna for nearly 20 years we feel we can speak directly to the qualities she would bring to the board.
Anna and her husband Chris are Botetourt natives, educated in the public school system. Their children are enrolled in a county elementary school. We can trust her instincts as she has a direct stake in the caliber of our schools.
She also comes from a public service-minded family. Her father, Jack Leffel, is a member of the county Board of Supervisors, which has given her familiarity with how local government operates.
Anna’s mother, Mary Lynne, was a teacher in the county so Anna not only knows the system from a student’s point of view but from a teacher’s as well. Now as an active parent of youngsters in our schools she knows it from that perspective too.
Even though my wife and I are retired and don’t have school age children we feel strongly that our quality of life is affected by the actions of our School Board. Botetourt’s public schools are a big contributor to the kind of growth we all want here. Anna is in tune with this and will be a vigorous voice for quality education and thus the county’s future.
Bobby and Rosanna Myers
Troutville
Clinton has innovative 5-point plan for Botetourt
Editor:
I urge voters in Botetourt’s Amsterdam District to vote for Steve Clinton for supervisor. Steve is an accomplished business person, a highly qualified engineering and construction professional, and an experienced elected official.
It is revealing to compare Mr. Clinton’s record with that of his opponent, Mr. Dodson.
Mr. Clinton has developed an innovative five-point plan to grow our economy and respect our natural assets. The plan also provides direction for the county’s financial stability, and demands citizen responsiveness by the Board of Supervisors. Todd Dodson has produced no comparable plan.
As a business person, Steve understands the needs of Botetourt’s business community. He knows how to help it prosper and grow, because he has grown his own successful businesses. As a professional engineer, Steve brings valuable engineering and construction expertise to the board. This is critical to the Amsterdam District, with the growth that it faces.
Most importantly, during his 15 years on the board, Steve consistently put constituents first. He listens, he is courteous and respectful, and he spares no effort in service to the people he represents.
Unfortunately, Mr. Dodson’s reputation is the complete opposite. The only constituent “service” that he can claim is raising constituent taxes nearly 10 percent after only two years in office.
Amsterdam voters have a clear choice. It is Steve Clinton for Supervisor.
Karen Beasley
Fincastle
Clinton is type of individual needed as supervisors
Editor:
I sincerely hope that everyone will vote in the November 7 election. I also hope that voters will consider the candidate rather than just voting for the political party. This is especially true in the election for the Amsterdam District representative on the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors.
Our incumbent representative, Todd Dodson, seems much more interested in his cell phone during public meetings than in the citizens bringing their concerns before the Board of Supervisors. His apparent disinterest fails to show his constituents the respect they deserve.
The many people attending the public meeting concerning the relocation of the historic slave cabin and summer kitchen witnessed Todd Dodson ball up his fist and start toward a citizen who had asked a question about the sale of property in the Botetourt Center at Greenfield. Mr. Dodson had to be RESTRAINED by Mr. John Williamson another member of the Board of Supervisors.
This is not the type of behavior that should be displayed by someone governing our county. We need someone like Steve Clinton who will show his constituents the respect they deserve.
So please consider the type of individual you are voting for instead of the political party promoting them.
Elaine Kyle
Troutville
Amsterdam has a choice now, and it should be Clinton
Editor:
It’s time to address the desperate need for a change of leadership in this county. As one of the leaders of the citizens opposed to the moving of the slave cabins at Greenfield, I sadly witnessed behavior from our current board that at the same time embarrassed and angered me.
Over the course of many weeks, person after person attended Board of Supervisors meetings to speak out against this move, and to request a reconsideration of the supervisors’ plan to move the cabins in order to construct the hideous looking shell building that now stands in their place.
What I witnessed was complete disinterest, boredom and the turning of 10 deaf ears to the pleas of the citizens of this county. If the mothers of these men had been there, 10 ears would have been boxed.
