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Powhatan BOS unanimously approves appointing Bustos to District 2 seat Published: October 15, 2009 By Michael Copley The Powhatan Board of Supervisors voted unanimously last night to appoint Marsell Bustos to fill the vacant District 2 seat on the BOS. That position was left open after Supervisor Charlie Green died October 2. Bustos, 50, was chosen from four candidates October 7 during a closed BOS session. Powhatan County Attorney John Rick assured residents at the October 14 meeting that all state laws had been followed during the board’s selection process, but some residents were still upset by what they labelled back-door, Chicago-style politics. Todd Rojcewicz said the decision was inappropriately made by the board without input from residents in the second district. He asked the board to reconsider its decision, calling for “robust debate” and an open interview process. “If Bustos is the best candidate after an open process, then he will have the full suppport of the county.” And Jason Moore said the board “Rushed to judgement in 10 days.” According to Virginia Law, the BOS had 45 days from Mr. Green’s death October 2 to fill the position. Moore asked the board to rethink the process quoting, he said, BOS Chairman Bob Cosby. “The county has been here for 200 years. It will be here tomorrow. Let’s take our time and do this right.” But the board was unmoved by residents’ comments and seemed indignant at claims it mishandled selecting Mr. Greens replacement. Moore felt due consideration was not given to residents’ concerns voiced during the public comment period October 14. District 5 Supervisor Carson Tucker said board members felt they needed to get “back up and running with the board facing a plethora of issues. [We] need all hands on deck.” And he said a major factor in the board’s decision was “Who right now can hit the ground running.” And addressing the call for an open interview process, Tucker said the board was simply “not going to vet those candidates’ strengths and weaknesses and our personal opinions about them” publicly. “That was the process we chose, whether you like it or not.” Bustos started work this morning, October 15, when he reportedly travelled with County Administrator Carolyn Cios to Powhatan correctional facilities. Asked if he would run in the District 2 special election, now planned for November 2010, Bustos told the Richmond Times-Dispatch it was too early to tell. “If another Charlie Green comes out of the woodwork, I’m probably going to have to give it a hard look.” |
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HOW COULD THE BOS THINK... of Powhatan
Oct. 15, 2009, 03:08 PM
How could they possibly think that the citizens would be happy with their close minded governance? They did not even consider the recommendations put before them. Maybe they feel their crowns are in place. Maybe since they have so much to do, they should meet once a week so they can get caught up with the long list of items they will have to deal with. They owe that to the citizens, but they will come up with some reason they don’t have to meet that often because of some technicality. HOG WASH! Election teams will be forming soon. Mark our words, BOS, our voices will be heard after this prank was pulled! Darrell Griffin of District 2
Oct. 15, 2009, 02:37 PM
The primary reason I did not attend is because I knew it would be wasted energy and breath. You could tell just by the gerrymandering of the agenda and where the public comment portion was origionally located and then relocated. The fact that Walton had a long prepared speech also gives that away as well.This was decided and was happening no matter who said what or why. This board has always done as much business as possible, behind closed doors and by “consent” wherever possible. Public Hearings, workshops and public comment periods are mere formalities. Very seldom does enough public input affect any type of change in the course already prescribed. During the brief time that Cosby was not the chair of the board, there was slightly more transparency. Now that he is again the chair and has not 1. but 2 puppets with him on a 5 member panel, you can expect more of the same. There is a time for citizens to send a clear message to politicians on all levels of govt. that back room, behind closed door deals….be they healthcare, porkulus, or appointments…...are no longer acceptable. Those times come every November in the state of VA. It is my sincerist hope that folks do not have short memories. THAT is precisely what politicians of all stripes count on. A Sad Day in Powhatan of Powhatan
Oct. 15, 2009, 01:59 PM
Did we really expect the BOS to do anything other than stick to their decision. They waisted time of the citizens and completely ignored our request to accept resumes for the position. Guess 1 or 2 weeks was asking too much! Considering the damage they did by pushing this thru, one day they may see it differently. But remember, it is legal! When the citizens addressed the BOS, their attention was obviously somewhere else. Mr. Daniel took down his email and would not return calls before the meeting. Mr. Walton almost had the group in tears over how long it took to defend his position on the issue. It was overkill to say the least and if it took him that long to explain how he felt, it just shows he was not comfortable with his decision or he could have expressed himself in several sentences. But remember, IT IS LEGAL! Don’t worry about the threat from WalMart, worry about how this vacancy was filled by a LEGAL manner - not fair or open but remember LEGAL. When the next BOS elections are held, maybe they will hear the voices of the citizens. Better get your resumes ready boys…guess the Chicago style politics has come to town! Submit Your Comments Below |
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