Additionally, I applaud Cord Sterling for supporting our Sheriff Deputies. While I probably would have rather waited, I don’t mind seeing this money go to hardworking county employees – my only wish is that the Board would have discussed other groups of employees, as well.

Specifically, the men and women of the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department – both professional and volunteer. The men and women of this department deserve the community’s support, as much as the teachers and deputies; after all, they save lives for a living! They are there for us, for our families at the absolute worst times in our lives and it is time we DEMAND that our Board stops neglecting them and their needs.

Unlike other departments, it is the higher level officers suffering the most from the bleak economic picture of the county and they need more than a bonus… they need a pay raise! Additionally, the Fire and Rescue department is severely understaffed and could really use “one-time” monies to boost the number of volunteers available to relieve some of the load – until the Board actually addresses the staffing issue with additional career staff.

Finally, if the rumor is true I believe Supervisor Crisp should come out to the public because based on my experience, as “the Dude’s” former opponent, Supervisor Crisp is not the first person threatened with political retribution and there are others who need to know they are not alone too.