I was especially disgusted with the way that Steve Clinton was treated by them when he personally took it upon himself to try and propose a win-win plan for both sides. They looked at their phones, the walls, their tablets…it was incredulous. They never intended to consider anything but their plan, their way, in order to achieve their goals. And the one who should have been listening the most, the one who leads the Amsterdam District where Greenfield is located, was the worst of the five.
If there is one thing that the 2016 presidential outcome should tell us, it’s this. We The People are sick and tired of being railroaded by government on every level. We are sick of party politics running the show, and are eager and beyond willing to support someone who listens to us, and whose desire is to work with us. Returning phone calls and emails is part of their service to the citizens, and if they consider themselves above that, then they need to step down.
Amsterdam didn’t have a choice when Todd Dodson was “elected.” They have a choice now— party-run politics as usual with four more years of being ignored and treated rudely, or electing someone with a proven track record of listening and responding to his constituents, and whose plan is to put Botetourt first, along with its rich history as well as its incredible beauty that is swiftly disappearing.
Remember Greenfield and elect Steve Clinton for Amsterdam supervisor.
Lisa Farmer
Troutville
Convinced Clinton is the individual for Amsterdam
Editor:
After graduating from college in 1971, my wife and I settled into our new life in Botetourt County where I assumed the positions of teacher and coach at Lord Botetourt High School.
Having been born, raised, and educated in an urban environment, I was somewhat apprehensive about living and working in, what was then, a rural county.
That apprehension was soon completely dispelled when I began teaching and coaching the community’s children, meeting and associating with their parents, and interacting with the local population.
I found every, and I do mean every, individual (young and old alike) to be friendly, caring, and interested in the development, growth and well-being of their youngsters, their local government, and, most gratifyingly, me and my family.
Each person proved to be unassuming, reasonable, and attentive no matter what the issue and lifelong friendships ensued. My time with the county was so fulfilling and rewarding that my wife recalled that I once stated, (as phony as it may sound today) “…I can’t believe I am compensated for this work that I love…!”
Over the intervening years, I’ve had the good fortunate of interacting with other memorable denizens of Botetourt County. One such interaction began with a professional association that grew into a most gratifying friendship.
My association with Steve Clinton ensued when he was an executive with Hayes Seay Mattern & Mattern of Roanoke and I immediately found him to be an approachable, friendly, and very intelligent individual just like the many Botetourt County residents cited above.
A more sincere, down-to-earth individual you would be hard pressed to find. As someone who has been interested and involved in politics, either directly or indirectly, throughout my adult life, I was delighted when Steve entered service on the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors and was very impressed with his common-sense, reasoned approach in dealing with sometimes complicated issues and then finding substantive solutions.
Though his priority was serving and advancing the interests of the Amsterdam District, he also focused on the growth and development of the overall county. His many years on the board resulted in remarkable successes, not the least of which were the Daleville Town Center and the Botetourt Center at Greenfield.
Though this is my first endorsement of any candidate for any political office, ever, I feel strongly that our county, especially now, needs the intelligence, common sense, and reasoned demeanor that Steve Clinton will, once again, bring to the Board of Supervisors.
I am convinced that Steve is a great man whose extraordinary gifts of leadership and character match the extraordinary demands of our great county. Please join me in supporting and voting for Steve Clinton, candidate for the Amsterdam District, Botetourt County Board of Supervisors on November 7.
Mark Emick
Troutville
We cannot return to board plagued by poor leadership
Editor:
Next Tuesday, November 7, is Election Day in America. As part of the greatest country in the history of mankind, casting a vote is a citizen’s right like none other.
It is a sacred duty that we sometimes do not fully appreciate nor exercise. Your vote is extremely important, and it carries with it great meaning and significance.
The state races are tight for the most part and I recommend you research all the candidates, but my choice is clear – I will vote the Republican ticket and I hope you will, too.
The Republican ticket includes Ed Gillespie for Governor, Jill Vogel for Lieutenant Governor, John Adams for Attorney General, Terry Austin and Chris Head for Delegate, Ray Sloan in Buchanan, and Todd Dodson in Amsterdam District.
