2008.11.30
Discuss Sunday's editorials
Finally, explore some options
If a Florida developer can't come through with financing for converting Explore Park into a resort, the region will need alternatives.
It's no surprise, given the frozen state of the credit market, that the defunct Explore Park's potential developer might need a second extension of his option on remaking the tract into a family-oriented vacation resort. The recreation authority that for now retains oversight of the property may be obliged by its deed to go along, if asked. But the state would need to extend the authority's oversight of the park for at least another year. The state should do so.
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Making sure every vote counts
Goode has every right to request a recount before conceding a razor-close contest.
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New River Forum editorial
Smart growth in Blacksburg?
A mixed-use, infill development proposal might finally deliver.
Blacksburg's fans of mixed-use development have not had much to cheer. Both First & Main and Smith's Landing promised smart growth but failed to deliver. Now there is talk of a mixed-use project near the intersection of Prices Fork Road and North Main Street. This time, with the developer, the Virginia Tech Foundation and the town all at the table, it might actually happen.
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"Making sure every vote counts": I find the editorial as well as the title to be more than a bit insulting to the Virginia Electoral Board. If you believe that there are flaws in the system Virginia uses, the way votes were cast, the way the ballots are processed, then say so outright. I am not and would not want to be involved in the vote counting but if I were, I would probably feel that every vote was counted already and I would be shouting from rooftops if I felt otherwise. Having heard no such report (except the snide remarks from Mr. Goode which are par for his course) I would be loath to condemn the system in Virginia or phrase the right to a recount in terms of safeguarding every vote (which it is not and will not do). This is an exercise in futility if you look at the history of recounts and contested elections in Virginia and an exercise of vanity by a "servant of Virginia" not willing to accept defeat. Unless you can actually reference an irregularity or question tactics, processes, or procedures, it is just a slap in the face of the Electoral Board (especially with your choice of words and title). Having been on the losing end and endorsing recounts and challengers when there was even a perceived problem, I do not discount the need and the purpose of any recount. But without that "problem" the provision for a recount should be about more than numbers. Remember the famous "one vote" anthology? So do we believe or do we not believe that is the question. Virginia has answered it before and will obviously do so again, but given our current financial straights and the political climate, May God help us if the vote total changes this election.
Comment by Sandi Saunders — November 30, 2008 @ 11:05 am