Blue Louisa

Keep up push for broadband

To the editor:

Like over half the households in Louisa County, mine is served by Rappahannock Electrical Cooperative (REC). I’m concerned about REC’s commitment to helping citizens get access to affordable high-speed internet.

On Jan. 14 The Central Virginian included an article about a suit filed by a Culpeper landowner to stop REC from using existing easements for the purpose of expanding broadband access. Then, on Feb. 4, the CV reported that REC had shelved plans for broadband access using easements because of the suit.

When I looked at the Virginia law passed in 2020 to allow utilities to use easements for broadband (HB 831), here’s what I found: The measure provides that any utility may use an easement without such utility paying additional compensation to the owner or occupant, provided that no additional utility poles are installed. There is no mention of additional poles related to the Culpeper landowner who brought suit against REC.

I question why Rappahannock shelved their efforts when the law so clearly states they were in the right? REC announced on Feb. 5 the appointment of Mark Ponton to the new position of director of broadband and fiber Services. I hope they are truly serious about tackling this problem for rural households.

Juanita Jo Matkins
Yanceyville

Keep up push for broadband

FY 2022 Budget Request for Outside Agencies

The Louisa budget for July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 is being planned right now, in the winter and spring of 2021. Please look over this chart showing the fiscal year 2021 request, the FY 2022 request and the change. I’m sorry, you’ll have to rotate it.

You’ll find a much more complete document at FY 2022 Outside Agencies Requests. It would be fantastic of every one of us would look this over and share your thoughts about it. I will be sharing mine in blog posts soon. We have time to influence these numbers!

Louisa Budget Request FY2022 – Outside Agencies

Jim

 

President is dangerous, incited insurrection

The definition of insurrection is “acts of violence against the state or its officers.” On Jan. 6, 2021, we had a violent, deadly rebellion and mob scene at our Capitol.

At the rally beforehand, the president called for the mob to walk with him to the Capitol. The mob went, but the president went to a room to watch what the mob did. Really.

The president has been dangerous for the past five years, yet everyone has taken a blind eye to his words and actions. The president has lied, bullied, made racist and sexist statements these last five years. Is he the leader of a criminal enterprise? Or the leader of a free nation?

His followers have chosen; have you?

Nancy Syntax
Bumpass

The Central Virginian

More criticism of the president

Cancer, a virulent killer, knows no limits of time, toxicity or destruction, as it thrives by ravaging. By its very name, cancer defies the value of descriptors, rendering all redundant as it inflicts harm, pain, and depraved infection. It defiles all it touches, requiring thorough, aggressive excision and disposal.

Donald Trump has become a cancer. Tragically, he exceeds the metaphor. Once out of office, he will carry with him our most secure secrets, available to the highest bidder for his gain and for our peril. Trump’s recent invitation to and incitement of his supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol, and their intercepted communications before and after the insurrection document this truth. Trump is truly a cancer.

Bill Walling
Louisa

The Central Virginian

Capitol Attack Exposed Weaknesses

The breach of the Capitol Building by rioters highlighted a huge weakness in our national security that could now be exploited by professional terrorists. Look how easy it was for a group of people to breach the Capitol without really trying.

Think about what it would have looked like if this attack were carried out by professional terrorists embedded with those rioters who breached the Capitol building. As it was, there were individuals who successfully entered with guns, zip tie-style handcuffs, and Molotov cocktails. Pipe bombs were planted a short distance from the Capitol.

I know more D.C. and state capital protests are being planned in the days leading up to the inauguration. Consider that terrorists or foreign actors may well use those protests and plans to their advantage, especially if more breaches are planned. If you go, can you be sure everyone else in attendance is who you think they are? Can you be sure you won’t let your anger be used in ways you didn’t intend?

Pamela Wilkinson
Mineral

The Central Virginian

Annette Hyde Asks Freitas to Condemn Terrorism

The presentation and counting of the presidential electoral votes before a joint session of Congress is one of the most sacred rituals of our democracy.

On Wednesday, an armed and seditious mob—encouraged by the president—stormed our nation’s Capitol and made a ham-fisted attempt at a coup.

Instead of a peaceful, democratic transfer of power, we have seen five deaths, stabbings, a deadly shooting, vandalism, and elected representatives cowering in gas masks. This must end NOW.

I know all of you will join me in demanding an immediate end to all violence, and in demanding that all political leaders join in fiercely condemning this terrorism and insisting on the full and swift arrest and prosecution of domestic terrorists.

This is not a political matter in the usual sense. This is not partisan. All patriotic Americans must resist this attack on our democracy.

Democrats, Republicans and members of all political groups must join together to oppose domestic terrorism.

I am asking my opponent, Del. Nick Freitas, to join me and issue a joint statement:

1. We oppose all domestic terrorism and all attempts to violently subvert our democratic process.

2. We condemn any and all political leaders who are inciting such attempts.

3. We urge Congress to immediately impeach, remove and bar from holding future office Donald J. Trump, for his failure to defend the U.S. Constitution and his attempt to subvert the peaceful transfer of power.

Our policy differences have no bearing on our devotion to the Constitution. I know that Del. Freitas honorably served in our military. He swore an oath to defend and uphold our Constitution. I believe he is a patriot and that he will stand with us and the Constitution.

Annette Hyde

Madison

Hyde is a Democratic candidate for Virginia’s 30th House District.

Ed note: Nick Freitas, has been quoted characterizing the people who attacked the capitol building as having justified grievances