Letters to the Editor for Aug. 17, 2011

By: Staff | Nelson County Times
Published: August 17, 2011

Writer: Legalize and tax pot

I noted the news story about the marijuana busts in Nelson and Buckingham counties, with a little over 11,000 plants valued at over $32 million seized.

If the state legalized marijuana and taxed the $32 million at just 5 cents on the dollar, that comes to $1.6 million for just these two counties. My guess is that the other counties in the state are also seizing plants. The state is presently in the red and is desperately in need of a boost in tax revenue. This seems like a way to close the gap.

DAVID A. SNYDER

Afton

Martin for prosecutor

Until my retirement from the post of police chief in the Town of Amherst on June 1 of this year, I had the distinct pleasure of working with Anthony Martin on a professional basis.

Martin has served as an assistant commonwealth’s attorney here in Amherst County for several years. I have always been impressed with his ability to relate to people. I have watched him pursue justice for victims of crime and to do everything possible to lessen the impact of crime on victims.

He is a strong prosecutor and a dedicated public servant. He realizes the fact that, to each victim, the pursuit of justice for them is the most important issue at hand. He treats each criminal matter as if it were his only priority. He is always mindful of the emotional and financial burdens that so often affect victims of crime.

Martin has the leadership skills and the experience as a prosecutor that are necessary to effectively serve the people in the manner in which they expect and deserve.

While I certainly do not want to lose him as one of our assistant commonwealth’s attorneys, I realize that he lives in Nelson County and cares deeply for his community and for the people of Nelson County. He truly wants and deserves to serve the community where he lives.

I urge you to support him in November to serve you as your commonwealth’s attorney.