LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Is newspaper too critical in labeling "county critics"?

Dear Editor,

Can you please ask staff writer Donna Gregory why was it necessary to label citizens who participate in the public hearings as "county critics"? It saddens me that individuals who participate in the process must be referred to so negatively. Individuals who stand around the water cooler and complain about the county are critics. Who is willing speak out for change and work with the county to solve our issues? Sometimes it is necessary to question or challenge decisions that our elected officials are making on our behalf. It is part of the democratic system. Why could the article not simply state that two county citizens questioned the school board's decision to approve the CIP [capital improvement plan]? I believe it gave our concerns some validity because the board did not approve the CIP that evening.

I found it reassuring that board members either shared our concerns or they were at least willing to review the information that we presented before making their decision. I don't think the reporter understands that speaking before the board on this issue was a difficult decision. For me, my children attend school with kids from the Clover Hill District, and we attend church with people who would be affected if the Clover Hill High replacement is delayed. I spoke not because I want to criticize the county, but because I'm genuinely concerned about how we will address existing overcrowding issues at Meadowbrook and Thomas Dale [high schools]. I've experienced the reality of children attending schools that are at 125 percent capacity and beyond. I'm concerned about other children having to endure problems that are a direct result of overcrowded schools. I also understand that the decisions officials make today will affect how the county will address overcrowding later in the Bermuda area.

The reality is that Clover Hill is barely overcrowded, and other schools now have more pressing needs. If citizens do not speak out, then don't our elected officials have a right to say that the decision to allocate funds for school projects was presented to the public, and no one spoke against their plan so citizens have no right to complain on the school locations? I believe that residents in the Bermuda District have a right to know how the school board's upcoming decision will affect them in the future. I'm only raising the question: Is replacing Clover Hill High necessary at this time when weighing in all the facts?

Shelly Schuetz

Matoaca

If a citizen makes one criticism during a public hearing, this newspaper would identify the citizen as a resident. If a citizen makes numerous criticisms of actions or inactions by a county board, commission and other official bodies, this newspaper considers that person to be a critic. We don't characterize critics as being good, bad or otherwise, but rather to indicate that he or she has criticized the county many times. We believe the phrase "county critic" in the school board story of Dec. 20 accurately informed our readers. Editor

A vote for Loupassi and against Shewmake

I read with interest your article [Dec. 13] on the two Republicans seeking party support [in the 68th District] in [this] year's election. In referring to Will Shewmake as a Republican, you, along with his supporters, tend to forget that up until this past summer Mr. Shewmake and everyone else considered him to be a Democrat. He was even one of [Supervisor] Ed Barber's former planning commissioners. It was only the rejection of his party that caused him to wear the Republican name in a vain attempt to run for the supervisor position Don Sowder now holds.

In looking at Mr. Shewmake's supporters, we see that [Matoaca Supervisor] Renny Humphrey is apparently attempting to fill Barber's spot along with [Dale Supervisor] Kelly Miller and [Bermuda Supervisor] Dickie King in the unholy alliance that has brought about the rape and pillage of Chesterfield County with unrestrained residential growth. This unfettered residential growth, accompanied by insufficient commercial development, has resulted in higher real estate taxes, overcrowded roads along with misplaced and overcapacity schools.

Now, apparently, the group expects Mr. Shewmake to help bail them out by taking state taxpayer funds to solve the problems they created. It is not surprising that they have embraced this Democrat in Republican clothing as the trio has long since given up on the Republican principles of limited, less intrusive government and lower taxes.

Manoli Loupassi has demonstrated the ability to get things done - even in the madhouse they call Richmond City Council. He displays integrity in his work and would be a solid addition to the House of Delegates, looking out for the good of the commonwealth rather than just throwing a little pork to Chesterfield.

Larry Miller

Chesterfield

Miller is a former chairman of the Chesterfield Republican Committee. Editor

Architectural fees for new school are too high

I read with interest the article [Dec. 6] regarding architectural/engineering fees for Cosby High School and the new Clover Hill High School. I too question the math. Generally speaking, architectural firms charge an average of 10 percent of the project costs for their design/plan drawings/project management. [Final architectural plans] would have been handed over upon completion of Cosby. Therefore, we are seeing building code changes and project fees of $2,024,195? I would request further explanation and justification from Chesterfield County.

Additionally, I would hope the plans permit expansion of both schools as needed versus resorting to unsightly trailers.

Sandra S. Mitchell

Chesterfield