7 Republicans + 1 Democrat = More Jobs & Economic Development for Chesterfield Monday, December 5, 2005
Posted by Conaway B. Haskins III in Uncategorized.trackback
With the dust-up over the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission public hearing policies, the real deal regarding Chesterfield’s progress on development matters has been eclipsed. This is especially troubling because the county has an incredible opportunity to push the envelope even further as the Watkins Centre zoning case goes forward. However, I am optimistic that the leadership team that we’ve assembled here in Chesterfield will be fully capable of righting the PR ship and getting back to doing the people’s work.
As it stands now, Chesterfield’s Board of Supervisors has the best working nucleus that we have ever seen. In particular, three of the men on the board – Ed Barber, Kelly Miller, and Dickie King – have put their hearts and souls into their positions. They are not in the game for themselves, but for the best interests as a community. They often put partisanship aside and vote for what’s right – not what’s politically expedient. Despite being committed Republicans, King and Miller that voted to put Barber, a Democrat, in as Chairman for one main reason: Barber keeps his word.
Being a die-hard Republican, I don’t often support Democrats, but even I have to I acknowledge that the team of King, Miller, and Barber have formed the best BOS core for Chesterfield in recent memory. Still, given that it was the votes of two Republicans that put Barber in that Chairmanship, this is essentially a Republican team with Democrats helping to advance a common agenda. This is one of the biggest secrets in Virginia economic development as their story remains untold. The way I see it, all of us should be proud of the cooperation displayed by our elected Republican officials (and one Democrat) at all levels of government in the 4th Congressional District. The fruits of their teamwork are showing!
It is humbling to know that due to the work of Congressman Randy Forbes and the state and local office holders, over 7,600 new jobs will come to Chesterfield and the Tri-Cities region. Forbes worked long and hard on the House Armed Services Committee to ensure that 7,000 new jobs will be added to Fort Lee through the BRAC process. In the aftermath of the Pentagon announcements, Democrats and Republicans alike have overwhelmingly praised Congressman Forbes for his diligence that turned the base from potentially being closed or scaled back to actually expanding in operations and personnel.
On the state and local level, our elected officials have worked hard to increase commercial development in the county, particularly with the Virginia Information Technology Agency bill and the Meadowville Technology Park project. Delegate Sam Nixon (R-27th) introduced the VITA bill in the legislature, which will bring approximately 631 high-paying, high-tech jobs to Chesterfield at the Northrup Grumman VA Enterprise Solutions Center that will be located at the Meadowville Technology Tract. Jack Wilson – Bermuda District Planning Commissioner, former GOP 4th CD chairman, and a partner with major Richmond law firm Hunton & Williams – represented Northrup Grumman in their successful bid for the VITA contract process. Credit must also be given to Senator John Watkins (R-10th) and the county’s economic development office, headed at that time by Jim Dunn who is now heading up the Meadowville project. In a nutshell, Dickie, Kelly, and Ed formed the nucleus to make the dream of Meadowville a successful reality, and Jack sealed the deal.
This project is the biggest economic development deal in Chesterfield’s history, and it reflects a leadership philosophy of shared credit that works for the betterment of us all. Those of us in the GOP know that Barber has represented Chesterfield well in his tenure as chair, but it’s the Republican members of the BOS team shore up this County and make it prosper. This commercial development will go a long way in helping us get the local tax base to the 70% to 30% residential/commercial split that we strongly desire. Once Watkins Centre opens, this goal will be furthered even greater. The end result is that this serious economic development will help keep our property taxes lower as commercial development devours hardly any additional services.
Chesterfield is on the rise due to the diligence of the current Board of Supervisors, the core of which is two Republicans and one Democrat. This is an example of bipartisanship working for the community at its best, and it is simply a wonderful, shining example to the Commonwealth on how to work together for the betterment of a region. While I am not involved in the policy end, I do work on the political end, and my philosophy is that great policy makes for good politics. Based on this principle, everything else takes care of itself. The political & policy model that we have employed in the 4th Congressional District reaches into all areas, at all levels of government, for the betterment of all of our citizens. It is humbling to now see the results. In my mind, there is no better example of political cooperation for the people’s benefit in Virginia.
“Being a die-hard Republican, I don’t often support Democrats, but even I have to I acknowledge that the team of King, Miller, and Barber have formed the best BOS core for Chesterfield in recent memory.”
