The previous ESO articles have focused primarily on open government and communications. This opinion piece is focused on what open government and the process of decision making can look like.
The last Regular Meeting of the Essex County BOS (Tuesday, 5 June) had a routine agenda. However, under new business the County Administrator and two members of the Board introduced their concern about the 1864 federal cannon located near the Essex County War Memorial. In brief summary, the cannon, previously repaired at least three times, was described as badly deteriorated from a lack basic maintenance. The carriage was described as near the point of collapsing. The barrel, all 800+ pounds and parts of the carriage, were considered to be a potential danger to any child or adult who climbed on or leaned against a wheel, the axle, or the barrel.
An excellent Rappahannock Times (RT) article by Erin Kelley on the front page of the 13 June edition brought the concern to the attention of the public. Shelba Notebook by Richard Carter, in the 20 June edition, devoted a three column opinion piece to his views on the both the governance process and the proper way to resolve the cannon issue. The 27 June edition of the RT contained two letters to the editor (full disclosure – I wrote one of the letters) and an exceptional and well written feature article by David W. Gaddy.
"What to do with the cannon?" is important because, in my opinion, it provides an exceptional opportunity to not only see how local government should work but it enables the public to actively be a part of the decision process. I consider the BOS process so far to be a classic decision model - identification of a specific problem, preliminary research, initial professional consultation, notification of the public of an issue, and seeking public input prior to considering a decision. The remaining steps are identifying the potential courses of action, additional research, and reaching a BOS decision..
Some have accused the BOS three person committee of wanting to give away the cannon; others are appalled by the thought of a "reproduction" replacing the old federal cannon. I was present at the Meeting on 5 June. I heard a number of possible courses of action discussed. There was NOT, repeat NOT, a motion to take any action or commit any county funding. There was, after affording an opportunity for the members of the public who were present to comment, a motion to carry consideration of the cannon issue forward to the next Regular BOS Meeting. That motion was approved.
This issue is important because the process is an example of transparency and open government at work. No closed meetings, no rush to take action - simply an opportunity for the public to become aware and informed about a significant pending decision. The RT has done our community a great service by giving extensive coverage to the issue. Additional detailed background information is available in a collection of letters and articles in large binders at the Woman's Club of Essex County and, I've been told, at our Essex County Museum. However, the most accessible information is Mr. Gaddy's comprehensive article which I encourage you to read.
Please become a part of the process. Contact you District Supervisor and share your suggestions or recommendations with them. The BOS has to make a decision which they believe will be in the best interests of all the citizens of Essex County both for the present and into the future. Although the final decision may not be what you personally prefer, it should be a made with the BOS's consideration of all available public input.
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