Editor:

As mayor, it has been an honor to serve our town in a variety of roles since the beginning of my term in 2014. However, I have never been prouder of Farmville or more honored to be mayor than when representing the town of Farmville during the Vice Presidential Debate. It was a privilege to have been spokesperson for our town in multiple interviews with various media. Out-of-town visitors, from news media to law enforcement personnel, were all enthusiastic in their praise of our town and university.

Visitors were impressed for a simple reason: Farmville is a community that knows how to work together. This was no one-man show, but the result of a coordinated effort. Now, there are many people to thank.

Farmville Police Department and Police Chief Andy Ellington, along with our Emergency Communications Center and dispatchers, did a phenomenal job during the debate, as did Town Manager Gerald Spates, who accommodated law enforcement and support agencies.

Other local agencies assisting included Farmville Area Bus, town of Farmville Public Works, Farmville Volunteer Fire Department, Prince Edward Volunteer Rescue Squad, Piedmont Regional Jail and local media outlets.

Town residents also deserve considerable credit for their hospitality and willingness to assist with everything from debate planning to debate day events. Overall, it was a great cooperative effort.

A similar partnership among the town of Farmville, Prince Edward County, Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College recently created the town’s new tourism website, Visit Farmville. Combined with Farmville’s positive debate experience, this site should increase our town’s visibility well into the future.

The Vice Presidential Debate served to showcase what residents already know — Farmville is a wonderful place to live.

David Whitus

Mayor

Farmville