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county would be in sad shape indeed. However, with very few exceptions, we have been blessed with a pool of dedicated public servants who have received neglible compensation for their exemplary efforts.
Nevertheless, one cannot reasonably expect to continue to count on this remarkable streak of good fortune. In that vein, I am urging the board of supervisors to rectify this situation for their own sake, for the sake of future members and for the sake of continued fine leadership for Rappahannock County.
I realize that in these semi-recessionary times that we rife with spending cuts, this proposal may seem to fly in the face of current popular thinking. However, I would point out that compared to the rest of our state, Rappahannock ranks near the bottom if not at the bottom in monies allocated for supervisors salaries. All politicians are (leery and sometimes rightly so) of voting themselves pay raises. But, in this case, not only is a raise justified, it is long overdue.
One of the biggest problems our government at all levels has is keeping competent people due to the pay disparity between the public and private sectors.
Were any of our board members involved in a business with yearly revenues similar to the level of the county budget, they would undoubtedly be earning in excess of $35,000 per year.
While I’m not proposing an increase of that magnitude, I do feel, again, that a significant increase is Well earned and long overdue. ■ Lastly, if there are others who wish to see a continuation of the professional leadership we have been blessed with, I urge you to contact your supervisor and voice your support.
Rappahannock is a beautiful county with wonderful schools, a well-thought-out zoning plan, a law enforcement department to be proud of, and a plethora of wonderful people in all levels of local office.
I would hate to see these things change for the worse simply because future potential leaders simply cannot afford to give the necessary time that is needed for participation in these very important positions.
JAMES E. SWINDLER II
Sperry ville
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