The Shadow
Dear Editor,
As the 2018 elections concluded, it is obvious that matters would improve significantly if we banned dual participation in government and if we had verifiable and traceable elections.
However, this letter will address another topic.
Virginia should adopt the electoral system for its counties and cities!
All entities, either a city or county, should have electoral votes based on their population.
If a candidate wins the plurality or majority of that entities’ vote, that candidate should receive the assigned electoral votes.
Currently 3-4 cities and a few counties are deciding elections in Virginia.
Why should a state candidate even campaign in Southwest or Central Virginia at all when they can win Alexandria, Arlington, Loudon County and
Norfolk to win the entire state?
Unless Virginia adapts an electoral system, non-Virginians who only came to the state as adults will continue to dominate Virginia’s political scene.
Professional politicians can use Virginia as a springboard for their political careers despite not having any real ties to the state and its people.
Even in congressional and even state government races, the electoral system can be used so that the winner of each locality or even precinct get the “electoral votes.”
After all, America is supposed to be a republic maintained by representative democracy and not by a direct democracy.
Scoring margins should not matter.
Very Truly Yours,
Harsha Sankar – Valley Ridge Road, Covington
Dear Editor,
My name is Min. Kathryn Simpson. This letter pertains to a teacher at Covington High School. Her name is Ms. Lynette Renee Jones.
Let me first say that I have known Renee all her life. She is someone who wants nothing but the very best for her students and will go over, above and beyond to help them learn. Ms. Jones teaches algebra at Covington High School.
I?am not writing this letter because I know her personally, but as someone she has tutored.
A?few years ago, I?needed her help with this very subject. I?was taking online courses at the time and had put off taking my math requirements until I?had no choice.
Algebra had given me many sleepless nights as a student in high school, and here I?was in my 60s having to face it again.
Renee would come to my home once a week to tutor me in algebra. She was able to break it down so that someone my age could understand the fundamentals of algebra and get through this course.
This is something I?never dreamed I would be able to do, but thanks to her due diligence I was able to get through it.
I say all of this to let the parents who have children attending CHS?know that Renee is not a hard teacher. She is someone who does not believe in compromising in her teaching methods but will go out of her way to assist anyone for whatever reason who may be struggling to learn. All you need to do is ask for help like I?did and be willing to listen and learn.
CHS, you have a jewel in this young woman. Please realize this before you lose someone who is very dedicated and knowledgeable. Parents, if you have children who want to further their education by going to college, know that the background your child will receive from this young woman will be a valuable asset to them in the long run.
Respectfully,
Min. Kathryn Simpson – Sally Ann Drive, Covington
