07/15/2010 by Goochland Gazette

INSIDE County organizations donate fans during heat wave > page 5

Volume 57, Number 28 • July 15, 2010

Goochland’s County officials ponder the economic future of the TCSD fire marshal Diversifying retires economic efforts could help, said Dickson at last week’s planning session By Amy Condra acondra@goochlandgazette.com

Tuckahoe Creek Service District, a water and sewer system covering 13 square miles, was created to ease economic development in the eastern end of the county by providing a ready-to-go infrastructure. But nothing about the TCSD has been easy. In 2002 the county borrowed $63 million from the Virginia Resources Authority to build the service district. That investment has already accrued more than $11 million in capitalized interest the county hasn’t yet started paying off, and its liability is growing at a rate of about $2 million per year. Deput y Count y

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Administrator John Wack confirmed to The Gazette last week that about $97 million of the county’s long-term enterprise obligations are tied to the TCSD. And if its pipes are defective, as Goochland Utilities Director Gary A. DuVal asserted last December after a force main broke on River Road, the TCSD could come with an even bigger price tag than already anticipated. The cost to fix the sewer line was more than $50,000, which, considering that County Administrator Rebecca Dickson told The Gazette last month that there is only $85,000 set aside for repairs and maintenance of the district’s infrastructure, is a significant sum. At a strategic planning session held last week, Dickson said that, in addition to Courthouse Village, the county needs to aim its economic development efforts on the TCSD. But West Creek Business

see TCSD> page 2

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Co-workers hold reception for ‘Fire Marshal Phil’ By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Photo by Ken Odor

Sites are available for development in West Creek Business in the TCSD. Development of the office park, once slated to house a giant Motorola chip plant, has been slow.

SPORTS GYAA Minors take title > page 9

Scores of co-workers and other well-wishers gathered at the Fairgrounds Building Friday afternoon to bid farewell to Phil Paquette, who has retired after seven years as Goochland’s first Fire Marshal. “Fire Marshal Phil,” as he is affectionately known around the county, retired after almost 29 years of paid fire service in addition to a number of years as a volunteer. Already in training for his new career working with the Transportation Security Administration, where he will be a Security Officer at Richmond International Airport, Paquette took time to look back on his career in

T H E

Phil Paquette the fire service, as he waited for the reception to get underway. “I started out as a volunteer in Phoebus in 1976 down in Hampton where I grew up,” recalled Paquette, now 51. He was working in heating and air conditioning at the time, but liked being a firefighter so much “I wanted to see about getting paid somewhere,” said Paquette, who had to pause frequently to greet friends as they came in the building for the program. He achieved that goal when he went to work as a see Marshal> page 3

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July 15, 2010

TCSD continued from > page 1 Park, which was poised to be the district’s bustling center of commerce, never attracted the goldheavy investors that were expected to rush in. “We all know that that the debt service challenge that’s facing us in the future,” said Dickson at Tuesday’s planning session, which was held by the Board of Supervisors at the Goochland Company 5 Fire-Rescue Station. So where will the county get the money to pay the bills that are stacking up in the TCSD?

A diversified economy Diversifying the county’s economic efforts could help, said county officials at last week’s meeting. “Real estate is the lion’s share of our tax base… and is about 54 percent of our total revenue,” said Dickson. Only 15 percent of the county’s real estate tax base comes from commercial real estate. “Assessment values were down this year,” said District 4 Supervisor Malvern “Rudy” Butler, “and we need to make up that difference with growth. We need to work on small businesses, we need a dry cleaner in Centerville, we need an auto parts store. We need to work on those businesses and hopefully we can do this, we can be diversified in what we try to do.” District 5 Supervisor James W. Eads disagreed. “”We’re not going to pay those bonds off with small operations,” he said. “We’re going to have to have at least $10-12 million per year of development, and that ain’t going to come from dry cleaners.” So where is it going to come from?

Attracting new business Dickson believes that hiring a new economic development director would, by working with the chamber of commerce and the economic development authority, help the county attract and retain

NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

businesses. “We need to establish a marketing plan for the TCSD,” said Dickson. “Right now we don’t have anything,” she added. Scott M. Gaeser, principal broker of Eagle Realty Virginia and chairman of the Tuckahoe Creek Advisory Committee, agrees that growth is critical to stabilizing the district’s tax rate. “Last year we had no choice but to have a tax increase because there was no economic development in the county,” said Gaeser. “I’m not saying we have to open the floodgates, but we have to be willing to share our county with other people.” “Every new user that comes in, residential or commercial, helps relieve the tax burden in the future,” he added. Gaeser says that increasing the number of users of the TCSD, which has been operating far below capacity, is the only way the district will be able to pay off its escalating debt.

