Spotsylvania officials owe us residents answers

Date published: 12/11/2002

I doubt I am the only resident in Spotsylvania County concerned by the abrupt resignation of Tricia Lenwell from the Board of Supervisors.

The Free Lance-Star reported that her resignation occurred after the Board refused to pass a "no confidence" vote in county administrator Barrett by a one-vote margin. Even though the motion failed, it certainly indicates there are serious concerns within Spotsylvania County government that need to be addressed.

Resignation of a supervisor is not too unusual, but the manner of Ms. Lenwell's resignation and her remarks are. Couple those with Supervisor Gary Jackson's comments, the overall atmosphere at the end of the board's meeting, and county executive Barrett's reactions, and you must have serious concerns about county government.

Against the backdrop of recent resignations by key county employees and the Planning Commission's mismanaged meeting on the Town of Chancellorsville, county residents are left with many questions.

Residents trust their elected supervisors to ensure that their government is run fairly and effectively. These elected officials have the responsibility and authority to make decisions to safeguard and improve our quality of life. They are also charged with ensuring our county government employees adhere to a legal and ethical code. Absolute integrity should be demanded from all those we elect and pay to run our county government.

I hope more information will be forthcoming from Ms. Lenwell, other supervisors, and Mr. Barrett to ease our concerns. The public deserves answers.

Larry Fox

Spotsylvania

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Date published: 12/11/2002