Business as usual isn't working

John Ward

2008-05-13 19:00:01

What has Fauquier County government done to help bring any type of commercial business or industry into the county that would help with the tax base and/or create jobs?

In the last 15 years, it seems local government has done more to chase away business than to draw it in or even do anything to help keep existing companies here.

For example, we have lost Trinity Plastics in Remington, Ross Industries and Interarms, both from Midland. All three companies worked around the clock and employed a significant number of people.

I understand that Newman's Trucking in Remington wanted to expand, but had poor response from Fauquier County in making this happen. But Culpeper County contacted the company, and was very interested in having it move thee, and that is what it is going to do.

I also believe that the bus company Scenic America, located in Opal, is moving to Stafford County. Other counties seem to be drawing businesses to their areas by offering incentives such as tax breaks. Why doesn't Fauquier want this?

Then there is Costco trying to come into Fauquier. The government should have had open arms t have it here. Not only will it help with the tax base, but it would create a significant number of new jobs.

I keep reading that Costco will cause a traffic dilemma. I disagree. The traffic problems are from all the subdivisions that have been allowed to be built. I have never been to a store where everybody comes and leaves at the same time, causing heavy traffic.

You can sit at any time and watch the signal where Wal-Mart and The Home Depot exit, and you might see as many as six cars sitting there at once. There doesn't seem to be much of a problem there.

So instead of causing more of a tax burden on the residents of Fauquier County and allowing a lot of subdivisions to be developed, let's get some industries and commercial businesses to come in and keep the existing businesses here to to help get our tax base built and lessen the burden on residents. Maybe even check with surrounding counties to see what they offer to attract the industries and businesses to their areas, instead of letting the already existing revenue slip away from Fauquier.

John Ward

Remington