I have to give Mr. Hurt credit for at least debating Douglass. However, I wish I could say the same about my challenger Mr. Roy Byrd. I have nothing but respect for you as a public official. However, I feel that you want to win this election because of entitlement and not merit. The point of a debate is to see where we stand on issues as it relates to the town and to give the people a chance to decide on what direction that the Town should go in based off our proposals and policies. Even if I was not running, I would still want to know where all my elected officials stood on pertinent issues that will not only effect their wallet but also the geographical area in which I try to represent. My campaign, as well as independents, have sent Roy Byrd e-mails asking for him to debate and to give us an outlook on the direction that he plans on taking the town. He has played by Mr. Hurt playbook of not debating and hope his name is enough to win this election. This sounds more like entitlement and socialism strategy. Since you do not want to debate, than I will present the questions in this letter to the Editor to you. Where do you stand on Uranium? What do you plan to do to move the Town forward with your proposals? Do you plan to serve the public or serve yourself with the tax revenues raised by taxes that the Town has no clue on what they are paying. How do you feel about eminent domain and the transportation issues that continue to be a issue with the citizens. I stand against Uranium Mining. I do not plan on raising taxes at all next year. I see my colleague has raised or voted for tax increases every year except for a election year. I plan to have a open door policy of government and request a criminal probe to give the Town people answers to what is really going on with their money and why it continues to get lost. I plan to bring businesses to the area and allow them to grow and bring jobs to the area and require them to meet the aesthetics of the Town of Chatham, Va, while working with their neighbors. Perserving history while staying update with the future is my motto. Our area has serious transportation issues and we need to start working on solving it and working with local bus services and more to fix the problem that we continue to avoid in our comprehensive plans. I want to see people be able to get to work and handle much needed services and business. I would like to know where you stand on bridging the gap in cutting taxes and showing fiscal responsibility. If you want to vote for a dodger of public scrutiny than you should vote for Roy Byrd. However, if you want accountability in public office than vote for that change. Roy Byrd, Ill debate you anywhere and at anytime. too bad, I wish you could say the same. We have use email, phone calls, and face book to get you to come before the town. If you scared to face the town now on your proposals than dont be the man to throw your proposals on to the town after you are elected. We do not need another Romnesia co - signer in office. Im tired of your flunkies including Pittsylvania County Sheriff deputy Campbell, Mayor Rogers, and the rest of the local Town of Chatham, Va employees that support you giving you a free ride. Earn your office or step aside. The people deserve to know where we stand. I am also surprised that our local newspaper has not asked or held a candidate forum in which they can write and also give their own readers more information on the stances of governments in which they write about.

Merle T. Rutledge Jr
Chatham, Va
7576923571