A depreciated Pierceville

Editor, Smithfield Times
Concerning Pierceville, zoned agricultural not commercial: I suggest that Mrs. Crocker give the town, or preservationists, the old house and the surrounding seven and a half acres. After the 1979 Preservation Ordinance was passed, old records show that the best estimate then of the Pierceville House depreciation was the 45 percent shown on the 1982 property assessment. To bring the present old part of the house back from its 76 percent depreciation to 45 percent depreciation would make it currently worth $81,200. The current value of seven and a half acres including the house is $81,000.

This compromise should reasonably satisfy all parties. History interests can then leisurely work toward building a mostly Colonial Williamsburg-style replica of the same old house on the original site with enough land for historic presentations, making the Town Council happy. Mrs. Crocker will have given a current value equivalent to the 1982 depreciation of 45 percent. She will have the knowledge that her birthplace will be preserved and can see herself as a benefactor. The town attorney will have equitably and indirectly enforced the town’s preservation standards.

The way it is going, if the town insists on conservation in place, the old two-story house could cost most of $351,400, the assessment for the whole 36-acre site. Instead of a seven and a half acre gift, her heirs or she would suffer a 36-acre loss from the home of her childhood eventually collapsing. Sooner or later, the piper will be paid.

At every county reassessment, historic town depreciations should be compared with their 1979 depreciations. By ordinance, the deficit could be limited to, say, 3 percent. In this way, historic deterioration will never get out of hand.

Tom Finderson
Carrollton

Backing Brewer

Editor, Smithfield Times
I know there is no one better to represent Isle of Wight County, the City of Suffolk, and all of the 64th District as our next Delegate than Emily Brewer. I am looking forward to voting for Emily, my dear friend, on June 13 in the Republican Primary.

Having grown up in Isle of Wight County and working as an educator in Suffolk and as an arts education advocate for the Commonwealth, I personally know Emily’s passion for our area of Virginia and how passionately she will fight for the residents of the 64th District. Emily has always been a civic-minded leader, focused on serving the people of our community.

Emily serves on the Paul D. Camp Community College Foundation board in Smithfield, and she has worked hard to bring the best possible educational opportunities to our region. Emily is the candidate that will support all teachers from all schools in our area and fight for our students to have the best educational environment possible. As an educator and education advocate, I know Emily is the best choice for our students and our future in education. Emily has fought to advance opportunities in vocational and trade programs, as well as fighting for well-rounded education in all areas, including the arts. She believes in the value of teachers and the education system, and she will work tirelessly to support and advance our schools and protect our teachers in the 64th District.

I know Emily will be a strong leader for our region. Emily Brewer has my vote on June 13, and I hope she can count on yours as well.

Dr. Joleen E. Neighbours
Windsor

An Alphin supporter

Editor, Smithfield Times
On June 13, I am casting my vote for Rex Alphin as my delegate for the 64th District and I encourage others to do the same. I have known Rex all of my life. We went to the same church, were in school together and even attended the same college. Over the years, I have continuously done business with Rex Alphin and find he is a man of hard work, integrity and common sense.

Rex is a proven leader and unlike his opponent, has been elected by the people and served successfully on local government boards. Rex listens attentively to the thoughts and concerns of his constituents and treats everyone with fairness. Having lived in the 64th district all his life, Rex is totally committed and invested in the rural heritage of our community and will be a strong voice in Richmond for families, small business, public schools and growing our economy. Being a successful farmer and agribusiness leader, Rex knows about balancing a budget and working through hard times.

We need Rex Alphin as our voice in Richmond and he needs you to cast your vote for him on June 13 for the representative of the 64th District.

Billy Gwaltney
Windsor

Voting for Rex Alphin

Editor, Smithfield Times
It is with great pleasure that I enthusiastically endorse Rex Alphin to represent the 64th District of the Virginia House of Delegates. Rex is the only candidate who has local government experience with a proven record of outstanding leadership. He has established a high level of trust within the community, and has exemplified a lifetime of integrity and purest morality. 

Characteristics of a good leader come through the day-to-day interactions with people. While serving on the Isle of Wight Planning Commission and on the Board of Supervisors for the past six years, Rex has demonstrated his commitment to lead with excellence. He has established a reputation of one who listens to concerns, respects everyone’s opinions, works hard to solve problems, and makes decisions he feels will best serve the people.  
 Rex has spent his lifetime connecting with local people of the 64th district and has earned a high degree of respect and trust. He supports small businesses and understands the challenges involved, as he has owned three small business, all in the 64th district. One of his businesses includes his family farm operation, which he has farmed for 40 years. In fact, my husband, Don Carr, worked on the farm for the Alphin family before we were married. Don knows first hand what a hard working, honorable, and respectable man Rex Alphin is. Don is quick to say, “What a great man to send to Richmond. He will certainly be a man we can trust to work hard for the people he represents.”  
 Rex Alphin is a Christian man, dedicated to conservative values and I am confident that he will represent my voice in Richmond. I strongly encourage you to get out and vote on June 13. Vote experience, vote commitment, and vote passion to represent your conservative views. Vote Rex Alphin.  
 Jackie Carr
Windsor