Raising taxes Eads believes that the district’s ad valorem tax should be used to finance its costs. “The people who bought the bonds and got into the TCSD, they knew from day one that the county would pay 55 percent in real estate sharing and the ad valorem tax would pay the difference,” said Eads. “If the ad valorem tax is three dollars, that’s life.” The ad valorem tax, which was created to focus the tax burden on those who are benefitting from the system’s infrastructure, went up from 23 cents last year to 27 cents as of July 1. That tax is expected to go up each year to address the TCSD debts and the deprecia-

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tion of its infrastructure. Water and sewer rates for the district were also increased and applied to, among other costs, a $23 million wastewater commitment to the City of Richmond. Butler argues that raising the ad valorem tax could have a detrimental effect to those beyond the TCSD’s borders. “Our obligations are to all the people in this county,” Butler said. “We are not going to be able to borrow money if we keep raising the ad valorem tax to pay bond, if that has to go up to 50 or 60 cents, how are we going to get people to locate here?” Photo by Amy Condra

Engaging landowners Encouraging landowners to sell their property to developers would also help expand the TCSD’s customer base, said several supervisors. “Owners of different tracts of land didn’t want to sell it for such and such a price, and prospects went away,” said Butler. But TCSD Advisory Board member Clarence B. Robertson says that property owners in the district can’t be blamed for not wanting to sell during a bad economy. “Some people have land and they want what they want out of it, and they have the patience to hold on,” said Robertson, who is a partner with Landvest LLC and was involved with developing the Kinloch Golf Club, Kinloch Housing Development and West Creek Office Park. “Why should they sell their land, and pay a lot of taxes and get cash they can’t do anything with? Where would you put cash today? People are afraid of losing it.”

County Administrator Rebecca Dickson, left, and Deputy County Administrator John Wack meet with the Goochland County Board of Supervisors last week to strategize about the county’s economic future.

West Creek In the meantime the county is hoping that new businesses will move into West Creek Business Park, which, at 3,500 acres, is Goochland’s largest development. West Creek is located in the eastern part of the county and is served by the TCSD. Its tenants include Capital One, CarMax, the Virginia Farm Bureau, Performance Food Group and a satellite office facility for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Karen Nelson, a spokesperson for HCA Realty, says that plans are on track for the proposed West Creek Hospital to move in this fall. Last month HCA requested a review and renewal of a master plan for the hospital, which would ultimately be a 97-bed facility that could expand and diversify the county’s tax base, and provide employment opportunities for Goochland residents. Another proposed business in the TCSD is an Alligator Fuels

car wash and convenience store off Pouncey Tract Road, which was approved by supervisors last week. Sewer and water lines are being extended for the project. In addition to expanding water and sewer services, updating zoning ordinances would also make the district more attractive to businesses. “I’m convinced the county has to bring zoning into the new century,” said Gaeser. “Right now we still have zoning from the 1950s.” Goochland County Planning Director Bob Hammond said this week that there is no mixed-use zoning in the county. Mixed-use zoning would allow different types of uses, such as residential, office and commercial, to be located within one area. “We’re competing with other counties on economic development, but if we don’t have the lines, a road plan, a master plan for mixed-use or density, they’ll go to other places,” said Butler.

“I’m not saying we have to open the floodgates, but we have to be willing to share. Every new user that comes in, residential or commercial, helps relieve the tax burden in the future,” — Scott Gaeser, Chairman of the Tuckahoe Creek Service District.

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July 15, 2010 continued from > page 1 paid firefighter for James City County in 1981, eventually becoming Assistant Fire Marshal there. In 2003 Paquette became Goochland’s first Fire Marshal, when the county adopted the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. Among his achievements as Goochland Fire Marshal was the development of a Barn Fire Prevention Program in 2007, which won a governor’s award in 2008 for excellence in public-private partnerships, said Paquette. In 2009 he was elected president of the Virginia Fire Prevention Association (VFPA). James Barber, Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention for Albemarle County, praised Paquette’s work as president of VFPA. “Phil took VPFA to a place we’d never been before,” said Barber. “We’re now a member of the International Association of Fire Marshals,” a step up that Barber credited to Paquette’s leadership. An obviously moved Paquette thanked the crowd after newly hired Fire Chief William D. MacKay, County Administrator Rebecca Dickson and others praised his work for the county. “My decision to leave didn’t come easy,” said Paquette, fighting back tears. “It’s more like leaving family. If it hadn’t been for the volunteers this job wouldn’t have lasted,” he said. Paquette thanked the Sheriff Jim Agnew for welcoming him into the law enforcement community in his role as investigator. “We’re going to miss you man,” responded Agnew. Wayne Allen, who served as Interim Fire Chief until the appointment of MacKay, and Deputy EMS Chief Eddie

Ferguson presented Paquette with a plaque representing a “shadow box” with badges, patches and awards from Paquette’s career that will be presented to him later. After the speakers finished, guests resumed partaking of the buffet, along with the cake that Debbie Barrick made, which featured a likeness of Paquette’s old truck. The search is already underway for Paquette’s replacement, said Dickson but in the meantime County Building Official David Duffy will take over code enforcement and fire invesPhoto by Ken Odor tigations will be handled with the help of neighbor- Deputy EMS Chief Eddie Ferguson, not pictured, and former ing localities under mutual Interim Fire Chief Wayne Allen present retiring Fire Marshal Phil Paquette with a plaque at a reception last Friday at the aid agreements. Fairgrounds Building

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NEWS: What’s Going on in Goochland County

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Goochland considers new government setup Some urge adoption of the county-manager form of government By Wesley P. Hester Media General News Service

