Editor, Gazette-Journal:

If campaign community presence can be used as an indicator of dedication to representing the people of Mathews County in the Virginia Senate, then Ben Loyola deserves our vote. He’s spoken at several committee meetings. He’s been at the Visitor’s Center and in our restaurants. He’s knocked on doors along Main Street, and throughout Mathews. He joined us at Market Days. During the August primary, he spent many hours getting to know the people of Mathews. He introduces himself as our candidate for the Virginia Senate, shakes our hands, looks us in the eye and asks: "What are your concerns, how can I help?" He participated in the forum hosted by the Middle Peninsula League of Voters held at the Mathews Library where he single-handedly answered our questions the entire session as the incumbent opponent did not attend or even send a representative to enlighten us as to his willingness to serve Mathews or to give rebuttal to Loyola’s comments. Loyola’s campaign signs throughout Mathews and flyers mailed to our homes provide visual reminders that he wants to represent us.

Ben Loyola’s family escaped communist Cuba when Ben was two years old "bringing with them nothing but a single piece of luggage and the hope that America would lead to a better life." Ben graduated from the Naval Academy and is a 30-year Naval Veteran. He is a successful businessman and accomplished leader who is fighting to preserve the American Dream. That Mathews County is the smallest community in his district has not lessened the amount of concern he has for our community. If you have not had a chance to meet Ben, he is scheduled to be on Church Street from 1-3 p.m. on Nov. 5. Ben Loyola deserves our vote on Nov. 8. Additional information can be found at www.BenLoyola.com.

JoAnn Mulvany

Hudgins, Va.