Here in the Amsterdam District there has developed a very contested race for the Board of Supervisors seat. The campaigns have set up a contest between returning to past and the failed policies that resulted in slow or no growth, or continuing the path that I have helped establish of managed and productive growth in all sectors of our economy, in all areas of the county and for all citizens.
We have opportunities today that we cannot miss, and more opportunities on the horizon that we must explore, and as applicable, capitalize on for the good of the county.
I have written a series of articles throughout this campaign that described the conditions I found when taking office in 2014, the steps I and the current board have taken to fix some of these issues, and the vision for continuing to make Botetourt County better. Today, the county is in a much better position than four years ago.
I pushed for a strategic planning session in 2014 that generated a 2040 Vision that moves Botetourt County forward. I and my other board members created a 2040 Vision that moves Botetourt County forward.
The county’s vision clearly states what Botetourt could and should be. Since adopting this vision, it has focused and guided the board and the county staff in setting priorities, making decisions on how resources are allocated and what type of development we trying to bring to Botetourt County.
But most importantly, it has set Botetourt County as a leader in the Roanoke Valley. No longer are we an afterthought for potential economic development projects in the Roanoke Valley. Now we are one of the first localities called for consideration of these projects!
We cannot afford to return to a county plagued by poor leadership and management that did not have a vision for Botetourt, enacted flawed fiscal policy that was irresponsible and wasted taxes with no clear oversight or plan for the future, a systemic anti-business culture that drove away development projects that were perfect for our county, and took a back seat to the rest of the Roanoke Valley.
I hope that everyone will exercise their right to vote. And I encourage you to spend some time learning about each candidate. In the Amsterdam race, please compare our background, our experiences and, most importantly, what we have done on the Board of Supervisors. Please review my background, positions and visions on my web site at www.todddodsonforbotetourt.com.
It has been my honor to represent the residents of the Amsterdam District and citizens of Botetourt County the last four years, and with a great board, we have achieved much in repairing the relationship with our School Board and administration as well as setting the foundations for growing our tax base, supporting our farmers, and future infrastructure improvements for Botetourt County, in nearly a one-fourth the time my opponent was on the board. I ask for your vote next Tuesday, so we can continue the work and not miss the great opportunities ahead of us.
Todd L. Dodson
Board of Supervisors
Amsterdam District
Campaign has distorted roles of previous board, current incumbent
Editor:
Mark Twain said, “Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.” Given the bogus information I’ve seen in letters and heard in other places, distortion comes first and facts second for some.
Misrepresentations of my accomplishments – and the supposed accomplishments of my opponent – can only be described as “stunning.” Some people have credited the current board for accomplishments that were not solely theirs. Had the boards upon which I served not kept the county fiscally sound and set certain steps in motion, very few of the endeavors of today’s board could have taken place. This is verifiable and well documented.
Recent economic ventures resulted not from the efforts of my opponent, but from the resourcefulness of others. For example, despite the claims of my opponent, the Virginia Community Colleges Shared Services Center came to this county because Delegate Terry Austin worked with the General Assembly, the community college system, and with private property owners to bring it here. The supervisors had little to do with it.
Additionally, Gov. Terry McAuliff and his staff brought Ballast Point Brewery to Botetourt County. Regional economic development groups and local business people stepped up to support the initiative. My opponent was not part of it. Rubber-stamping a project does not equal sweat equity.
Another project, Eldor Manufacturing, is also the result of Austin’s efforts. While county officials may have brought the project to Austin’s attention, he lobbied the state to provide incentive funds to attract Eldor here. Eldor did not come to Greenfield because of anything my opponent did. If anything, the pad-ready site that the county built while I was on the board had something to do with their locating here.
Furthermore, the planning for Exit 150 had been underway for decades. As a supervisor during the project’s development, I participated in countless review meetings and public hearings. The project was on its way to reality by the time my opponent burst upon the scene. He has no legitimate claim to this.
