BPOL discussion shows rowdy and disrespectful GOPers

I just watched the vote on the BPOL fee for Stafford County that was placed on a Republican Blog spot and I was mad. But not the way the Republicans may have wanted. While the three Democrats and one Independent showed respect and listened to the what people had to say, it seems that the GOPers on the board (except for Mr. Sterling) showed a total disrespect for parliamentary procedure, constantly interrupting their fellow board members without being recognized and yelling, not letting the complete arguements be heard. I don't remember a scene like it before. I hope the GOPers learn some manners.

Another time.

As the pundits discuss Obama's electability in November because of his supposed inability to attract blue-color workers, I would like to quote from "The Crises of the Old Order" by Arthur M. Schlesinger, concerning another candidate, in another time of economic distress, "Roosevelt was still in the lead, so far as delegates were concerned, but within a fortnight his bandwagon momentum had been stopped. Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and California, wrote Walter Lippman, were the only real tests: and in all of these Roosevelt had made a poor showing. "When one remembers that he has been in the sight of the nomination for months, that he alone among the candidates has a nation-wide organization, that his name is Roosevelt, that he has sought to identify himself with the discontent of the people, his failure to show popular strength is remarkable." The professionals, Lippman added, had come to realize that if Roosevelt were nominated his weaknesses would develop so rapidly during the campaign that he would surely be defeated. "The truth is that he has not a good enough grasp of the issues nor the power of quick and firm decision to withstand the withering fire which the Republicans would subject him to." (p.293-294)

'Nuff said.

Re-establish the Transportation Commission

It is important that the Stafford Transportation Commission be re-established as soon as possible in order for necessary local traffic improvements can move forward quickly and efficiently. While the Planning Commission should be cognizant of and responsible for regional transportation planning, it is foolish and counterproductive to burden them with additional, purely local district questions like placement of a stop sign, or speed limits for local roads. A Supervisor who sees something come before the Transportation Commission that has regional or land use issues can elevate its discussion to the Planning Commission or Supervisor level. These instances will be rare and exceptional.

The Transportation Commission performed a critical and necessary function for the safety and quality of life of our residents. They did a superb job with a difficult and time intensive task, especially since the integration of the Youth Driver Task Force and its study into its organization and processes.

The Transportation Commission should be re-established with its former organizational structure in place. I agree with Byron Hinton, the former (now) chairman of the Transportation Commission, who opposed the idea of adding two Supervisors to the Commission. Supervisors can presently attend meetings to support their constituents, but not as voting members. That feature allowed the Commission political independence and prevented strong-arming and micromanagement by Supervisors.

Supervisors, do your constituents a favor by staying responsive to their community transportation needs. Bring back the Transportation Commission.

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year to all the Progressives and Populists in Virginia and especially in the Fredericksburg Area!
We had an exciting time last year with a record number of quality candidates running for local, state, and federal office. We learned a few things: while we are competitive and able to win elections on the local level where our candidates are able to get out and meet their prospective constituents, the conservative predisposition of the Virginia First Congressional District is hard to overcome even if large amounts of money can be expended to get the message out. A question will remain as to whether an independent progressive candidate can make any headway against the tides of conservatism in the area without a dooming Democratic label.
The good nes is that the Stafford Board of Supervisors flipped to the Democratic/Independent viewpoint and has a chance to undo stupid policies placed into effect over the last 2 years and to block any stupid policies contemplated by Paul "Swampland" Milde and Mark "Its Not My Fault" Dudenheffer. George Schwartz, Joe Brito, Bob Woodson, and Harry Crisp have the intelligence, knowledge, and leadership to do great things for Stafford and I thank them for their efforts.