VA SENATOR-ELECT CREIGH DEEDS’ TOWN MEETING

Lovingston, Virginia

Saturday, January 5, 2002

Mr. Deeds introduced himself and opened the informal meeting for questions and concerns from citizens. The following were discussed:

- Mr. Al Baber asked for a ban on smoking in all public places. Mr. Deeds noted that the issue had been addressed legislatively several times but that the will was not there to pass a bill.

- Ms. Paulette Albright asked about support for a bottle bill. Mr. Deeds noted that he had in the past introduced a bottle bill without result. He said that a bill in this session also had little chance of passage. He noted at least three groups in opposition:

1. Manufacturers who don’t like government regulations on their operations

2. Beer and soft drink distributors

3. Chain markets, convenience stores and small stores who don’t have the space to collect the bottles.

- Ms. Peggy Whitehead with Rural Health Outreach presented a budget amendment for funding for the Wellness Passport program.

- Ms. Penny Geelan asked about VDOT’s Rt. 29 Corridor plans for a parkway through Nelson noting concerns that unless VDOT begins now to limit access, in 20 years Rt. 29 will already be strip developed with businesses. She noted concern that traffic coming off the Madison Heights bypass would create more and faster traffic coming through Nelson and the already existing problem of the Food Lion/McDonalds intersection. Mr. Steve Carter said that the county is currently negotiating with a consulting firm to rewrite the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances that could include setback and limited access requirements. He said he is hopeful that the new Ordinances will not allow strip development.

- Mr. Bernie McGinnis asked about raising the tax on tobacco to raise revenue noting that Virginia has the lowest tax rate in the country. Mr. Deeds said that raising the tax last came up in 1992 and didn’t pass then and the proposal was probably legitimate but academic at this point due to the recession problems in the tobacco growing areas of the state.

- Ms. Paulette Albright asked what Mr. Deeds was considering for economic development that was specific to Nelson County. He noted the cooperative for the apple growers and possibly a similar concept for the vineyards.

- Mr. Mike Tapager said that his concern with how the state programs are funded for localities saying that every program or grant requires that the county build something that might be inappropriate for Nelson. He noted the example of the state grants for an industrial park that require the county to build a large industrial park when a smaller park might be more appropriate. He said Nelson needs better jobs, but does not necessarily need larger industries to bring in more residents and require that we educate those additional children. He also said that there are already small industries in the county having problems finding workers. Mr. Tapager said that the Comp Plan revision is ongoing and that zoning is now needed to fit that plan. Mr. Deeds responded that many rural counties could to do a better job of marketing to promote tourism. Several citizens noted that Nelson has done a very good job of promoting its tourism.

- Ms. Linda Crowe said that the county has the Blue Ridge Parkway, Wintergreen, many artisans, vineyards and orchards with a tremendous opportunity to capitalize on tourism. She said she would like to see more support for tourism from the state. Mr. Deeds noted that state tourism dollars are not focused on rural areas and that it was an ongoing battle.

- Mr. Steve Carter asked whether school construction funds would be restored and Mr. Deeds said that he was hopeful but that all funding and programs were “on the table” for cuts. He said that he believes the state will have to face reality on the budget but was optimistic that the economy could be rebuilt over the next 3-4 years. He said the short-term reality would be tough. Mr. Deeds also suggested that Nelson could look at a program similar to the Small School Division grants used in Highland County.

- When asked what programs Mr. Deeds was particularly interested in supporting, he responded that he would continue to work for historic preservation and state parks.

- Mr. Deeds told the group that he would make himself available to hear concerns and gave the following contact information:

Hot Springs Office (when not in General Assembly Session): 1-800-545-5899

Home: 540-862-3419

Charlottesville Office: 434-296-5491