I think it is a good idea to support individuals who are good leaders and responsvie to the concerns of citizens, regardless of party affliation, especially when discussing local government. Anything else would be silly.
“The way I see it, all of us should be proud of the cooperation displayed by our elected Republican officials (and one Democrat) at all levels of government in the 4th Congressional District. The fruits of their teamwork are showing!”
This is known as statesmanship and should be applauded at any level of governing. Honor, integrity, and commitment to the welfare of the electorate are not, nor should they be, limited to individuals from any one party. Chesterfield is indeed fortunate to have elected officials who know this.
Correction: I should have said “citizenry” rather than “electorate.” Unfortunately, not all citizenry exercises their hard-earned right to vote.
Bubba’s “real deal” is quite a piece of “PRship” for Chesterfield’s bipartisan trio.
I am not impressed, in fact, I’m offended that a republican activist deems the county’s new restricted policy on public meetings a “PR” problem and “troubling” because it might rattle progress on the new Watkins Centre zoning.
It sadly appears that the republican ideals of personal liberty, which were born in this state, may perish here. The political price to keep these freedoms alive is apparently too high for some incumbents. If they encourage and support the public to participate in their government freely and openly, they might jeopardize Chesterfield’s “real deal”.
I’m sorry, but isn’t the trio getting sufficient public praise for the recently announced commercial development in the county. I say, shame on us for focusing on our democratic personal freedoms and not adequately acknowledging the bipartisan “heart and soul” efforts of the trio.
Seriously, kudos to all including the trio, who are helping to further economic development in Chesterfield and Virginia. But, don’t look over your shoulder for adoration while supporting policies, which can crumble democratic foundations. Virginians will take part in their government and they will not tolerate further government arrests at public meetings or policies that limit their view.
All the jobs in the world are not worth weakening our democracy. I think people will pass on this “real deal” in 2007 if more censorhip type policies and public podium arrests are in our future.
Go Kathy
Pleeeese! Bubba is kidding me right?
The best threesome in recent Chesterfield history! Is this a fraternity? Are we proud that three BOS members have made an alliance to box out to 2 BOS members and get whatever the three of them decide is important?!
Maybe they should appoint the Matoaca Supervisor since they have decided to not play with her. This is bullying in the adult world.
The BOS has little to proud of in the manner in which business is conducted. The business community laughs at this three ring circus that is performing in Chesterfield County!
Our officials are still operating in the Good Ole Boy Network. I’ll appoint your friend if you appoint mine.
It has become apparent to me that portions of Chesterfield are screwed. If you don’t live in close proximity to Watkins Centre or Centerpointe then don’t expect any facilities or infrastructure in your neck of the woods! All county money will be spent in the areas where these 3 clowns have friends or other millionaires to impress! The BOS will take no responsibility for the endless amount of new developments that is taking place without the roads and schools to support them. Citizens move to homes trusting the county will provide for infrastructure. Common sense would dictate it would follow. Imagine our surprise when we realize that our children will be grown before schools with severe overcrowding will be addressed. Their attempt to provide relief includes locating a school furtherest from the students that will attend it! Traffic has come to a screeching halt with reality that it will only worsen. Neighbors and friends are leaving our communities to find other officials who care about responsible planning. Many Republican Party members are in denial of the state of affairs of Chesterfield County. Bubba just proves to be another one of them.
Well Mr. Bubba…can you speak to that (Cathy Kirk and Shelley Schuetz)? I, personally, have no first-hand knowlege of the situation in Chesterfield, being from another part of the state. I spoke only to the information in the article. What’s the real deal here?
Here is my philosophy on Chesterfield, Love it, Leave it, or Change it. These are the options before any citizen, including Cathy Kirk and Shelley Schuetz. I don’t write this sarcastically or flippantly, but I do write it as a citizen who takes community responsibility seriously.
Contrary to the Schuetz’s assertion that the business community laughs at the competent majority of King, Miller, and Barber, the business community in Chesterfield applauds the accomplishments of s Virginia Enterprise Solutions Center coming to the Meadowville Technology Park…bringing 421 high paying high tech jobs with it. In addition, the entire Tri-Cities area business community stands up and applauds the work that Congressman Forbes, the Crater District Planning Commission, et al. (including Supervisors King and Miller) have put into ensuring that Fort Lee received an additional 7,000 jobs, with another 4,000 secondary jobs that are anticipated to be created, for a total of 11,000 jobs in our region.
