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Opinions

Engage with diverse voices in Lexington, VA – The News-Gazette's Opinion page offers insightful perspectives on local and regional issues.

Out Of The Past

Out Of The Past

11/07/2023 11:00 PM

For Harris

Editor, The News-Gazette: Susan Wood wrote that she was “shocked” that local Democrats selected Jade Harris as their candidate, questioning her age, financial management skills, and experience in government. You can’t have the latter until you’re elected but Miss Harris majored in political science in college. 11/01/2023 12:00 AM

For Ayers

Editor, The News-Gazette: My support for Leslie Ayers for county supervisor in the Buffalo District is due to the good job she’s done representing her constituents during her current term on the board. She has shown that she listens to all points of view. Along the way, she has done her homework and does not simply follow a shallow agenda. Please vote and consider supporting Leslie Ayers.CLAY DEVENING Lexington -Editor, The News-Gazette: I have been a resident in Rockbridge County since 1948. I have always felt that women should have a voice on the Board of Supervisors. This is why I was so delighted when Leslie Ayers was elected to be the supervisor for the Buffalo District. 11/01/2023 12:00 AM

Younger Candidates Commended

Younger Candidates Commended

Editor, The News-Gazette: I disagree with Susan Wood’s (Oct. 18) criticism of a candidate’s qualifications based on age and work experience. 11/01/2023 12:00 AM

For Clark

Editor, The News-Gazette: I’ve had the privilege of knowing Michele Clark for more than 25 years. I first got to know her personally as I taught her children. Later on I was fortunate to have crossed paths in her professional life while she was employed with BB&T. Oddly enough, the banking relationship (due to an unfortunate incident) carried over into her position of victim witness director for the city of Buena Vista. 11/01/2023 12:00 AM

For Whitesell

Editor, The News-Gazette: Twenty years ago this November, the voters of Rockbridge County elected me as their commissioner of the revenue. I consider it an honor and I thank the citizens for the support they have shown me over the years. I will retire effective the end of my term on Dec. 31 and will miss seeing and working with you all. 11/01/2023 12:00 AM

Goodbye, Friend

Goodbye, Friend

In the early 1990s, my college friend, Julie Hanssen, enlisted in the U.S. A r m y . While she was in basic training, she asked me to tape her favorite show, “Friends.” This was years before DVRs and streaming services. All we had then were VCRs and VHS tapes. I agreed, even though I wasn’t a fan of the show. Just judging by the title, it seemed so generic. 11/01/2023 12:00 AM

Out Of The Past

Out Of The Past

11/01/2023 12:00 AM

Get Ready For Election Day

Get Ready For Election Day

We’re heading down the home stretch in this year’s fall elections. Early in-person voting that began Sept. 22 concludes this Saturday, Nov. 4. The actual Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Next week this time – Wednesday, Nov. 8 – we should know the results of the elections. 11/01/2023 12:00 AM

Barking Dog Issue Should Be Addressed

Barking Dog Issue Should Be Addressed

Oct. 19, 2023 Editor, News Gazette: Ah ... how nice to open the windows for a good night’s sleep with the cooler weather upon us. Nope ... had to shut them again because of the relentless, annoying barking and baying of dogs from the three nearby kennels. 10/25/2023 12:00 AM

‘A Sensible Compromise’ For Lake Merriweather

‘A Sensible Compromise’ For Lake Merriweather

Oct. 23, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: The Maury River flows entirely in Rockbridge County. It is a source of recreation, tourism and the source of drinking water for the city of Lexington. Part of the Maury is already a designated “Scenic River of Virginia.” To say the least, this river is of important ecological and economic importance to the county. Above the beloved Goshen pass is a large dam (1,300 feet x 43 feet tall) encompassing a lake (when full) of almost 400 acres and with a drainage area of 85 square miles. 10/25/2023 12:00 AM

Former N-G Reporter Praised For Series

Former N-G Reporter Praised For Series

Editor, The News-Gazette: We’re not at all surprised to learn that the reporter you have mentored, Hope Huger, won first place in the feature series category for weekly newspapers of 6,000-9,000 circulation in the National Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper contest for her series on the Hosting Ukrainian Families (HUF) effort here. 10/25/2023 12:00 AM

For Clark

Editor, The News Gazette: This letter is to endorse Michele Clark for treasurer of Rockbridge County. I have known Michele for many years and have served with her on church and community projects. 10/25/2023 12:00 AM

For Burant

Editor, The News-Gazette: Kathy Burant and I met over 30 years ago as teachers in the first Rockbridge/Virginia Tech Masters of Education cohort. Later, we were both involved parents of Rockbridge County High athletes. From the start, I admired Kathy’s enthusiasm and dedication. 10/25/2023 12:00 AM

For Ojure

Editor, The News-Gazette: Lenna Ojure will be a compassionate, well-informed school board member for the Buffalo District if elected to serve on the Rockbridge County School Board. 10/25/2023 12:00 AM

For Smith

Editor, The News Gazette: I would like to encourage all voters of the Buffalo District to support Mack Smith in the upcoming election for Board of Supervisors. 10/25/2023 12:00 AM

Our Thanksgiving Dance

Our Thanksgiving Dance

We’re ramping up to one of the most intense periods during the year here at the paper – producing and delivering our pre-Thanksgiving issue, which includes the holiday guide section. 10/25/2023 12:00 AM

Out Of The Past

Out Of The Past

10/25/2023 12:00 AM

Solar Panels Versus Cornstalks

Solar Panels Versus Cornstalks

If decisions about whether to allow solar arrays on farms were dictated by what is most popular, there would likely be none in Rockbridge County. 10/25/2023 12:00 AM

‘Take Your Vote Seriously’

‘Take Your Vote Seriously’

Oct. 16, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: I was shocked that local Democrats chose a recent college graduate to be their state senator candidate. I know very little of Jade Harris, but I do know that she has very little experience in government. In fact, she has limited experience in any career. 10/18/2023 12:00 AM

For Ojure

Oct. 12, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: 10/18/2023 12:00 AM

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