Tone Matters, Again: Smart Supervisors Lead, They Don’t Belittle

In a previous letter, I urged members of the Warren County Board of Supervisors to reconsider the contemptuous, condescending tone they’ve taken toward Samuels Public Library and its supporters. Sadly, their latest press release doubles down—referring to “a smart person” (repeated eight times for effect) and “common sense” in ways that clearly belittle the intelligence and integrity of the library’s professional staff, trustees, and the public that stands with them.

This kind of contempt does nothing to build trust or convince residents. It only reinforces the growing perception that these four supervisors are more interested in posturing, pursuing their agenda, and doubling down on their false narrative about “transparency” and who owns the assets than they are in listening to residents and problem-solving.

Samuels has earned this community’s respect. The four members of the Board of Supervisors who submitted this press release (and its writer) would do well to show some.

Cara Aldridge Young
Front Royal, VA

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