I publicly challenge Shelly Schuetz to name anyone in the business community who does not applaud these exciting developments achieved by the competent tandem of King, Miller, and Barber. If Shelly Schuetz is unable to do so, her credibility is called into question. I demand that Shelly Schuetz support her assertion. Not with rhetoric, but with fact. Shelly Schuertz’s failure to do so will establish her name as being a third rate bomb thrower whose accuracy is slightly eclipsed by false unsupportable statements. I trust that Shelly Schuertz values honest debate enough to make verifiable statements, The readers of South of the James deserve no less.
Shelly Schuetz states that our officials are operating in the Good Ole Boy Network. Competency is not defined by gender and gender does not serve as a prohibition to run for political office. If Shelly Schuetz has a positive vision, and a roadmap on how to get there, please step up and run for political office. Turn your negative feelings into positive action. Are improvements needed to our transportation system in Chesterfield? You bet. There is always room for improvement in improving our infastructure. I trust King, Barber, and Miller to address these issues with competency and care while addressing the needs of our community.
Let me put this into another perspective, if you agree with someone 60% of the time, that person is not a 40% enemy, but a 60% friend. The problem with some folks these days is that they tend to define relationships with government, co-workers, etc. in the small percentage of the negative disagreement, while choosing not to define the relationship in the vast majority of the positive side of agreement.
I choose optimisim over pessimisim. I challenge folks to turn negativity into optimisim. Place value on accomplishment or working toward accomplishing something positive for the betterment of the community. I also agree that Chesterfield has infastructure needs. I practice this philosophy of value on accomplishment because I gave several community presentations on behalf of the bond referrenda that appeared on the ballot in 2004 in Chestefield for new school construction, transportation improvements, public safety improvements, public park improvements, and library improvements and new library construction. Again, there is always room for improvement in public infastructure needs in a growing county. Sadly, Shelly Schuetz is on the negative side of the ledger, with no hope about the positive direction of our county coupled with her inability to place trust in the competent tandem of leadership that we have. I believe our best days are in the future as a result of the good work of this leadership tandem.
If Shelly Schuetz truly has a passion for her County, not just a passion for ensuring that a middle school is built in her backyard, she should run for political office. This is provided that she has the ability to articulate a positive results oriented vision on job creation and economic opportunity. See my opening sentence, Chesterfield, Love it, Leave it, or Change it. Please don’t take this as sarcasam, but pick one and run with it, but watch out because you could force yourself into doing something positive.
Now is the right time for an old paraphrased saying from I’ve forgotten who: There are two types of people in this world, those who can and those who can’t. Both are true. Shelly Schuetz, which one are you? Step up or sit down. What’s your “Deal” now?
- Bubba
…and you spoke to it quite well. Thank you Mr. Bubba.
I do, however, have one more question. With regard to Cathy Kirk’s statement,
“All the jobs in the world are not worth weakening our democracy. I think people will pass on this “real deal” in 2007 if more censorship type policies and public podium arrests are in our future.”
Has the price of progress become the censoring of public opinion, or is this a rant based upon some misunderstanding?
Correction, Mr. Annonymous. I would, however, really like to hear Mr. Bubba’s take on all this as well.
AWCHENEY:
The response was from me, I had trouble posting using bubbaknowsthedeal login last night, so I asked Conway to post the response for me. Regarding the statement “All the jobs in the world are not worth weakening our democracy. I think people will pass on this “real deal” in 2007 if more censorship type policies and public podium arrests are in our future.” I think what the writer is referring to is this situation: folks appear before the planning commission and the Board of Supervisors to speak about zoning or rezoning cases. Folks used to be on their honor to only address the issues pertinent to the case in question. In other words, if the Clemmons property is scheduled for a rezoning hearing, from agricultural to light commercial, then the Board’s new policy would hold you accountable to speak to that issue, and not speak about high traffic volumes on a secondary road five miles away. I believe the Board of Supervisors has a provision that allows for this very discussion during a meeting. What sense does it make when you are running a business meeting discussing an issue that involves one topic, yet someone else with another topic wants to turn the discussion of the topic at hand into an unrelated and non-germaine issue? Again, I belive that the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors has a provision that allows for free and open discussion on any topic during their meetings, but it is scheduled to happen during an alloted time, not during the discussion of some 40 o 50 different zoning or rezoning hearings. Keep the discussion germane to the topic at hand, it that unreasonable when a speaker is allowed to discuss the issue of their concern during a later point of the meeting?
