Return McCallister to magistrate post
Johnny McCallister has an outstanding education and has done an excellent job in the magistrate court. We should all support his return for another term as magistrate.
Myna Atchley
Huntington
Sheriff must have budget experience
I recently read a comment that said that crime is the No. 1 concern of the citizens of Cabell County, and I'm one of those citizens who agrees. The issue is, however, that tax collection and managing budgets is the way to achieve the assets needed to fight crime.
Cabell County could use more law enforcement officers, but there just isn't enough money to do that. With a tight budget and constraints on staffing, the current commissioners have managed their budget well but haven't had the money to expand the sheriff's staff to needed levels.
That can only come through an efficient tax collection system that would allow the commissioners to provide a larger budget to the Sheriff's Department. Law enforcement is a small part of the need for an efficient tax collection system. We shouldn't forget that our school system is funded by tax collections as well as most of the other services provided by the county.
We are better suited to have a sheriff, the county treasurer, who has experience with the county budget process and can effectively manage the tax assessment and collection system while also employing proper expense controls.
Pat Arnold
Huntington
Barr is an asset on school board
I have been a resident and voter of both Cabell County and the city of Huntington for the past 50 years. As such, I would like to urge the voters of Cabell County to cast their votes on Tuesday for Ted Barr for re-election to the Cabell County Board of Education. Ted and I became acquainted some time ago at our church, playing Rook, and he is a good patio cook.
Ted has had valuable experience in county government for many years, serving on the present Board of Education, as the sheriff of Cabell County and a member of the Cabell County Commission, not to mention retiring from the Huntington Police Department. In the time I have known him, I have found him to be honest and forthright in all his dealings and actions.
Please think of this letter and Ted Barr before casting your vote for our representative in the Cabell County Board of Education.
Leon Meade
Huntington
Simmons will be great councilman
I've lived in Huntington for six years and have barely heard of Councilman Jim Insco. I'm told he says he deserves to be re-elected, but I have kids and am concerned that he's never once mentioned kids or what he's wanting to do for them. Kids here need recreational facilities -- somewhere to go to have fun and stay out of trouble.
I do know Councilman Insco's opponent in the upcoming election, Richard " Rick " Simmons, and the change he's offering. He wants to represent the people, including our kids and their welfare, through change. He's told me he wants to get a facility here in Guyandotte to keep them off the streets. He's open, honest and a hard worker. Look what he's done for Guyandotte already, and he's not even in office.
I'm absolutely sure Richard " Rick " Simmons would make a better councilman because he's the kind of man who knows that we need change. I trust him and want him in office.
Wanda Spurlock
Huntington
Newfeld will bring new ideas, energy
Nancy Newfeld is the mother of a child in each level of school in Cabell County and an active volunteer in all three, so she certainly has a vested interest in being a part of the Cabell County Board of Education as well as firsthand experience of the education offered.
I strongly support Nancy and ask you to consider her as you vote for members of our Board of Education. She is a wonderful parent and is aware of all things that can contribute to their education and welfare.
Nancy attended public schools and graduated from Tulane University with a bachelor's in engineering. Her work experience included five years as a transportation engineer in Dallas, Texas. I know her experience in this field would be helpful on transportation problems, since busing students is so important because of school consolidations.
Her involvement in community organizations keeps her in touch with what is important in Cabell County. She supports the arts in our schools because she knows children who participate in the arts develop skills that are beneficial throughout their lives.
So remember, for new ideas and new energy, you should vote to help elect Nancy Newfeld to the Cabell County Board of Education.
Carolyn B. Miller
Huntington
Nelson will work for Cabell, Wayne
Why elect Robert "Bobby" Nelson?
The voters of Cabell and Wayne counties in District 16 are very fortunate to have a highly qualified candidate for the House of Delegates. Mr. Nelson has served in the state Senate and the House of Delegates in the past. He is an experienced person who will hit the ground running. He has written bills and has served on committees. He has the knowledge to be effective as soon as he takes office. This will not be a two-year learning experience to gain the knowledge to start helping the people whom he will represent.
He is and has been a part-time political science instructor at Marshall University. He has assisted Marshall University in the past. He would like a chance to help his alma mater and the people of Cabell and Wayne counties have more opportunities in the near future. Help yourself by helping elect Nelson.
Vote your Robert "Bobby" Nelson for House.
Roger A. Hesson
Barboursville
Williams will help change Huntington
I am writing in support of the candidacy of Steve Williams for an at-large seat on Huntington's City Council. I have known Steve for more than 30 years. All the time I have known Steve, he has had a passion and concern for others.
I am voting for him not just because he is my friend; I am voting for him because he has a level of expertise in government that we could use on City Council. Anyone who has known Steve in his years as a city administrator and as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates knows that Steve has always been able to identify innovative solutions to the issues he is seeking to address.
We need someone on City Council who has the ability to change the way city government addresses our problems. Steve Williams has a proven record that we can rely on to effectively address the complex financial issues facing the city. We need Steve Williams as one of our at-large representatives on City Council.
Carol A. Simmons
Huntington
Barr working to improve schools
One of the most important choices to be made in any election is the choice of school board members. This is true in this election.
I am going to vote for Ted Barr. Ted is a graduate of Marshall University. He has served Cabell County in several ways, but none as important as a member of the Cabell County school board. He has demonstrated his concern for the children and youth of this county.
There are important decisions to be made. Among these are locating the place for a new middle school, how to deal with illegal drugs in the schools and working to keep students in school for 12 years.
Ted is an experienced school board member, and he has served as the president of the current board.
I know Ted Barr, and I trust him to work with the superintendent, staff and teachers to improve our schools. A vote for Barr is a vote to ensure quality in our schools.
Bob Hayes
President emeritus
Marshall University
Huntington
Nelson is dedicated to his constituents
I ran into Bobby Nelson the other day, and he told me he was a candidate for House of Delegates in District 16. I have known Bobby Nelson for many years, and if there's one thing I am sure about, it's his commitment to his constituents. Bobby has always been a tireless public servant and has helped with many local projects. Whether it was Harris Riverfront Park, 14th Street West redevelopment, St. Cloud Commons or Marshall University, Bobby Nelson was out in front.
I think that's what our area is missing: the clout in Charleston to bring these projects home. We need Bobby's experience. Please join me in helping to elect Bobby Nelson for House of Delegates.
Stephanie Pratt
Huntington
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