Appomattox Citizen Coalition Meet in Strategy Session
On Sunday, March 30, the Appomattox County Citizen Coalition met at the Jamerson Memorial Library to discuss strategies for the up-coming local election and issues related to tourism. In attendance were Joseph Day, Ora McCoy, Barbara Shelton, John and Patsy Wilson, and Betty Siano, among others. A rainy day prevented many members from attending but that did not stop the animated discussion.
Topics on the agenda were the local election on May 6, ways to make Appomattox even more attractive to tourists, a Citizen’s Input Survey prepared by the County Planner, and the recent move by Town Council to have the Town Charter changed, turning the day to day operations of the town over to Town Manager, David Garrett.
The Coalition is planning to get out the vote on May 6th through a combination of reminder calls and offers of rides to the polls. In the past, turnout has been low but the last election, in 2006, when Mayor Wilson defeated opponent Marvin Mitchell handily and brought along two new Town Council members on his coat tails, was the direct result of citizen mobilization.
Joseph Day expressed outrage that the current Town Council was able to change the Town Charter without any citizen input. He is hopeful that a new Town Council will return control of town functions to the elected Mayor. Under the charter change, all executive decisions are made by the Town Manager who is not required to live withing the town limits.
Betty Siano, Joseph Day, and Patsy Wilson all contributed to the discussion of the coming of Wal-Mart and the affect this will have on future tourism. Day was especially adamant that all Appomattoxians need to do their part to encourage tourism. “We have a National Park just sitting out there, this place should be like Gettysburg!” Day insisted. Mrs. Siano pointed out that with new lodging and restaurant options, tourists are far more likely to spend both time and money in Appomattox.
Animated discussion centered on the County Planner’s survey, which is intended to go out to all town and county citizens. Coalition members are concerned that Appomattox County will lose its rural appeal and green space if unrestricted development is allowed. The survey is due back at the County Planner’s office no later than July 1, 2008. Effort will be made to insure that as many citizens as possible receive surveys and return them on time.
The next meeting of the Appomattox County Citizen Coalition is scheduled for Sunday, April 13, at 2 PM in the meeting room of the Jamerson Memorial Library on Main Street in Appomattox.
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