College president commends educators

Editor, The Smithfield Times:

As president of Camp Community College and a professional educator for the past 22 years, I am painfully aware of the challenges facing our schools during these challenging times.

Our local school systems have been forced to implement new pedagogical theories and innovations overnight to ensure students continue to receive the best instruction and support possible. I would like to commend all of the superintendents, administrators, teachers and support staff who have gone the extra mile. They are certainly worthy of our respect and admiration.

As the parent of two students attending schools in Isle of Wight County, I would specifically like to thank Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jim Thornton and his entire system staff for their outstanding response to this difficult situation. Our children continue to receive an excellent education, and as parents we have been routinely informed of new policies and procedures.

I am confident that, even as the future remains uncertain, under Dr. Thornton’s leadership Isle of Wight’s school system will continue to thrive.

To all working on the front lines in public education, I extend my gratitude for a job well done.

Dr. Dan Lufkin

Smithfield

 

 

Tynes has been ‘voice for the people’

Editor, The Smithfield Times:

I have been a business/property owner in Smithfield for over 20 years.

My experience with Councilwoman Denise Tynes has been exemplary. I have found her to have a genuine concern and a listening ear for both business and residential issues.

I have observed Councilwoman Tynes during Town Council Meetings.  She does not go along to get along.  I found her decision-making is fair, after carefully weighing all factors, before casting a vote.

I urge all Smithfield residents to re-elect Councilwoman Tynes. She has consistently been the “voice” for the people during her 12 years of service, and will continue, with your important vote of support, on Tuesday, May 19.

Robbie Younger

Smithfield

 

State and local governments need support

Editor, The Smithfield Times

As senators, it’s our job to represent our states and do everything we can at the federal level to ensure they get the support they need.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic crisis, state and local governments are seeing revenue plummet, putting their programs and services at risk. In the legislation we’ve passed so far, we’ve secured $3.3 billion in relief funding for Virginia and its localities, but it’s not enough.

If we don’t provide more relief, local governments will likely be forced to lay off critical personnel, including first responders. The worst thing we could do in the middle of a national health emergency is lay off firefighters, police officers, and EMTs. That’s why we should give state and local governments the flexible dollars they need to prevent layoffs and combat the coronavirus in their communities.

As a former mayor and governor, I know how important this is. Earlier this month, I led members of the Virginia delegation in urging Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to provide Virginia maximum flexibility to use funding from the CARES Act to help address budget shortfalls and prevent harmful budget cuts to services vital to addressing the economic and health crises caused by COVID-19. And it’s why I joined colleagues in a letter to call for state, local, and tribal governments to receive dedicated, flexible funding in the next COVID-19 emergency funding package.

I’ll keep working to ensure we pass additional relief funding for individuals as well as state and local governments so we can address the devastating effects of COVID-19.

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine

Washington, D.C.