Jack McCrady deserves second term

I have been paying close attention to issues raised by the candidates for supervisor representing the Taylor District of Washington County. Mr. Straten has jobs as his primary issue, but has yet to explain his plan to achieve that goal. Does one just accept Mr. Straten’s goal without asking how he plans to make all of these employers locate here in our beautiful county? What about health issues, or the impact on the neighbors, roads or schools? Surely, Mr. Straten is concerned with our well being, after all, he knows the problems of urban sprawl having lived in Northern Virginia before relocating to Washington County.
I listened carefully to his statements at the recent forum and it became apparent that he is not understanding of our life styles and needs. His approach to everything that is of concern to me, cannot be found on a computer.  While information is the key to power, it is not a quality that makes him qualified to represent the citizens of our county. He fails to present the record of the present Board of Supervisors concerning education, youth activities, economic development (jobs), funding for the very best fire departments and rescue squads. What about the commercial development at Exit 19? That didn’t just happen.
Careful planning is necessary for any advancement and expansion in our county, and having one’s picture on a billboard is of little consequence when compared to experience. Certainly not having any experience at governmental issues and never having been appointed or elected to any post or committee dealing with community issues should be certainly be a measuring stick for leadership. It is obvious that Mr. Straten is a very nice person, but that doesn’t qualify him as a community leader or qualified to lead our district.  I for one will support the present board member and am not interested in repeating mistakes made in the past. I hope that the electorate will see fit to overwhelmingly support Jack McCrady to a second term as Washington County Virginia Board of Supervisors.

Fred Singleton
Abingdon, Va.