This is in response to Dale Brown's May 12 letter ["Here's another idea for Wilderness site"].
I find it very interesting that so many folks--out of state, out of the county, and even some noted actors--have an opinion regarding the site where Wal-Mart wants to build a store.
Mr. Brown seems to believe he knows what Wal-Mart management thinks. He suggests Wal-Mart "could show the community spirit it claims to live by and purchase the land, placing the entire parcel in conservation easement."
I can just see Wal-Mart management justifying to stockholders why they want to spend money to place land in a conservation easement so they can go down the road and purchase a less desirable location for their store.
However, this would appease the battlefield folks, outsiders, actors, and those who just plain don't like Wal-Mart.
I do not work for, have stock with, or enjoy shopping at Wal-Mart. However, I live very near where they plan to build the store, and I do not have a problem with Wal-Mart or any other corporation building a store on this property.
Almost anyone living in Virginia lives near a battlefield, as battles were fought
Two of my grandchildren found Civil War bullets on the back portion of my lot. Does this mean I should place my land in a "conservation easement"? I think not.
Why doesn't Mr. Brown or the other folks so concerned about the entrance to Orange County purchase this land and therefore prevent Wal-Mart from building where they feel is the best location for a new store?
Those of us in Orange County have the right and obligation to let our supervisors know what we want them to do. They can and will make what they deem the correct and best decision for Orange County.
Roy Strawhun
Orange