No bikes
Re “A wheel debate” (A1, Sept. 2): First of all, no bikes should be on the boardwalk at the Oceanfront. They should be on the bike path observing all rules.
When I first got an electric bike a few years ago, I spoke with a police officer about riding on the boardwalk. He said they were more concerned with behavior than the bike itself — speeding or dangerous operation. The pedestrians always have to be safe even if they were walking on the bike path.
I hope when the Virginia Beach City Council makes the rules they will consider the behavior that got them to this point. Speed limits and age restrictions could work. I hope they will realize that e-bikes have brought back a chance to ride again to those who no longer can use a regular bike. I assure you, I am not a danger to anyone while I enjoy my ride.
Martin Gazaway, Virginia Beach
Nursing facilities
Re “State details problems found at nursing homes” (A1, Aug. 24): This article reminded me of when my mother endured detrimental nursing facility irregularities in Chesapeake after her horrifying stay at a local hospital in 2021. I contacted the Virginia Department of Health about both entities in June 2022. In October 2022, the VDH notified me that my concerns with the hospital were investigated and my complaints substantiated. I never learned what measures were taken against the hospital.
No response came regarding the nursing facility, so I called, reaching a representative with the VDH in November 2022. I was told an unannounced visit would occur at the facility but there was insufficient staff to do so at the present. My efforts escalated, a letter and supporting documentation mailed to Gov. Glenn Youngkin in February 2023. In spring 2023, I was called by a supervisor with the VDH assuring he’d look into the matter. Six months passed so I left two messages with the VDH supervisor, which were never returned. I contacted the governor’s office again — October 2023 — no response. Three years have elapsed since first notifying VDH without an update regarding the nursing facility.
Health care negligence is inexcusable. VDH is tasked with monitoring the quality of care residents receive in nursing facilities. How concerning and unprofessional when an authorized family member receives no updates — worse, no resolution. Substandard care providers seem confident nothing is going to happen. It’s regrettable nursing home oversight is only now becoming a priority. This should have happened years ago.
Barbara Blythe, Chesapeake
Town halls
On May 4, 2022, Congresswoman Elaine Luria held a town hall at the Eastern Shore Community College. College President Jim Shaeffer moderated the packed full-house event.
Sadly, Luria lost her reelection that November, likely due to her heroic leadership on the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, to Jen Kiggans.
May 2022 was the last time our congressional representative held a public town hall. Unlike every one of our U.S. representatives who preceded her, Kiggans has chosen not to hold one in her more than three years in office.
Eastern Shore Democrats wrote Kiggans on Aug. 11 requesting her first town hall during the U.S. House August recess. The returned receipt for the certified mailing indicates her office received our request. But there has been no response.
Kiggans did attend the Accomack Republican Party monthly meeting on Aug. 18 at the Sage Diner.
Is Kiggans afraid she will be asked by the public to account for the inexplicable GOP funding cuts to health care, food assistance and schools? Or the economic damage of President Donald Trump’s tariffs? Or ICE attacks on businesses?
Or does she just not care about the full range of issues that impact us here on the Eastern Shore or what all of her constituents have to say? Hold a town hall, congresswoman.
Claire Poole, Melfa
