Editor, Gazette-Journal:

We cannot accept all printed, spoken or internet statements as true without challenge or investigation. The Department of Conservation (DCR) director Cristman’s recent letter to the Mathews County Administrator is an example. Why would his letter emphasize the impact of suspension from the flood insurance program when he said he only knew of the board’s action through news reports?

DCR cannot “suspend” any locality. That is up to FEMA, and their goal is to work with localities to make changes to correct any possible violation. Why did Cristman write to the county administrator instead of the board only two days after the vote? Why did he echo her incorrect statements that the Islander is not eligible for the FEMA historical structure exemption from some floodplain ordinance requirements?

The State Preservation Office determined that the Gwynn’s Island Historic District is eligible for full nomination to the National Register and...