10/19/2021
I want to do what is in the best interest of the community and the area that I call home and deeply love. We need to be more welcoming to new businesses. Our County needs to generate more tax revenue so that our senior citizens are not burdened with tax increases. Growth needs to be generated to help our seniors, but also for the following generations. If we don't have local job opportunities, high school graduates will continue to leave in order to seek better opportunities elsewhere, and college graduates will not return. Growth can still happen while preserving our natural beauty and heritage.
I would like to see more locally owned businesses excel. Let's work together so that the average citizen like you or me can pursue the dream of owning a business. Not everyone has the financial backing of a big corporation. Whereas the addition of some chain restaurants and businesses is nice, I want to see more "Mom and Pop" businesses.
I believe everyone should have the same opportunities regardless of age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious preference, sexual orientation, or physical disability. Discrimination of any kind has no place in our society. I have been blessed to live in major, diverse cities such as Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. I know how it feels to be part of a minority group. I marched in Black Lives Matter protests along with other concerned citizens of all races and ages.
I support all of our first responders. I will do my part to ensure that our Sheriff's Department, Town Police, Rescue Squad, and Fire Departments have the necessary equipment and staff to do their jobs properly and protect our community. Open communication and mutual respect between the citizens and all of these departments is essential.
I believe all aspects of history should be taught in our schools. Our youth can not unbiasedly learn from the past unless they are presented with the information. A fact is a fact. Cherry picking through the facts or omitting information is simply unfair. Discounting or ignoring certain events in our Country's past is a form of discrimination in itself. For example, The Tulsa Race Massacre should be taught just as The Trail of Tears should be.
I support Rosie's for the tax revenue and jobs that it will bring to our area. I visited a location in another area and was impressed. I am not a gambler. However, I do not think my personal feelings regarding Rosie's (or any other issue) should override my decision to do what I feel is in the best interest of Amherst County. I signed to get the referendum on the ballot, and I am glad that it is up to all citizens of the County and not the Board of Supervisors.
I do not waffle on my public opinions to try and obtain votes from "both sides". I do not talk out of both sides of my mouth. I am not a professional politician. I am simply a local man who wants to do what is best for our area. Whereas I may lack experience in public office, I make up for it in my compassion, integrity, and overall mindset of fairness. I have no hidden agendas and I am not involved with any special interests group. Nor do I do private business with any individual in the County for personal gain. I enjoy being a patron of local businesses.
I know when people read this, one of two things will happen: I will either gain votes or lose votes. That is just the way elections go. I am alright either way. When I decided to run for office, I vowed that I would take the journey with my head held high and would not participate in low levels of campaigning consisting of misdirection and misrepresentations. Win or lose, I know that I will have maintained the respect of my family and friends as well as my self-respect.
