The decision by the Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors to extend County Administrator Wade Bartlett's contract by three years is good news for those who live and work and go to school in the county.

Mr. Bartlett has demonstrated a tremendous work ethic since arriving in July of 2007. He is conscientious, tireless, unafraid of new ideas, and flexible in his approach to the job. He has obviously learned well from his previous positions in local government, including finance director and treasurer for the Town of Pulaski, finance director for the City of Martinsville, where he also served as assistant city manager and then interim city manager.

Importantly, the Kentucky native has also proven himself able to communicate and partner with his counterpart Farmville Town Manager Gerald Spates. The two men have continued developing a positive relationship, which is vital to the best interests of Prince Edward County and the Town of Farmville.

Like Mr. Spates, Mr. Bartlett is a “can-do” person, a valuable attribute in the position of county administrator because there is much that needs doing.

Not surprising for someone who enlisted in the United States Marines and retired 20 years later as a major.

And a major he remains-a major asset to Prince Edward County and this community.

We salute the Board of Supervisors' decision.

-JKW-