A virtual media blitz unlike anything experienced in the history of Christiansburg occurred this week. Well, not really "virtual" because the only thing about
Vision 2020 currently on the town's website is the
FOIA required public notice about the retreat. And while the Mayor is on record as embracing the letter and intent of this law, no one bothered to republish when or where their three day retreat was continued and concluded. Such tactics previously created
quite a stink in Salem.
The term "media blitz" is used because articles about Christiansburg's
Vision 2020 appeared in both the
Roanoke Times and
News Messenger. One hardcopy gave 20 bullet points, or goals. So while town officials were able to get this message out to some media sources, they didn't immediately bother to put this information on their
new and improved website or send it out via their "Notify Me" feature. The town's regular procedures are to charge for every single piece of paper they are asked to provide, yet these reports indicate "printed copies" will be made available for people to drive and pick up. Yeah, that's green.
Then the blogosphere jumped in (the Mayor told folks at
this week's News Channel 10 "
Community Meetings" these are a major source of citizen input used to develop this vision):
While the title certainly isn't original (currently used by the
NRV PDC and blogged here as
20/20 Hindsight), don't believe the plan specifics are either.
Take a look at Christiansburg's dusty Comprehensive Plan "
Goals, Objectives and Strategies" which Council adopted in 1975 (34 years ago), updated in 2003 (6 years ago) and supposedly "reviewed" in 2007.
The earnestness of some sitting Council members is not a question here, rather an
ability and willingness of the manager and his "key staff" to define specific tasks, identify related funding needs or constraints, and execute targeted plans to realize goals in a realistic timeframe which meets
citizens desires. Not those of elected representative's, not the administration's -- a majority of citizens.
What is quietly embedded in media reports is
establishing the expectation for increased taxes, whether through real property or otherwise. Not focusing on the percentage of the existing budget which already provides extensive funding of
recreational facilities that may indeed net some revenue, nor what cost this type of "investment" represents as regards a rate of return for taxpayers (those promised lower taxes or improved quality of life, if the facilities are accessible to residents). Not focusing on
gaining efficiencies through any realignment of existing resources.
Time for another chart! Watch for a summary comparing
Vision 2020 goals with those found in the Comprehensive Plan, with any milestones noted as may be found in public meeting minutes or from past funding through town taxes or
grant monies. Think of it as one
vision for a progress report and a way to support the town's desire to connect with the media. Stay tuned.