I read with interest the May 5 article titled "Vegas trip prompts travel policy review."

While I understand budgetary and internal control measures, I do not believe it is the board's (Cord Sterling's and Jack Cavalier's) place to micromanage employee travel.

As former and current government employees, they should know about "building coalitions" and "leading people" as well as the significance of leadership and management.

The board provides strategic leadership (responsible for enacting laws and setting policies) for our county; it should let the county administrator and those elected or appointed carry out those governance and administrative tasks outlined within our government structure.

Trained or credentialed professionals--such as firefighters, law enforcement, educators, accountants, emergency responders, or health care practitioners, to name a few--all normally require professional membership affiliation and continuing educational opportunities in order to maintain a level of expertise in their professions and best serve our community.

Indeed, Stafford will benefit from both Fire Chief Rob Brown's and Assistant Chief Mark Lockhart's attendance at this or any other educational conference by displaying the caliber of professionals representing Stafford County--either today or tomorrow.

John H. Bridges III

Stafford