The election and uranium mining

It doesn’t take a lawyer

To the editor:

In regard to the last paragraph of, “The GOP lacks any ideas this year,” (Oct. 8, page A8), I would just like to ask if the author remembers presidents George Washington, a landowner from Virginia, Harry S. Truman, a haberdasher from Missouri, Jimmy Carter, a peanut farmer from Georgia and Ronald Reagan, a movie star from California? I’ve never read of any of them being in a law-related field.

Also, there were many other presidents who didn’t have law degrees or any degrees in political science that were pretty good presidents. Look them up!

MAXINE WHITT

To the editor:

In response to, “What’s fair,” (Oct. 1, page A8), I say, “bravo” to Democratic congressional candidate Tom Perriello.

In my opinion, it’s not only unfair to the candidates to defame one another’s character, but it’s unfair to the voters. It’s ridiculous that the voters should have to spend so much time researching the candidates in order to learn the truth.

Unfortunately, many people take what they see on these commercials at face-value. Perhaps the threat of legal action will help curtail political commercials that blatantly disregard the truth.

MARY DAVIDSON

To the editor:

I would like to publicly endorse Kate Berger as the most qualified candidate for Pittsylvania County treasurer. I met Kate earlier this year when she became a valuable member of “Community Pride in Action,” a local group of citizens who seek to draw attention to the need to appreciate our wonderful volunteers who sacrifice their time and energy helping neighbors.

During my interactions with Kate, I’ve become very impressed with her dedication, intelligence and attention to detail. I communicate with her on a weekly and sometimes daily basis. Any question I’ve asked or request I’ve made of her has been dealt with immediately. This speaks a lot to me about how she would enhance the customer service department we already have in place in the treasurer’s office.

I would feel confident that any problem I had with the county would be taken seriously and solved in a speedy, efficient fashion. Kate Berger has many accomplishments in business and government that everyone already knows about. Suffice it to say that her work experience, ethical standards, attention to detail and “never give up” attitude is what our county needs right now.

DEBRA FERRELL

To the editor:

As a resident of the Brosville community in Pittsylvania County for many years, I wish to urge citizens to consider the candidacy of Teresa Easley for treasurer of our great county.

I’ve personally known Easley for many years. She holds an important position in the court system through her work for Clerk of the Circuit Court H.F. Haymore Jr.

Easley is normally in court, holding a very responsible and demanding job, and those of us that practice law have come to respect, appreciate and admire Ms. Easley. There is simply no question about her qualifications to be treasurer, as she is likely qualified and devoted to any task that she undertakes. You will find her well liked and respected — not only by the legal profession — but law enforcement officers, court personnel and the public that appears in court.

She is always courteous, professional and compassionate. Teresa Easley has been a working mother and now grandmother, and would do an extremely fine job as treasurer. All of the office staff admires, respects and likes Easley and she has done her very best to get out among the public, introduce herself, participate in functions and be available for any questions or inquiries.

This fine lady worked all of her life in the public and would handle this job as treasurer very well. I solicit your consideration to vote for Teresa Easley for treasurer of Pittsylvania County.

RONALD W. WILLIAMS

To the editor:

My family and I are from South Carolina. Recently, on a trip back from New Jersey, we stopped by the Virginia Welcome Center. We were impressed to see that Virginia is trying to make a change toward green living.

We also stopped by Chatham to visit friends and noticed “No Uranium Mining” signs. I cannot understand how a state that is trying to become environmentally friendly would allow a process such as uranium mining to destroy the beautiful land found throughout Pittsylvania County. I also could not believe how close this mining would be to streams, farms and houses.

Instead of creating a potential environmental catastrophe, why not set up wind turbines and use the power of nature to produce power? I was shown the area that is proposed to be mined and I don’t see why a bunch of wind turbines couldn’t be set up instead. It is much less destructive and will also show the rest of the country that power can come from nature instead of harming it.

With all the talk lately about “going green,” why would Virginia want to do something on the complete opposite of the spectrum? Chatham needs to be protected from this crime against nature and set forth a good example for the rest of the country — and the world. We should also set forth a good example for the children, since they will be the ones having to live with the decisions made today.

JAMES WITHINGTON

John’s Island, S.C.