Editor, The Smithfield Times:

With William McCarty, Dick Grice and Joel Acree’s four-year terms as Isle of Wight County supervisors coming to an end, we should consider how the county has progressed in the last four years.

Langley Federal Credit Union, Publix and Royal Farms are coming to Carrollton. AA+ credit rating. New Riverside hospital started. 200 Project Air Station jobs coming to Windsor. Tax relief doubled for seniors and the handicapped. A new disabilities task force and a new section for seniors added to the Comprehensive Plan. Real estate assessments confirm many of us are much more wealthy than four years ago.

In the spirit of domestic tranquility, the juvenile facility was disapproved. Wawa and a traffic circle were approved at Turner Drive. New DMV now under construction. Bike path was completed and the Luter Sports complex expanded. A majority-minority redistricting was accomplished.

A number of solar farms were initiated. Isle of Wight was named third statewide for small businesses. A number of road projects at Bartlett, Smiths Neck, Benns Church Boulevard,Turner Drive and Courthouse Highway were completed. Resource officers in all the schools. All without raising tax rates. 

Sewer and water have been extended from the Suffolk line to Benn’s Grant, and sewer gas has been extended from Hardy to the Surry line. Economically, Isle of Wight is the seventh fastest growing area in Virginia and is positioned to have a prosperous and healthy growth future.

Citizens should especially thank Dick Grice, who is leaving the board in January, for many hours spent with budget management and for an unassuming and impressive four years of accomplishment despite a debilitating pandemic start.

 

JoAnn Finderson

Carrollton