"Civil War History Month" would be more appropriate
I have been observing with dismay Governor McDonnell's resurrection of "Confederate History Month." I put that term in quotes because I sense that more was intended to come out of whatever observances that were to ensue than simply the history of the Confederate States of America. As it is, the predictable national storm of outrage and protest has burst over the governor's head, and the most likely outcome will be that existing misconceptions and prejudices will become entrenched in yet another generation of Americans.
Adequate funding for our schools
The Commonwealth of Virginia has 136 school divisions. Orange County ranks 34th in its ability to pay, but ranks 127th in per-pupil expenditure for education. Orange also ranks 101st out of 136 school divisions in average teacher salary.
Our pockets are only so deep
Having read in Sunday's Free Lance Star an article that Orange County plans to advertise a six-cent increase in the real estate tax rate, I feel the need to express my opinion.
How 70 and 80-year-olds have fun
Because George is now 84 and I am 78-with many years of snows in our past-one would think that we should have enough experience in country living to have planned a little more sensibly in such perilous circumstances.
Farm Bureau supports current planning commission composition
The recent consideration by the Orange County Board of Supervisors to reduce the planning commission from 10 to five members is not in the best interests of Orange County should this change take place.
We must act now
Everyone is aware of the constitutional obligation our state representatives have to balance the budget. What you may not be aware of is they also have an obligation to adequately fund public education. Article VIII of the Virginia Constitution states - "The General Assembly shall provide for a system of free public elementary and secondary schools for all children of school age throughout the Commonwealth, and shall seek to ensure that an educational program of high quality is established and continually maintained."
Raising taxes vs. reducing services
Many of our elected officials, both national and local, are committed to lowering or not raising taxes, regardless of the consequences. In the long run, this kind of thinking could cost us more money and simultaneously provide us with less service. A few representative examples follow.
In defense of the oldest profession
Art is as old as fire. Art is as old as mud. Music is as old as the first thud of a stick against a hollow log.
Johnson refutes, challenges Shifflett's claim
George C. Shifflett Jr. is mistaken when he claims that the taxpayers of Orange County have given the Boosters club only $10,000 over the past five years.
Rationale behind council vote explained
I just want to share a few facts for those who are concerned about the recent council decision to put the general public use of the Orange Community Room on hold.
Boosters President defends group, park
I want to address District 1 Supervisor Mark Johnson's true-or-false statements in his campaign advertisement.
Supporting public health care option
It takes the experience of going up against the big insurance industry to realize why we truly need to give it competition.
Angry at Orange Town Council
This should have been done at a regular meeting so that some people might be heard.
Walmart more an asset than preservation
It is sad that so many outsiders have protested this Walmart. The
Concerned about our image
Orange is, and should be, concerned about image.
Hensley seeks D4 school board seat
I would like to announce my candidacy for school the District 4 seat on the Orange County School Board.
Remember sacrifices for freedom
I am asking you to think while you can, because what they risked and died for just might be slipping away before your eyes.
Walmart jobs look good in tough economy
A letter in the June 18 edition of the Orange County Review, "Better jobs out there than Walmart" got me thinking.
Walmart is win-win
However, if Walmart is built near the Route 3/Route 20 intersection, we will shift our shopping there.
Alternative Route 3 Walmart site suggested
I am writing to address an alternate location that would not pose a threat to the historical battlefield grounds, not stress the existing congested intersection of Routes 3 and 20, and provide Orange County with the much needed tax base and employment.
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