Letters to the Editor for the week of June 26

Torch Run pleases local reader
Special Olympics is very dear, very special and close to my heart. One reason for this is that it helps me feel and think positive thoughts about having my own problem when thinking about the other people with their problems. This gives me a direct and positive attitude about myself and who I am.

It is fantastic to hear that the people from our county law enforcement went out of their way for a long run in the weather conditions recently to run in honor of the Special Olympics and to carry the Special Olympics torch down Route 1.

Anna Victoria Reich
Stafford

Supervisor addresses recent op-ed
Much like morning haze and evening thundershowers indicate the onset of another Stafford summer, the surest sign of an approaching election season for Stafford County Sun readers can be seen in the columns of Alane Callander. Whenever elections approach, Ms. Callander’s words become shriller and more strident with each passing column.

Her most recent column [“Republicans campaign at Democratic Primary,” June 16] was an excellent illustration of this phenomenon. What has Ms. Callander all atwitter this time? Well, Republican candidates had the temerity to actually go out and meet voters at the polls on Primary Day. How dare they? Don’t these Republicans know their place? What are they thinking seeking support from Democrats?

In at least one instance, according to Ms. Callander’s column, the Republicans spoiled the plans of the Democratic nominee for Falmouth Supervisor, Douglas Filler. The nerve! Apparently, Mr. Filler had planned a relaxing Primary Day, a plan that went awry because Susan Stimpson was meeting voters at the polls.

Predictably, Ms. Callander saves most of her disdain for me. She expresses her outrage at the very idea that I would be out at the polls again, meeting voters and talking with them about issues before the board. What gives me the right? According to Ms. Callander, my regular presence at the polls on election days is rank opportunism at its worst.

The voters of Aquia District elected me to the board of supervisors on November 8, 2005. I work hard to represent those residents, regardless of party. As supervisor, I hear from independents, republicans, and even democrats who want to make sure I understand their concerns about issues before the board. And although Ms. Callander may not be satisfied by my service, I am honored by the support and encouragement I have received from many democrats in Aquia District. As she made clear in her column, what bothers Ms. Callander the most is that I want to continue representing the people of Aquia District. That’s why I spent this Primary Day meeting voters and why I’ve been at the polls on election days throughout my term. Polling places remain one of the best places for elected public officials to hear what’s on the mind of the citizens they serve. I make no apologies for having been an accessible and predictable presence at polling places on election days, even though my name may not be on the ballot.

Paul Milde, R-Aquia
Stafford County Board of Supervisors