A short stretch of Brooke Road in Stafford County is under siege. I do not understand why the local government--and it is local government, not VDOT--is willing to spend $6.5 million on a 1.8-mile stretch. I do not understand how small salary increases for our teachers can be denied while at the same time $6.5 million is tossed at a road with no problems.

I do not understand who is to gain from the mere widening of ditches already in existence which have been functioning well for decades (the paved portion of the road is not slated for work).

I do not understand why one of our last scenic secondary roads has to fall to an alleged "standard" to the tune of $6.5 million. I do not understand why the county so gleefully contributes to the loss of Stafford's forests and peaceful pastures, yard by yard, half mile by half mile.

I do not understand.

Margareta Williamson

Stafford