Let me finsih with this nugget: No one has trademarks on rationalisim and patience, and while free, some choose not to put ‘em in their shopping cart.
First of all, I love Chesterfield – it is my home. I won’t be leaving it. And I plan to Change it. As far a Community Responsibility, you would be hard press to find a citizen in my community that doesn’t believe that I take that seriously.
Of course, the business community is thrilled about the prospect of the Virginia Enterprise Solutions Center coming to the Meadowville Technology Park. The business community is excited about the prospect of 11,000 additional jobs coming to the Tri-Cities because these individuals will need homes and will spend money. That doesn’t eliminate what the business community is also saying. Chesterfield is one of the most difficult counties that they have ever worked with.
Like you, they prefer to remain faceless because I have learned that business community leaders are afraid of what might happen to their business if they speak out. Those businesses that have been so lucky to have the County utilize their services don’t want to be left out on the next bidding list. Employers are afraid to speak out not only for their Chesterfield employees, but for themselves. Most live in the County. I’m waiting to find out what our officials have planned for the roadmap to the much needed schools and roads that these new Enterprises will create. Developers and the County Officials owe it to the citizens that live here to provide for them.
Unlike you I’m standing by my name. I’m not hiding behind a pseudonym. I may be the “unexpected third rate bomb thrower”, but my county leaders should have thought of that when they took the school from the children in my community. Please go ask your competent “tandem”, King, Miller and Barber, if I have only spoken for the school and if I have been seen since their June decision. I have made it my personal mission to facilitate change in Chesterfield. I attended Barber’s Community Forum for Economic Development. I attended the announcement of the Meadowville Project. I’m attending the School Board’s Budget Work Sessions. I get the bigger picture.
Only politicians think that if folks speak out then they must have a political agenda. They think the average citizen can’t surely care. I’m here to tell you differently! I certainly didn’t get involved to run for any political office, but I won’t rule anything out. I’m not the type of citizen that complains, but doesn’t offer suggestions and doesn’t offer my hand. The political leaders might wish I would go back to my Women’s Club, PTA and other volunteer capacities. I’ve served on several boards not because I think only I can do it, but because I have always put my rhetoric into reality.
I have also realized that running for an office in my district, wouldn’t change anything if the rules of the current board are still in place. As you have so clearly stated, three members of a five member board are the majority and nothing the other two do can change that fact. Citizens need to know that what is truly going on and how it is affecting them. I have friends that live in the other districts not just the Matoaca District and they want the county to be united as one not three. Citizens may feel powerless at this time; however the power will come with voting in the next election and now is the time to demand change. The BOS held the School Board hostage to their demands in locating the needed middle school where the BOS wanted it not the recommendation of the School Board. I have learned that not only was common sense not used in locating the school but it was a poor business decision. And don’t try to come back with “But the School Board voted.” I’ve heard that BS and I’m not falling for it!!
Let me give YOU another perspective. The problem with some politicians these days is that they tend to define relationships with only other government leaders and those will financial influence. Most are lawyers that will debate both sides of the issue, but can’t see how most of the citizens are in the middle. Politicians like to then accuse those in the middle as having no integrity, no values and no principles. They try to belittle us citizens as not seeing the bigger picture as if we are not intelligent enough to get it. None of these things could be further from the truth.
As far as hope, I offer tremendous amount of HOPE. If your view of continuing with our “tandem” is optimism then I offer a different one. Just because my view is different doesn’t mean it is pessimistic. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am working on accomplishing something positive for the betterment of the community. Recognizing that we have transportation and infrastructure needs doesn’t make you a genius. Your philosophy of value on accomplishment is like having another baby, but not have the capacity to provide for the ones that you already have. It doesn’t mean that you don’t want another child; but it is called responsible planning!
