Planning Commission guilty of a crime against the people

Date published: 11/12/2002

A "process" has betrayed the will of the people. The Nov. 6 meeting of the Spotsylvania Planning Commission proves that absolute power corrupts absolutely.

It did not matter to the Commission that a vocal and articulate turnout opposed the Dogwood Development Group's plan for Chancellorsville. Attempts by Chairman Wayne Ervin and Commissioner Hugh Montgomery to stall the process went unheeded. Some serious questions needed answers, but apparently the decision had been made before the first bench was filled.

With their pre-ordained decision, the commission cast the first stone--and cast it upon themselves. Their faces showed their own shock and amazement that they were passing this recommendation on to the Board of Supervisors.

I wonder if fear actually entered their souls? Not a fear of physical danger to their persons, but a fear that perhaps they have sinned and now the shame associated with each "yes" vote will sink in. There must be some serious introspection going on now. Sort of a "Gee, what did we just do?" Duh.

At two previous "information meetings" the public turned out to voice opposition to the development. A professionally conducted poll declared nearly 70 percent of those asked were in opposition.

A county supervisor was elected the very night before the Planning Commission meeting on a platform opposed to the project. He represents the district within which the town is proposed. Will he have a chance to vote on this issue?

A national coalition opposed to Dogwood's plan was ignored. I guess it does not matter how we are perceived by the nation. It follows that if county officials won't listen to their own residents, why listen to "foreigners"?

The die has been cast. In like fashion, I suspect the Board of Supervisors will disregard the true voice of Spotsylvania County, its people.

It's unfortunate that a year remains before county voters can vote a change in that board. The damage will already have been done along Route 3. But one thing is certain: the rape of an historic landscape will be judged a crime by the constituency. You can take that to the bank.

John Cummings

Spotsylvania

John Cummings is director of the Spotsylvania Battlefield Education Association.

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Date published: 11/12/2002