To the editor:

I would like to encourage Isle of Wight County voters to cast their ballots for Supervisors Tom Wright and Stan Clark.

Isle of Wight recently increased the tax rate by 13 cents per hundred dollars of assessed value, due solely to the loss of revenue from the closing of International Paper and other businesses. Still, we have the lowest tax rate in southeastern Virginia, one of the highest bond ratings (AA by Fitch), and have just signed on a company that will employ 800 workers. The county is expected to sign on another company in December that will employ more than 500 workers, and there is a third company in line, as well.

The Board of Supervisors’ votes to purchase land and water for expansion of the Shirley T. Holland Intermodal Park are beginning to pay off as we welcome significant manufacturing projects to our community. These businesses will replace jobs and revenue for the county.

Why would any one want to replace Supervisors Tom Wright and Stan Clark, the architects and protectors of our economic future?

Also, during the redistricting process Wright and Clark supported federal law and the Voting Rights Act, when it was very unpopular with some. The seven-district concept would have reduced the power of the minority vote to 14 percent, down from 20 percent, and increase county expenses.

These men deserve the support of all citizens, especially minorities.

James B. Brown Jr.

Former member, IW Board of Supervisors