A few people have claimed that my opponent and the current board balanced the budget without dipping into the General Fund. This is false. The minutes of the May 2015 board meeting show that the supervisors approved a draw in excess of $1.3 million after rejecting my opponent’s impassioned motion for a 10-cent increase in the real estate tax! The highest tax hike ever proposed in Botetourt County!
Strategic planning in Botetourt began with me. I initiated the county’s first strategic planning sessions and documents, in 2002. No doubt, the plan needed revisiting, but in January 2015, it was Mac Scothorn who first proposed looking at it. My opponent was not even on the strategic planning subcommittee. In all honesty, aside from approving what was placed before him, he had very little to do with it.
On a personal level, I have found my opponent’s relentless claim that he played a key role in the development of the Botetourt Family YMCA to be the most irksome.
Many Botetourt citizens, including myself, worked diligently and tirelessly as members of the capital campaign committee to raise the funds for this project. My opponent never attended a single committee meeting. All he did was join his fellow supervisors in voting to approve the county’s contribution to the project and show up if a photographer was present.
My supporters tell me I’ve been sweating the details to ensure that I am running a factual campaign. I have no desire to malign anyone based on assumptions or opinion. However, I do object to being told that my efforts on the board amounted to nothing, when I and many others know differently. My work in this county came about during a tumultuous time in U.S. history. The Great Recession led to a total fall-out in the housing market, and an economy that left thousands jobless.
In spite of this dire economic national outlook, the Boards of Supervisors on which I served managed to remain fiscally sound and continued to make improvements, including constructing a new library in Eagle Rock, renovating James River High School, and beginning tourism efforts that led to the Blue Water Trail along the James River. We planned the improvements at Exit 150, realigned Valley Road, and improved Deerfield Road. We upgraded various subdivision water systems to the point where they were assets and not liabilities, oversaw development at Daleville Town Center, and renovated Lord Botetourt High School. We did this and more in spite of the poor economy, and all along we kept the county’s AA bond rating, which also came about while I was a supervisor.
Lastly, Mark Twain also said, “Whenever I have diverged from custom and principle and uttered a truth, the rule has been that the hearer hadn’t strength of mind enough to believe it.”
I believe Amsterdam’s voters can break this rule. I know my fellow citizens have the strength and presence of mind to see the truths before them. I can make no unbreakable vows regarding anything except this: I will always do my best to serve you, my neighbors. That is a truth you can believe, and for that reason, I humbly request that you vote for me on November 7.
Steve Clinton
Daleville
Botetourt on a roll, let’s keep it that way with Dodson
Editor:
Clinton votes no on Wind Farm.
How could such a smart, well-educated and former businessman who loves Botetourt County do this?
A 45-year contract for a potential $1 million a year to Botetourt County for doing nothing extra but collecting the money. Not mentioning the construction jobs, the permanent jobs and the tourism potential of the first wind farm in Virginia.
Natural resources made our country great. God gave us wind and we have used it since time began.
We have the records of service for Todd Dodson and Steve Clinton. The present board of peers have all endorsed Todd Dodson. We have tried the rest, I hope we can keep the best.
This board is about progress, business friendly decisions and jobs, jobs and jobs.
Families in Botetourt County have more opportunities for a better quality of life with Todd Dodson.
The second board vote on the wind project was 5-0 in the affirmative. In a recent fake news article it was reported wind supporters outnumbered the non-supporters by a 2 to 1 advantage, but by my personal count, 75 of the 85 people present at the meeting supported the wind project. The fake news article tally was totally wrong and has been during the whole 10-year permitting process.
The local hunting clubs that regularly use the mountain have supported the project 100 percent.
Once again I want to thank Botetourt County and all my friends and neighbors for all their tremendous support.
I don’t vote in the Amsterdam District but I hope and pray that we can keep Todd Dodson in that supervisor’s seat. He stepped up with the rest of the present board and the county for a much more than 2-to-1 support advantage.
