Letters to the Editor for Sunday, November 29, 2009

City residents deserve open process
Arrogant, elitist, despotic. These are just some of the words that come to mind after reading Ceasor Johnson, Joan Foster, Bert Dodson and Mike Gillette’s plan to pick the replacement for departing at-large City Councilman Scott Garrett. They want to keep the names secret so we will not even know who they are considering. They will conduct the coronation behind closed doors, free from the input of those silly old citizens of Lynchburg whom the person is supposed to represent.

This is outrageous.

Gillette says this is a “political appointment.” Is this like the president rewarding a large donor with a “political appointment” as ambassador to Luxembourg? Or maybe a “political appointment” like Rod Blagojevich picking a U.S. senator in Illinois? I hope not. I doubt it, but how will we really know if the entire process is carried out in secret?

Far from making a “political appointment,” the members of City Council are charged with choosing a councilman who will represent the entire city of Lynchburg. This person will participate in crafting a $350 million budget. Just like in a City Council race, the citizens and the media should have an opportunity to examine and weigh in on the candidates. Anything less is not democratic, not fair and not right.

I hope the residents of Lynchburg will demand an open and honest process. I hope anyone who wants to replace at-large Councilman Garrett will participate in an open and honest discussion of their qualifications and reasons for wanting the job. If a person chooses to accept an appointment from a Star Chamber proceeding, then I hope the residents who are ignored and shut out of the process will remember that when they get to vote in May.
MARK PEAKE
Lynchburg

Heartfelt thanks
In this season of Thanksgiving and as we count the blessings of God in our lives, it seems like the perfect opportunity to communicate to the community how thankful we are to God for you and how God has worked through you to display his love for us.

This community has faithfully rallied around our families since we learned of the tragic deaths of our children, Heidi and David. You reached out to us with hearts that shared our hurt, and we continue to see this care and concern on your faces and hear it in your voices as we meet and greet you.

Thank you for the multitude of cards, messages of condolence, flowers, visits and practical helps you have offered over these past months. We have been overwhelmed by these expressions of love and concern and want you to know how grateful we are to you.

Many thanks to each of you who have supported financially through the various efforts to raise funds for reward money and charitable organizations. Local businesses as well as individuals have given of their time and finances to participate in and contribute to these efforts. Thank you!

Above all, we thank you for your prayers that reach the heart of God. God has faithfully sustained us by his grace and with his strength as he offers comfort and healing. The Lord Jesus Christ gives us peace and hope for each day as we know our children are with him and we will one day be reunited with them for eternity. We thank you for all you have done to help us find more reasons to give thanks to God.
CHILDS and METZLER FAMILIES
Lynchburg