Getting out vote crucial this time

The News Virginian / News Virginian
Published: November 4, 2007

Turnout for general elections has been on the wane for decades, a reflection of Americans' growing apathy and dissatisfaction with empty promises from elected leaders. We hope to see the trend bucked in Waynesboro and Augusta County in a year when the issues are pointed and the need for voters to speak their mind is sharp.

In Waynesboro, the referendum on city projects provides ample incentive. The five items on the ballot include such things as lights for ballfields and stormwater improvements, the former long desired by locals and the latter a subject of constant discussion inside city limits. Add to the list the west-end fire station, a topic sure to evoke a passionate response inside any local diner or coffee shop, and the referendum should stir even the most tepid voters.

Augusta County's four contested supervisors races largely have been shaped by the controversy over the so-called megasite and the $440,000 study privately commissioned for that project. Space in news and editorial pages was filled last year with reaction to supervisors' interest in a plan that would have put a Toyota plant, along with 2,500 jobs, in Weyers Cave.

That talk and the debate over the referendum items have been healthy. At the polls, all of us will have the chance to turn talk into action.

Those who skip Tuesday's election most assuredly will cast votes, not for anything worthwhile, such as open government or repairing infrastructure, but against their own stake in the places they call home.

So let's hear from you on Election Day. It is an important moment in the lives of our towns, and all of us need to take part.

A recap of our endorsements:

Waynesboro Referendum

1. Stormwater improvements: Yes. The $6.2-million project targeting eight flood-prone neighborhoods is badly needed.

2. West-end fire station: Yes. Investing $2.6 million - along with $800,000 in annual operating costs - to add a station in the bustling west end will improve response times in that area and ready the city for future growth there.

3. Ballfield improvements: No. This $2.7-million project appears to be a luxury at a time when the city has many other pressing needs.

4. Library addition: Yes. The city library long has been squeezed for space. Spending $1.2 million to upgrade it represents an investment in the city's future.

5. Sidewalk upgrades: No. Work on sidewalks is needed, but the city is asking for $1.2 million for a project it has not fully defined.

Augusta County Supervisors

Beverly Manor: Jeremy Shifflett (R). Our nod went to the young entrepreneur in the only contested race without an incumbent.

North River: Charles Curry (D). The former supervisor's return to the stage was spurred by opposition to the secret nature of the megasite deal.

Pastures: Travis Smithdeal (R). Like Curry, Smithdeal joined the race mostly because of his disgust over the megasite.

Riverheads: Nancy Sorrells (Ind.). The incumbent resisted the megasite secrecy and has been a strong advocate for agriculture.

General Assembly

Senate District 24: Arin Sime (L). His fresh ideas give voters an intriguing alternative to the status quo.

House District 59: Watkins Abbitt (Ind.). The incumbent's steady hand and pragmatic approach give him the edge over Nelson County's Connie Brennan (D).