Dear Readers of the Eccentric:

For the past three and a half years I have been privileged to write on many subjects of public interest as a columnist for the Middleburg Eccentric. This has given me a chance to think through many of the problems our society faces, and to suggest approaches to them consistent with my belief in moderate and consensus political action. Recent partisan political trends, concentrating on assigning blame instead of seeking solutions, in my opinion emphasize the widespread need for what Purple has tried to do.

I have now been asked by northern Virginia's Times Papers to join them in a capacity similar to that which I have enjoyed with the Eccentric. The wider geography covered by the several Times Papers, the Loudoun Times Mirror and the Fauquier Times Democrat among them, and their weekly rather than monthly schedules, lets them reach a far greater audience more often, and so offers an opportunity to carry the message of political moderation to many more people. Believing as I do that these matters are important to the future of our children, our region and our nation, I have agreed to accept the Times Papers' offer.

Sadly, their policy, like that of many news organizations, requires that I write columns exclusively for them. Thus I must say goodbye editorially to the Eccentric – you, its readers, and its management – who have been wonderful to work with.

For my part, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity The Eccentric has given me to stay connected with our community and our political world by embarking, those three and a half years ago, on yet another career, this one as a journalist.

Sincerely, and with fond memories, Bruce Smart