Brennan for delegate
Connie Brennan is the only Nelson County resident running for the House of Delegates in the 59th District. She is the only candidate who has ever held elective office, including 10 years of service on the Board of Supervisors, two times as chairwoman. Most importantly, she is the only candidate who has worked on issues important to the people of Nelson County, with members of both parties. As a leader with integrity, a mother of three graduates of Nelson County High School, a grandmother and a nurse practitioner, she is the only candidate with a long record of getting things done for the people of Nelson County. Brennan’s opponent from Campbell County has never held public office. His misleading attack ads are designed to divert us from the fact that he has no public record, except his brushes with the law. He has never had to reach a consensus with other elected officials on budgets, taxes, public services or public improvements, or to face citizens in a re-election on his stewardship of the public’s trust. Yet, Matt Fariss asks the voters of Nelson County to create a job for him in the same House of Delegates that just divided Nelson County into two separate House districts, calculating that Nelson would have no representative in either one. Don’t reward the Richmond power brokers. Vote for Connie Brennan, Nelson County’s candidate for the House of Delegates. BOB CARTER Lovingston Brooks for sheriff Four years ago, breaking a 30-year personal tradition of not endorsing any candidates in races for sheriff, I "highly and unequivocally" recommended the election of David Brooks to the office. I said at the time that "attorneys, as officers of the court, closely look at a minimum of three aspects … his efficiency, his fairness and his integrity" and concluded that, "David Brooks surpasses his opponents in all three of those aspects." In the intervening four years, I have closely followed, both in court and/or out of court, the careers of both Sheriff Brooks and one of his opponents, Mac Bridgwater. I can now say, with complete confidence, that Brooks continues to surpass Bridgwater in efficient law enforcement, in the pursuit of justice and in integrity. One final point: Party affiliation has nothing to do with the qualifications of a candidate for sheriff. So I urge my fellow Republicans, my Democratic friends and all of you independents out there in Nelson County to re-elect David Brooks sheriff of Nelson County. BRUCE K. TYLER Afton Bridgwater for sheriff I am a retired New York City Police Department lieutenant commander of detectives, living in Nelson County for the past 11 years and have made many observations of the current sheriff’s department, which lead me to recommend and support Mac Bridgwater for sheriff of Nelson County. The current sheriff’s office has to be modernized and brought up to more professional standards. This moderinization can be accomplished with a leader such as Bridgwater who has the background, leadership qualities and expertise to accomplish this upgrade. I have been present when he professionally presented major cases to the court and have recognized his investigative and leadership abilities. He has the professional admiration of other law enforcement agencies and the ability to intergrate with them, to provide Nelson County with the best in area-wide law enforcement. Please consider your vote for Bridgwater as an upgrade in Nelson County’s law enforcement capabilities. BILL KREBS Lovingston Stevens for treasurer I have had the distinct pleasure of having first hand experience and knowledge of the leadership skills that Susan Kidd Stevens poses. Twenty-two years ago, she hired me as an administrative assistant during her employment as Finance and Office Manager at Tulikivi/The New Alberene Stone Co. in Schuyler. Because of her natural leadership abilities and her mature approach to her responsibilities I gained tremendous knowledge that I was able to carry throughout my career. I have also had the pleasure not only to know her on a professional level but also on a personal level. In 2009 she and I co-founded Relay For Life of Nelson County. Again, she demonstrated solid leadership and maintained a clear sense of purpose for the needs of Nelson County. She is an independent, self directed person who is able to communicate effectively and meet even the most demanding challenges. Please join me in casting your vote for Susan Kidd Stevens for Treasurer of Nelson County. SHEILA LAYTON Tyro Sheriff’s office problems I find myself again looking at the candidates for local elections. The one I believe most compelled to question is the race for sheriff of Nelson County. I do not believe we, as Nelson County residents, have had the representation we deserve within our law enforcement agency. Many qualified deputies left rather than serve under the current sheriff. Since the last election, the turnover rate for our deputies is staggering. This county, hence the taxpayers of the county, have funded training within the law enforcement field only to see our investment move to other jurisdictions due to the management change. While some change is expected, the amount of change in the past four years is well beyond acceptable or normal. I have other concerns about the current administration in other areas as well. Many cases have been dismissed due to lack of procedures being followed. Miranda rights, for example, were not read upon arrest in a case in Schuyler. And then there was the amount of money lost from ticket revenue when the officer writing tickets was not qualified to operate a radar gun. All 150 or so tickets were thrown out of court or money was refunded by the county. How much training does it take to qualify to operate a radar gun? Too much for this administration to send out qualified deputies? As of late, there is the issue of one of our deputies being dismissed over pending charges. Good management knows it is better to address personnel issues than to allow them to go untended where they fester into what we now see as domestic violence. These are just a few of the subjects I need answers to