Editor:

Many people have a vague notion of what conservatism is, but frequently and boldly hold opinions that are in stark contradiction. As a conservative, I know that I am better equipped and better qualified to make decisions about my own life than a politician or a bureaucrat. I believe that government exists to do those few things that we as individuals acting alone cannot. The purpose of government is to protect our freedom to be the author of our own destiny, yet far too often people who claim to share this belief give up their freedom of choice to government.

Of course, it’s always done “for the greater good” or to fulfill someone’s good intentions. There’s only one major flaw— government is equipped to protect our rights…and not much else. Government isn’t supposed to be your pastor, priest, or rabbi. It can’t be you doctor, or your mother, or your father. It certainly shouldn’t be your nanny, though people try so hard to make it. The government doesn’t love you.

I probably sound pessimistic, but there’s good news. There is someone perfectly equipped to solve society’s problems: You. It’s also me. It’s all of us working in voluntary cooperation to find solutions to society’s common problems. You may think, “But, that sounds like government.” You’re missing a key word, “voluntary.” Stop paying your taxes and see how voluntary your relationship with government is.

Take a poll of your friends and family, ask them whether they travel more than 45 min to work. Odds are most of them will say “Yes.” That is because, according to realty statistics, over half of the people in Louisa County leave the county to work. Unless you work at a gas station, Dollar Store, or cut grass (not to disparage these jobs); jobs are few and far between in Louisa.

Duane Adams, the candidate for the Mineral District Supervisor seat is a businessman. He knows how to balance a budget, market, and provide people with employment opportunities. He’s been doing it all of his life. Duane owned his first business in his early 20’s, running a greenhouse and florist shop. Since then, he has operated his insurance business, hiring hundreds of people over the years. Currently, in addition to the work he does in insurance, he owns a local landscaping business here in Louisa.

We need someone with a mind for business to help make Louisa an attractive place for new businesses to open and for existing businesses to grow. Who better to do that than a man who has been creating jobs his entire life?

Mariann Rigsby