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Though I vote in another district, I spend about half of my time in Charlotte County, where I was raised and where my mother still lives. I read Del. Tommy Wright’s update of April 16 in this paper with the hope of renewed leadership that speaks to refreshes the needs and opportunities of rural communities like this one—maybe even a little encouragement about what went right in Richmond during the 2025 Session of the Virginia General Assembly. Sadly, I left the update disappointed. It is as though I read the political equivalent of a weather forecast predicting only doom (with a chance of finger-pointing).

Rather than using the space to share practical information—updates on education, healthcare access, infrastructure, or support for local businesses and the community of farmers—his column’s focus was on a repetitive attack of others who are not a part of the current MAGA movement. It’s not just tiresome; it’s a missed opportunity to connect with the very people Delegate Wright represents.

Instead of sharing what’s being done to help rural communities—like investments in schools, internet access, job creation, or healthcare—his summary served up partisan jabs with a heavy side of fear instead of sharing his plan. Fear mongering is not an actionable plan. Considering the fact that not all constituents in his district voted for Delegate Wright, it is his duty to represent “all” equally and unify people. In his April 16, 2025 update, he took to opening with the word “Worried?” as if it’s a greeting card from the apocalypse.

Opening with “Worried?” is a stand-alone question meant to provoke anxiety. It is less like a genuine question and more like a magician’s distraction—a rhetorical flourish meant to cover up the fact that nothing of real value was accomplished. Is Delegate Wright peddling fear or solutions that serve the needs of “all” constituents of the district? If you look past the smoke and mirrors, what’s left? No tangible policy updates, or legislative wins—just more reasons to be afraid and to blame someone else.

The use of rhetorical devices with the intent of pushing buttons has real consequences. Politicians on both sides often use rhetoric to manipulate, leaving people either alarmed or elated but rarely informed. Many readers in the community, particularly older adults, are already carrying a heavy load of concerns and feeling overwhelmed: about healthcare, safety, the future. Everyone deserves clarity and calm from their elected officials, not more fear. 

Leadership means more than casting blame and dispersions. Effective leadership manifests itself in impactful action beyond rhetoric. Effective leadership leads from the front and unifies, not divides. Effective leadership means showing up with actual plans and working toward real results equitably

serving “all” people. If there’s good news or meaningful updates, share them in a positive and promising manner, because good news brings hope, and that’s a whole lot more helpful than hysteria.

Future updates should focus on service in action and less on slogans and one-word openers.

Mitzi Mason Lee
Beaverdam