To the Editor:

I grew up in the same neighborhood as Rex Alphin and have known he and his family for many years. I know them all to be honest and upstanding people but that in itself, as anyone that knows me will tell you, would not cause me to support him for delegate in the 64th District. I have many people I respect and love that I could not support for that position because they are not qualified.

As the representative for our area, the delegate for the 64th District is a critical position for us the citizens of that district. After seeing Rex Alphin perform in several public service positions, I know without any doubt he is qualified for that position.

I have seen two criticisms of him in the press that simply are not accurate. One is that he voted several times to raise taxes in Isle of Wight County. He did, but with absolutely no choice. There is no one more opposed to the raising of taxes and waste of taxpayer dollars than myself as anyone that has read my letters or heard me speak at Board of Supervisor Meetings can tell you.

But I did not protest these additional taxes because after research it became apparent that the board that was in power before Mr. Alphin was a member made such horrible financial decisions, making the county one of the most in debt in the Commonwealth, that they he had no choice. They could have closed schools, cut emergency services, cut law enforcement or raised taxes. They had bills to pay and were left in a horrible financial position and did what they had to do.

The other is that he is a follower and not a leader. I know from my own observations in several very tough situations that I observed him politically navigate to be so untrue. He is just a quiet, calming nudging and yes when he has to be maybe cunning, but always honest leader. Not every good leader is loud and screaming. Some get much more done in a behind scenes quiet way. That is Rex Alphin’s type.

I know of no one better suited for this position and it will be a very interesting experiment for the citizens of the 64th District. Can a truly honest person be successful in Richmond.

If Rex is our candidate, we will see. June 13, 2017 is a very important date. Get out and vote.

Volpe Boykin
Carrsville