Just because I’m a stay at home mom with 3 children doesn’t mean that I’m uneducated, and unable to understand complicated issues. I have stepped up and I won’t be sitting down. That’s MY deal! I’ll see you at the Chesterfield Republican Christmas Gala on Saturday!
I understand, Mr. Bubba. We have had similar problems involving short-sighted, narrow views in our own area. It’s the nature of the political beast. I stand by my “statesmanship” comment and thank you for the clarification, which Ms. Schuetz then confirmed in her own statement.
I may be a “problem” but my views are neither short-sighted or narrow. Please speak to your own area it appears that you don’t know the “Real Deal” (as Mr. Bubba likes to refer) when it comes to Chesterfield . You can continue to stand by Mr. Bubba. It’s a short line. Your certain not to get lost.
Republicans are at a cross-roads do they keep to the same path? Bubba’s effort will continue to get Die-Hard Republican’s like yourself to vote for the next Democratic or Independent Candidate. I don’t believe I see Kilgore’s name on the Governor’s Mansion. Whether Republicans want to admit it or not, many Republican voters voted for Kaine. How do you think he got in office?
You presume much, Ms. Schuetz. If you are suggesting that I had something to do with Kilgore’s loss then you are indeed naive. You don’t know me, or my Republican Party history, although I could make an educated guess that it stretches back more years than you are old. Although I consider my vote to be very private (does the term “secret ballot” mean anything to you?), just this one time I will publicly say for whom I voted (no one who has ever known me has ever challenged me on that issue). I voted for Jerry Kilgore but, alas, my one meager vote couldn’t put him over the top. Perhaps you should do an in-depth analysis of the voter turn-out numbers, Republican voter turn-out numbers by region, etc. before you suggest that individuals with whom you are not familiar bear the responsibility for his loss. Then again, perhaps it is that divisive, shoot-from-the-hip attitude which could, perchance, have had at least some bearing on what happened, hmmm.
Sorry Conaway…I’m in a bad mood tonight.
My post was not to accuse you personally of not voting for Mr. Kilgore, but to cause readers to stop and reflect because obviously not everyone did. I will be the first to tell you that I am new to politics and I’m not a registered Republican or a member of the Republican committee, but I did vote thus exercising my right to participate in this discussion. I have lived my entire 39 years in Virginia. I will also tell you what others will share with me because they believe me to be open minded and fair. They have said that while they usually vote Republican in national elections they are willing to vote for the local officials who they think best addresses their local issues.
As a “newbie” to any political circles, I’m willing to observe and learn. I attended the Chesterfield Republican Party Christmas Gala because I am interested in seeing who supports the party and I want to get to know the individuals that might represent me in the future. Thus allowing me in the future to make and even more educated vote since we know that we can’t believe everything we read. The attendance was low – maybe 60-70 guest to a seating capacity of 150. Many of our local Republican officials did not attend. Where was Mr. Kelly Miller and Mr. Dickie King and Mrs. Renny Bush Humphrey? Mr. Bill Bolling came to speak and motivate us before going on to another appearance. Mr. Steve Martin attended, but did not stay to socialize with those of us that took time out of our busy holiday schedule to attend. Mr. John Watkins took time out his busy schedule to come even after attending several other parties earlier. He also mingled with many guests which from an outsider I have to admit that I like – a personal touch. I’m told that Mr. Kirk Cox was present, but I didn’t personally speak to him so I can’t say for sure. Mr. Sam Nixon attended and so did Mr. Lee Ware. It was the first time I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Ware and his wife and I have to say they were absolutely lovely. Mr. and Mrs. Larry Miller (Committee Chairman) stayed until the end making sure every guest enjoyed their evening. They were a perfect host and hostess. The food was great, the music was awesome and the conversation was lively for those that took time to engage. I know that not all officials like to partcipate in such events, but it is part of the political beast as you so eloquently put earlier.
Since folks would consider us a Republican state, then we must ask ourselves…”How did a Republican candidate lose the Governor’s race?”
My personal analysis of voters is this…
1. We have voters who consider themselves a Democrat or a Republican and of course follow their party line.
2. Voters who casted a vote for Kaine because they believed he had a better vision not because they consider themselves a Democrat.
3. Voters who chose not to vote at all because they didn’t like either candidate. Republican’s who didn’t like Kilgore’s message or the lack thereof and didn’t want to cast a vote for a Democrat so they allowed those that did vote to determine the outcome.
