Editor, Smithfield Times

Local politics can become serious business. Only five county residents, including Albert Burckard and Lawrence Pitt, presented a citizens’ petition to the Suffolk Circuit Court against the costly new Gatling Pointe water line, trying to overturn the decision made b y present supervisors, including Dee Dee Darden.

Unfortunately, their petition was dismissed and the judge is leaving the issue in limbo until at least the November election.

Albert has always voiced his opposition to this water line. Where were the zealous William McCarty and his supportive Isle of Wight Tea Party Patriots and the Republican and Democratic Party committees when the water line issue was being challenged? Maybe Pastor McCarty was too busy getting endorsements. The danger now is that a water line contract could be signed before the new supervisors take control.

Instigated by a couple of people wishing to control county government, these political machines are supporting Pastor McCarty with the unfair advantages locally of money and campaign helpers. Does Albert’s opponent McCarty need that much power to oppose the independent-minded Mr. Burckard?

Albert has an astonishing resume. He is a VMI graduate with two master degrees. He is career military, having been stationed all over the world, is fluent in German, an instructor at West Point, recipient in Vietnam of two Air Medals for helicopter combat assault and also the Silver Star. He’s been a public school teacher, a fire fighter and fund raiser, food pantry worker, local historian, re-enactor, an author, tourism hospitality hero, president of the Carrollton Civil League, a “citizen regular” at the Board of Supervisors meetings and on the editorial page, a 30-year resident, good natured and always sociable.

Vote for Albert Burckard for the next Newport District Board of Supervisors representative who is always there, servicing Isle of Wight County.

JoAnn Finderson
Carrollton