To the editor:

Of the many very good reasons already given for allowing our commonwealth to construct a juvenile justice facility in Shirley T. Holland Intermodal Park, there is another: Isle of Wight County could benefit greatly, both politically and economically, by being seen as the statewide leader in establishing modern rehabilitation facilities for youthful offenders.

It would be setting a very positive statewide example for the commitment to the future success of our youth. I think it would be viewed as leading the state in this regard. Our county may even incur unimagined economic development opportunities when commercial industries realize that we are forward thinkers to take risk in the investment in future generations.

I trust our supervisors to approve this wonderful opportunity to improve the lives of many who otherwise may be lost to society and also to do a great and lasting deed for our county and commonwealth. As Albert Einstein once said, “Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others, it is the only means.”

Albert Burckard

Carrollton