Could Goochland County become the second municipality in the state to adopt a county-manager form of government? Some Goochland leaders want to at least explore the change, which would eliminate the constitutional offices of treasurer and commissioner of the revenue and create a Department of Finance instead. At a strategy session last week, Supervisor James W. Eads endorsed the change and suggested that many of the county’s recent fiscal failures might have been avoided under the simpler structure “God knows we’ve been through agony,” he said, adding that with new administrative staff in place, the time was ripe to consider the change. “We have an opportunity now to make Goochland the bestmanaged county around.” In Virginia, only neighboring Henrico County has a county-manager government, which allows for the grouping and consolidation

of administrative functions into departments and does not include elected financial officers. Arlington County in Northern Virginia utilizes a “county-manager plan” structure, which does include an elected treasurer and commissioner of the revenue. Hanover County attempted to switch to a county-manager form of government in 1994, but voters rejected the change in a referendum. Henrico successfully made the transition in 1934. Henrico County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett agreed with Eads, calling the structure a more efficient type of government. “Everything comes through the director of finance and it’s much simpler, I think, to deal with from a policy standpoint and an administrative standpoint,” he said. Goochland Treasurer Brenda Grubbs disagrees — and not only because her position would be eliminated, she said. “It would be a terrible, terrible disaster,” she said. “You wouldn’t have your checks and balances in place.” Grubbs said the county-manager form of government puts “too much control in one office.” She said the county’s recent utilities debacle, in which years worth of undeposited checks were discovered — some in file cabinets — could

have been worse under a countymanager government, pointing out that she had been reporting the problem to county leaders since 2004. “I notified them every time it came up,” she said, suggesting that without her office, it might never have been caught at all. Jim Campbell, executive director for the Virginia Association of Counties, said the county-manager form does make for a more efficient operation, but abolishing constitutional officers makes carrying a referendum difficult. “That’s an emotional argument, that you’re eliminating the two elected folks that were holdovers from the 18th century,” he said. “From a managerial perspective, streamlining and making things more efficient is the way to go. But when you talk about government, people want to be able to elect.” Unlike a county administrator, a county manager operates as a chief executive officer without having to go to a local governing body for approval. “Obviously, you don’t want to do anything that the Board of Supervisors may object to,” he said, Hazelett said, noting that he still serves at the board’s will. Hazelett has served as county manager since 1992. The county’s

Board of Supervisors is the longestsitting legislative body in the state, having served together since 1996. “The relationship between myself and them is just fantastic, and it’s this form of government that’s created that, quite honestly,” he said. “I marvel at times seeing some of the situations or discussions that I see in other jurisdictions. They would never happen here.” Eads said it makes little sense to have a county or any other financial operations divided into three autonomous units. “I don’t think you can run a hot dog stand and divide the finances into three separate people,” he said. Eads was careful to point out that his desire to make the change has nothing to do with the county’s current treasurer or commissioner of the revenue. “I’m not talking about personalities here. There’s no reflection on any person,” he said. “I’m talking about a structure.” But he did concede that the idea would probably be unpopular unless it was properly explained. “People will say, ‘Well, you know, what you have [now] is checks and balances.’ Well, we proved that checks and balances doesn’t work,” he said, referring to the recent problems. Goochland Supervisor Malvern R. “Rudy” Butler agreed that the

idea should be explored, but for different reasons. He said the state provides less and less funding to constitutional officers each year, leaving it to the localities to make up the difference. “I think the day is coming that the state doesn’t fund these people anymore, and then we’ve really got to do something,” he said. “Sooner or later in these modern times we’re going to probably have to go there.” If that day does come, Butler says he hopes the state will grant localities the power to make the switch on their own. A bill that would have accomplished that was introduced in the General Assembly last year but later pulled. Currently, the change requires putting the matter to a referendum, obtaining a majority vote there, and then gaining the blessing of the legislature. Eads said that despite the difficulties, pursuing the change was well worth it because the traditional form of local government was outdated and overly complicated. “I’m sure it was a hot idea in 1710,” he said, but added: “It’s not practical today. It makes no sense.”

Wesley P. Hester is a reporter for the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Annette Thompson trial delayed until Aug. 2 By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

Pet Foundation operator Annette Thompson’s trial for inadequate animal care has been delayed once again. Thompson’s attorney Darwin Satterwhite and private prosecutor Heidi Meinzer of Arlington both requested the continuance. The new trial date is set for August 2 at 2 p.m. Meinzer told General District Judge Edward Carpenter that she had decided to drop five of the charges, leaving nine cases

still to be tried. All the charges are Class IV misdemeanors, punishable by a maximum penalty of a $250 fine each. The charges stem from an investigation by an ad hoc group of animal welfare advocates which led to two original charges being filed against Thompson on February 27, one a Class I misdemeanor charge in the death of a horse later determined to have been euthanized at the foundation. That charge was reduced to a Class IV misdemeanor and then later dismissed

when it was determined that the one year statute of limitations had run out, leaving one Class IV misdemeanor charge outstanding. Satterwhite had asked for a continuance until May 24 after 13 new complaints were filed in early April. At the May 24 court appearance he had said he was prepared to go forward but a continuance was granted the complainants after Judge Carpenter accepted Arlington attorney Heidi Meinzer as their representative. Meinzer said she was sharing records

of veterinary treatment, characterized as “fairly extensive” of the animals with Satterwhite. Meinzer requested and was granted amendments to several of the charges, bringing the dates into line with the one year statute of limitations of such charges. Satterwhite objected to the dates of some of the charges, some spanning several months, as being too long, but was overruled. Both attorneys said they hoped the trial would go forward and a verdict could be reached in August.

