The Observer Newspapers |Reece Will Work for All Residents

April 17, 2008

Reece Will Work for All Residents

To the editor:

This letter is in support of Harlon Reece for mayor. I admire and applaud his long service on behalf of the town, his commitment to the future of Herndon, and his dedication to fostering respect for all residents.

I despair the growing perception of our town as unwelcoming and hostile to some. And I deeply regret that we are seen throughout the Washington, D.C., area as a community embarrassed by our public officials and controlled by the agenda of outside groups. Herndon is hurt when one of our current elected officials rebukes citizens at Council meetings or in the local press. Herndon is hurt each time another negative article appears in The Washington Post. How long will it take to absolve ourselves of this reputation? And how long before Herndon is again viewed as an attractive place to purchase a home and raise a family?

Herndon derives its energy from the diversity of our community. What matters is that all members of our community be good neighbors, whether their contributions are participating in town government, volunteering to help their neighbors, or simply by keeping their residence presentable, clearing their sidewalk of snow, and knowing what day to put their trash out.

Please vote for Harlon for mayor and for Council candidates who will quietly and respectfully work for all the residents of our town. To quote Harlon, "We can do better and we must do better if we truly value our quality of life and sense of community."

We are fortunate to have had elected leaders in the past who found solutions to complex, difficult issues with intelligence and resourcefulness and with grace and dignity. Harlon will continue in that tradition.

And, at the end of the day, Election Day or any other day, we are all neighbors.

Sue Roberts

Herndon