Botetourt County is on a roll and on the move. Let’s keep it that way with Todd Dodson.
It’s about jobs, jobs and more jobs.
Jerry Fraley
Eagle Rock
Served with both candidates, supports Dodson
Editor:
I would like to give my support to our present incumbent Todd Dodson and the fine job he has done on the Board of Supervisors in his present term.
I have had the opportunity to serve with both Amsterdam District candidates and I hope that you can see my point of support.
Our board consists of individuals that have integrity, compassion, leadership, foresight, perseverance, and honor to name just a few.
We as the board have had several difficult decisions to make in the past and I am sure many in the future will come, as well. In many occasions there has to be a decision made and for some this might not be the decision they wanted although as the board we have to take a look at the advantages for all, this is not easy to do.
So, the statements that come out about how we do not listen to the public just because a decision did not go their way is absolutely false. I know I cannot speak for all the board, but I believe this board has been the most adaptive and congealing board with great intentional foresight for our county!
Todd Dodson started on the board with such a great background in military (special operations) with his devotion to our country and through his leadership ability, earned the rank of Colonel.
In my mind I had respect for what he has already given to our country and the leadership he has. He has pushed for what we see today in our strategic plans and goals for the next 25 years. This foresight keeps us above our surrounding counties. This strategic planning also brought our board closer and developed our thoughts of where the county should be.
Mr. Dodson has worked hard on the Exit 150 and our new gateway which is a gateway not only to Botetourt County, but to the entire Roanoke Valley, the Shenandoah Valley, Central Virginia, and the Virginia Highlands. It is our nucleus for controlled development and a destination for many nonresidents.
Mr. Dodson has helped bring economic development to reality with some of the earlier strategic planning from our board. The goal of establishing economic development is to improve the well being and quality of life by supporting current employers, creating new jobs, improving economic opportunity and growing the tax base.
To name a few of the accomplishments: Western Virginia Water Authority, YMCA, Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority and set the conditions for expanding businesses, Ballast Point, Eldor, Angelle’s Diner, Harkness Screens, as well as the expansion of our existing businesses like Dynex, AEP power and Altec. These along with other businesses has given our community significant tax dollars in just 1 term he has served. He continues to strive for the excellence in economy and preservation of history and agriculture.
I applaud anyone willing to run or be given the opportunity to take a political position in any form. I have seen Mr. Dodson takes his role in representation of the Amsterdam District seriously. And to highlight that, here are what some of his constituents have shared with me: “He shows integrity for our local community”, another “his help and response was greatly appreciated”
I encourage all our citizens come November 7 that we make a concerted effort to go to our polls and vote and support your Amsterdam representative Todd Dodson!
Mac Scothorn
Valley District Representative
Weddle approachable, ready to listen
to parents
Editor:
I have known Anna Weddle for several years through community and school events.
As a parent with young children, I believe she is the best choice for the Amsterdam District. She volunteers often in the school system and has a passion for education.
Since she has children in elementary school, she is approachable for parents and ready to listen and be an advocate for us. Make the right choice and vote for Anna Weddle November 7.
Jenny Estes
Daleville
Experiences, enjoyment on the campaign trail
Editor:
Let me share some of my experiences and enjoyment I have had over the last month.
I reminded myself it is important to look for “No Trespassing” signs, check for dogs that bite before you get out of the car. Houses now have video doorbells. Backing down long, narrow driveways is an art, especially for me. Backing up is not my thing. If you smell wet paint, the sidewalk you just walked on might be wet. Wow, there are a lot of steep driveways to walk up.
The responses at the door are priceless. From the sad faces of the kids to find I am not selling doughnuts on a Saturday morning to the relief of the parent that I am not carrying a fundraiser from my child’s school. To the disappointment I am not the UPS man with your Amazon order. To the surprise of someone who recognizes you as the lady who is always in Kroger, or the person who sat in front of you at last week’s game, to the young adult who reminds you that you where their substitute teacher years ago. The best comment however is, “I know your mother- and father-in-law.”
