Doesn’t bother me one bit
Dear Sir:
For more than two years now, a small but persistent wave of negativity has tried to overshadow the good happening in Blackstone. It’s disappointing to see so much time and energy spent attacking others instead of working together to make our town stronger.
My slogan has always been “Committed to Community, Dedicated to Progress,” and that remains my promise to the people of Blackstone. I have worked — and will continue to work — to make this town a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
Unfortunately, some choose negativity and personal attacks instead of rolling up their sleeves to help. The people of Blackstone are tired of the same old bitterness and recycled complaints. If you believe you can do better serving this community, then by all means — step up, get involved, and help make Blackstone great. Until then, please stop standing in the way of those who actually are.
And if you truly have concerns worth discussing, be a man about it — I’m in “Nashville” every day and would be glad to have a respectful, face-to-face conversation. Real community work happens through dialogue and action, not through letters filled with spite.
If the citizens of Blackstone ever feel that I’m not good for this town, they will let me know at the ballot box or face-to-face — not through gossip or hate. Until then, I will continue working hard for the people who believe in progress and community pride.
You can continue looking foolish and complaining if that’s what you choose to do, but it doesn’t bother me one bit. While you waste energy criticizing, I’ll continue serving this community with the same dedication and purpose I always have.
As the saying goes, “stupid is as stupid does” — and it applies to those who keep beating the same tired drum of resentment week after week. Progress doesn’t come from hate; it comes from hard work, respect, and a willingness to move forward together.
I will not be discouraged by negativity or jealousy. My focus remains on progress, unity, and the people who truly care about this community’s future.
Eric Nash
10th Street
Councilman At-Large
Still waiting to be served, Sam…
Dear Sir:
Just checking in….to see how Sam Mordan’s lawsuit against me is coming along for telling citizens he had been charged with a crime (which he was). I would love to find out which law firm is representing him so that I can get in contact as far before our trial date as possible.
Speaking of being charged with a crime, I agree wholeheartedly with Luci St Amour’s letter last week — pointing out that School Board Chairman Sonny Abbott is taking things WAY too easy on his buddy Bill Outlaw for Bill’s criminal charge of Trespassing in an attempt to intimidate Town Councilman Chris Page to stop exercising his right to free speech that Outlaw does not agree with.
Bill Outlaw is probably the single most unqualified person in the county to be on the school board. No surprise that the local chapter of the GOP — which he chaired for many
— has not chimed in. But we all know they would have if members Wilson and Rowe had acted the same way Outlaw did.
As far as statewide elections, I know a lot of you are unhappy. But one thing I think that Gov. Spanberger is going to do — and has the House of Delegate votes to get approved — is to create a health care exchange for Virginians so you can get more affordable health care than ever.
When you get the notice of your new monthly payment any day now, don’t forget- #TRUMPDIDTHAT. And because of how last week’s election turned out #ABIGAILCANFIXIT.
Chris Ellington
Los Angeles, CA
Blackstone native
It appears that the truth hurts
Dear Sir:
I’m very disappointed in a message I recently received from the Mayor of Blackstone, Lafayette Dickens. He texted me about some of my recent letters to The Forum.
He essentially called me a liar in one. This is a direct quote from another text — sent to yours truly by Blackstone’s kind and humble leader:
“Yep, you got it all figured out, Einstein. You are so brilliant. I’m glad you are nobody’s puppet. And you are such a keyboard warrior that you deserve to get a medal for all the great work you do with all that ink you use every week. Keep it up. I’m sure you will accomplish your goal after a while with the might of your commentary…not sayin’, just sayin’.”
It sure looks like my questions — which a lot of others are asking, too, by the way — are getting under someone’s skin.
Not sayin’ but just sayin’!
Sam Mordan
Jetersville
Blackstone taxpayer
Very disturbing results
Dear Sir:
I am deeply disappointed by the election of Jay Jones as Virginia’s next Attorney General. While every election brings spirited debate and differing visions for our Commonwealth, this result feels like a step backward for the integrity and character we should demand from our top law enforcement officer.
Mr. Jones’ campaign was overshadowed by his own words — text messages containing violent and disturbing statements, which he later apologized for — but an apology does not excuse. That kind of rhetoric is unacceptable for anyone seeking to lead the Office of the Attorney General, a position meant to uphold justice and protect Virginians from harm.
Virginians deserve leaders who reflect the highest ethical standards, not ones who must spend their first days in office explaining away behavior unbecoming of public service. Regardless of party affiliation, we should all expect decency, restraint, and accountability from those who represent us. It’s not even clear that Mr. Jones will maintain his license to practice law by Inauguration Day.
This election’s outcome leaves me concerned about the direction of our political culture — that winning has become more important than integrity. I hope that in future elections, voters — and particularly Democratic voters — will place greater weight on character and conduct, not just campaign promises or party lines…but I have my doubts.
John W. Waldrop
Mannboro
We can do it here in Blackstone
Dear Sir:
I want to thank everyone for an historic turnout of over 900 votes in support of electing me to serve as your mayor! Of course, other more controversial and highly-contested offices were decided by your collective votes, also.
As the dust settles, let’s put aside bickering over our differences and instead embrace what unites us!
That list is much longer than you think, but politics tend to seer into our minds the short list of things we differ on — to the point that we can become consumed with resentment and dare I say hatred toward one another!
As your mayor, I stand for unity! I stand for peace, and progress. I stand for you! It doesn’t matter what your political leaning is as long as you are civil and willing to help, I invite you to the table.
Problems are plentiful but solutions are more rare. Critics are common but tend to come full of rhetoric, and a closed mind and little else. But if you have an open mind and a positive perspective on how to move forward, we can work together.
It is now time to come together and get some worthwhile initiatives across the finish line by joining forces and moving in the same direction. We can do it here, even if it seems like they can’t in Washington, DC.
So I challenge you to think globally but act locally to expand on the proclamation that “Blackstone is where the inconceivable happens and the remarkable is commonplace!”
Lafayette Dickens
Brunswick Avenue
Mayor of Blackstone
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