Open Forum

For awhile now, this blog has explored the state of mainstream media business models, particularly the impact of technological advances and the decentralization of news-gathering and op-ed functions to alternative media modes such as blogging. In particular, there has been debate about the effect of shifting media market dynamics on the coverage of local issues. Though normally concerned with the national and large regional outlets, this issue is one that also involves smaller papers that serve local markets. Case in point: Just two months removed from its shift from twice-monthly to weekly publication, the Chesterfield Observer is announcing that access to the online addition will no longer be free to readers. READ MORE…

In the latest issue of the Village News, Rick Gray offers two different solutions – one for governance and one for politics – for addressing the growth management issues that the county faces. Although his yearning for the “good old days” may not appeal to some, if his proposals come to fruition, they may just produce “better new days” for current and future residents. Rick thinks that the county should seek charter changes more compatible with similarly-sized localities in the Commonwealth, and he also suggests a advocacy mechanism to generate citizen action to make such changes a reality – a Political Action Committee.

Regardless of initial reactions to his viewpoints, Rick’s thoughts on this matter are intriguing. Other citizen activists, such as Bob Herndon, have advocated similar proposals, which have mostly fallen on deaf ears. But, with the increasing citizen sentiment against the current way of doing business in Chesterfield, these efforts just might gain currency after all.

What do you think?

Today’s Richmond Times-Dispatch is reporting that the ACLU is representing a Chesterfield resident in a case involving the display of messages critical of the county’s leadership on his property. Do Chesterfield residents think this violation of county sign ordinance is about the size of the sign or the content of the material on the sign? Should a resident have a right to post such a sign on his personal property? If so, should there be a limitation to the time period in which he/she can exercise this right. Is this a form of freedom of speech?

Tell us what you think.

What are Chesterfield County citizens’ thoughts about this column written in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on our growth? Do our supervisors fully understand the issues that face them in dealing with this reality? How do they plan to address the needs of the current citizens as well as the ever-growing population of Chesterfield? Do we have a plan?