Letters to the Editor for Thursday, November 5, 2009

Battle lines forming for 2010 election
Despite her solid credentials, integrity, demonstrated leadership abilities and outstanding record in Richmond, Del. Shannon Valentine apparently has lost her seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. She ran a positive campaign, articulating her values, beliefs and goals for our region and beyond. I trust she knows how much we appreciate having had a person of her caliber representing us.

On the other hand, we should not forget the behavior of her opponent, Scott Garrett. His campaign was almost entirely negative, at times mean-spirited — focusing not on his own accomplishments but on attacking Valentine as some sort of deceiver with a “hidden plan” to raise our taxes. Informed members of the electorate saw through the distortions and fear tactics that the Garrett campaign employed. Regrettably, the voters in one precinct gave Garrett nearly 2,000 votes to ensure his roughly 200-vote victory. It is no coincidence that that precinct is where hundreds of Liberty University students (read: sheep), having been given the day off and bused to the polls, cast their ballots. Nor is it a surprise that these no doubt well-intentioned young people voted largely as a bloc against the nice lady who had the dreaded “D” after her name on the ballot.

Many Lynchburgers will remember the infamous 2007 removal of the highly respected Tom Webb, vice chairman of the School Board, and the appointment of a member who would not have been selected had the council as a whole voted. This was not only a “shifty” act relative to other council members, but it was a patently stupid decision to place a person never involved in public schools in a position of power relative to ours. There is little question that Scott Garrett’s participation in that nonsensical appointment was a blatant attempt to pander to the LU/TRBC folks who would like nothing better than to see the demise of public schools. (The late Jerry Falwell Sr. once stated, “I hope I live to see the day when…we won’t have any public schools. The churches will have taken them over…and Christians will be running them.”) Well, Mr. Garrett has now received his payback from that constituency. Only time will tell what other “favors” may be exchanged in this unholy alliance.

There will be much discussion between now and next spring about the role and impact of LU students on City Council elections. It is not too early to encourage capable people of integrity to fill the at-large seats that will be up for grabs. Jerry Falwell Jr. has already indicated that the council elections will be the ultimate test of LU’s ability to exert additional influence and power in Lynchburg. I for one do not intend to sit quietly by while my hometown becomes some kind of appendage of the far-right, fundamentalist “machine” on Candlers Mountain.
BILL BLACKWELL
Lynchburg

Power of prayer?
I am amused by the hypocrisy of Wendell Walker, former chairman of the Lynchburg Republican Committee, who claimed the power of prayer had helped Scott Garrett to win the election, in his statement to The News & Advance.

If this is true, what happened to that power when Barack Obama was elected last year against all the Republican prayers? Perhaps trying to make prayer serve a local political purpose is a religious abuse, especially for a campaign that was shamefully dishonest.
WILLIAM HAYNES
Lynchburg

Just desserts
I deeply believe, that in the end, we all get what we deserve.

Scott Garrett told me recently, “I have to be right 100 percent of the time” and “I give 110 percent effort.” Although I’ve never met a person who can accomplish either of those extraordinary feats, I will admit, he’s giving it one heck of a try and appears to be successful. I imagine that he might have difficulty working with peers but am sure that the den he is now entering will welcome him with open fangs.

Del. Shannon Valentine, simply put, in our household, you are a gem. Any person, who in the midst of such negative personal attacks, remains positive without striking back similarly, not only understands … but is living the Gospel. You have inspired us with your dedication, honesty, hard work and most of all your grace. Thank you for your service. Please know, your hard work is appreciated.

Enjoy some time off with your incredibly patient and supportive family!

Congratulations to both persons on arriving at their current destinations, and it is my sincere hope, that while you are there, you will continue to get exactly what you deserve!
RONNY ROSEVEARE
Lynchburg