Letters to the Editor for Sept. 29, 2011

Martin endorsed for prosecutor

I write this letter in support of Anthony Martin’s candidacy for commonwealth’s attorney of Nelson County.

Martin has been an assistant commonwealth’s attorney in Amherst County for six years, and I feel fortunate to have been able to work with him on criminal cases for that length of time.

I have found him to be a man of honesty and integrity who is hard-working and fair-minded. All of these are good qualities for a prosecutor.

Anthony has a comprehensive knowledge of criminal and civil law.

C. DUVAL DOSS

Captain, Investigations (retired)

Amherst County Sheriff’s Office

Brooks endorsed

I have known and worked alongside Nelson County Sheriff David Brooks for nearly six years. The entire time, Sheriff Brooks has displayed nothing less than respectable, honest and dependable qualities.

Sheriff Brooks takes pride in his work at a law enforcement officer, but also he takes pride in striving to be better for those around him.

Nelson County is fortunate to have Sheriff Brooks. I trust that you will continue to offer your support and re-elect Sheriff Brooks on Nov. 8

DARRELL HODGES

Sheriff

Cumberland County

Back to the future

In Florida a few days ago, candidates for the Republican nomination for president participated in a debate. After several debates and a resounding straw poll affirmation of a strong tea party candidate, one must step back and consider what is happening. The political designs of the current Democratic administration to press further the autocratic role of the central government were directly challenged as the Republican candidates expressed positions resurrecting the long dormant political counter-balance to the central government, the Congressional political power of the sovereign states.

It has been a hundred years or more since the political power structure envisioned by the Founders was ruptured. Other than some vague discussion of fiscal discipline, can we today articulate what we wish the role of the several states to be in the formulation of legislative policy for the central government? The Ninth and 10th Amendments, which I believe are intentionally vague, were designed restrictions on the central government’s enumerated powers. During congressional debates of the past century with both chambers of the Congress and both political parties advocating for central government authority, limitations have not been an issue.

The Republican Party is faced with the task of not just selecting a candidate to run against a modern progressive Democratic presidential incumbent, but more importantly of defining the political power point of the sovereign states. The issue is not one of conservative or liberal. It is where should governing power rest. We have strayed from the precepts provided us in 1787 and the road back will be torturous. But, if the people fail to redefine the political posture of the sovereign states, to our detriment the national political party leaders in Washington will do it for us.

BOB DEWEY

Wintergreen