How can the sky keep falling?
Alot of us love Rappahannock, no matter how long we have been fortunate enough to call this wonderfully spacious and peaceful place our home. Gradually, though, there seems that a small group has appeared who can only find, describe, and emphasize things that are wrong with this place.
It’s a continuation of that oh, my gosh, Chicken Little, the sky is falling . . . to which I add, “Again?”
Somehow, there seems to be a suggestion from that little corner of our world that some be vigilantes to uncover “all” that is wrong with Rappahannock. This leads me again to my thoughts about our Comprehensive Plan. You know, the one that State Code describes as a guide for counties, to be reviewed and adapted as needed.
Ours has an emphasis on both
agriculture and tourism. My hope is that Rappahannock can be seen as a welcoming place, one welcoming and encouraging rather than the “gotcha” attitude that seems to have crept in sometimes along with some people’s focus on what’s wrong with so much, sadly.
Years ago, I hired a contractor for a specific project, and, after discussing the requirements and actions needed, I asked about his contract to sign. “A handshake is fine,” he replied.
Years ago, that was fine. However, now, with property changes, verbal agreements and such, matters can become a “he said, she said” issue which makes resolutions more difficult. Our Comprehensive Plan calls for adaptations to be made as needed, which can best address changes and traditions that no longer seem sufficient.
Most of us want small businesses to come here that can replace those lost over the years. Over time, we have lost jobs, population, available homes (many of those just losing the battle with plain old deterioration). In a discussion about economic growth, how can we just, as a minimum, regain those losses and simply add a bit to make Rappahannock County the vibrant place we want now and in the years ahead?
To those who have lived here a long while, think about what used to be and then think about ways to regain whatever might still be possible in addition to the adaptations we need to put in place, positively, with as many of us as possible working together to live best in this place we love.
Remember, Chicken Little discovered that his sky was not falling, and neither is ours.