before I feel I can trust our current sheriff another four years. What say you, Sheriff Brooks? CATHY ROSENBERRY Arrington Bridgwater for sheriff As you read many letters from citizens leading up to the sheriff’s election, I personally wanted you to read a letter from someone who can verify the qualifications of Mac Bridgwater. As I have worked with him for many years, I can attest to his abilities and experience as a law enforcement officer. He has always showed the utmost respect and professionalism to each person and/or situation he has been involved. I’ve worked with him in two counties, and neither his demeanor nor his work ethic waivered. He has always been true to his oath as a police officer to uphold the law. He has always been fair and honest during his police work regardless of the person or situation. As a result, he has established an exceptional reputation with judges. He has also become a role model for younger people and a mentor to many younger police officers. He has also become a well known face in other agencies and counties, but most of all he has gone the extra mile in educating himself in becoming an extremely capable, qualified and professional leader. All of which not only make him qualified to be a sheriff but make him the best choice in the upcoming election. Join me in voting for Mac Bridgwater on Nov. 8. KRISSY MARTIN Arrington Bridgewater for sheriff On Nov. 8, Nelson County voters are faced with an important decision. We, the voters, have a choice! We have a choice to elect a sheriff. Being a sheriff isn’t about popularity or seeking fame for the papers; it’s about being a leader. A sheriff must uphold the law and in order to do so, they must know the law. A sheriff has to surround himself with a professional staff and to ensure that they hold deputies accountable for their actions and have an extensive hiring policy that includes drug testing and background checks. A sheriff has to be aware of what is traveling in the county and in order to that they must have good working relationships with the surrounding counties. A sheriff has to keep the county safe for all citizens regardless of what race, religion or political connection. In order to do that they must admit there are problems and stay proactive in addressing them. It’s important for us as voters, to understand that being a sheriff takes integrity, professionalism, dedication, courage and many other attributes, all of which Mac Bridgwater displays. His credentials speak for themselves, which more than qualifies him for this position. Combined with his passion and desire to be our sheriff by far excels him to the top as the right choice in this upcoming election. Actions speak louder than words. Look at what actions Bridgwater has taken to prepare himself to not only be a sheriff, but to be a professional sheriff, one that Nelson County can be proud of. He won’t let us down, so on Nov. 8, let’s not let him down! Vote Bridgwater for sheriff. MARGIE ROSENBERRY Arrington Bridgwater more qualified I have known Mac Bridgwater for many years both as a law enforcement officer and as plain Mac Bridgwater. His law enforcement skills and credentials speak for themselves. It is more than apparent that he is more than qualified for the position of sheriff, and Nelson County would be in safe hands under his leadership. However, much more than being qualified, he possesses something that most can only hope to find in their lifetime: a passion. From a young age, he knew that one day he was going to be sheriff of Nelson County, and he was going to educate himself and work hard so that he could be the best he could for this county. If you have ever had the privilege of speaking to him, you will see his eyes light up talking about his love for law enforcement and his desire to be sheriff. I’ve had many talks with him at his home with his wife and girls, as well as heard him speak at many campaign events, and never has his desire nor intentions for this county changed to suit the needs of the audience in which he was addressing. He speaks the same, no matter whom he’s speaking to. Bridgwater is a man of his word. He is someone who has a compassion for people in general and someone you can trust. He has the strongest passion for something that I’ve ever seen and that’s to be sheriff of Nelson County. It takes an incredible person to follow his dreams even when it’s not easy, but he has succeeded. Without a shadow of a doubt, he has prepared himself, now it’s up to us to all allow him to protect. I’m honored to call him a friend and hope that, on Nov. 8, you join me in electing him in the position in which he has worked so hard for: sheriff of Nelson County. JENNIFER SHERWOOD Gladstone Re-elect Sheriff Brooks I am writing in support of re-electing Sheriff David Brooks. I am giving my support because he has proven that he is qualified for the job. His main goal has been the welfare of the law-abiding citizens of Nelson County. I share a position on the Nelson County TRIAD Committee with him, and I know that he is an advocate for the senior citizens of this county. He continues to work hard to alleviate crimes against not only seniors, but all residents of the county. He is also visible in the communities. Most of all, he is a family man with family values. PAULINE MILES PAGE Faber For sheriff, prosecutor Nelson County is fortunate to have two fine young men running for the office of commonwealth’s attorney. Both Anthony Martin and Daniel Rutherford know the law. Only one, Anthony Martin, has the experience necessary to be a fully functioning Commonwealth’s Attorney from his first day on the job. He has six years experience as an assistant commonwealth’s attorney in Amherst County. He has put criminals in jail; he has protected our citizens; and he is ready to take on the job of commonwealth’s attorney for Nelson County. He is meticulous in his preparation, smooth in his delivery and relentless as he pursues justice for defendant and victims alike. It would be a mistake not to take advantage of his experience and lifelong dedication to the residents of Nelson County. Please vote