Mayoral candidate wants to bring pride back to Lynchburg

To the editor:

[The village of Lynchburg issued a press release this week regarding] a drop in the water, sewage, and garbage bill for the residents of Lynchburg. As a resident of Lynchburg, I feel this is wonderful and am grateful for the accomplishments of previous Major Jeremy Shaffer and current Mayor Roger Shaffer. However, the fact of the matter is that this drop does not cover the cost of the filter system, which I must have in my house to make my drinking water safe. My average bill for my family is over $100 per month. This along with the history of and current signs of mismanagement of Village finances makes it difficult for Lynchburg residents to be proud of our Village.

I am Robbie Wallace. I have resided in Lynchburg for almost 13 years and plan on staying here through thick and thin. I am raising my family here because I believe in the spirit of this Village. I have served as a public servant in the State Department of Corrections for 17 years. I served in the United States Air Force and have been a volunteer of the Lynchburg-Clay School District. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration Management and am certified through the Ohio Police Officer Training Commission as a Peace Officer and Private Security Instructor. I have instructed criminal justice and corrections courses at the college and university level. I am a CPR and First Aid instructor and have donated my time to train others. I have based my career and much of my free time in these areas, because I believe in my heart that the only way to make a difference is to serve.

I have decided to run for Major of Lynchburg because of my vested interest in Lynchburg and its citizens, and because I call Lynchburg home. I want to make a difference in Lynchburg, so that all of its residents can be proud of our Village.

I have not expounded upon my objectives as being Major because I do not want to make empty promises. I do know that approximately 60 percent of our families with children are currently living under the government guidelines which meet poverty and therefore feel that a close inspection of the Village budget is warranted to see where changes can be made to best help these families. As I went through an 18-month lay-off at one point in my own career, I can relate to the individuals and families struggling to support themselves. I applaud the efforts of local churches, business, and residents, who have offered assistance, such as with the opening of the new food bank in town. I also applaud the efforts of those who have worked to obtain grants and donations to repair sidewalks, streets, and build the new park to make our village a more attractive place to reside. With my background in corrections and criminal justice, I am well aware that during times of economic crisis, crime rates rise. If elected, I hope to prevent this from occurring in our Village by ensuring appropriate police protection. I would like the opportunity to work with town counsel, the Village Police Department, our local school district, and the various Village committees and residents to make our village a safe, attractive, and fiscally feasible place for individuals and families to reside.

I know that with new eyes and open ears positive enhancements are possible in our Village. While I can’t make specific promises, I can promise that if elected as the Major of Lynchburg, I will be true to the Village and it residents. The differences I foresee are those that will once again make all residents and businesses proud to say, “We are Lynchburg.”

Thank you,

Robbie D. Wallace