Thank you for making Raising the Roof a success
Williamsburg Realtors is thrilled to announce that our association and local community conducted an inaugural Realtors Raising the Roof, 5K Run and Community Day on Aug. 19. Our collective efforts resulted in an astounding $7,000 raised in support of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg.
We want to thank all the participants who completed the race; their commitment signifies the shared purpose to tackle the pressing issue of affordable housing in the Greater Williamsburg area. Our deepest gratitude extends to the multitude of volunteers who breathed life into this event with their unwavering dedication: WAAR members and Community Engagement Committee chairs Elizabeth Walthall, Amy Davies and Faye Dillman; and members Wendy Truckenbrod, Renea Matter, Gregory Duncan, Lisa Langenhening, John Otey, Gill Sever, Debbie Davis, Roberta Hammel, Simone Jones, Jodi Linney, Joyclyn McCallum, Jennifer Mitchell, Mary Prior and Ashley Surles.
Also, our gratitude extends to our esteemed sponsors: Guild Mortgage, Fords Colony Country Club, DAHL Properties, Garage Experts, High Liner Foods, Closet Factory, Fulton Mortgage, C&F Mortgage, State Farm and National Property Inspections. Without their generous contributions, this event would not have been possible. Additionally, we are grateful to Billsburg Brewery for the use of the facility and the Colonial Road Runners for orchestrating the certified course and award ceremony. We are extremely honored that Ruth Larson, vice chair of the JCC Board of Supervisors, attended the event and presented awards to the fastest runners in each category.
Our efforts and partnership with Habitat for Humanity continue as Williamsburg Realtors is dedicated to its mission of forging a path and solution to affordable housing for all. All the funds collected at this event will be used for the construction of affordable housing for a deserving family, embodying our commitment to making a meaningful difference. For more information, please, go to waarealtor.com.
Fred Smith, president of Williamsburg Area Association of Realtors
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Congress needs to be held accountable
As we near the Sept. 30 expiration date for government funding, I am deeply concerned that Congress has yet to pass all 12 appropriations bills that fund our government. Upon our return to Washington from a six-week recess, Congress will once again be racing against the clock to keep the government running.
I believe that the American people deserve a Congress that fulfills its commitments and responsibilities, and a government that operates with timeliness and efficiency. This is why I have consistently introduced three bills to restore transparency and accountability to the budgeting process:
The Stay on Schedule (S.O.S) Resolution would ensure that Congress remains in session until all 12 appropriations bills are passed.
The No Budget, No Pay Act would withhold members’ pay if a budget isn’t passed by April 15.
Lastly, the Inaction Has Consequences Act would hold members’ salaries until we pass the 12 regular appropriation bills on time, proving that inaction has real consequences while encouraging lawmakers to fulfill their obligations.
As a member of Congress, I have no problem saying that we should face the consequences if we fail to complete the work we were elected to do. This level of accountability is absolutely necessary, and I remain committed to fighting for a government that truly prioritizes the needs of the people.
U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, Montross
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Riffle has my vote for WJCC school board
The Berkeley District of James City County has an important election for school board. Randy Riffle is an excellent candidate who has my enthusiastic support. Since graduating from William & Mary, he has served as Del. Mike Mullin’s legislative aide. There, his passion for public service went to work for our region. His experience with the state legislature has him thoroughly grounded in how public policy is formulated and implemented. He understands the critical relationship between state funding and budgeting for quality education in James City County. Mr. Riffle is committed to public education. He believes teachers deserve higher pay to bring their pay up the national average. He believes that high schools should have technical courses that prepare students who are not going to college to enter the workforce.
In summary, Randy Riffle has my vote for James City County School Board.
Camilla Buchanan, James City County
