There have been several headlines recently relative to Christiansburg which garnered a good deal of discussion on various forums, but take a moment and reflect on what is not said.
For example, now that the chamber has dismissed their VP, will they replace that position or are they too cashed strapped and all duties will fall to the new president who came on board just a little over four weeks ago? What is not said is how a "full time" focus on tourism is to be funded, and whether the chamber's TDC will be involved? The TDC was a part of the chamber. When it comes to chambers, no one is discussing their relevance given positions taken (and actual outcomes) on a state or national level? Do these organizations truly represent the average business person licensed in Virginia, or just special interests?
Another example is upcoming local elections. First reported was the Roanoke city council seats, and then Salem. In Christiansburg, three council seats and the mayor's slot will be up for grabs in the town's final May elections. After 2010, these decisions will appear on November ballots, beginning in 2011. What is not said is that running for these offices cannot officially begin until after the New Year, but petitions with the signatures of at least 125 registered voters of the town are due soon. At the first town council meeting of the year, no incumbent made public comments about their intentions. For those interested, contact Voter Registrar Randy Wertz for particulars and visit the State Board of Elections web site.
Another not said: While it was reported Salem council positions pay $12,000, does anyone know the compensation for Montgomery Board of Supervisors, Radford, Christiansburg or Blacksburg seats? Does this include other benefits, such as access to retirement, health care, travel or training? How many meeting hours per year divided into the salary will tell you the average hourly rate of pay.
Other things not said, or not being discussed in Christiansburg's public meetings, include the fiscal year 2010-2011 planning calendar. These calendars have been published for the public school system, board of supervisors, and over in Blacksburg. Some public hearings to receive citizen comment have already been scheduled and some agendas have discussed expected budget impacts. Not in Christiansburg, where last year the Planning Commission chair said "I'm not really sure what we're supposed to do with this" when presented the town's proposed CIP budget. By charter, the commission is supposed to "plan" for these expenditures and create the budget, yet it appears they just give a cursory approval for what is handed to them.
The point is, don't just read the headlines and think you have a grasp of what is really going on. Don't just hope elected officials or organizations are your personal champions, taking care of your interests. Really, if you have not said anything because you weren't asked, do you want others just guessing?