This Week’s Letters to the Editor

Editor’s Note: The Letters to the Editor section in the Woodbridge Town Chronicle is a place where community voices can be shared and heard. In the print newspapers of years past, letters to the editor were often the liveliest section, where readers spoke directly to one another, the broader community, and its leaders. To submit a letter for consideration please refer to the submission guidelines.

“A Win, But Not a Victory”

To the editor,

When Pyrrhus beat the Romans at Asculum, he said “One more victory over the Romans and we are completely done for!” Despite “winning,” his army was shattered beyond repair. It begs the question: even though they won, at what cost did it take? If there were ever an equivalent to a “pyrrhic victory” today, it would sum up last week’s election here in Woodbridge pretty well.

Yes, the WDTC won a tough election, but at what cost? Now is the time to unite. I’ve known Mica for years, and I know he’s a quality person. Going forward, his success is our success. But this election is no mandate.

Look at each campaigns’ social media and you’ll see the difference in their priorities. If you look at what common ground posted, it’s a reflection of Woodbridge: Events at Woodbridge businesses, door-knocking across town, and a focus on the people here. If you look at the WDTC’s campaign page, you wouldn’t know which town they were in. They spent their time seeking national endorsements rather than talking to you or focusing on Washington’s budget while they destroy yours.

Their events told the same story: Common Ground uplifted small businesses; the WDTC held $500-a-plate fundraisers with out-of-town politicians. They hired fancy consultants to understand Woodbridge instead of talking to us. Now they face the consequence of winning: governing.

After Pyrrhus won his battle, he fought the Romans again after 4 years at the Battle of Beneventum and lost, returning home. For the sake of the town, we must hope the WDTC seeks common ground with the 70% of the town that didn’t vote for them or chose not to vote at all. Going forward, we must focus on Woodbridge first.

— Daniel Mowerman

Editor’s Note: Letters reflect the perspectives of their authors. They are published to foster dialogue about issues of local concern, including questions of governance, transparency, and accountability, as well as topics such as highlighting upcoming or past events from community groups. To submit a letter for consideration please refer to the submission guidelines.