March 18, 2010
Our pockets are only so deep
Having read in Sunday’s Free Lance Star an article that Orange County plans to advertise a six-cent increase in the real estate tax rate, I feel the need to express my opinion.
March 04, 2010
How 70 and 80-year-olds have fun
Because George is now 84 and I am 78-with many years of snows in our past-one would think that we should have enough experience in country living to have planned a little more sensibly in such perilous circumstances.
Farm Bureau supports current planning commission composition
The recent consideration by the Orange County Board of Supervisors to reduce the planning commission from 10 to five members is not in the best interests of Orange County should this change take place.
February 24, 2010
We must act now
Everyone is aware of the constitutional obligation our state representatives have to balance the budget. What you may not be aware of is they also have an obligation to adequately fund public education. Article VIII of the Virginia Constitution states - “The General Assembly shall provide for a system of free public elementary and secondary schools for all children of school age throughout the Commonwealth, and shall seek to ensure that an educational program of high quality is established and continually maintained.“
Raising taxes vs. reducing services
Many of our elected officials, both national and local, are committed to lowering or not raising taxes, regardless of the consequences. In the long run, this kind of thinking could cost us more money and simultaneously provide us with less service. A few representative examples follow.
In defense of the oldest profession
Art is as old as fire. Art is as old as mud. Music is as old as the first thud of a stick against a hollow log.
November 19, 2009
Johnson refutes, challenges Shifflett’s claim
George C. Shifflett Jr. is mistaken when he claims that the taxpayers of Orange County have given the Boosters club only $10,000 over the past five years.
November 12, 2009
Rationale behind council vote explained
I just want to share a few facts for those who are concerned about the recent council decision to put the general public use of the Orange Community Room on hold.
November 05, 2009
Boosters President defends group, park
I want to address District 1 Supervisor Mark Johnson’s true-or-false statements in his campaign advertisement.
Supporting public health care option
It takes the experience of going up against the big insurance industry to realize why we truly need to give it competition.
Angry at Orange Town Council
This should have been done at a regular meeting so that some people might be heard.
July 30, 2009
Walmart more an asset than preservation
It is sad that so many outsiders have protested this Walmart. The
Concerned about our image
Orange is, and should be, concerned about image.
July 02, 2009
Hensley seeks D4 school board seat
I would like to announce my candidacy for school the District 4 seat on the Orange County School Board.
Remember sacrifices for freedom
I am asking you to think while you can, because what they risked and died for just might be slipping away before your eyes.
June 25, 2009
Walmart jobs look good in tough economy
A letter in the June 18 edition of the Orange County Review, “Better jobs out there than Walmart” got me thinking.
Walmart is win-win
However, if Walmart is built near the Route 3/Route 20 intersection, we will shift our shopping there.
June 18, 2009
Alternative Route 3 Walmart site suggested
I am writing to address an alternate location that would not pose a threat to the historical battlefield grounds, not stress the existing congested intersection of Routes 3 and 20, and provide Orange County with the much needed tax base and employment.
Better jobs out there than Walmart
At the planning commission’s Walmart hearing on May 21, I was taken by the fact that a number of the speakers spoke about the needed job opportunities offered by Walmart.
Matalavage seeks D4 supervisor seat
For those of you that do not yet know me, my name is Ronald T. Matalavage. Please call me Ron.
County shouldn’t allow store in inundation zone
Two of these future sites are in the inundation zone for the dam on the small lake at Lake of the Woods.
A cautionary tale…
Open your eyes!
June 11, 2009
Johnson didn’t keep his word
The voters of District 1 have an opportunity to express their opinion of one who cannot.
Thompson seeking school board seat
I was greatly pleased to I learn I was certified as a candidate for District 1 Orange County School Board.
June 04, 2009
Letter was about Johnson’s record, not Jones’ integrity
That letter was not about Mr. Jones.
Johnson declares he’ll seek reelection
Dr. Edward de Bono once asked “If you never change your mind, why have one?“
May 28, 2009
Oversights of the Walmart site
The proposed Wilderness Walmart has evoked a national response reminiscent of the Manassas-Disney controversy.
Supporting Pace for reelection to supervisors
I am convinced Ms. Pace is the right person to continue representing the voters of District 4
Rea Jones a man of integrity
If Rea says that he believes Johnson is good for Orange County, then I do also.
McWilliams declares board candidacy
I will dedicate myself to preserving the rural character of our county, while working to bring back clean industry where our citizens can be employed, and to restore that once bustling business we had in Orange and Gordonsville.
