It’s very simple why someone from Accomack County would worry about Northampton County because of the routine and blatant misuse of public tax dollars, thereby creating the false need to increase already high taxes, accompanied by the rapping of the current county Comprehensive Plan for personal gain by a few people that stand in the background “of most” of the Board of Supervisors. Can’t you guess why I’d be concerned? It’s like the current outbreak of the Ebola virus; it spreads quickly unless wiped out. The Shore is a small isolated peninsula after all. This isn’t to say that Accomack County doesn’t have its share of issues, but it’s the BOS in Northampton County that have put this spotlight on themselves in the first place. It’s come about because of their disregard of the trust and fiduciary responsibility that they hold in the public’s name. As the first person’s comment pointed out, this is small time politics as compared to the federal level of waste, pillage and inefficient use of tax dollars. Aren’t you a little upset with what’s been and continues to go on in our country on all levels?

How do you know I or a group I’m involved with doesn’t own property in Northampton County? Did you ever consider that even if I’m not involved currently, I could be interested in investing in Northampton, bringing business and jobs to this county, but certainly, from a prudent business viewpoint, wouldn’t put capital at risk in these uncertain times for the simple reason that the BOS seem to be taking orders from some hidden individuals in their background. Also their past track record of prudently dispensing tax revenue is extremely bad. If Northampton County were a business it would have long ago gone bankrupt. If the BOS continue to go ahead with their current intention to negatively alter the current Comprehensive Plan, which seems like they will, they’ll be generating lawsuits by their actions, which in turn will consume more tax dollars needlessly, while forcing citizens to spend more money to defend the environment as well as our country way of life.

This is the wrong time for the Board of Supervisors to dream of Disneyland development ideas that negatively impact critical ground water quality. Haven’t they noticed that most blue color jobs, and a lot of high-tech ones too have already been exported out of the country. They should be concerned with the rising tidal levels, which impact property value, protecting traditional waterman’s way of livelihood and culture, current farming and horticulture activities. The bottom line is that the Board of Supervisors needs to open their ears and listen to the people in their county, on the Shore. They need to improve greatly their use of existing tax dollars, not look for ways to spend it on expensive “experts” who are not needed for the most part. One last comment. Isn’t it the BOS that’s looking to attract “outside” the county individuals?

The people need to demand greater openness and transparency in Northampton County NOW, not think about it, study it, form a committee to look at it, or review it with counsel. Greater openness was proposed recently by Supervisor Hogg but this was shot down quickly by all of his remaining colleagues. It appeared they certainly didn’t want themselves on visual record as is standard procedure in other locations. Fiscal responsibility needs to be addressed and resolved concerning all levels of county operation. If you notice every time you see a picture of a politician, you see a smiling face, white teeth and an aura of happiness. I’ve long believed this is because they have the ability to tax the citizens and they spend the money as they please, never having to be accountable for how it’s spent or the prudent use thereof. This old school building is only one small example. The way VDOT performs for example is a much more costly and highly unsatisfactory area of concern on a state level. But as long as we continue to vote people into office because of their color, smile or gift of gab, paying no attention to their past actions, accomplishments or true concern for human kind, the same show will continue.