Oct. 21, 2022 Editor, The News-Gazette, In my letter publishedAugust 31, I stated that Jennifer Lewis had accepted several invitations to debate, while Ben Cline had not. That same day, Cline agreed to two public forums. In a subsequent letter to this newspaper, as well as in person at the Labor Day Parade, I was wrongly accused by Republicans of lying. I’m pleased that the voters get to hear the candidates side by side, comparing their stances on controlling prescription drug prices, supporting Medicare and Social Security, providing school lunches and reproductive rights.
Oct. 24, 2022 Editor, The News-Gazette: This sums up what’s at stake in this year’s congressional election. Rep. Ben Cline was one of only 42 members of the House of Representatives (all Republicans) who voted no on the Keeping Kids Fed Act to extend child nutrition waivers that have helped millions of kids get access to meals both in school and during the summer.
Oct. 21, 2022 Editor, The News-Gazette: For nearly 2 1/2 centuries of our country’s existence, our flag has stood for democracy of the highest form: a government “of the people, by the people, for the people.” To the world we were the country whose “free and fair elections” were above reproach. Increasingly I see it being flown by Trumpublicans using it to declare their support for this MAGA movement; that they are the true patriots. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
The US Postal Service announced a few weeks ago that the cost to mail was going up in January 2023. This is the second increase i n six mo nt h s , and follows Postm aster General Louis DeJoy’s plan to raise rates twice a year for the next four or five years. The cost of a Forever stamp will jump from 60 cents to 63 cents. That comes on top of a 2 cent increase this past July.
There is a positive vibe in Buena Vista these days. There are no less than 17 new businesses that have opened this year, most of which are in the downtown area. Nearly all of the properties that Roanoke developer Ed Walker acquired a few years ago in an effort to launch a downtown business resurgence have either sold or are under contract.
Oct. 14, 2022 Editor, The News-Gazette: As a Lexington native, I was very interested in your recent article entitled “Unheard Voices of Black Lexington.” Congratulations to all who were involved in that historic project.
Oct. 14, 2022 Editor, The News-Gazette: I write to encourage Lexington voters to vote for Nick Betts, David Sigler, and Chuck Smith for the three available seats on Lexington City Council. Each of the three has served Lexington City for years in a variety of capacities.
Oct. 13, 2022 Editor, The News-Gazette: America has always been a country of record breakers, but unfortunately, we’ve recently been breaking the wrong kinds of records.