Town-county agreement brings us opportunity

Published January 24, 2011 in the
Culpeper Star Exponent

 

They were calling for snow; it was dark and cold outside, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello to the South, James Madison’s Montpellier to the East, George Washington’s Mt. Vernon to the North, when leaders from a small community, Culpeper, Virginia, met to commence an epic milestone for the people that they represent. Their place in time, a confluence of experience and providence setting the stage for a moment of remarkable leadership and courage.

Many had tried in the past and felt the sting of drawbacks, as if there were inevitable barriers to success. Though the drawbacks seemed as if they were failures, in truth, they were a foundation, a path that could be followed toward finding a solution. Despite the fog of the past, there were those who persevered, in the vision that had laid the foundation of progress, with an enduring fortitude for success.

The County Board of Supervisor Tom Underwood read the motion for the Board of Supervisors, the motion seconded without delay; Chairman Chase called the vote, Ayes All. Councilman Dave Lochridge read the motion for the Culpeper Town Council, motion seconded without delay; Mayor Coleman called for the vote, Ayes All. 16-0 was the count, yes we support moving forward with the Joint Town and County Water & Sewer agreement. Rarely are there cheers in a public meeting of the Town Council or the Board of Supervisors. However, this was no ordinary evening – as if the Culpeper team had just scored the winning touchdown in a regional championship, the crowd cheered with heartfelt congratulations!

There are a few steps forward and there are details to be worked out. However, we are on the right track. An agreement would support opportunities for job creation and economic improvement. We face external challenges that are significant with competition for jobs from very focused regional and global sources. Now is the time to take inventory of our joint Town & County strengths and find ways to leverage them for our best result.

We are very proud of the Culpeper Board of Supervisors and the Culpeper Town Council. We are especially appreciative of the leadership of the Town Manager Jeff Muzzy and staff, and The Culpeper County Administrator Frank Bossio and staff. Our investment in the Water & Sewer issue has been a challenging with many hours contributing to current solutions. We now have an opportunity to build on this success by devoting our resources to emerging issues.

We have an opportunity to find solutions to reducing foreclosures, shoring up real estate values, bringing our tax revenues to needed levels. We have an opportunity to focus on the potential for another reservoir, strengthening our water supply for future generations. We have an opportunity to support our schools and teachers, providing additional resources in enhancing the education of our youth. “If it is going to be it is up to me” – Brian Tracy – It is up to us to move us forward. Great job TC and BOS…