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Published: February 03, 2010
David Lint

Same old, same old?

At the last board meeting our BOS voted to go against tradition by electing District 1 Supervisor William Quarles to be chairman for 2010.  This vote broke a long standing so called “gentlemen’s agreement” that rotated leadership across the five districts.  I wasn’t around when that agreement was established.  I assume that it was done to give each district an opportunity to have a stronger voice in leading the county.  I have been here long enough to see five rotations and I can’t say I’ve seen much difference in leadership from one to the other, but that’s really not the point. 

I don’t have an issue with breaking tradition.  Once in a while it’s good to shake things up.  However, when shaking things up means that a “good old boy” is elected instead of a… “good old boy,” then you know there’s more to it than just breaking tradition.  In this case we know it’s not due to party affiliation, so what is it? 

What concerns did Misters Quarles, Eads and Prior have with Mr. Butler?  Could it be related to Mr. Butler’s and Mr. Creasy’s vote for our former County Manager to resign?  Let’s hope not, because cleaning up that mess is about the only really positive thing our BOS has accomplished since I’ve been in Goochland.  I think the supervisors owe us a better explanation than they have given so far, but I won’t hold my breath.  They definitely owe an explanation to Mr. Butler’s District 4 constituents.  They are the ones who got the “slap in the face”. 

I have known Mr. Quarles for many years and I know he’s a good person who is dedicated to our county, so I don’t have an issue with his being Chairman of the Board versus Mr. Butler.  I also don’t have a problem with the board following the rules and electing a chairman each year, but they need to put that out in the open.  Frankly, I think something is not right with the “it’s my turn now” entitlement. 

My concern is with the way this was carried out and why?  Until I hear the board’s reasoning for this action and for the way they carried it out, I’m going to make up my own reasons, and so are my fellow Goochlanders.  So, despite the positive steps taken last year to hire a new county manager, to fix the utilities department and to shed a little sunlight on county finances, this vote makes me feel that it’s still the same old, same old. 
Manuel Alvarez Jr.
Sandy Hook, VA

What is happening to our Goochland schools?

Not so long ago you could walk into any of our schools and be greeted with a warm smile and feel the atmosphere of family and good friends. A place in which the teachers, staff, parents and students worked together as one caring unit. It was a unified effort to build our school network’s fine reputation. So well recognized was this effort, families picked up and moved to Goochland to have their children learn and grow with home style values.

The Goochland School System has some real issues confronting her. But when challenges were met in the past, they where met as a whole in an atmosphere of acceptance, approval, and respect for one another. An atmosphere, in which teachers, staff and students alike felt secure, welcomed and appreciated. It was the respect for one another and this atmosphere that allowed everyone to grow and achieve to levels well above mediocrity and to rise to national recognition. It was also the way to achieve real solutions.

So what is different today? The challenges are still there, the teachers, staff and students are still there and our financial concerns are still there and on and on… “To lead a community with fair, equitable and consistent standards, administered with compassion, understanding and temperance are traits of a great leader.” To lead with fear and intimidation are the tools of a tyrant.

In a recent article in the Goochland Gazette, it touched on this point of “tyranny” regarding the current administration of the Goochland schools. The attitude of indifference shown by this administration towards teachers, staff, parents and students is appalling. One need not go beyond the front door of any school to see teachers with their heads down in fear of looking up to offend an administrator. To hear the deafening silence of teachers and staff saying nothing that might offend the administration for fear of retribution. Or, to see the faces of or students looking, needing and wanting clear guidance.

I commend those who established the Goochland Education Parents Association (GEPA) for offering a platform to the silent majority in voicing their concerns publically and hopefully without retribution. It is a shame that you had to form your organization, as it reflects further the attitude of indifference this administration’s leadership has towards a loyal community. One of the most fundamental human relation principles we are trying to teach our children and young adults is to, “listen”. This must be taught by example, administrators, and not through rhetoric. If you are not truly listening to your constituency and personnel, then you are not hearing them.

To the Board of Supervisors: From a purely business and humanitarian stand point, a recommendation that you quickly revisit the proposed budgetary cuts regarding personnel.

Look very carefully at reductions of redundant, highly paid and nonessential administrative personnel from the top down. Why would you even consider eliminating the front line personnel who impact our students, parents, this community so directly, positively and with such loyalty?

Finally supervisors, if you do not focus on removing this atmosphere of fear and intimidation within our school system, you will drive our fine schools into mediocrity with the loss of caring personnel and families.

David E. Hollis
Gum Spring

To the Goochland community

Hadensville Company #6 Fire & Rescue Auxiliary wants to thank each and everyone for their very generous contribution to our annual portrait fundraiser in 2009.  Because of your generosity, we are presenting to Company #6 Fire & Rescue a check for $8,000 that will go towards paying what is owed on Squad 67.  Any further donations will be given to them.

We appreciate all that you contribute to us.

Hadensville Company #6
Fire & Rescue Auxillar

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