Eviction was a tough, but correct, decision

Eviction was a tough, but correct, decision

Date published: 9/30/2009

I would like to thank Kurt Christensen ["Eviction decision will come back to haunt," Sept. 20] for inadvertently highlighting the dedicated, committed, and overall outstanding work done by Dewayne Payne on our County Planning Commission.

I have worked with Mr. Payne and his family for nearly a decade. I know of no one more conscientious or compassionate in executing his responsibilities.

He carries that over in his interest in local politics and, if elected, will no doubt do so as county supervisor for the Stevensburg District. He certainly has my vote.

In the Alice Johnson case, Mr. Payne was called upon to make a hard, perhaps even unpopular, decision--while running for elected office, no less.

That he (and three other planning commission members) voted to finally resolve an issue clearly involving the safety, health, and welfare of members of our community is a credit to them all.

I am, as Mr. Christensen put it, "shocked and dismayed" that Mrs. Johnson's living conditions, in a temporary trailer without water or septic, were allowed to go on for this long.

Concerned neighbors have repeatedly asked for county assistance in the matter without success.

Where was the health department? Following the condemnation of her previous residence, Mrs. Johnson was authorized to live in the trailer for only a short term while other living arrangements were being made. No one followed up to make sure that the situation was resolved.

Why not? Why did previous planning commissions fail to deal with this?

I am equally amazed that Mrs. Johnson's family allowed this unfortunate situation to go on.

It took a lot of courage and compassion to vote as Mr. Payne and three other planning commission members did. They deserve our support and appreciation for a job well and faithfully done.

Galen McBride

Culpeper

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Date published: 9/30/2009