To the Editor:

Since 1992, Delegate William K. Barlow has represented a portion of the City of Franklin, along with several counties. Even though only part of our City is in the 64th District, Barlow serves us as though there were many thousands of constituents here. He attends all our legislative and major functions, responds quickly to legislative issues and serves us equally as he does the rest of the 64th.

I am neither Democrat nor Republican, but an Independent, somewhere in the middle. Delegate Barlow is one of the most ethical, moral men I know. He is a fiscal conservative, working always for a balanced budget to include the demands of government services at efficient costs. He, like the rest of us, wants to curb unnecessary spending with efficient government. He is one of the most honest men I know. His word is his bond.

Delegate Barlow is balanced in his approach, which is what we need, balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of Virginia citizens.

Delegate Barlow is a citizen legislator. Legislative seniority demands more time from his private practice of law, where he has been licensed by the Virginia State Board his entire career, but that never reduces his service to his constituents.

We in the 64th District need the steady hand and logical thinking of experienced Delegate Barlow. It is easy to jump on the bandwagon of extremes to get attention and attract votes. But at the end of the day, it boils down to governing the commonwealth of Virginia with all 100 Delegates and 40 Senators for the fiscal and moral best interest of all the citizens of the commonwealth.

Sadly it seems to be about Democrat or Republican. But it is not. It is about Virginia and all of us citizens. I trust the man who has honored us with his service and sacrifice in the 64th District since 1992.

I endorse Delegate William K. Barlow for the House of Delegates from the 64th District and encourage you to support this honest, honorable, moral, selfless man.

To those new to the 64th District, I can speak from experience that you could not have a finer, more attentive delegate than Delegate Bill Barlow to serve your community, as he has so well served us. Please join me in reelecting Bill Barlow to the House of Delegates.

James P. Councill III

Mayor, City of Franklin