By Daniel G. Jones
Powhatan Resident

“What an amazing contrast [Goochland is] to our own situation here in Powhatan, where our county fathers also had a vision of attracting economic development to a specific area and, some years ago, authorized indebtedness to develop infrastructure along Route 60 ‘to attract development,’ only to now turn it away as Walmart continues to be frustrated by what appears to be either confused community leadership or no leadership at all.”
–From a column by Powhatan resident Jim Tucker, printed in Powhatan Today on July 28

In response to a point of view expressed  by a friend, Jim Tucker, regarding the Powhatan Board of Supervisor’s position on Walmart, as it appeared in the July 28 Powhatan Today, I offer the following observations.

First, is to place in perspective the utility infrastructure investment comparison of Goochland and Powhatan Counties. The magnitude of the Goochland investment in the Tuckahoe Creek Service District totals approximately $74 million compared with a $8.7 million investment by Powhatan in the Eastern Route 60 Business Service Area. Whether good or bad, the Goochland investment – a public sector investment - is nearly nine fold larger than the Powhatan public sector investment. The goal of both expenditures is to attract commercial development, jobs and tax revenue for both localities. Jim and I are in agreement, I believe, on this first point.
Second, according to Webster’s 11 New College Dictionary, a statesman is defined as a political leader regarded as a distinguished promoter of the public good. Also, Webster defines a populist as a member or supporter of the Populist Party or advocate of populism – a political philosophy directed to the needs of the common people. To label our five elected Board members as populists rather than statesman, is, I believe, misguided. Our elected leaders may or may not possess some characteristics of populists; but there is no doubt in my mind that they possess many characteristics of statesmen, as exhibited in their actions every month.

Third, I would not call the winner of a football game at the end of the first quarter or the winner of a baseball game at the end of the second inning; likewise, I would not judge the actions of our elected officials regarding the Walmart case until the end of the process and execution of a final determination. There is no doubt in my mind that our elected officials are working hard and negotiating vigorously for the best and highest interests of the Powhatan community, Powhatan residents and our future economic wellbeing. The Walmart project in question, and a final decision, will reflect greater balance and will be more advantageous to the quality of life of county residents, the character of the county, the majority will and the county’s economic and environmental integrity than would have resulted from a quick, easy and superficial decision.

Why? Because our elected leaders are well seasoned statesmen and staunch supporters of the future wellbeing of Powhatan County. A more advantageous outcome will have surfaced because our elected officials, even with their blemishes and shortcomings, are at heart statesmen.

Fourth, I am reminded of a sermon which both Jim and I were privileged to have recently heard regarding the “me, now, my way generation.” I feel certain that my friend is not a member of this generation. My hope is that skeptics of the recent Walmart action will stand aside, be patient, provide only constructive criticism and let our statesmen/elected officials work for our common good and judge only after a final decision is rendered. Jim, I suspect that, in the end, you will be reasonably pleased with the outcome, and possibly even the process, leading to a final Walmart determination, and the future path our statesmen will have prepared- with our help- for the community called Powhatan.      
 
Respectfully,
Daniel G. Jones, Powhatan Resident
My Point of View welcomes submissions that pertain to life and issues in Powhatan County. The views expressed in the column are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the editorial views of the staff of Powhatan Today.