Letters to the Editor

News Virginian
Published: March 4, 2008

Get the facts on the proposed Sports Park
Valley Xtreme Sports Park Facts:

Dust will be handled by a computerized, automated sprinkler system. With multiple zones, any area of the track that gets too dry can be independently watered. We will be the only motocross track with this watering technology.

The second concern that continues to arise is noise. The Zoning Board members were able to witness an extremely successful test Feb. 23. They were able to witness independent readings of 50 to 52 decibels under an admitted worse case scenario. With no foliage on the trees and a low ceiling because of the fog, neither sponsor nor sound walls were constructed, nor was the 1,100-square-foot building that will be located between the track and Interstate 64.

The only noise ordinance in Augusta County is 65 decibels between midnight and 6 a.m. We proved positive with levels 13 decibels lower than the only ordinance which doesn't apply to business locations.

The third concern of traffic has been addressed for Route 608 and is already in Virginia Department of Transportation plans. This is on the agenda for the simple fact that this area is designed for major business and industrial growth.

The forth item that seems to arise is location. When the gentlemen couldn't get this accomplished in Churchville, the board suggested that he seek Augusta Expoland because of location. This is a business, industrial and urban service, which is dedicated for high traffic and public use.

The fifth item that I hear about is that this park will not benefit the youth or families. I obtained all of my facts from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the National Health Institute, which recognizes motocross as the leading sport for physical and mental health. The DEA stated the race against drugs recognizes motocross as the best way to help kids and their families.

The last item is soil erosion. There are guidelines set forth by the state and county and they must be followed in order to operate.

I am always willing to answer any questions that one may have and you can email me: .

Terry Argenbright
Fishersville
Editor's note: Argenbright and his brother, Doug, have proposed a motocross park for Augusta Expoland in Fishersville. Augusta County's Board of Appeals will vote Thursday on a special use permit for the project.

________________________________________

Hillary has more to offer than rhetoric
I appreciated your editorial, "Obama Lacks Substance" (Feb. 24). I just can't understand why the media hasn't caught onto this. You're the first I've read.

A senator who has answered "present" to hundreds of legislative issues before him in the Senate doesn't know what he is about. His proposals of billions of dollars in health care and insurance are pure rhetoric. How and who will pay for this- We are all too familiar with who will pay for these thoughtless programs he proposes.

I respect his intellect and his abilities to use the English language with the catchy euphemisms and cutesy phrases that whip the people into a frenzy. But are they really listening, or just following the leader-

Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, has been working hard in the Senate for years. She has ferreted out details and offered realistic solutions for the economic issues facing the American people. She has been in the Senate for roll calls and has cast her vote on the tough issues that matter to all of us. She knows what she is about.

When important legislation was before her in the Senate, she was aware of the importance and cast her vote accordingly, knowing that her vote would affect the constituency she represented - the American people. She was involved because she cared. She did not simply answer, "present." She knows the issues.

This is the kind of change, the kind of knowledgeable leadership I want - not catchy, euphemistic rhetoric. I've heard that before. See where it got us- I won't even dialogue on McCain. What does he offer the American people- Ignorance of economics and 100 more years of war in Iraq. Get real!

Evelyn Smith
Lyndhurst