BBJM - have you tried to find work outside of the county?

I cannot believe some people think this a good thing or are to lazy to drive to the Walmart either in Midlo or the West End.  I’m far out in the county and have no issue with the drive.  I choose to live out here; to get away from all of that.  If you want to live near that - move. Don’t bring it here.  Stop ruining what was once a beautiful rural community.

There are some of us who would love to see a Walmart in Powhatan.  I need a job.  I believe there are others who need jobs.  Keeping the rural character of Powhatan is all well and good but what about those of us who need a job to make a living.  We are not all so comfortable with our cushy houses and possibly good jobs.  Some of us are struggling and would welcome some new jobs in the county.  Scream and holler about Walmart all you want, however think about something other than trees and a pretty drive to work.  Think about jobs and families who need to eat.  These are hard economic times and yes we would all like to be able to just say no to a Walmart because we THINK it may destroy the rural character of Powhatan, however look at the economic impact it may have on some families.  They may be able to get off of welfare or the unemployment rolls and feed their families.  Stop the doom and gloom and perhaps try to make this Walmart a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.

We will be spending and wasting our money on a bunch of worthless crap from China and running our small owner operated business out of Powhatan. Rural character, my hind parts. Our chairman of our board of supervisors literally told the entire county that the board “as a group” had not met with anyone from Walmart. Whether or not Walmart comes to Powhatan, our chairman obviously knew about Walmart and talked down to the citizens of Powhatan like we are children. I think he has some serious explaining to the citizens of Powhatan as to his accountability after those statements. Smoke and mirrors, misdirection or or flat out talking down to the citizens of Powhatan is unfair and we should be enraged. Every single supervisor knew about the meeting and negotiations with Walmart. Public servants do not decide what we should and should not know.

If you would like to discuss this topic online and be informed of the process you can go to:
http://www.facebook.com/gownby?=&new_box_added_id=87650334672#/group.php?gid=111368142338

All comments are wlecome—pro and con!

I used to live in Powhatan.. on 711.  With 288… development was inevitable.  I actually would prefer to see the sight a little further west.. It would be more convenient for people in Buckingham and Cumberland.  I would have no problem if they wanted to put it on the 60 corridor in Cumberland… As long as the county limits this type of business to planned areas.. they shouldn’t negatively impact the majority of the residents.. It’s not like living next to a quarry is such a great option either right?  or Chickenhouse?  (I don’t mind personally.. but I know some people do and would)

Just what we need—another trashy, low-end retail business on Route 60.  The pros and cons of Wal Mart are well known, and I won’t repeat them here, but Powhatan doesn’t need this business in that location.

I would welcome a Walmart so close to my home. Driving so far to the current locations is a waste of fuel and time.  One large store is not going to ruin Powhatan’s rural nature especially since it is towards the eastern side of the county. Turn off Rt.60/ Anderson Hwy at any point and you are surrounded by woods, homes and farms. As long as those areas are not built up with condominiums and town houses like in Midlothian, we’ll be just fine.  Our neighbors in Cumberland Cnty would enjoy a closer Walmart too.  I am also very happy there is now a mall at Rt.288…it cuts off having to drive through alot of busy traffic.  Walmart as the big bad boogy man is just labor union propaganda and is rather tiresome to hear all the time.  I and many others will welcome Walmart to Powhatan County!

“Our Government works for and with our community”
“Powhatan County Government works with and for our community to provide opportunities for personal and professional prosperity WHILE ENJOYING AN EXTRAORDINARY QUALITY OF LIFE.”
This is the opening statement on the Powhatan County web site.

My Personal Opinion -

Well, apparently our “Government” wants Powhatan County to become the next overcrowded, business repetitious, over housed county to mirror Chesterfield County.

Anyone been to Waynesboro, VA lately and seen how in a 2 short years Walmart has totally destroyed that peaceful area?  Yes, it brought people and overworked, underpaid, part-time, no benefit jobs and destroyed the town to boot.  There is currently a class action suit against Walmart because of the unfair way they they treat their employees.

We moved from Chesterfield County to rural Powhatan County to get away from all the mess their “Government” created.  Residence from Buckingham and surrounding counties already recklessly commute through Powhatan County every day to get to Chesterfield and Henrico.  711 is one of the most dangerous roads in the area because of this increased traffic to 288 and 60 is just as dangerous with speeds often exceeding 65 mph including the large tri-axles from Luck Stone and logging trucks.

WHY HERE?????  Why not closer to or in Buckingham County or surrounding counties further out to help the residents (if that’s what they boast they will do) of outlying counties that have no business base.  There is already a Walmart within 25 minutes driving time from just about anywhere in Powhatan County already so now we need one on every block?

Did anyone see the documentary on Walmart and how their executives will stop at nothing to get what they want and stated they didn’t care whether local residents wanted them in their area or not? and that they would do what they wanted regardless?

Putting a Walmart in this area will open a Pandora’s box that will be regreted for a very long time.  Look elsewhere in Virginia where they don’t care if they destroy our Battlefield Monuments - our History.

If our “Government” can’t stop this impending disaster to our county - for it is OUR county not just theirs - Perhaps they should no longer be our “Government”?  We trusted them and what they said they stood for to elect them into these offices - do they conscience enough to stand by their word or are they just politicians? 

KEEP POWHATAN COUNTY AN EXTRAORDINARY PLACE TO LIVE.