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July 15, 2010

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Cooling assistance available for those who qualify By Ken Odor jodor@goochlandgazette.com

child under the age of six, a disabled individual or an adult aged 60 or over, and who meet income and eligibility requirements. To qualify for cooling assistance, the maximum gross monthly income for a one-person household is $1,174 before taxes and $2,389 for a household of four. Assistance is available until funds are depleted. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state budget is $12 million. The Energy Assistance Program is funded by the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program block grant. The cooling assistance component served nearly 70,000 Virginia households last year. Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services is also helping out by distributing free box fans to their low and no-income underserved clients, said Janet Page, manager of the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothes closet.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most of our clients got them when they first came in,â&#x20AC;? said Page Monday. Hope Church donated more than 250 fans in early June but the Clothes Closet only has about 35 left. The fans cost a nominal $10 each to those who do not qualify for free fans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They made a lot of people happy,â&#x20AC;? said Page of Hope Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s donation. Although there are no â&#x20AC;&#x153;cooling centersâ&#x20AC;? open now in the county, Goochland County C h u rc h e s Association president Paul Simrell of Elpis Christian Church said he would bring up the matter at the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next board meeting. Applications for cooling assistance will be taken by Social Services until Aug. 16.

Thirty-two Goochland households have gotten help from the Goochland Department of Social Services in dealing with the recent unseasonably hot weather, according to Director Kimberly Jefferson. Temperatures hit the 100 degree mark several days in a row last week. Although the weekend brought some cooler temperatures, hot weather is expected to return this week. The elderly, the very young and those with chronic health conditions are especially susceptible to extreme heat. Jefferson said no one has called social services looking for cooling centers, such as those that have opened in Richmond on some of the To learn more about the hottest days. Cooling Assistance proâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Goochland is good gram, contact Goochland about taking care of its own,â&#x20AC;? Department of Social said Jefferson. Families and neighbors pitch in to help when things get hot. But if a household qualifies, it can get help from the Department of Social Services for cooling assistance, which can be used for the following purposes: â&#x20AC;˘ Pay electric bills up 8321 Midlothian Tpk â&#x20AC;˘ RICHMOND, VA 23235 to $100 to operate cooling Tel 804.330.4800 â&#x20AC;˘ www.UlitmateCycle.NET equipment; â&#x20AC;˘ Pay security deposits for electricity to operate cooling equipment; â&#x20AC;˘ Repair a central air conditioning system or heat pump; â&#x20AC;˘ Purchase a whole-house fan, including ceiling or attic fans; and â&#x20AC;˘ Purchase and install one window unit air conditioner for households without a working one.

Services at 804 556-5880 or visit the agency at 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Suite 200, Goochland, Virginia 23063. Intake hours are

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The GFCFS Clothes Closet is located at 2948 River Road West

underneath Dr. Bainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office. Their phone number is 804 556-3627. The GFCFS website is wwwgochlandfreeclinicandfamilyservices.org

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July 15, 2010

OPINION: Editorial, Letters to the Editor

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Making a list and taking names Last week’s economic planning discussion was light on plans and heavy on discussion. There was a lot of talk about staggered elections for supervisors and school board members, and whether the county would benefit from switching to a county-manager form of government. As Supervisor Malvern “Rudy” Butler said, “I thought we were here this morning to talk about economic development so we’ll have bucks coming in and can keep the tax rate where it is; we can’t borrow money if we don’t have tax dollars coming in.” “Maybe I misunderstood,” he added, “but we’ve talked about everything except generating dollars to do these things.” The meeting’s facilitator, Lou O’Boyle, summed up the proceedings by listing what emerged as the county’s economic priorities: Engaging citizens and landowners in creating a strong and diverse economy; revisiting the initial vision for the Tuckahoe Creek Service District to assess its boundaries, infrastructure and development; and evaluating the role of an economic development director. But coming up with that list took about four hours, and seemed to exhaust the supervisors’ ability to strategize. Yes, we need businesses to move into the county. But how can we entice them to resettle here? Yes, teachers and firefighters need affordable housing. But what would that housing look like and where would it be built? Yes, we should encourage landowners to sell their property to those who will develop it. But what can we offer them? And yes, the boundaries, zoning, infrastructure and debt of the Tuckahoe Creek Service District need to be looked at closely and decisions need to be made. But when will that happen? Because it sure didn’t happen last week. Nothing really came out of that meeting except a restatement of what everybody is likely to agree on: A good economy is a great thing. But how can we build one? I had hoped that the economic development meeting would provide clear goals and guidance as the county tries to figure out a way to sustain itself. Goochland County Administrator Rebecca Dickson and facilitator Lou O’Boyle did a good job of setting up talking points and laying out facts, providing an opportunity for supervisors to explore the issues that matter to the county’s fiscal future. But that didn’t seem to be what several of the supervisors wanted to talk about. Why not? - Amy Condra

