Letters to the Editor

Where are Saxman's savings-

The taxpayers and citizens of Virginia had a fast one pulled on them when Staunton Correctional Center was closed. In the Richmond Time-Dispatch, it was reported that more prisons needed to be built because of the inmate population.  Note: The Staunton prison held 780 inmates and was budget-wise operated lower than others. The taxpayers spent millions of dollars on the building, upgraded the roofs, heating, etc. Since its closing. two new prisons have been built and, as I write this, officials are breaking ground on another, costing $100 million each.

The commonwealth gave the property to the city of Staunton. Maybe this is some of the cost-cutting Del. Chris Saxman is bragging about.

For the past couple of years, the prison system has joined what's called the American Corrections Association, costing taxpayers millions of dollars. This association sets guidelines and does audits on how our prisons are to operate.  In the past, the Board of Corrections set guidelines, did the audit, etc.

Here again, is this some of the cost-cutting Saxman brags about- The above money could have been used for transportation, Interstate 81. One way that money can be saved is to allow retired correctional officers to return to work in a part-time position. No benefits have to be paid and they would be paid at an hourly rate and this would be a big savings.

Steve Morris

Churchville

-----

Fishersville doesn't want a racetrack

On Nov. 29, a meeting was held to request input on how the residents of Fishersville wanted to see their community developed. This meeting was held by Augusta County and was an effort to frame the comprehensive plan to agree with the wishes of the residents.

Six days later, a meeting was held at the government center to consider a motorcycle "motocross" racetrack application for Expoland in Fishersville. This track is within the urban growth area as outlined by the committee's comprehensive plan.

Approximately 25 residents of Fishersville rose to oppose and say "NO" to the application. We do not want a racetrack in Fishersville.  Many more in attendance also opposed the track.

Our Fishersville is not the place for a year-round racetrack within ear range and eyesight of the county's regional hospital, subdivisions, churches and professional offices. This racetrack would also compound a growing traffic problem at Exit 91 off Interstate 64.

As demonstrated by the attendance and comments at the county meeting, it is our wish that the county respect our opinion and listen to our input as it relates to the growth and development of Fishersville.

We hope that the county's recent request for input in our Comprehensive Master Plan was not an empty gesture. Support Fishersville and urge the county to vote "NO" to the application for the proposed motocross motorcycle track at Expoland in Fishersville.

Bob Thompson

Fishersville

-----

Getting tired of the same ol', same ol'

All of the presidential candidates are screaming change, change!  Simply because they know that the American people are fed up with the existing status quo.

Only the voters can make that change. Let's start with Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y. Hillary spent eight years in the White House as an adviser to her husband of course. Since she has spent a number of years in the U.S. Senate, her health-care plan, as far as I know, is on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. (It washed around from the Atlantic.)  I cannot honestly think of any great deeds she has done or bells she has rung (other than Monica's).

Now, lets talk about John McCain. John is a war veteran and a former prisoner of war. He is an American hero. But there are thousands of those walking around. I have searched my soul and cannot find any great deeds that John has done (after 24 years in the U.S. Senate).

So, one Democrat, one Republican, same negative results. Same ol', same ol'.

I am beginning to believe those independents know something the rest of us do not.

Please, no more same ol', same ol'.

Gary P. McClung

Raphine