4. Some State employees voted for Kaine because they like what they currently see and they didn’t want the turmoil that comes when changing the current administration for state employees.
5. And we always have those that don’t vote because they don’t think they can make a difference or they don’t educate themselves on the issues. They think, “Let those who know what is going on determine who runs our government.” (I know this perspective because I use to be one of them.)
One of my questions would be…
Does the Republican Party consider the many, many new Virginian voters which now reside in our beautiful state? We know for fact that many of our regions are experiencing tremendous growth. Many voters don’t know the past history of our Virginia officials so they must vote according to the campaigns that are run and the things that are happening in their local politics like their BOS. Does the Republican Party bear any responsibility for those registered voters that they couldn’t entice to get out and vote or those votes which they lost because of the negative campaign or Kilgore’s lack of vision on important voters topics? You are right in suggesting that I can not say with any certainty whether some individuals could bear some responsibility for Kilgore’s loss. However, it is my opinion that it was not one individual or one issue, but a cumulative one. I offer the opportunity to engage in healthy political debate not because I’m running for office. Quite the contrary since I’m not, then I don’t have to worry about being politically correct just honest. Are Politicians willing to engage with the public and listen?
With deepest sincerity
I feel compelled to educate Bubba regarding the provision of the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors that he believes allows for free and open discussion of any topic during their meetings. Based on his comments, I would surmise that he has never spoken at a Board meeting under that provision. I have. I have also been denied the right to speak on two occasions. On another occasion the County Attorney told me what my topic would be in response to my request to speak. I know another citizen whose request to speak was ignored for weeks and who has also been denied the right to speak.
According to the Board’s procedures, citizens may apply to speak during a time period regularly scheduled at the end of the afternoon session of the Board meeting, not during the evening session when most citizens will be present or watching at home. Citizens must apply by noon on Thursday prior to the Board’s meeting on the following Wednesday (six days ahead of the meeting). Thus, they are not allowed to come to the mike at the end of any session to address something they did not get to address during any public comment period during that meeting. They must submit their topic and detail the nature of the issue to be presented and the remedy sought, if any, when they submit their request to speak. Citizens may not address issues within the administrative province of the County Administration among other restrictions. The requests are screened and the County Attorney and the County Administrator may review the requests and decide that they will not allow the speaker to address the Board. This procedure is especially effective in preventing criticism of the administration.
During the Board’s Hearing of Citizens on Unscheduled Matters on August 24th of this year, I asked the Board to review their procedures to permit the freedom of expression embodied in the First Amendment for Chesterfield citizens. I informed them that my review of procedures for Henrico, Goochland, Hanover, Powhatan, Prince William, Loudoun and Arlington County revealed that none of those counties imposed such restrictions as Chesterfield does. They do not require citizens to sign up to speak days ahead of time. Neither do any of those counties require the county attorney to prescreen the remarks of the citizens as far as I can tell. The only Supervisor to acknowledge my request was Mr. Art Warren of the Clover Hill District.
Mr. Ed Barber, current Board chairman, has never acknowledged or responded to my request before the Board to change its procedures. At Wednesday night’s Board meeting, Mr. Barber indicated that the Board had asked the staff to review other counties’ procedures prior to the adoption of the Board’s Operating Procedures that takes place each January. This came after his comments to the effect that Chesterfield has the most open government around. I suppose all this talk about Chesterfield’s open government was meant to counteract some of the negative publicity the county has received lately because one of its residents was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct when he was addressing the Planning Commission during a recent public hearing. The judge dismissed the case Wednesday morning in Chesterfield’s General District Court. During 2005, two other citizens were removed from the public meeting room before they completed their comments.
It was noted, however, that the case being addressed by that speaker who was arrested at the Planning Commission hearing was withdrawn from the Board’s agenda last night. That effectively prevented those who had come to address the controversial issue of coal mining shafts under proposed new houses from airing their concerns. As for staying on topic, a review of tapes of meetings of the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, and the Board of Zoning Appeals for just the current year will reveal that some people are allowed to stray off topic repeatedly (or even to never get on topic) and to talk for longer than the allotted time without being challenged. Certain people are much more likely to be asked to comply with the rules. It is this selective enforcement of the rules that has many Chesterfield citizens riled. Some of the officials themselves could stand to follow these same rules if efficient meetings are desired.
