Letters to the Editor for Friday, February 19, 2010

Tough decisions lie in near future
We all realize city budget cuts are coming. A letter writer last week indicated the city schools should be cut the most because it’s the largest expense. I would not cut this largest expense the most, and here are two good reasons why:

w Lynchburg has a history of making an extraordinary commitment to its public schools. As a result, our public schools are the envy of any city around us including Richmond, Roanoke, Charlottesville and Danville. Our school system is a major factor in attracting taxpayers who have superb talents including those who raise the bar of our public safety, infrastructure and health. Research shows strong public schools also have a very positive impact on the local economy. No doubt, that’s one reason ours has been so stable and vibrant, even in very difficult times. The schools are certainly one key area where Lynchburg differentiates itself and can compete better than other cities. That’s good for all of us.

w The state funds over half of our city school budget. As you know, our city schools are already facing substantial funding cuts from the state. So our strong schools are facing a double whammy from both state and city cuts that other departments are likely not.

How far can we compromise one of our greatest attributes before it’s not really an attribute at all? Hopefully, we’ll find a way not to.
BILLY McBRATNEY
Lynchburg

A local hero
To the entire staff at the The News & Advance, thank you for a wonderful team effort on the tragic passing of William M. “Bullet Bill” Dudley. Your series of articles captured the essence of his exceptional skills on the playing field, and also his humanity, and many contributions to this community. Lynchburg became his adopted hometown, as he always proudly said, “I’m Bill Dudley from Lynchburg, Virginia.”

I had the honor of interviewing Mr. Dudley for a local magazine in 1996.

I found him a very charming, warm gentleman, with a top-notch sense of humor, and an “aw shucks” modesty regarding his incredible talent on the football field, his very successful career as a life insurance man, and his days in politics, as our representative in the House of Delegates.

He was a man of conviction and high moral values, he was more proud of his darling wife and family and good stead in the community, than his University of Virginia and pro football achievements.

“Bullet Bill” and I chatted for two hours, it was absolutely fascinating to pick his brain on a variety of subjects, he spoke his mind. To our family, and especially my Dad, he was a legend. In Dr. Stuart Harris’ letter last week, Dr. Harris wrote of being awed to meet his hero. “Bullet Bill” Dudley became one and the same to me also.

This area has lost an icon, we have lost a giant in the world of sports. We have also lost just a damn fine man!
BRAD RAINEY
Lynchburg