To the editor:

As a retired detective with 26 years of law enforcement experience in Suffolk, as a retired veteran with 20 years of military service and as a taxpaying citizen of this city, I am fed up with critics who mock our City Council and never speak of any of its accomplishments. I am also appalled by senseless lawsuits that are wasting taxpayers’ dollars.

It puzzles me that a select few really believe our city is crumbling. These individuals are blind to the truth of the matter: Suffolk is succeeding.

Of course, with a rapidly growing city, growing pains will occur, but this is part of the process. The truth is, Suffolk is ranked as one of the Top 10 cities in Virginia for amenities, cost of living and low crime.

I have heard some say that the recent attainment of the AAA bond rating means nothing. But the rating shows stability to potential businesses looking to locate in our area, and it allows Suffolk to borrow money at a drastically reduced interest rate.

I feel confident the City Council has made tough financial decisions in reaching this rating and that Suffolk has arrived at a financial position to provide sustainable compensation to city employees, as indicated by the council’s moving forward with the next phase of increases.

One of the most important facts is that crime rates are decreasing, even as our population rises. As a retired police officer, this is especially important to me. I feel safe when my family and I move about this city, and that’s not the case with many other Hampton Roads cities.

Thinking about results as a voter is going to be the key to making the right decision for Suffolk, and the right decision this year is to re-elect Charles D. Parr Sr., who has been working diligently with other council members to get our city to a place of economic stability.

Remember that when voting Nov. 4.

John Jones

Suffolk