How can anyone oppose voter ID?
Dear Sir:
I want to try and make the case for why we all should have voter IDs.
Honestly, I think this is how citizens should acquire them. It should be made free or offered at low-cost to everyone — say, $10-20 — but no more than that. However, in order to acquire one, you have to have your birth certificate and either an ID card, a passport book or card along with some official proof of address, or a driver’s license/Real ID.
The voter should also be able to pass a background check! Keep in mind that we do not allow felons to vote generally, so when one presents a Voter ID card, it will be proving to poll officials that you are legally allowed to vote in every aspect. If you don’t have Voter ID, you don’t get to vote. It’s that simple.
Think of it like purchasing a gun. You cannot legally purchase a firearm unless you present a state ID and can pass a background check. The only difference here is that ownership of the Voter ID will prove to the voting officials — as stated previously — that you’ve met all requirements to vote at the ballot box.
As for registering to vote, it should be done through official offices where the proposed background checks can be completed to make the process easier. This should be freeof charge to each applicant. Gone will be the days of registering to vote at the DMV, the Post Office, or wherever else registration is available currently.
Multiple countries have some form of Voter ID or require all of their citizens to show proof of citizenship to vote. There is no good reason in my mind why the most powerful country in the world shouldn’t have a basic, common sense requirement like this.
Vasiliy Volkov
Barnes Lane
Blackstone
Supervisor explains, defends her ‘No’ vote
Dear Sir:
First and foremost, I speak as one. I fully realize the significance and historic nature of the Ampliform solar siting agreement, as well as the financial impact to the County. I’ve spent a multitude of time reading data, presentation reports, listening to citizens, and meeting or talking to various Ampliform representatives. A large part of this project is within District 3, which I represent.
The agreement will set forth a monumental investment and likewise revenue stream that will likely outlive me! This industry saw a rush to install projects before tax credits expired in 2025, after that is pure uncertainty. So why should we rush to uncertainty?
That said, the siting agreement must be prepared with intense scrutiny. It will set the tone for the remaining document phases. The Board received it in DRAFT form — a few days before the meeting — and the Planning Commission had not reviewed it in a meeting.
Nottoway County had three paid attorneys present, each of whom presented back-andforth banter, that I feel should have been given sooner. That is the downfall of separate side bar conversations with Board of Supervisors members and individual interpretations, when not presented to the whole body at one time.
My career experience has engrained the need for accuracy on every legally binding agreement. I have never signed-off or voted on a DRAFT document. Hence, I had a lack of desirable confidence in the document, so my NO vote reflected that uncertainty. My vote also was a safeguard for the people I was elected to serve.
This agreement is far more reaching than the money this County desperately needs to stay afloat without an increased tax burden to our citizens. However, IF the project moves forward, we surely best get it right, or our citizens could encounter different scenarios: 1) Unprecedented front-loaded money that will attribute to this County’s future economic survival, with no environmental impact….or 2) the future desecration of agricultural land and waters with money in the bank!
Yet another definite from this — forcing neighbor vs. neighbor, family vs family! That makes me sick.
Plain and simple, we can’t foresee what is ahead because solar is too new. Approximately 70% of solar energy systems have been installed since 2019! Every project is different, with distinct unforseen end results. Every person has an opinion, whether they have achieved it from true research, TV, or social media heresay. You can bank on it, any siting agreement this Board signs now will rear its head with changes due to multiple factors down the road.
I found that the most significant positive point during last Thursday night’s public forum of the Board meeting was the civility, integrity, and passion exhibited by all presenters. I appreciated every brave soul — local or guest — who stepped to the podium.
There are no winners; because the future needs for green, renewable energy sources are going to continue to be a battle for us all, as well as fight for landowner rights and more. I ask for everyone to pray for this County’s future. This request is more extensive than any solar project!
Daphne V. Norton
Nottoway Supervisor
Election District Three
All caught-up on their training?
Dear Sir:
So Councilman Chris Page was in the paper again last week, trying to be the hero of Blackstone. In my opinion, he’s quite the opposite.
It’s good to hear, however, that Mr. Page participated in required Conflict of Interest training last month, but what about El Presidente and others? Did they all attend? Why is Councilman Page silent on that?
Maybe Chris “For the People” Page is planning to do like some others in power — trying to get rich off the people of Blackstone.
If you really want to standup for the people, how about holding Council’s feet to the fire on these outrageous Town light bills? People will complain and whine about high bills but for some reason won’t stand-up to Town Council.
It’s time to wake-up. Not sayin’ but just sayin’.
Sam Mordan
Jetersville
Blackstone
You just wait and see!
Dear Sir:
The Town of Blackstone has pursued grants to improve quality of life for citizens in blighted areas for as long as I can remember.
Going back to the days of when Larry Palmore was Town Manager, the Town has always aggressively sought to provide housing improvements for folks who need it most. I wish I could say the same for my hometown in North Carolina!
The basic function of local government is to provide public safety through police, fire services, and disaster management. Delivering essential services like water, sanitation, and refuse collection, transportation, and public health are core functions of local government.
My point is Blackstone tends to go above and beyond the basics for its citizens. Sometimes things seem to divinely fall into place as if confirmation of the direction chosen. This past week, a couple of things happened like that.
I am privy to this information by virtue of my position, but I can’t reveal specifics just yet. I’m alluding to positive developments that propel us forward down the paths we have already committed to travel — with the Town ultimately benefiting.
Although I can only hint at these latest developments, when the time comes, everything will be shared publicly for transparency. But for now, just know that things indeed are looking up for the continued economic growth and wellbeing of your hometown.
Lafayette Dickens
Brunswick Avenue
Mayor of Blackstone
Let’s please preserve heritage
Dear Sir:
We have the most beautiful historical county. In Nottoway, it seems there’s never been a mindset to keep it preserved.
We’ve torn down the Norfolk Western round house, Crewe RR station, Crewe High School, the magnificent YMCA. Thank goodness for Joe Morrisette and Burkeville Town Council or the beautifulFrom PageBurkeville4 Sta- tion would be gone. Then there was the Burkeville School which had a cannery that served many communities.
I’m just an old man who loves my sweet Nottoway County — born and raised here and hate to see our sweet heritage erased.
I’d like to commend Jim Eanes for being one of those patriots who have kept Crewe & Burkeville and many generations connected to home and our towns’ heritage.
Paul Foote
S. Main St.
Blackstone
Dorothy Hatchett of Victoria and 7-year-old son Gregory are shown in this Feb. 27, 1986 feature that focused on what was then a new trend — adults entering college. Mrs. Hatchett at the time was in her third year studying Elementary Education at Longwood College. Mrs. Hatchett and Gregory are shown here in Longwood’s library.
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