Dear Editor,
In the political environment of today in our community, state and nation, it is more important for every person to question the actions of those elected to office. Being involved in letting your opinion be known to those serving in elected office is the right each of us has to free speech.
Recent actions by the Bath County Board of Supervisors make a person want to ask questions and get documented facts and figures to support and justify their policy and legislative decisions.
During a recent meeting, the board adopted a resolution to request the General Assembly to add Bath County to the list of counties under the Code of Virginia granted authority to consider and adopt solid waste fees.
The first question that comes to mind is why the county needs to be added to this list of counties, and why financially would the county, with a stellar financial rating and a healthy fund balance for its size need to consider imposing any new fees on increased taxes? Bath is not in dire financial straits as debt will be paid off soon leaving an additional $1 million available for use.
Finally, Bath is the envy of surrounding and smaller jurisdictions. Any increases in taxes or fees is not warranted during this pandemic that we are still experiencing with inflation and increased prices on commodities and gas plaguing everyone.
There is no need for the Board of Supervisors to try to be like any adjoining communities nor to silence the good people who want to voice their opinion and provide feedback at their meetings. Government is best that listens to the people, takes their comments and input, and responds back graciously and shows care for the people.
Even our state representatives are muzzling or ignoring people represented to push forward with political party agendas instead of what is in the best interest of the people. If we the people do not make our voices heard and push hard for positive change, the downward spiral of those elected attempting to put us in our place will continue.
That is why our vote for Glenn Younkin is more important to bring back an across-the-aisle approach and practice of governing desperately needed in Virginia. Electing Terry McAuliffe who is more interested in national politics and the national agenda and who at the first chance to run for national office will take it, is not in the best interest of Virginia. He may tell you he will not do that, but there are those moderate Democrats that will tell you differently.
Virginia is one of a kind. Its beauty from the shores to the mountains, to the valley, to the urban, suburban, and rural landscapes and its people make it special to those who were born and raised here. We need leadership at the local, state and national levels to help us recognize that and help us soar to new heights through common sense decision making and innovation.
Here in Bath County, tell the Board of Supervisors to listen and find out from the community what the people want. We did not elect them to vote how they think best. We elected them to understand what we are requesting and vote for what the community wants. If the path the board is taking continues, they will be no better than the ill-fated decisions being made by Congress and the current administration.
We cannot continue in a downward spiral with those working hard and contributing to government at the local, state and federal levels paying more in taxes and public fees for decisions made based on political preferences without proper due diligence and public input.
I hope to see the next Board of Supervisors’ meeting packed with people coming out to voice their opinion.
Best Regards,
Carl Chestnut
Hot Springs
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