for him Nov. 8 and make him our new commonwealth’s attorney. Four years ago I voted for Mac Bridgewater for sheriff of Nelson County based on the recommendation of a trusted friend; unfortunately he lost a close race to Sheriff David Brooks. This year I will vote for him again. I have gotten to know this fine young man. I have talked to him concerning his hopes for the Nelson County sheriff’s office and how he plans to restore that organization by improving training, restoring morale and holding his deputies accountable while serving the public at large with excellent, professional and effective law enforcement. When you compare the qualifications of the three candidates for sheriff, you will find that he is more qualified than either of his opponents based on his experience, education, training and dedication to the residents of Nelson County. There is also a huge difference between the duties of a sheriff and a state trooper. Bridgwater has been a deputy sheriff and an investigator, and he is more than ready to be the sheriff of Nelson County. I encourage everyone to look at his qualifications and to vote for him Nov. 8 to be the next sheriff of Nelson County. GEORGE PETERS JR. Gladstone Martin for prosecutor I am pleased to support Anthony Martin for the position of commonwealth’s attorney for Nelson County. I have known him for the six years he has been a prosecutor in Amherst. He possesses the experience, the training, the temperament and the ethical qualities necessary to be commonwealth’s attorney. Although I do not know him, I am sure Daniel Rutherford is a fine young man and attorney. But the position of commonwealth’s attorney is different than the practice of any other type of law. It is not the place for on-the-job training. The commonwealth’s attorney wields a great deal of discretion; whether to place charges, what charges to place and what charges to maintain. The exercise of this discretion needs the judgment that only comes with experience. Because Anthony Martin has that experience and judgment, I support his candidancy. MICHAEL R. DOUCETTE Commonwealth’s Attorney City of Lynchburg Fariss a true conservative I’m from Nelson County. Connie Brennan is my Supervisor and I went to high school with her in Northern Virginia. I know Connie Brennan. In typical liberal fashion, she attacked the character of Matt Fariss. Let’s take a look. While legally hunting male turkeys, Matt mistakenly shot a female turkey. When he discovered his mistake, he voluntarily turned himself in and paid a $50 fine. While talking with a game warden, he was asked if he had a firearm in the car, he volunteered that there was one in the back of his cab. As the day grew warmer Matt threw his coat in the back. Because the gun was not in clear view, he was ticked for having a concealed weapon. On both occasions, Matt clearly demonstrated integrity and honesty, even when it was against his own best interest. This brings up the issue of when will Connie Brennan be truthful and honest about her past? For example, in a public forum in Nelson County (Nelson County Times, Oct. 11, 2007), she was asked by a young mother whether she supported abortion including partial birth abortion. She answered that she had always felt that a woman had the right to choose to have abortion, including a late term partial birth abortion. In fact, her past political campaign finance reports reveal that she donated campaign money to National Abortion Rights League (NARL) and Planned Parenthood of the Blue Ridge (July 1, 2007, SBE financial report). This year, running in a more conservative district, she is trying to moderate her position on abortion. When will Brennan be truthful and honest about her longterm pro-choice stance on abortion, including partial birth abortion? Other examples of her liberal bent lie in her longterm support for increased regulation of business and land owners in Nelson County. The minutes from the Nelson County Board of Supervisors meetings reveal that she was a vocal proponent of a 400+ page Zoning Ordinance that placed onerous restrictions on land use and land subdivision. She also supported a noise ordinance that was so restrictive that a barking dog or beeping your horn to a neighbor as you drove by would be violations. Finally, she has supported multiple fee and tax increases in her tenure as supervisor resulting in little to no growth in jobs or new businesses in Nelson County. Do you want a delegate who will work with Barack Obama and Tim Kaine to raise taxes and kill jobs? If you want a delegate who is pro-life, pro business, pro-jobs, anti-tax and will work with Bill Bolling and Bob McDonnell to lower taxes and create jobs vote for Matt Fariss. STEVE KENDALL Faber Stevens for treasurer For anyone who is undecided about their support for the treasurer of Nelson County, I would like to share my reasons for supporting Susan Kidd Stevens. I have known her for more than 20 years. Many years ago she helped my family through a very tough time as my young daughter had a terminal illness. Whenever she saw a way to help, she did. We didn’t have to ask her. That’s just how she is and I don’t think people learn to be that way. You either have it in your heart or you don’t. She has been active in the community the same way. She looks for ways to get involved and then steps up to help others. Susan has served on numerous boards and committees helping to start or improve the Relay for Life, Toy Lift, Christmas Parade and Parent Teacher Organization at Tye River Elementary. She is the Finance and Human Resource Director for Nelson County. She’s been doing this work for almost five years and is obviously capable of keeping the books balanced. She does the payroll for all county employees and works on some grant projects. And there isn’t much room for error on either one. I’d imagine that whoever is elected treasurer will keep the books balanced, but I support Stevens because I know what kind of person she is. I wish her luck in the election, and I hope you will think about voting for her, too. WILLIAM POWELL Schuyler
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