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Appreciation for Fire Marshall Pauquette Goochland County has lost a valued employee. Fire Marshall Phil Pauquette has moved on to greener pastures and it surely is Goochland’s loss. I first became acquainted with Fire Marshall Pauquette shortly after he came to Goochland. I had never met him, but I received a call at the office one afternoon saying, “Ann, I need your help.” This county citizen was

concerned because the building she was working in had bags of clothing and many other items stacked from floor to ceiling which also clogged the walking aisles. “If there is a fire, the whole building will be consumed, including the top floor which houses offices,” stated the caller. I called Fire Marshall Pauquette and asked if he would look into the situation. Not only did he look into the matter, he instructed that a big truck be

brought in, that the place be cleaned out and that the aisles be made accessible. That same afternoon, I received a call shortly after 5:00 p.m. from the concerned citizen telling me the place had been cleaned up in just a few hours and that everything was well. Fire Marshall Paquette called me the next morning to tell me the situation had been cleaned up and I thanked him profusely see Letters > page 7

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July 15, 2010

Letters continued from > page 6 for his quick attention to the matter, which if not taken care of, could have had catastrophic results. Phil Pauquette, I and many other citizens of this county will miss you but we wish you every success in your new endeavor. Ann A. James Oilville

New government for Goochland? I read with interest this Sunday’s article in the (Richmond TimesDispatch) where Jim Eads, seemingly speaking on behalf of the (Goochland Count y) Board of Super v isors, strong ly endorsed a county manager type of government. The article stated that if enacted, Goochland would become the second municipality in Virginia to adopt it, i.e., eliminating the constitutional (elected) offices of the Treasurer and Commissioner of Revenue, similar to Henrico. Mr. Eads suggested that “many of the county’s recent fiscal failures might have been avoided under a simpler structure”. Whoa There!! Mr. Eads wants the citizens to adopt a structure where the BOS appoints the county manager to administer our tax dollars? Let us not forget that it was the sworn duty of the previous county administrator (appointed by the BOS) to oversee the operations of the county and he also had control of the elected Treasurer and the Commissioner of Revenue.

Under a county manager type of system, the Treasurer and Commissioner serve at his convenience and had that been in effect, our county would have been in much worse shape than we find ourselves now. If that were the case, I’m sure neither of these individuals would be in their positions today for uncovering and assisting in the investigative process. In addition, Mr. Eads was the one who signed the TCSD agreements including the City of Richmond agreement that has the $21.3 million debt that was never on the bonds and will be growing another $7.5 million in the near future. The approximate debt for the TCSD now is around $200 million and Goochland isn’t paying the principal and interest on the last bond sale of which payments will be approaching $9 million in the near future. Mr. Eads also served on the audit committee several times but look at the audits done for the past 20 years, in particular the ones since the start of the TCSD and the models they used to get the bonds through the assistance of Aery Consulting, who it seems from their web site, had a very close relationship with our previous county administrator. I believe that those members of the board of supervisors present during this period of mismanagement and lack of accountability are part of the fundamental reason the debacle occurred and are a prime reason why we need elected (not threat-

OPINION: Letters to the Editor ened) officials in positions such as these. The board has continually turned a blind eye toward questions, warnings and questions by these elected officials, and requests by the citizens for a more transparent county government. Yes, three of these “blind mice” are still members of our existing board, and it is time that for the good of the county the “three blind mice” currently on the BOS must go. Although not an expert on county governments, I found with very little research that Arlington, Va., adopted the county manager form of government in 1930 due to the urbanization of the Washington, D.C. area and that the existing government was not performing as designed. Is Goochland becoming so urbanized with a large influx of new citizens and uncontrolled commercial growth that our current government can’t work? Have I missed something driving through Goochland? As I recall, as of last month, there had been no new commercial building permits issued in the county for 2010, and only 20 or so residential. Let us also note that Henrico has an annual election for the BOS chairman, unlike Goochland. When Mr. Eads was elected as chairman, he and Mr. Butler were able to convince the other members to come to a “gentlemen’s agreement” so all county districts would share in the leadership for the betterment of the county; again

they proved their word was worthless, by changing the accepted rotation method with three supervisors pulling a surprise play to insure the outcome of the election to further their personal agendas. This was to the surprise of the other two supervisors, (one who would have become chairman), and also the overwhelming majority of citizens. Henrico’s manager, it appears at least, in recent times has never served more than two terms and he also has five deputy commissioners and one assistant to the county manager in the department. Butler states that curtailment of state funding for these positions “may force us to go there.” Excuse me, but I believe the salary of these two elected positions, whether funded by the state or the county, is far cheaper than the bureaucracy that it appears Mr. Eads and possibly Mr. Butler are trying to create. Mr. Hazelett states his relationship with the BOS supervisors “is just fantastic.” Should I expect otherwise from an appointed official who has served since 1992? Another significant fact is that Arlington’s board is elected “at large” and the districts have been eliminated since 1930, “to be more responsive to the needs of the county as a whole” and the chairmanship rotates annually according to their web site. NOW, isn’t that a refreshing thought. I doubt that was in Mr. Eads’ or Mr. Butler’s plans to improve Goochland’s government! Fellow citizens, I would

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www.goochlandgazette.com suggest that the type of government that is present in our county is not the problem and has not created the situations that we are faced with today. The problem lies in the individuals, whether elected or appointed, that have held these positions, and some who continue to hold the positions in our government. The needs of the county and citizens have changed over the past several years; several of our officials chose tenure and history over knowledge and innovation, and ignore the citizen’s input when making their decisions. They make decisions as if they are the sacred cows of their districts. These officials need to either quickly adapt, or migrate to a place more fitting of their abilities in today’s world. R. E. Bridges Maidens

