To the editor:

I am writing to share my support for Susan Draper as Commissioner of the Revenue for Suffolk.

I first met Susan as her teacher in Suffolk Public Schools. I respect that she has always worked for what she has achieved. After graduation, she attended the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice program and graduated as a first class journeyman machinist. She later attended Old Dominion University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a major in accounting. She passed the entire CPA exam the first time and did all the above while working and raising her son, who now serves his country in the U.S. Navy. She also studied to become a Master Commissioner of the Revenue through the Weldon Cooper Center at the University of Virginia.

She has been active in her community on many levels, ranging from the PTA and Athletic Boosters Club to serving on boards of the Suffolk Business Women, the Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk (CAPS) and the Genieve Shelter.

She was not handed her current job but, as she has done all her life, worked her way up. Her life choices have demonstrated that she is not afraid of hard work, and she has proven herself to be a highly competent, dedicated public servant through the years.

I believe she truly cares about serving all residents of the city and that she is the candidate best equipped to serve the city in this position. I encourage everyone who truly cares about Suffolk to vote for Susan Draper.

Kay Weaver Hurley

Suffolk