Editor, The Smithfield Times:

Assuming our Board of Supervisors has not already decided who will represent me and my fellow Carrolltonites at their meetings until the next election, I humbly submit the following list of Thomas Finderson’s qualifications for District 2 supervisor:

• 1971 founding member and longtime emergency medical technician with Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad
• Past president of the Isle of Wight County Historical Society (spearheaded the placement of two state highway historical markers – Warrasquoyake Indians on Smiths Neck and Josiah Parker on Norsworthy Drive.)
• Conducted intensive historical research leading to the rediscovery of the final resting place of our county’s most renowned American Revolutionary War soldier, Col. Josiah Parker
• Personally cleared and cleaned many times the cemetery where Smithfield Ham father Mallory Todd rests in peace
• Prolific author of local history publications, including “Isle of Wight County in the American Revolution 1781”
• Smithfield Rotary and Ruritan Citizen of the Year award for 1999
• Founding advocate for the Tidewater Free Medical Clinic
• Active 20-year American Red Cross volunteer first responder
• Awarded the Commonwealth Outstanding Historic Preservation Research Award by Gov. Tim Kaine, 2008
• Recognition for lifelong volunteer work by formal resolution of the Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors, 2012
• Works with Rescue Friends Church, Isle of Wight Christian Outreach Program, Healing Waters Worship Center and other food and furniture donation agencies to provide timely deliveries to those in need as local Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia volunteer
• Board of Supervisors appointee to the Isle of Wight County Commission on Aging, the Board of Equalization and the Redistricting Committee
• Decades-long continuous and contributing member of the Carrollton Civic League and the Isle of Wight Citizens Association
• Adviser to local Commonwealth-wide VA250 Revolutionary War Commemoration Committee
• Contributed senior recognition portion of the Isle of Wight County Comprehensive Development Plan
• Recognized local expert on transportation and traffic challenges
• Numerous letters published in The Smithfield Times on various county-improvement topics
• Advocate for establishment of the Isle of Wight County Commission for Adults with Disabilities

I have omitted many of Tom’s accomplishments for the betterment of our county in the interest of brevity, but I think, upon reflection by all, Thomas Finderson is obviously the most worthy choice to serve as interim District 2 supervisor following the untimely passing of our beloved and respected Pastor William McCarty.

 

Albert P. Burckard Jr.

Carrollton