A principal switch As I type this letter, I count 44 online comments on The Gazette’s June 30 article regarding (School Superintendent Linda) Underwood’s, “here today, gone in a New York minute” principal switch. Under wood makes Niccolo Machiavelli’s classic political primer, “The Prince” read like a dime store romance novel, complete with the Al Pacino inspired lip stick stained cheeks! Her manipulative Machiavellian machinations make me wonder what her real agenda might be…to act so ridiculously malfeasant that we, the

people, are forced to buy out the remainder of her overpaid contract so foolishly negotiated by our “smarter than the average bear” school board? I remember cartoons where Yogi, accompanied by his constant companion Boo Boo, would often try to steal “pick-a-nic” baskets from campers in Jellystone Park much to the chagrin and displeasure of Park Ranger Smith. Come to think of it, and after checking Google images, Board Chairman Cisne and Ranger Smith do bear (pardon the unintended pun) a striking resemblance to one another! Underwood’s “divideand-conquer” tactics have been a constant companion as she single-handedly dismantles what once was, and could still be, a world class school system. From her March 5, 2010, e-mail with “the battle is on” subject line, to her pitting the parents of gifted and special needs parents against one another during the budget battle, she has now found yet another differentiator, using a geographic chisel. What’s next King U, the race card? I do not question Underwood’s right to make informed and deliberative personnel decisions. In a democracy, I do have a right to question uninformed and knee jerk actions. That said and considering how the principal switch “went down,” I, and it seems I’m far from alone, have many unanswered questions. Along those lines, if see Letters > page 8

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Letters continued from > page 7 Underwood were truly concerned and had a legitimate improvement initiative, why was Byrd Elementary’s leadership left unscathed during the principal merry-goround? According to readily obtainable test data Byrd exhibits better scores than Randolph…go figure! Another famous Yogi, who favored pin stripes over fur, said, “I wish I had an answer to that because I’m tired of answering that question,” along with, “If you ask me anything I don’t know, I’m not going to answer.” As Underwood has so deftly dodged the wellpitched questions of a concerned and informed

citizenry regarding the lack of line item budget detail as well as correctly classifying administrative and classroom positions it came to me more quickly than one of Justin Verlander’s fastbal ls, Underwood is headed to Cooperstown! Delving deeper into Underwood’s Ma ch i ave l l i a n re a l m she has studied Niccolo well, “One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived,” to which I see and raise, “The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.” We cannot, and I will not, let Underwood succeed in further dismantling our schools. May the ties that bind us together

OPINION: Letters to the Editor be stronger than those Trail. The location of this proposed site and its orienthat tear us apart. tation on the compass place Michael M. McDermott us directly in the line of Maidens fire from the 300 yard rifle range. Protesting the police The 20-foot high backstop firing range will not be able to protect us from errant rounds which If someone says they are fly over the top. On a firing going to shoot at me, I pay range, even a law enforceattention. ment range, errant shots do That is exactly what the occur. Shooters often miss Virginia State police are their target, sending rounds poised to do, although they over the backstop, are not saying it directly to This range will be locatme. But they will be aiming ed around 9200 feet south their rifles at me, and you and exactly aimed at our also, if you dare to drive subdivision of Rivercliff, along State Rt. 6 between in Goochland County. The Maidens and State Farm, or south bank of the James even if you happen to be River is around 8000 feet and enjoying the James River in the State Route 6 is around this area. 12000 feet north of this site, I am referring to the State all in the line of fire. Police Firing Range planned There will be plenty of to be built in Powhatan chances for errant rounds. County off of Old River I do not know exactly what

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velocity law enforcement uses in their rifles, but I am sure it is equal to and most likely superior to commercial high velocity rounds which can easily travel two to four miles or longer, depending on the length of the barrel, the weight of the round, the grams of powder and, more importantly, the angle of the shot. The higher the muzzle is raised, the farther the shot will travel. We will live in constant fear of being hit by errant rounds if this is permitted. The noise generated by the 15 high powered rifles going off at the same time in our direction for this long will be unreasonably loud and disturbing to those of us who live here, and will destroy the peace and quiet of all citizens who wish to enjoy the James River in the Maidens area.

It is so unnecessary and such a shame because there are other options for the location of this range. If you cannot believe this is true, I invite you to visit the blog that has been created by the Powhatan Citizens Committee, which I have joined, to oppose this: http://ortpowhatan. wordpress.com. Click on the Environment Impact Report (EIR) link and see for yourself. I sincerely encourage the local government the local government in Goochland and Powhatan along with the Department of Environmental Quality to come up with a plan that will fulfill the State Police needs while keeping its citizens out of the line of fire. Thomas L. Ford Maidens

