New board brightens Chesterfield's future

Dear Editor,

Over the past few years I have addressed the board of supervisors (BOS) pleading for action on various issues. This time, I am pleased to simply say "congratulations," and tell you how hopeful citizens are now that you have assumed leadership.

[Supervisor Art] Warren has been patient, yet tenacious, often standing alone on the right side of crucial issues. Not that [he has been] looking for vindication, but [his] faithfulness and integrity have been duly recognized both in being the sole returnee and in being elected as chairman.

I have not yet met [Bermuda District Supervisor Dorothy] Jaeckle, but I look forward to her leadership. Her constituents obviously have confidence in her.

I had hoped Dale Supervisor Jim Holland would win the school board seat for that district, having had the best platform in my estimation. But alas, more important things were in store [for him].

Midlothian Supervisor Dan Gecker has worked hard to earn his place on the BOS. While I have not always agreed with him or appreciated his positions, he's earned my support, and I am glad he is my supervisor.

I couldn't help but smile seeing [Marleen Durfee's] name on the desk plaque at her first BOS meeting. I know that serving on the BOS wasn't her ambition, and only when the previous board wouldn't listen did it become her goal to assume a decision-making seat. And she was correct at the first BOS meeting: we are looking for bold leadership - well-informed, well-principled leadership, while listening to and being sensitive to constituents.

To all of them, I want to say that in the spirit of what pundits may imply, you are not naive, you know the task in front of you, and you know that while much damage has been done, not all of it is irreparable (such as the revised Upper Swift Creek Plan, which you have already reopened). Better still, the future of Chesterfield County is now in responsible hands, and therefore is much brighter.

Mike Harton

Midlothian