In Part 2 potential courses of action were discussed. A fly on the wall at the Museum reported that the Essex County Museum and Historical Society Executive Board has approved a decision to accept the 1864 federal cannon from Essex County. No official announcement yet, but a member was appointed to attend the next BOS Meeting on Tuesday, July 10, at the School Board Conference Room.
This may simplify the decision for the BOS but the sticking points are always in the terms and conditions. Opinion - The course of action being suggested by the Museum has several benefits, no direct cost to the County, and no significant barriers. It would: 1. Move the cannon to the Museum, thereby enabling the final work on the War Memorial to be started, 2. Eliminate a safety hazard, 3. Keep the cannon in Essex County, 4. Provide for a climate controlled display inside the Museum, 5. Not require County Funds, and 6. Allow sufficient time for the conservation, preservation, and restoration plan to be developed and donations accepted.
"What to Do With the Cannon", Part 4, the BOS Meeting, undoubtedly will be included in Erin Kelley's Rappahannock Times (RT) news reporting (18 July edition) of the BOS Meeting.
So far the BOS has demonstrated good governance and decision making, the RT has reported on the issue, a local expert has written an exceptional opinion piece (published in the RT), a portion of the public has become engaged in the issue, and a civic organization has developed a thoughtfully considered proposal. Although a final decision hasn't been reached, the cannon issue demonstrates how Transparency and Open Government can effectively work toward optimal solutions.
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