Letters to the Editor for Friday, May 26, 2017

Local primary races heating up

Bedford needs Hostutler

As a board member for the Bedford County PTA Council, I have seen Gary Hostutler in action. He attended our monthly meetings, gave us valuable updates and information and has personally shown over and over again that he is a vocal advocate for Bedford County schools. He has been chairman of the School Board for eight of the 12 year that he has served on the board. His vision for Bedford County will enhance the quality of life for its citizens and attract new business to the county.

Hostutler has our students, teachers, parents and residents best interest in mind. He has continually showed support by advocating for smaller class size, higher teacher pay, upgraded technology, up-to-date facilities and a much-needed addition to Forest Middle School. It's time to grow as a community, and this is evident by his plan to build a public park in Forest, his unending support of local fire and rescue and his desire to create more jobs for our citizens.

Sheriff Mike Brown and the BCEA (Bedford County Education Association) have both endorsed Gary Hostutler for Bedford County Board of Supervisors. Quoting the BCEA, "The Forest area is growing at a rate that eclipses anywhere in the county. With the vast increase in the district's student population, it is about time that District 4 has public education advocates. ? When 40% of your county's budget goes to the school system, it's inconceivable that the Supervisor from the fastest growing district with the most schools ? has an antagonistic relations with public education."

If you vote at Forest Elementary, Thomas Jefferson Elementary, Knights of Columbus or St. Paul's Church and you believe in making Bedford County a better place to live and work you need to vote June 13 Republican primary for Gary Hostutler for the Board of Supervisors.

PATTI KESE

Goode

Griffin for Lynchburg prosecutor

I would like to take this opportunity to join former Gov. George Allen and other state and local government officials in support of Tim Griffin's candidacy as Lynchburg's commonwealth attorney.

I work with Griffin in his position as assistant commonwealth's attorney in Bedford County, and I believe he has the needed energy, dedication, drive and vision to lead the busy prosecution team in Lynchburg. He is a hands-on prosecutor and is highly regarded in his current position by his colleagues and victims of crimes. Often, he can be seen at the office late at night and on weekends preparing for trials of complicated cases.

Voters should feel confident that he will work hard for a safer Lynchburg with his insightful awareness of local gangs and the rising crime rate in the area.

CATHY C. HOGAN

Clerk

Bedford County Circuit Court

Tea party backs Griffin

I'm glad the Lynchburg commonwealth's attorney primary is focusing on gangs. It's about time. Both candidates are qualified, but who clearly sees the problem?

Bethany Harrison is down-playing gangs. Addressing the Lynchburg Tea Party, she said the gang crime rate is "stagnant" when population growth is considered (also The News & Advance of April 29). She called this good news. Ahh politispeak - that means more crimes are being committed. Harrison's characterization is cold comfort to crime victims who've lost loved ones or had their children's lives ruined by gang membership.

Recent gang activity isn't reflected in Harrison's stats (ending 2015), including MS13's Lynchburg murder. Tim Griffin says Lynchburg's crime statistics show "a consistent lack of tangible improvement." I agree. The Lynchburg Police Department recently told the Lynchburg Tea Party that gangs are increasing (46 gangs; 580+ members).

We need an honest reassessment of our gang programs. Harrison can't call for tougher action without criticizing her own office. To me, her message is "I'll give you more of the same." No thank you. We need strong, vigilant leadership - not the status quo - to make gangs unwelcome in Lynchburg.

I endorse Griffin because he is fearlessly shining sunlight on Lynchburg's crime problems. Calling for change and real action, Griffin is bucking the city's power brokers who are supporting Harrison. Griffin certainly has guts, experience and impressive endorsements including George Allen, Tom Garrett, Virgil Goode, state legislative leaders, and Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown (National Sheriff's Association's 2017 "Sheriff of the Year").

Please vote for Griffin in the June 13 Republican primary.

KAREN ANGULO

Concord

Editor's note: Angulo is president of the Lynchburg Tea Party.