Not covered by the mainstream media after last week’s elections was the unusually high number of write in votes for Haymarket council. A little research revealed that Stutz had orchestrated a write in campaign to put her on council if she lost the mayoral election to Benjamin. Voting records show that she received 49 write in votes for council. When voting officials were asked if that scheme would work, they declined to say, stating that it wasn’t worth asking since she had won. Other experts called the scheme misguided, and stated that it would fail in the legal system. “Whoever thought this plan up obviously doesn’t understand much about Virginia election law”, one source close to the state election board said.

After very careful thought before, during and after last week's forum, I have concluded that I must vote for Tim Benjamin in this election. I have been a resident in this town for many years and I find it truely disheartening that the reputation of this once proud town has been slapped in and out of the mud for months now. Though I have great respect for the current mayor and most of the current council members, I can not risk my vote for the same people that have allowed this sprial downward fall of this town to continue - not on my vote. I have faith that the rest of you can follow the same path as me.

While my sn leftorright was created because I have been "on the fence" about which candidate I will vote, I have fallen to the right of the fence and will completely support Tim Benjamin for Mayor of Haymarket. I had the pleasure of speaking with him and meeting his family, and I will say that he is a true and devoted person that I know can make a positive impact on this Town. Those Stutz supporters need not to attack or preach to me, as, I like I have said, I have been "on the fence" and have made a fair decision based on my experiences with both candidates. Even if you are a Stutz friend, and you truely believe she should not be elected, it is ok not to vote for her on May 2nd, as she or anyone else will never know who anyone actually voted for unless you tell them. Vote Benjamin for Mayor, I don't think we will be sorry.

http://www.westernposterpage.com/Clint.jpg

All we need now is a real saloon .

OK. I got Mr. Benjamin's postcard in the mail. That's his whole stand? Come on. Get real. I want to hear some substance. Not political buzzwords.

Come on Mr. Benjamin let us see your plan for real change.

What's the big deal about property tax in the town? Our Prop tax is miniscule compared to what we pay PW County.

Please, since this is an open forum, I would like:

* 1) – I want to see those residents who want to see real estate taxes raised, Haymarket Vehicle Registration fees raised, and Building Permit/Application for Certificate of Appropriateness fees raised to come forward and lets see who you are, and go ahead say how much.
· 2) - I want for each of the candidates running for Town Council and Mayor to set forth, in the media, independently, his or her plan to raise or not to raise - real estate taxes, the Business Tangible Personal Property Gross Receipts Tax, Business License and Business License Renewal fees, Text Amendment Fees, Vehicle Registration Fees, Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees, Food tax, Cigarette or Tobacco Surtax, Building Permit/Application for Certificate of Appropriateness, Electrical Permit, Mechanical Permit, Plumbing Permit, Demolition Permit - how much and when for each category; come on lets get it out in the public.

A new face for better results.