Editor, Gazette-Journal:

We are privileged as Americans to participate in a democratic process of electing individuals that we desire to represent our community, State or Nation. Generally, through this process, we narrow the candidates list to represent one of the political parties. The ballots are set with the names of those that have been ‘vetted’ through their respective forums. The elected candidates will then serve their designated districts, state, etc., and should be responsible to those within their purview.

Occasionally, a candidate emerges during the process due to requests from their constituents as a ‘better’ choir to represent their needs. When this occurs, we are fortunate to have the right to "write-in" a candidate, thereby providing a truly free election by the people, for the people.

For Mathews County Board of Supervisors, such an opportunity has been presented with a ‘young’ mature 50-year-old, longtime resident who knows ...