Letters to the Editor - July 3, 2008

Staff
Published: July 2, 2008

Would those ...
Would those on the Board of Supervisors who think there would be too many problems to allow the taxpayers to elect the school board members, (or any other official), please explain what they are? If you can’t come up with any, put their names on the ballot, and let the taxpayers elect them.
We the people should elect everyone. It is our county and our tax dollars. We are owed at least that much.
There are enough closed-door meetings, cover-ups and appointments in Washington, D.C. See the problems they have caused? They have been quietly hidden here in the county for years and people are getting tired of it. The county officials should rise above this.
The Code of Virginia, §2.2–3711. A.1, states that closed-door meetings may be held for “Discussion or consideration of the assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining or resignation of specific public offices, appointees, or employees of any public body.” What part of the these do the taxpayers not have a right to know, being we pay their salaries and they answer to us?
Public servants put themselves out there when they accept the office. Good or bad, we have the right to know what they say and what they do. That is the only way to keep them honest. Can you think of a better way to keep our officials above board?
Enough already with the closed-door meetings. Turn the appointments over to the taxpayers where they belong and open those doors to those who own them.
Wendy Nash
Amherst

Thanks to
businesses
Congratulations and thank you to the First National Bank of Altavista for the wonderful building it has constructed at the traffic circle in the town of Amherst. 
From conversations with the bank management we understand that a lot of thought and extra effort went into the process of creating such a pleasant place to do business and such an attractive landmark for Amherst.
We are also appreciative of any role the landowners may have played in choosing the architecture and landscaping for the bank and we hope the temporary home formerly occupied by the bank will likewise be developed into a nice addition to our beautiful town.
We would also like to thank Paul Wailes for the extensive beautification he has done to the Ambriar Shopping Center. 
The addition of the pitched rooflines and the beautiful brick columns makes the shopping center an attractive and inviting place to do business. 
We suspect that the additions cost a great deal and we appreciate what Mr. Wailes has done for the community by providing such a nice legacy.

Steve and Popie Martin
Amherst