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July 15, 2010

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Goochland Minors capture tournament BY JIM RIDOLPHI Special Correspondent

fter a shaky start in their opener, the Goochland Minors All-Star team righted the ship and breezed to a championship in the Dixie League Tournament being held at Hidden Rock Park. Goochland exited the competition without a loss and sporting a defense that allowed a total of only eight runs. The team, comprised of 9-10-year olds selected from various teams in the GYAA league, opened the tournament facing the Powhatan Americans. The visitors jumped out to a 4-1 lead, and the outlook appeared bleak as the game was called due to darkness when lights were automatically turned off at Hidden Rock. However a new day brought a different outcome. Goochland came out the following morning to complete the opener and tied the game on a two-run homer by John John King, his first of three tournament hits that cleared the fence. Goochland eventually came back, won the contest in extra innings, and never looked back. “I think we came out a little bit nervous in that first game and lost our focus in the early innings,” said Goochland coach Greg Harlow. “Our defense kept us in the game and our bats finally came alive.” The All-Stars breezed through the next two days of competition, setting up a final contest between Goochland and the Powhatan Nationals, a team they had defeated earlier in the tournament. Goochland bats came alive early and often in the championship game, and coupled with a stellar consistent defense, the

Photo by Jim Ridolphi

In the championship game of the Dixie League Minors Tournament, Goochland’s Danny Kane (33) scores in the second inning against the Powhatan Nationals.

team made easy work of the Nationals, 15-1 to capture the title. In the top of the first, leadoff hitter Cole Ragone reached on a single and scored when Tyler Ott drove him in. Ott then scored on a long Dylan Scruggs single. Finally, Gunnar Franko doubled in two more runs giving Goochland a 4-0 lead in the

first inning. Harlow said the championship game was a good indication of his team’s potential. “We played great defense for the entire tournament, the pitching was great and we hit the ball well in all five games.” The coach felt that the intense practices leading up to the tournament paid off for the kids. “We really worked

hard the past two weeks and we’ll go back and practice for another week and a half getting ready for the state tournament,” he said. For his efforts, King was presented with the tournament’s home run ball to recognize his phenomenal performance at the plate. His three-run homer that ended the finale was part of the five

RBI performance for the evening. King was humble even with the accolades. “I did pretty good, but this was a team effort tonight,” he said. Even though he didn’t get the pitch he was looking for, King had enough power to pull off the homer to left. “It was an outside fast ball that I swung a little early on,

but it just had enough to get out,” he said. For Harlow and the team, it’s back to work in preparation for this Friday’s state tournament opener in Madison Heights, VA, but he’ll maintain the same philosophy that has served the team well so far. “We’ll take it one game at a time, one pitch at a time and see what happens,” he said.

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Locals honored on All-Metro teams Congratulations McDermott GIRLS TENNIS First team Callie Whitlock, Jr. St. Catherine’s The skinny: The Saints play in the fall, but Whitlock, who plays No. 1 singles and doubles, is an easy fit into the All-Metro top six. She won the LIS singles and doubles crowns. Her only singles loss came in the state tournament final. Whitlock was undefeated in doubles for the second year in a row. She was named the private schools’ state player of the year. If she had one wish, it would be: “To meet the Jonas Brothers or Taylor Lautner.” Second team: Connor Brewer Collegiate Freshman BOYS TENNIS First Team Brady Straus, Fr. Collegiate The skinny: Straus was a key player for Collegiate’s championship team as an eighth grader last year but wasn’t eligible for All-Metro. He is this year. His small stature belies a powerful, steady game that vanquished every foe whether it was singles or doubles. He began the season on a sad note after his father, Raymond, passed away in early March. If he had one wish, it would be: “To have my dad back.” Max Schnur, Jr. Collegiate The skinny: A repeat firstteam All-Metro choice along with DR’s Koontz and Charles, Schnur was a driving force behind the Cougars’ second consecutive Prep League and Virginia Independent Schools titles. He and Brady Straus formed a formidable doubles team that didn’t lose a match all season. If he could travel anywhere, it would be: “The Great Barrier Reef in Australia.” BOYS SWIMMING First team 50 free Mac Anthony, NOVA

21.33 Collegiate Sr. 100 free Thomas Stephens, NOVA 45.50 Collegiate Jr. 200 free Thomas Stephens, NOVA 1:38.42 Collegiate Jr. 500 free West Cuthbert, NOVA 4:30.80 Collegiate Sr. 1,000 free West Cuthbert, NOVA 9:16.35 Collegiate Sr. 1,650 free West Cuthbert, NOVA 15:34.63 Collegiate Sr. 100 fly Thomas Stephens, NOVA 50.40 Collegiate Jr. Diver James Ross 1-meter springboard Collegiate Sr. Second team: 50 free: Thomas Stephens, 21.45; 100 free: Mac Anthony, 45.85; 200 free: West Cuthbert, 1:40.89; 200 fly: Thomas Stephens, 1:49.51

If she had one wish, it would be: “I wish this wasn’t such a hard question.” Second team: Forwards: Midfielders: Ally Koonce, Sr., Collegiate; Emma Ruffin, Jr., St. Catherine’s

