I would like to commend The Free Lance-Star for upping its game on all things Spotsylvania. As a resident who "senses" the paper's priorities of the region--within the context of D.C. and Richmond as the city, Stafford, Spotsy, and the rest of the region--extensive coverage of the pending raceway issue appears to be objective.

The news coverage includes investigative reporting and offers plenty of space for opinion on both sides of the issue. Thanks.

Sequestration, "snowquestration," and broader regional concerns impact residents. But it is coverage of fire and rescue shortfalls, sidewalks around the courthouse, chickens in some districts but not others--and, of the suit Kohl's filed against Spotsy for inaccurate real estate assessments--that highlight the very real challenges in governing this county south of the Rappahannock, and its residents' ability to stay abreast of the issues for accountability next election.

The FLS might consider follow-up on the transfer of Superstorm Sandy hazardous waste along the roads to landfills, the sewage leakage a few years back, the bonds issued for roads, etc. Providing interim and subsequent follow-up lends credence to the watchdog role residents need from the local paper.

Howard L. Weinstock

Spotsylvania