Midlothian supervisor candidates are endorsed

Dear Editor,

On Nov. 7, voters in the Midlothian District will choose their next representative to the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. After examining the platforms of both Mr. [Don] Sowder and Mr. [Dan] Gecker, as well as researching their prior service on behalf of the citizens in the Midlothian District and the range of experience each gentleman has had in matters of local government, I have concluded that Dan Gecker possesses the necessary mix of experience, education, expertise and knowledge to effectively and equitably represent our district and our Midlothian values on the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors.

I am supporting Dan Gecker because the issues and challenges facing the Midlothian District, as well as Chesterfield County, requires a supervisor who can hit the ground running. Dan Gecker, due to his considerable experience with planning and zoning matters, will not need on-the-job training. He will not need to master the special language that accompanies planning, zoning and land use matters.

Dan Gecker knows the set of findings a local governing body must make when deciding whether a parcel of land should be rezoned from one use to another. Dan Gecker knows firsthand the important role a vision driven comprehensive land use plan must and should play in guiding community change. Dan Gecker knows planning and zoning. Mr. Sowder does not.

Dan Gecker is a successful businessman. He knows what it means to meet a payroll. He understands how county government is supposed to work from a financial point of view. Dan Gecker knows that government, just as a well run business, must live within its means.

Dan Gecker knows that future growth must be managed and guided rather than haphazardly permitted anywhere, anytime, next to anything at any cost.

Dan Gecker will work to ensure that future growth in Chesterfield County will be consonant with the efficient and economical use of public funds so as not to overburden taxpayers or existing county services such as schools and roads.

As I see it, the future must be a matter of choice. Dan Gecker will be my choice on Nov. 7. I encourage all voters who believe that a better tomorrow is possible to support Dan Gecker. With Dan's leadership we can be sure that Chesterfield County's future will be sustainable as well as cost effective.

Michael Chandler

Stonehenge

Dear Editor,

Will the "real" Dan Gecker please stand?

After reading his comments in the newspaper [Oct. 4], it doesn't seem like the words [are] from the same man who has been on the Chesterfield County Planning Commission for the past seven years. Gecker is suddenly critical of all the cases he has supported and passed for years.

Gecker has served in a leadership role on the planning commission, as chairman and vice chairman several times each. He has headed up planning commission committees and has been in a position of power for a long time. He has apparently received a vision to make such a big turn in direction, almost overnight, on the eve of the election.

A liberal lawyer who has made a bundle on re-developments and growth [outside of Chesterfield County], Gecker is the Democratic candidate for the Midlothian board seat. He apparently wants to move on to bigger and better things.

Go back and check his record for the past seven years, and count the thousands of new homes and lots he has voted to approve.

While he has been critical of small business growth, just bring on the big boys. Turn down the little 50 lot subdivisions, but approve the big boys, who have deep political pockets.

Now that he has already cashed in many times over, Gecker says he will turn down Political Action Committee money, and represents the people. Where has he been for the past seven years?

The best answer is forget Gecker and move on to better times with conservative Republican Don Sowder, a man of courage and conviction, who will work for the citizens and business interests in Midlothian.

S.M. Jordan.

Beach Road

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