Reader Mail week of April 24

Reader sounds off on Stafford SPCA
The [conditional-use] permit proposed sounds like a great idea to have a Stafford SPCA. I applaud Mr. [Bill] Hoyt on his efforts to make good use of the many acres that the Brooke Nursing Center was previously on. Working on putting this land to good use will be great for converting the nursing home to kennels and facilities for a no-kill/no cruelty animal environment. With all the information that is given, it sounds like there might just be a dog park where the dogs can run safe and free but still be well taken care of as will the other animals, like cats.

As for the complaints of the Brooke Nursing Home being in a residential area, what about when the facility was located there? This created traffic all around and in and out of the nursing home. If done right, the environmental and value concerns will be put to rest once the SPCA goes into action.

We really need an SPCA in Stafford and with a bit of planning we can get something as well done as the Richmond facility is.

Anna Victoria Reich
Stafford

Brother-in-law says enough is enough
Have you ever had family or a close friend convicted of a crime that you know they did not commit? Yes, it does happen! The sad truth is that it happens a lot more than you think. Let me tell you a true story of such a person. My brother-in-law had the unfortunate experience of being the victim of a cop with a grudge and a vindictive prosecutor who would rather play let’s make a deal. But, he won’t because he is innocent! The Commonwealth in question can make even Mr. Madoff appear to be a candidate for Sainthood and that is saying something rather spectacular in itself.

He got four years and $10,000 in fines for misdemeanors where no one was hurt. He is doing hard time in an understaffed Rappahannock Regional Jail with more violent offenders. Now, he has a cellmate charged with murder. Where is the justice in this? You be the judge! Is enough — enough, already? I say yes!

Richard G. Freeman
Stafford

Resident questions board regarding SPCA
There are questions as a property owner adjacent to the proposed site of the animal shelter that I would like the board of supervisors to answer.

1. What is the impact of the water and sewer use of the proposed center?
2. In the veterinary and crematory services what will be the medical toxic waste and how will it be disposed?
3. What are the recommended space requirements for 120 dogs? For eight horses?
4. What are the requirements to be classified a 501 3c non-profit and is Muddy Paws currently operating as an approved 501 3c?
5. Are there county limitations on noise levels? If so what are the db levels allowable?
6. Has there been a professional study of the toxic impact of the chemicals to be used and how will they be disposed of? There are small children in the adjacent property. What might the dangers of the use of chemicals be to their health and growth?
7. A Memorial Park or cemetery for pets is proposed. What are the health requirements for such a cemetery?
8. I am aware that the developer has to date put his own money in this venture. However, the full operation will require considerable donations by the public. What is the prognosis for raising such funds in this time of economic downturn?
9. Will the Board require that the developers provide a minimum of funding to ensure that an adequate level of development is possible?

Frank B. Withrow
Stafford

Coupon clipper shares tips

I am writing to you to express my sincere thanks and gratitude for the service that provide for my family. Using the coupons in the insert sections in the Stafford County Sun (Smart Source, Red Plum and Proctor & Gamble,) I am able to buy almost everything I need to feed my family for free or for just pennies on the dollar. I am literally saving hundreds of dollars each month on my grocery bill.

I live in southern Stafford County. The Stafford County Sun is not delivered to my home, so I purchase it for 25 cents per copy. This is a great bargain! In the past two weeks, I have purchased Jolly Time microwave popcorn and Dole pineapple free with doubled coupons at Shoppers Food Warehouse and Giant. I have purchased bottles of Kraft salad dressing at Super Walmart for 8 cents each, using just the coupons from the Stafford County Sun newspaper inserts. Anyone can do this.

Lisa Mahaffey Bulloss
Stafford