Open Forum

This blog is meant to be a central gathering place for online discussions among citizens and leaders in Chesterfield. As commentary here is not endorsed by the RGAC unless otherwise noted, Open Forum is designed as a place where writers and comment-makers can individually express their own personal views. To that end, the bulk of Chesterfield-centric writings featured on South of the James will be moving to Open Forum.

The reaction to the Barber posts, as well as, the political fallout that followed demonstrated that Chesterfield residents are itching for a place to tell it as they see it. Moving the county-focused blog postings to Open Forum will accomplish as least two goals. First, it will generate more readership for this blog, leveraging the existing following that South of the James has developed. Second, it will further reinforce the RGAC’s status as an organization accepting of diverse viewpoints as a means of shaping local government and raising the quality of life in Chesterfield County.

As a first step in this experiment, here are some links and abstracted titles from recent blog postings from South of the James regarding Chesterfield politics and policy.

Chesterfield Democratic Reactions to BOS Appointment Process
Midlothian District Politics
Local RTD reporters profile South of the James

RTD editorialist Barton Hinkle continues with his series of opinion columns on the heated transportation debate going on around the Commonwealth. This issue has direct relevance for Chesterfield as the Board of Supervisors seeks to find it way through the funding of necessary infrastructure improvements to accomodate rapid growth in Western Chesterfiend and redevelopment in the county’s Eastern end. Read Hinkle’s articles, and tell us what you think!

Transportation, Cont’d: State Can’t Fix Its Roads Without Changing How It Uses Land

Road Rage: Keep These Points in Mind As Transpo Debate Proceeds

The BOS appointed attorney Terri Cofer Beirne to the Midlothian District seat, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of previous representative Ed Barber. Beirne has an impressive professional and public service resume, and she is a Chesterfield native, to boot. We wish her all the best as she tackles the plethora of issues facing the county during her short tenure in office.

The RGA is taking a bit of a break for the month of July in recognition of many resident’s much-needed vacation plans. To that end, we will not have a July meeting. However, we will attempt to keep the blog updated with some regularity so that you can express yourselves on key issues that come up. Swing by this site from time to time if you can.

Thanks!
The RGAC Blogging Crew