I am a taxpayer and a longtime resident of Isle of Wight County. I will be voting for Bill Barlow this year and am proud to do so based on his years of service as our delegate and to our community.

Who we decide to send to Richmond to represent us is important. We need leaders who will be fiscally responsible yet sensible enough to recognize where and when additional investments are needed. Bill’s priorities are similar to mine and I suspect similar to most. Putting funding in the classroom. Finding revenues to fix the ever-worsening traffic. Preserving the public safety and human service programs that many seniors and others rely on immensely.

Unfortunately, Bill’s opponent and his supporters have different priorities. They favor tax cuts and budget cuts above all else and without regard to community needs, the current economic climate or budget realities.

I am not surprised by all of the comments that supporters of different candidates toss back and forth at each other. Sometimes it can be hard to tell who is right and who is wrong. Fortunately, this year for the 64th District, the choice is clear and the decision is common-sense. I hope you will join me in backing Bill Barlow.

Helen Barren

Smithfield