To the Editor:

Jim Councill should be commended for all of the work he has done to support the education of young children in the City of Franklin and in Western Tidewater.

Mayor Councill began the early childhood movement in Franklin several years ago. He grew this organization to include Southampton and Isle of Wight counties to reach many more children regionally.

Mayor Councill has participated as an active member of the Smart Beginnings Coalition, joining with 30 to 40 other community leaders to identify ways to assure that children arrive at school ready to learn.

Through the efforts of Smart Beginnings, children in Western Tidewater are entering kindergarten healthier and better prepared to succeed in school and in life. Many people talk about reducing the crime rate, increasing the high school graduation rate, raising the average income in this area, but Jim Councill understands that to do these things, the focus must be on the children from before they are born.

Even Jim’s wife has been a book buddy two times a week for years assisting young children to improve their reading skills. He is a believer and an investor in the welfare and education our children.

Patti Rabil
Franklin
Joyce Carter
Windsor
Martha Kello
Courtland