By Michael Copley
Staff Writer

Powhatan Today Staff Writer Michael Copley asked Bustos about the recent outcry over his appointment and about his plans for handling the issues facing the county in the immediate future:

Do you think there would have been the same reaction from citizens if you were a republican?
“I can’t answer that, there’s no way for me to know. I’d like to think that’s not the case. Those who spoke out really did want input. I thought the board did a great job explaining [why they handled things the way they did] and I think deep down people heard what the board said and understood where it was coming from.”

How will the board’s handling of the replacement process and peoples’ sentiment towards it effect your ability to represent the citizens of the second district?
“More than ever I need to try to communicate the best I know how- to talk to [residents] directly, whether its phone calls or emails or in person.  I need to communicate that I’ll take care of their needs. I was not elected, I was appointed, and I’ll always work with an eye to what Charlie would have wanted.”

Why did you not- as some called on you to do- turn down the board’s offer under the circumstances and push for an open process?
“I got a call Wednesday [Oct. 7] from the chairman of the board and was asked to replace Charlie. I had gotten to know Charlie and [Cosby] asked me to serve for twelve months and then face an election. In my heart, I never thought it was inappropriate. But now I need to reach out to everyone who feels disenfranchised by the process. I saw it [the board’s reason for handling the process as it did] the way the board saw it — it was seamless and fair. I did get second place. And I kept in touch with Charlie and I have a feel for what he wanted. It would have been more destructive if we had done it the way some wanted. I thought it made sense and now we can get the next twelve months over with. I respect the other opinion, I really do, but anything else was an unrealistic scenario.”

Because looking at the Powhatan democrats’ Web site, the second complaint that group takes with the current board is its failure to listen to citizens in the county. How will you work to make the board more transparent to fix the problems your political party has pointed out?
“As of this moment, my commitment to the democrats has to be viewed through the much more intense commitment to the residents of District 2. This is not going to be a democratic agenda. This is Charlie Green’s agenda. The democratic agenda will have to be put on the back burner for 12 months. And I think the [Powhatan Democrats] understand that. I have got to do this party-blind. My commitment is to every voter in my district regardless of their stripes.”

A lot has been made of the content that appeared on the Powhatan Democrat’s web site under your leadership. Your comment on the issue?
“I was not cognizant of the hurt that web site caused. We have some vocal democrats who enjoy their freedom of speech. But I bare full responsibility. Maybe the website went overboard. There probably was a line we crossed where we were hurtful. All we can do is say we’re sorry and move forward. You know I met Charlie on election day two years ago, and the dude was better. I was joyous the next day when he won. Nothing good will come from being this confrontational. I’m afraid that Web site caused some real hurt.”

Weigh in on Walmart.
“We’re still in the information gathering phase. Charlie [Green] wasn’t going to make a decision until he had tried to hear from everyone. All we’re going to do now [by conjecturing] is upset people. I’m going to listen to every citizen in District 2, or try to. I may have to go door-to-door again and ask people what they think. But always with one eye on what Charlie would have done. That’s my responsibility.”

Some think the county should cap building sizes. Some have suggested 50,000 square feet is an appropriate size to keep big-box retailers out of Powhatan. What are your thoughts?
“We’ll have to look at the comprehensive plan when it comes out and in light of that plan decide how to approach big boxes.
But I can’t speak about that before we see the comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan is the sheet of granite everyone should march by. I encourage all residents to look at the plan when it becomes available and express how you feel.”