Timing is everything. Talk fast if Jeopardy is coming on, to I am on my way to Tech for the big game. To the dinner is cooking or I am on the way to pick my kids up from ball practice.
Conversations have been fantastic. Talking about the college flag in your yard or the sticker on your car and where my kids are going to college to my husband’s service in the military. Sharing stories about my dog and the deer that just carried off the Jack O’Lantern, to the bears that tore up my apple trees, to all the geese in someone’s front yard.
I have enjoyed playing with all the dogs that came to the door to say hello as I spoke to its owner. I must say I am sorry to all the dogs who came at the sound of the doorbell in hopes I could let them out to pee. I am thankful for my willpower to not adopt a kitten along the way and the cat that got out as we spoke made its way back in the house.
Looking back on this adventure, I would like to say Thank You to the great people of the Amsterdam District. I have truly enjoyed meeting you and receiving your kindness as I shared with you why I think you should vote for my husband, Todd Dodson, on November 7.
Lisa Dodson
Amsterdam District
Wallace instrumental in many school advancements
Editor:
I wish to express my support for Ruth Wallace who is seeking a fifth term on the Botetourt County School Board representing the Amsterdam District.
During her tenure on the School Board, Ruth has been instrumental in creating numerous advances for our student population. Her dedication to educational opportunities for all is apparent in those efforts. She has worked to strengthen the preparedness of our students for success in college and in careers. It is essential for our educational system to keep up with the challenges presented in a changing world. Ruth has repeatedly demonstrated her ability to work as a team player to identify needs, create goals and develop strategies to achieve those goals.
Ruth’s extensive background in education as well as her proven track record of getting things done makes her Amsterdam’s Best Choice.
Diane V. Brogan
Daleville
Clinton worked with citizens for solutions
Editor:
There is an old saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” In the case of Steve Clinton and Todd Dodson, that is a very true statement.
A number of years ago when Mr. Clinton was representing the Amsterdam District, there was a large farm on Blacksburg Road that was purchased by a developer, who planned to put 84 or more homes on the property. Residents in the Blacksburg Road/Woodland area became very alarmed, first because of the water situation and then because of the additional vehicles on Blacksburg Road each day.
We presented these issues to both the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission. In the end, Mr. Clinton and other listened to the citizens and worked out a very amicable agreement, which has been a win-win for everyone.
To the contrary, Mr. Dodson has failed the citizens of Botetourt miserably with respect to the Greenfield issues. He met behind closed doors with Roanoke development groups and agreed to locate a shell building on very sacred land within the Greenfield complex.
Did he put anything in the newspaper, ask for people’s input, share with his constituents what he wanted to do– no! He just made a deal with people in Roanoke to develop Botetourt land!
When Botetourt citizens found out about the shell building plans and asked for a meeting to voice their complaints, Mr. Dodson became very arrogant and argumentative. In fact, another members of the board stood up and tried to calm him down. This is NOT the demeanor that a member of a local governing body should ever be displaying. It was very clear to everyone at the meeting that Mr. Dodson has his own agenda and it didn’t matter what citizens of Botetourt wanted.
Many citizens, I included, wrote letters explaining their feelings and asking that the shell building be located somewhere else within the Greenfield complex. I have never talked to anyone who received a response from Mr. Dodson of Mr. Williamson. I want someone representing the Amsterdam District who doesn’t make decisions affecting Botetourt citizens behind closed doors. Mr. Dodson writes nice, long letters for The Herald explaining his views; however, his actions speak volumes and these are not impressive. Just remember the Greenfield fiasco caused by Mr. Dodson.
My vote will be for Mr. Clinton because he will listen and work with his constituents for amicable solutions. I have seen him in action.