Mrs. Stewart:
I have spoken at a public meeting regarding redistricting. I signed up to speak in advance (over the phone) because that was the procedure. Citizens should have the right to speak on any topic they wish, period. I was certianly allowed this RIGHT when I spoke on a topic that was germane to the agenda, and everyone should be allowed the same. I am a veteran that served in Operations Desert Shiled, Desert Storm, and Provide Comfort. I know firsthand the price folks have paid for free speech in this country…and continue to pay.
While I do sincerely appreciate your comments, I hope you understand me when tell you that I need no education or lecture on free speech, my “contribution” towards this right, your right and mine, haunts me to this day. Please don’t take that as me being flippant or sarcastic because these principals were the foundation of me joining the service. Free Speech is an absolute right, even though it may not come when you want it. Based upon your comments, “citizens may apply to speak during a time period regularly scheduled at the end of the afternoon session of the Board meeting,” Your right of freedom of speech does not appear to be denied, though it may come at a time that is not conducive.
The distinction between your speaking efforts and my singular speaking engagement before the Board of Supervisors MAY be this: My comments were germane to the topic at hand which was redistricting; my comments were related to a published agenda item. I don’t know the topic you wanted to address or if it was germane to an agenda item, but I strongly believe that a citizen of our Country, State, or County has an absolute right to speak before an elected body. We live in a Republic form of Government that is based upon citizens providing input to their elected representatives. I see no problem with having a comment period for the discussion of issues that are not germane to the published agenda. I applaud your civic activisim and I believe you are a person of great character. I also believe the Members of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors are doing a wonderful job. Is there room for improvement? You bet. There always is in a Democracy. Happy Holidays to you and yours.[Signed] BUBBA KNOWS THE DEAL
Hmmmm……..I’m beginning to wonder if Bubba really does know the deal or has on thick blinders….
To the contrary Anonymous 5:32 p.m.; The story I wrote was about the positive creation of over 11,631 jobs coming into the Chester area and the Fort Lee area. Just because I don’t believe that an evil conspiracy exists which allows Contractors to build more residential houses behind every bit of good news, such as job creation in our County and region, does not mean I have blinders on. We are competing with China and Japan man, wake up and be thankful we are getting High Tech jobs in our region, be mighty thankful. If you don’t get what I am talking about, go back and re-read my original article.
Bubba,
I went back to reread your original article and I would like to ask you….Was the Crater Planning District Commission instrumental in bringing over 11,000 jobs to these two areas of Chesterfield?
This information was taken from Crater Planning District Commission website http://www.craterpdc.state.va.us/
“In 1985, the Crater Planning District Commission was formally designated as an economic development district by the U. S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). The Economic Development Administration provides grants for infrastructure development, local capacity building, and business development to help communities alleviate conditions of substantial and persistent unemployment and underemployment in economically distressed areas and regions.
Since 1985 the Crater Commission serving as the economic development district for the Crater region has received planning funds from EDA to assist communities build capacity to focus on long-term economic challenges. The Crater EDD also serves as the coordinating entity for various other Federal and state programs.
In response to the VA General Assembly’s enactment of the Regional Competitiveness Act in 1996 (Section 15.2-1306-1310 of the Code of Virginia), the Crater Regional Partnership was created to analyze the competitive strengths and weaknesses of the Crater Region, and develop a regional economic development strategic plan to guide efforts to address those weaknesses and increase the overall economic competitiveness of the Region.
Crater Region: Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George and Sussex Counties, and portions of Chesterfield, and Surry Counties; Cities of Colonial Heights, Emporia, Hopewell, Petersburg.”
From reading this site, it appears that many individuals including Clover Hill District Supervisor, Art Warren, (R) and Renny Bush Humphrey (R) have served on this committee for the Crater Region representing Chesterfield County. In fact, some of our newer officials were not even in office for the conception of this commission and they have reaped the fruits of their predecessor’s hard labor. It seems disappointing that you are not giving credit to all the individuals that are responsible for bringing economic prosperity to Chesterfield and the Tri-Cities area. One of the reasons for my original response was to reiterate that not all the Republican officials are recognized or appreciated for their efforts. Is it your opinion that only a select few officials deserve public recognition?
