Snider offers gratitude
By Town Councilman Chris Snider
It is with a deep sense of appreciation that I write this letter. This year's Town Council election was shaping up to be highly contested race based on the claims that current council does not listen, does not represent the people, and does not manage the town's finances properly. The facts would indicate otherwise, yet some subscribe to the belief that he who yells loudest is correct.
I was filled with a sense of pride on election night when I learned that Chip, Mike, and I were returned to the council along with Bobby Ryan. The quiet majority recognizes our dedication to our town, our willingness to listen and our ability to manage the town well. The quiet majority chose experienced leaders at a time when so much is uncertain in our lives.
I wish to thank all those who voted regardless of which candidates they supported. You participated in the process and helped to elect your local leaders. Voting is a civic responsibility that should not be taken for granted or ignored. Many people throughout the world have no voice in their government. We are much more fortunate.
I am particularly grateful for the support and guidance of my wife, Martha. Each time I wavered, she encouraged me to press on. All of our children were supportive too, making sacrifices of their time to support the effort. Being an elected official is a sacrifice borne not only by the person, but by their family as well. Schedules are disrupted for the many meeting which must be attended.
I also wish to thank my team of supporters who were the core of the election effort. Thank you for being interested enough in your local government to take an active role in the election process.
The South East Street Neighborhood Watch and the Depot District Neighborhood Watch groups co-hosted a candidate's forum at the Depot. This is an undertaking which is not as easy as it looks, but went off without a hitch. This event gave people an opportunity to see the candidates field some tough questions.
Likewise, the Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce hosted their candidates breakfast and forum. This is always a good event and one that I always attend. The crowd made up of the chamber's membership is attentive and the questions require thought and a good understanding of the issues.
I must extend my thanks to Channel 21 for their coverage of the forums and their live coverage on election night. Both the Culpeper Star Exponent and the Culpeper Times interviewed the candidates and offered their insight to their readership. The media is a critical component in the election process, allowing people to learn about the candidates, their experience, and their positions on the issues.
The registrar's office and the election officials did an outstanding job of running the election and manning the two voting precincts on election day. They pull some very long hours that day in addition to the time spent preparing for the election. They are rarely recognized for this task, but they are deserving of our thanks.
Finally, I wish to thanks our veterans and our active duty military personnel. None of us bears a greater sacrifice than that borne by you and your families. Your service to our nation ensures our freedoms, our right to vote and participate in our government, and our way of life.
I was very fortunate to be able to spend four hours of my morning at the polls on election day with my father-in-law, a combat wounded veteran. He recognized scores of his fellow veterans coming out to cast their vote. None of them take their right to vote for granted, as none of us should. It is through their sacrifice and that of those who did not return home from serving overseas that we have this right. If for no other reason, please cast your vote in the next election in honor of their service and sacrifice on our behalf.
Respectfully,
Christopher H. Snider
Town Councilman