Letter to Editor about concerns in Buchanan Council meeting

Subject: Concerns Regarding the Recent Town Hall Meeting in Buchanan, VA

Dear Editor of The Botetourt Bee,

I am writing to express my disappointment and concern regarding the recent Town Hall meeting held in Buchanan, VA on November 13, 2023. As someone who has attended several council meetings for the past seven years, I can confidently say that this was one of the worst meetings in terms of maintaining order and addressing citizens’ concerns.

The meeting began with Mayor Harris reading out the rules and guidelines for attendees, emphasizing the importance of signing up to speak, refraining from disruptive behavior, and addressing the appropriate individuals. However, it quickly became apparent that the mayor had lost control of the room. Attendees disregarded the rules, engaging in clapping and talking without signing up to speak, with one of them being the newly written in town council member.

It was disheartening to witness the lack of accountability from the head of the table, Mayor Harris, who failed to address these violations despite having taken the time to read the rules.

One of the main issues discussed by citizens and business owners during the meeting was the dissolution of a position held by Harry Gleason within the Town of Buchanan. While I understand that many individuals are seeking answers regarding this decision, it is important to recognize that personnel information cannot be disclosed by a business entity, regardless of whether the individuals involved are business owners, town or county citizens. To illustrate this point, imagine walking into a local business in the Town of Buchanan, such as the James River Drip and demanding an explanation for the removal of a staff member or a staff position. It is highly unlikely that they would disclose such information. Similarly, larger corporations like Walmart would not disclose employee information either, as it would be illegal.  

Although the town council was not legally obligated to issue a public statement regarding the dissolution of the position, they did so. While I do not believe they issued it timely, they still issued it. During the meeting, a question was posed to Mayor Harris regarding the unanimous nature of the decision to dissolve the position by newly elected council member, Rose Jeter. However, the mayor did not acknowledge or respond to the question, leaving attendees confused as to why it was ignored. Whether this was intentional, a result of the questioner not signing up to speak, or due to the commotion in the room, it reflects poorly on the mayor’s ability to address citizens’ concerns effectively.

Furthermore, some business owners present at the meeting argued that they should be heard because they pay taxes to the town and operate within its limits. While I empathize with their desire to be heard and agree with them, state law clearly stipulates that only individuals residing within town limits are eligible to vote. If business owners wish to challenge this requirement, the appropriate course of action would be to engage with their state delegate and advocate for change at the state level, rather than at a town council meeting.

It is worth noting that a gentleman at the meeting provided a PO Box as his address, which raises questions about his residency. This issue was not addressed or corrected by Mayor Harris, further contributing to the perception that the meeting lacked proper oversight. While all citizens and business owners have the right to sign up and speak at council meetings, voting is restricted to those residing within town limits. This distinction is essential for maintaining the integrity of the election process.

It is disheartening to witness a lack of knowledge and understanding of our election system, particularly among individuals under the age of 50. Our country was founded on the principle of one person, one vote, and it is crucial to uphold this philosophy. The idea of allowing business owners to vote in every state or district where they have a presence would not only be logistically challenging but could also compromise the integrity of elections through inaccurate tracking or potential fraud.

In conclusion, the recent Town Hall meeting in Buchanan, VA fell short of expectations in terms of maintaining order, addressing citizens’ concerns, and upholding the principles of our election system. It is my hope that future meetings will be conducted with greater efficiency and attentiveness to the needs and questions of the community. If this is unattainable by the current mayor, I would be inclined to suggest he step down from his position.

Sincerely,

Spring Witt, Buchanan, VA