The Shadow
Dear Editor,
My name in Janie Barnette. Clifton Forge has been my home for almost 50 years. I love the people and the area. Over the years, I have spent many hours working for Clifton Forge on various boards and committees.
Public service is often a thankless job and we are fortunate to have so many candidates willing to seek seats on the town council.
Having spoken to several candidates and reading the mailings and handouts, it is obvious that our town is facing a critical election on Nov. 4, because the candidates have very different visions for the town’s future.
The incumbents, Gayle Hillert and Carl Brinkley, have a proven track record. All you have to do is walk through downtown to see the change that is happening.
Businesses are opening not closing. There are activities and events almost every weekend. Are the people of the town responsible for the growth, absolutely.
However, it takes a town council and government fostering growth and reaching out in new directions to provide the environment for growth to occur.
I come from an accounting background. I understand that local governments are audited very closely.
Receipts and expenditures and all the back-up documentation are reviewed by outside auditors. Any discrepancies are noted. Knowing this, and how the review process works, I was disappointed to read about so called questionable expenditures. Subsequent information showed that the expenditures were indeed proper. In fact, the town has a history of outstanding audits an indication of the tight control of expenditures.
For the first time in many years there is a five year and a 10-year plan for our town. I hear complaints about the cost of our water. One of the main reasons for our water rates is that over the years there was no planning and because of that we ended up under Federal mandates for improvements. When you have a plan you can look ahead and make sure that potential problems are recognized and addressed.
Another complaint I hear is that our town manager’s salary is too high. I looked at the grants secured over the past few years.
Clifton Forge has received over $4 million in grants — grants that don’t have to be repaid and another $1.5 million in low interest loans. Obviously this is an outstanding return on the salary paid.
I have heard it said that we need to bring back the “old Clifton Forge.” The fact is, the railroad is not coming back. We have to find new ways to grow. Let’s welcome all those that want to come to our area. New restaurants and businesses of any kind bring revenue, jobs and more people to the area.
The School of the Arts, new amphitheater and coming restoration of the Masonic Theater will bring even more people. I believe we are going in the right direction. If we hope to get new industry we have to be a town that is active and has something to offer potential employees.
The incumbents’ vision is to keep this progress going. When I vote on Nov. 4th, I will vote for experience and a proven record — Gayle Hillert and Carl Brinkley.
Sincerely,
Janie Barnette
Ingalls Street
Clifton Forge