From my understanding, the lobbyist who was hired to advocate on behalf of Fort Lee’s expansion was hired through the Crater District Planning Commission which does represent the following localities: Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George and Sussex Counties, and portions of Chesterfield, and Surry Counties; Cities of Colonial Heights, Emporia, Hopewell, Petersburg. My article was not about the entire Crater Planning Commission, but the Chesterfield portion of it, espicially those whose districts will be most impacted from this Development in the Enon area.
I can tell you that since taking office in 2001, Congressman Forbes and his staff have been working overtime in D.C. to ensure that Fort Lee not only survived the BRAC process, but came out with a net gain of jobs. The efforts and results of Congressman Forbes have built upon and exceeded those of Congressman Sisiskiy, who is the gentleman that held the Congressional seat prior to Forbes. The Crater District Planning Commission worked marvelously in this process, but again, my story was just to explain the Chesterfield’s piece of the puzzle in this process from my perspective and observations.
To answer your direct question, the implied thesis of my article was based upon the Virginia Enterprise Solutions Center coming to the Meadowville Technology Park coupled with the immense job expansion at Fort Lee. A lot of folks played parts in one (Fort Lee expansion) and a few folks played parts in the other (Meadowville). While not all folks played big parts in both; some folks did play big parts in both. Don’t be disappointed in the truth. This is not a meant as a negative, but rather proper attribution and credit to the local team atmosphere which fostered and enabled such a well respected corporate giant like Northrup Grumman to locate their Virginia Enterprise Solutions Center in our community. In my view, Chesterfield’s team oriented approach is fostered through the leadership tandem that is exemplified by BOS Chairman Ed Barber, Dickie King, and Kelly Miller. Thus, credit should go to the leadership of the Chesterfield BOS and those who voted to install it and support it on the BOS.
Since the Northrup Grumman’s facility is located in the Bermuda District represented by Richard M. “Dickie” King and since Bermuda District Planning Commissioner Jack Wilson represent the District, they were the natural beneficiaries to sound the clarion of this wonderful news. Jack Wilson is also a partner at Hunton & Williams Law firm which is a HUGE law firm that represented Northrup Grumman in their successful bid to win the state contract to manage and implement the privitization of VA’s IT workforce and IT infastructure. If you need more independent verification of what I am telling you, go online and check out the Chester Village News’ Article on this announcement from a few weeks back. Delegate Sam Nixon’s bill enabled the vision of VITA to become reality. This reality is now realized because Delegate Nixon’s bill basically allowed the state to privatize its IT workforce and infastructure. The state employees that work in IT will be given the option of a nice 10% or 15% increase in pay if they join Northrup Grumman and they will be automatically vested in Northrup Grumman’s retirement plan (which I believe is a 401K) in lieu of no longer being affliated with the Virginia Retirement System. This great news for the state’s IT workforce…more money in their pockets which means more money in our regional economy which means more tax revenue to support Chesterfield Schools and more tax revenue to Chesterfield to keep its soaring real estate tax bills low. This is attributed to Delegate Nixon’s VITA privitazation bill….this is properly known as the genesis which started it all. It would be a stretch, a HUGE stretch, to think that ANYONE one the Chesterfield BOS deserves credit for Delegate Nixon’s VITA Bill. Again, this is not a negative, so please don’t look at it that way…it’s just the truth. Every locality in Central Virginia and Southwest Virginia was trying to land these 600 plus jobs that Northrup Grumman was going to house at their new Virginia Enterprise Solutions Center; yet Chesterfield won out. Why? It was not because Art Warren or Renny Bush Humphrey sealed the deal, it was because of the skill and savvy that Jack Wilson, the uber lawyer extrodinaire, brought to the table in promoting the Meadowville site to Northrup Grumman who was also a client of his law firm. Again, this is not an implied negative on anyone else, it is just true that we should build a very large monument to him for his advocacy on behalf of our county. This is what loyalty to your county is all about. This is why folks get into public service….to better their community, OUR community. When you see great leadership in action, be mighty thankful to those that foster it because we are in direct competition with China, Japan, Korea, and the European Union over whose children will have a better standard of living in the near future. Know your competition. Think Golbally and Act locally. The current leadership team we have on the Chesterfield BOS, and those that voted for it, understands this concept. Merry Christmas to you and yours.