By Hannah W. Wever

Published: April 24, 2008

To the editor,
You hear these phrases a lot these days in the national election scene. The town of Orange is having an election May 6. All town citizens who can vote should exercise their right. I am sure you will be hearing from all of the candidates soon if you haven’t already.
I would like to reflect back on the last four years of council activity, although I could go back to 1989 to acknowledge the efforts of some of the people who have served the town.
It is worthy of note to examine some of the positive actions that have taken place over the last several years.
Council and staff have worked very hard to address the mandate from the state to upgrade the sewage plant. The results are $8.2 million in outright grant and $16.1 million in low interest loan (one-half of 1 percent).
Completion of the public works facility and the community room.
Completion of the raw water storage basin (no fear of porta-potties).
Continuance of the town’s transportation system (TOOT) and its upgrade to larger buses in response to citizen input. And a new trolley to enhance and support our image to tourists and potential new business.
Constant upgrading of our water lines, streets/curb and gutters.
Parking lot improvements and lighting at East Main Street and Byrd Street.
Expanded the enterprise zone to assist new and old businesses.
Maintained our commercial and community outreach programs as conducted by ODA.
With Norfolk-Southern Railroad, the town upgraded the crossing barriers and the track crossings.
There are also several things that are work-in-progress like the improvements to Byrd Street. This will be done with $1 million in grant money and the sewerage plant upgrade and construction.
Reviewed and improved the zoning ordinances (they are laws) to be fair to all citizens.
Continued to pass budgets that are fair, accomplish something, and are implemented with almost no change in administrative staffing.
Installed a functional and responsive police department.
Demonstrated its cooperation with the county and several of its departments.
Continued dialog with our elected representative and state senator who helped us tremendously on projects like the raw water storage basin and the sewer plant.
I think we need to vote for those individuals who will continue to implement our town slogan: “Sweet Living, Steady Progress.” I know I will.
Ray Lonick
Citizen of the Town of Orange