Letters to the Editor for Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Writer: Del. Valentine a true leader
Having coached for nearly 30 years on the high school level, I have had the opportunity to observe leadership in many forms.

The head coach I worked under, Phyllis Buckner, was probably the best leader I have ever had the good fortune to coach with. Her many championships speak for themselves. Jerome Loy, the present cross country coach at Jefferson Forest, knows more ways to motivate kids than anyone. John Walker, my former principal at Jefferson Forest, was the kindest, most knowledgeable and effective administrator I have worked for. I can’t even begin to discuss my friends who still teach at JF or have retired who inspired and continue to inspire students daily with their classroom magic because it would take me forever.

I know a little bit about leadership because that is one important aspect of education and teaching. Del. Shannon Valentine is not an educator but I imagine she would have been a pretty great one. She walks into a room and commands it with her engaging personality, mastery of issues and ability to pull everyone together in a team effort to get work done.

By reaching out to students at Glass for input she launched an effort to divest Virginia Retirement System money from the Sudan. I applaud this effort even though I am a recipient of a VRS pension. I would feel better about monies I received if they were not invested in that region of the world.

Valentine has put considerable time and energy into a statewide autism study in the attempt to identify children who are affected by that spectrum of conditions. With early diagnosis, intervention and education these children thrive. Virginia is behind the national curve on identification and education for these children. Her efforts will reap rewards.

That’s a leader. Valentine has my vote and I hope she will have yours.
MARTHA HICKS
Lynchburg

Babies and bath water
In my opinion, not all Republicans are good, not all Democrats are bad.

With that in mind, I find it interesting that the author of a Sept. 23 letter to the editor states he will not vote for Del. Shannon Valentine in November’s election because she is a Democrat. He further mentions the adage “You are the company that you keep.”

By voting for a straight Republican ticket in November, thereby not voting for Del. Valentine, I am reminded of the old saw, “Throwing out the baby with the bath water.”
RICH SKULINA
Lynchburg

Him, too
I was very impressed while I watched a great leader address the United Nations. Aside from being articulate, he was passionate as he stood for freedom. This leader showed true courage in the face of almost certain criticism from many world leaders as he defended his country from despots who have in the recent past sought to demean and diminish the great nation for which he stood.

In short, Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel, showed himself to be a true leader.

Oh yeah, the president of the United States also spoke and was well received by people like Moammar Gadhafi and Hugo Chavez. I guess that counts for something.
MARK LAPERLE
Bedford