1 o the editor: I would like to respond,

1 o the editor:

I would like to respond, point by point, to the Platts’ letter that appeared in the February' 6 edition of the Rappahannock News editorial section. I must humble myself and acknowledge that the Platts have seen and experienced much in their lifetime that I can only admire and respect. Still, I feel compelled to engage in this friendly rebuttal, to present a different perspective.

To start with, you note that in four years our total outlays had more than doubled, but that much had been absorbed by inflation. Well, you hit it on the head, more than doubled in four years. Indeed, we must avoid inflation! I applaud our recent progess in the Americas to fix inflation. I have suggested time and again that the nationwide fix for this nationwide epidemic be applied in Rappahannock, and we make a very real effort to evaluate our spending. A good idea even in the best of tiipes. Often times when we attempt this, we compare Rappahannock to its neighboring counties. Though a logical step, it proves different under the microscope, when we see just how unique Rappahannock County really is, and that we are comparing apples to oranges, fahrenheit to centigrade.

Written next is that public safety, the sheriffs office and jail expenditures have nearly doubled. Another key observation. If one looks back just a few more years, we will also find we have evolved from a one man task force (usually a pretty big one!) to a virtual municipality. This does not reflect a shift of priorities as you suggest, but instead the necessity to provide prisoner care which was no longer to be offered by neighboring jurisdictions, coupled with the State Compensation Board and their generosity with your tax dollar. There is much to be heard in our community regarding the sheriffs office and jail.