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real personal touch to vote getting, I say!
Now from meeting Mr. Settle I have to say he is a very pleasant and personable individual. What he had to say, on the other hand, did not please so much.
I was not, nor am I usually, much for midday conversation with politicians while my work piles up around me; nonetheless, I was cordial and politely listened. 1 understand that Mr. Settle represents a desire for more technology in our law enforcement (he says he comes from ten years with the Virginia State Police and knows about these things) and more law enforcement to boot (says he thinks the County needs back roads patrols). He feels that Rappahannock County is changing and our police efforts need to keep a pace.
Mr. Settle, veteran of ten years with the Virginia State Police, is undoubtedly qualified as a law enforcement officer. If he was simply applying for a job in that capacity perhaps he would be selected. Is the elected office of Rappahannock County Sheriff just about police skills? 1 think not. The elected office of Sheriff is about tone, style and vision. My vision and Mr. Settle’s do not match.
I am not a native of this County, but I do have a clear picture of why I moved here in 1973 to make a home. I wasn’t running from a crime ridden Sodom and Gomorrah: I was just not interested in living in a city environment with a plethora of people and services and the costs in taxes that go with it. I wanted space and privacy. I did not want a “suburban” lifestyle nor do I expect or want the services that go with it.
I believe that there is already way too much intrusion by law enforcement and government agencies in our lives. I don’t need regular patrols by our County Sheriff to feel safe here in Rappahannock County. (Personally, I am not even interested in having a “street address” a la 911). I also do not need the increase in taxes to support more police staff, more police equipment, and more police involvement in my life.
The business of law enforcement and jails is the largest growth industry
in the United States today. Do we, here in Rappahannock County, really feel that the world will leave us by the wayside unless we participate? I, for one, prefer the backwater to the mainstream if that is the direction of society today.
Once again. Mr. Settle’s vision is not one I can support.
T.J. PAGANO
Flint Hill
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