Karen Shriver
Amsterdam District Resident
Clinton willing to listen to citizens
Editor:
You know when you have known someone for so long that you can’t exactly remember when you first met them? Well, that’s my feeling with Steve Clinton. I guess I’ve known him since he was working as an engineer with Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern in Roanoke.
And that has to be – whoa – 30+ years ago! Wow, how time flies! Over all this time, Steve has never changed his core personality and principals. He is still friendly, thoughtful and willing to share his knowledge and his assistance when you ask him.
For the last four years, we have had a Board of Supervisors in Botetourt County who has not been willing or interested in listening to the citizens. They have planned actions in private sessions, and then “dropped the hammer” on the citizens of Botetourt after their decisions had been made and deals had been done. No amount of outcries, protests, petitions or other civic action made any difference. That must change. And in order to change, we need new, experienced leadership on the board.
Amsterdam District has that opportunity to begin that new leadership by electing Steve Clinton to the Board of Supervisors. This would not be a new role for Mr. Clinton as he has demonstrated his ability to plan, reach consensus with the citizens, and implement projects while he served on the board from 1999-2014.
During that time, Mr. Clinton initiated Botetourt’s first strategic plan, which included a citizen review survey! He is willing to listen to our concerns. He also worked to achieve the building of the Botetourt-Craig Counties Regional Jail and the branch library in Eagle Rock. He has always looked to the future needs of Botetourt while keeping in mind the desires of the citizens to preserve the vistas and beauty of our county.
Mr. Clinton is a veteran of the US Air Force, retired Lt. Colonel, and has Master’s Degrees in Civil Engineering and Business Administration. His professional work experience includes 45 years in design and construction, and as corporate executive and Chief Operating Officer for AECOM (previously Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern) in Roanoke as well as other firms outside the Roanoke Valley. He knows business. He knows how to run large – 1,000+ employee – companies. He knows how to plan for future growth and stability. He has been tested and has proven he can get the job completed.
Remember this when you consider your vote in November. Steve Clinton is approachable. Steve Clinton advocates promoting small business growth in Botetourt. Steve Clinton is responsive to the citizens. Steve Clinton is respectful. Steve Clinton will work for YOU.
Vote for Steve Clinton! When you can have the best, why settle for less.
Judy Morris
Fincastle
Wants Wallace, a trusted voice on School Board
Editor:
It is my pleasure and honor to support Ruth Wallace for re-election to the Botetourt County School Board. Ruth’s track record in education speaks for itself and she is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to help adapt Botetourt County Public Schools to today’s ever-changing society.
Our school system will be at a crossroads during this term. The entire landscape of the county is changing with the addition of infrastructure, new technology, new jobs, and new families moving to the area. As our buildings continue to age and renovations are becoming a necessity, it is hard to overlook the need for an experienced school official to guide these changes in the right direction.
It should also go without saying that the beginning conversations of a new Botetourt high school are not in the distant future and something that needs to be openly addressed. I feel that Mrs. Wallace, through her breadth of knowledge of both urban and rural school divisions, has what it takes to not just make small talk about these necessary changes, but to lead the division to where it needs to be these next four years.
Finally, this School Board will be faced with many administration decisions during this term. Mrs. Wallace has always and will always put the students and teachers at the forefront of any decision that has to be made. I believe with all my heart that there is no hidden agenda with Ruth and that she is willing to look past the “that’s the way it’s always been” mentality to continue working toward solutions to the issues that face our district.
With all the inevitable change that is on the horizon, I want a trusted voice with experience leading us down that road. Amsterdam’s best choice is Ruth Wallace for the Botetourt County School Board.
Brandon M. Taylor
Fincastle
Clinton will be upfront with people
Editor:
Steve Clinton is the one deserving of the vote of the Amsterdam District voters, one who will be up front to communicate with the people in this part of the county.
He will give the people the answers that pertain to the county and will continue where he left off when he left the Board of Supervisors.
Do not let this supervisor slip away this November; when you vote give Steve his seat back on the board.
Curtis Brown
Blue Ridge
