THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 10, 1995 TAG: 9509080211
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letters
LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
I recently found a new attraction at the Franklin-Southampton County Fair. In touring the Exhibition Building and expecting to see exhibits representing the best of Southampton County and the City of Franklin, to my amazement, I ran headlong into a world class political smear.
Campaign workers for Deborah Quesinberry were circulating flyers outlining the candidates' positions on key issues. The flyer said our delegate, Bill Barlow, voted against tough penalties for criminals on three different occasions.
Well, I know Bill Barlow. He is a lifelong member of our community. There is no more conscientious or decent man in public service than Bill Barlow, and no one is more committed to protecting our families and our community from the threat of violent crime.
I looked up the bills cited in the smear flyer. I am sure most voters will be pleased to know that Bill Barlow voted ``yes'' on HB1317 (1994), a bill for tough penalties for criminals who use guns to commit crimes; ``yes'' on HB382 (1992), a bill requiring a mandatory prison sentence for drug dealers with guns; and ``yes'' on HB1318 (1994), a bill for tough prison sentences for repeat violent offenders. If any voter would like to see copies of these bills, please feel free to contact me.
I would like to think that candidates for public office would abide by higher standards than the side-show promoters present in the midway of the county fair, but that's simply not true of Deborah Quesinberry. Her dishonesty in characterizing Bill Barlow's record is an affront to the decent, honest citizens of the 64th House District.
Richard E. Railey Jr.
Courtland This just isn't the place for heavy equipment
Two years ago, Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors granted a spot zoning permit in an agricultural residential area for industrial use. This was against the recommendation of the Planning Commission.
The permit granted by the Isle of Wight supervisors was a conditional permit for no longer than two years to allow the requester ample time to financially establish himself and find another location in an industrial area. The permit was for the storage of heavy duty equipment (dump trucks, road graders, bulldozers, flat-beds, backhoes, etc.) in the resident's back yard. We, the residents of this area, have put up with the dust, noise and dangerous traffic on our narrow 15-foot wide road for these two years. Now, the requester is asking for a permanent rezoning of three acres behind
his residence for the expansion of his operation.
According to Title 15.1, Chapter 11, Code of Virginia, spot zoning is illegal when the zoning is designed solely to serve the private interest of one or more land owners, and it is inconsistent with good zoning practice. This rezoning does not promote the health, safety, morals and general welfare of this community. It does not protect and conserve the value of our residences and does not encourage the most appropriate use of our land. Now we must wait and see what the county does with this bucket of worms.
Hubie E. Dunnagan
Hunt Club Road
Carrsville Section on fair shined
On behalf of the Franklin-Southampton County Fair, I would like to thank The Sun and all the employees who helped put out a wonderful fair supplement.
We were very pleased with all the articles Dawson Mills did and all the advertisements supporting the fair. Mr. Mills went beyond the call of duty as he traveled throughout the county collecting information for his articles. Not many people would have gone to so much trouble.
So many people work hard for many months to give the community five days of family fun, and I appreciate the part that The Sun and its employees have had in this. Thank you again.
Peggy Darden-Ross
Publicity Chairman by CNB