A candidate for the office of Mathews Commissioner of the Revenue came out swinging during his opening address last Thursday at a forum for candidates held at the Gwynn’s Island Civic League.

Challenger Doug Critchell charged that incumbent Ray Hunley had insulted the people of Mathews after the last election, "calling them little-minded." Then he took aim at fellow challenger Les Hall, saying Hall had a "major conflict of interest" because he is employed by a Richmond firm and has his own business, and criticizing Hall for not paying his local business taxes on time.

"It comes down to me," said Critchell. He said he would run the commissioner’s office with honesty and integrity, keep accurate records, and devote all his time to the office.

During his opening remarks, Hall rebutted Critchell’s charge of a conflict of interest, saying that he obviously wouldn’t continue his current employment if elected to office in Mathews. ...