Dorothea Barr is no average person

Jerry Foreman
Published: September 26, 2008

The recent article published in the Potomac News & Manassas Journal titled “Dumfries’ councilwoman’s taxing problem” (Sept. 20) was an eye opener.

The focus of the article was on Dumfries Councilwoman Dorothea Barr. What I find insulting to the persons who elected this official is the way the town council members just shrug their shoulders and see
nothing wrong with their actions.

There were quite a few of us that elected Dorothea Barr because we believed what we saw and heard, and we were lied to. To make matters worse, rather than receive an apology, we received a “no big
deal” mentality.

Ms. Barr doesn’t believe Dumfries is living up to its potential and the Dumfries town leadership and law enforcement are not being proactive in enforcing all ordinances aggressively. Ms. Barr ran for office
on a platform that by leadership being proactive, property values would increase and that town leadership would be held accountable for “fiscal” responsibilities.

Well isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black?

On the Dumfries Web site Ms. Barr writes, “…I will diligently work to ensure fiscal responsibility” This is quoted from an elected official who has been chronically late since 1996 or doesn’t pay her fiscal
town responsibilities until threatened with legal proceedings.  Regardless as to whether she paid all fees days or hours prior to being elected.

Ms. Barr feels she is a normal citizen, just paying her bills and if she misses one, “oops” it’s no big deal. She’s non-apologetic for her actions.

I can understand an average person has a momentary lapse in oversight to miss one payment. But to miss several years of payments and have late payments and fines assessed on top of that is
ridiculous for an elected official. If Ms. Barr is still exhausted from a long day’s work and hits the pillow as soon as she gets home, what type of council person do we have that is staying on top of our
concerns and can make an informed decision concerning the health and welfare of our community?

JERRY FOREMAN

Dumfries