Oct. 17, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: I write with deep disappointment and indignation at the complete lack of response from our elected officials to an invitation extended by the Rockbridge County Branch of the NAACP to hold a town hall for their constituents.
On Sept. 2, our branch mailed and emailed formal invitations to Del. Ellen Campbell (District 36), Del. Terry Austin (District 37), and Rep. Ben Cline (Congressional District 6). We followed up with phone calls to each office on Sept. 15, requesting the courtesy of a reply. Not one office responded — not even with a polite decline.
Six possible dates were offered between late September and mid-October, providing ample opportunity for our representatives to engage directly with the citizens of Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County. Their silence speaks volumes about how they regard the voices of the people they were elected to serve. The total disregard demonstrated by these legislators is totally unacceptable.
Our community deserves to be heard, and our leaders should be willing to listen. We expect nothing less, don’t you? Vote for the representation we all deserve on Nov. 4.
THE REV. SUSAN L. WORRELL Political action chair NAACP Rockbridge County Branch