BOYS SOCCER First team Andrew Elliott, Jr. Collegiate Position: Defender The skinny: The Prep League selected a player of the year for the first time, and Elliott was the recipient. He scored three goals and had an assist, but it was his play on defense that drew attention. He was chosen for the VISAA allstate team. GIRLS SWIMMING If he had one wish, it would First team be: “Win a state champion50 free Kate Bassett, NOVA ship.” The Cougars’ soccer 23.37 St. Catherine’s Jr. team will have a shot at it in 100 free Rachel Naurath, fall. Elliott played in the top six NOVA 49.70 Collegiate Sr. on Collegiate’s state-title win200 free Rachel Naurath, ning tennis team this spring. NOVA 1:47.01 Collegiate Sr. 500 free Rachel Naurath, Michael Howard, So. NOVA 4:44.53 Collegiate Sr. Collegiate 1,000 free Rachel Naurath, Position: Midfield NOVA 9:36.53 Collegiate Sr. The skinny: Though just a 1,650 free Rachel Naurath, sophomore, Howard was the NOVA 16:10.59 Collegiate Sr. Virginia Independent Schools 100 fly Rachel Naurath, NOVA co-state player of the year. He 54.75 Collegiate Sr. scored eight goals and had six 200 fly Rachel Naurath, NOVA assists and was selected to the 1:56.82 Collegiate Sr. all-Prep League team. Diver Neena Maizels 1-meter If he had one wish, it would springboard Collegiate Sr. be: “Some snow in Richmond.” Second team: 50 free: Rachel He made the wish last fall Naurath, 23.51; 400 IM: Rachel before Richmond received 28 Naurath, 4:15.80; inches of snow during the winter. GIRLS SOCCER First team Colscon Wiley, Jr. Collegiate Becky Patton, Sr. Collegiate Position: Forward Position: Forward The skinny: The Prep The skinny: Patton has been League champion Cougars a goal-scoring machine the were the VISAA runners-up past two years, adding 34 goals last fall. Wiley was all Prep this season to the 35 she scored League after scoring 16 goals last year. An assist, however, and contributing five assists. was her greatest moment this Favorite food: “Swedish year. She looped a corner kick fish.” to Ally Koonce, who headed Second team: Midfielders— in the winning goal in the VIS Matthew Reardon, Sr., state final. Benedictine; Jonathan Reardon,

Sr., Benedictine. SOFTBALL Second team: Pitchers: Brittany McCauley, Sr., Collegiate; Catchers: Hillary Zell, Sr., Collegiate. Infielders: Raven Baytops, So., St. Catherine’s BASEBALL First team Zach Joseph, Jr. Benedictine Position: Pitcher The skinny: Joseph was nearly unhittable at the close of the season, leading Benedictine to a state championship. In his last 31 1⁄3 IP, he was 4-1 with a 0.45 ERA, 40 strikeouts and a .165 opposing batting average. In the state playoffs, he beat Bishop O’Connell and St. Christopher’s, allowing no runs and five hits in his final 13 innings pitched. He struck out 20 batters in that span. Favorite food: “The Grill” (his parents’ restaurant on Patterson Ave.) Second team: Designated hitter: Scott Ragland, Jr., Goochland; Andrew Bronson, Sr., Collegiate

Photo submitted by Michael M. McDermott

Above: Richmond Metro 15U head coach Clarence “CT” Thornton, left, and Maidens resident Troy McDermott.

Maidens resident Troy from the field, including a McDermott, a rising sopho- pull-up three pointer, and 2more at Goochland High for-2 from the charity stripe School, contributed 11 points, as Richmond Metro walked as Richmond Metro AAU away with a 70-54 victory defeated Carolina Surge and the USBA 15U National for the USBA 15U National Championship. Championship on May 10 in Richmond Metro 15U’s Myrtle Beach, SC. Head Coach is Clarence “CT” After going 2-1 in pool play, Thornton and assisted by Metro was seeded fourth for Jermaine “Coach J” Chandler. Saturday’s single elimination Prior to the Myrtle Beach Championship Round. After tournament, Richmond morning and mid-day victories, Metro 15U won the USBA the stage was set for Metro’s Virginia State Championship BOYS TRACK afternoon square off against going undefeated (4-0) in the Athlete of the year: Cabell the Surge, coached by Michael state tournament. Willis, Sr. Collegiate Jordan’s brother, Larry. Submitted by Michael M. High jump: 3. Brandon McDermott was 4-for-5 McDermott Henry, Goochland, 6-6. 3,200 relay: 1. Collegiate (Wes Butler, Scott Newton, David Allen, Cabell Willis) 7:57.53. 1,600: 1. Cabell Willis, Collegiate, 11U USSSA Baseball Travel Team 4:12.17. 800: 2. Cabell Willis, Collegiate, 1:56.51. 3,200: 3. Cabell Willis, Collegiate, 9:18.82.

2-Day Open Tryout

GIRLS TRACK Long jump: 8. Neena Maizels, Collegiate, 17-4. Pole vault: 6. Taylor Miller, St. Catherine’s, 9-6; 7. Lissie Baker, St. Catherine’s, 9-0. 100 hurdles: 8. Hannah Myers, Collegiate, 15.72. 800: 2. Taylor Clevinger, St. Catherine’s, 2:14.77. 1,600 relay: 8. St. Catherine’s, 4:07.82.

2010-2011 Fall/Spring Baseball Season

Contact: Andy Hopkins Andy.hopkins@powhatanstrikers.com (804) 397-9832 Saturday, July 17th & Sunday, July 18th (4 p.m. – 6 p.m.) Fighting Creek Park Baseball Complex (Blue Field) 2505 Mann Road, Powhatan, Virginia 23139 Candidates MUST attend both days Please arrive 20 minutes early for registration. No late arrivals For more detailed information visit www.powhatanstrikers.com

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