Tuesday, December 8, Creston Owen, chairman of the newly formed Virginia Civil War Events Inc. presented his organization’s  plan to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of First Manassas. His organization, made up of volunteers, has a 9 day plan to draw tourism to the area. His primary goal is to bring people to Manassas and Prince William County and to keep them coming back.  The events sound grand.  Also speaking to the board were Ed Clark, superintendent of Manassas National Battlefield Park and Brendon Hanafin, the county’s director of historic preservation who both added background information.

Funding will be the county’s primary obstacle. Many popular programs have already shut down or throttled back to bare-bones operations because of fiscal hard times. According to the Washington Examiner:

Still, funding presents an issue, even this early in the process. The cost per year for the county’s support and the events is estimated at $95,000.

All of the county’s financial support would have to come from the transient occupancy tax, said Budget Director David Tyerar. The TOT is a levy on tourist facilities such as hotels, motels and boarding houses that offer rented guest rooms for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Three of every five cents go toward tourism-related items in the county.

Creston Owen made a wonderful presentation to the board. His enthusiasm, knowledge, historical background made me want to write him a check on the spot. I am convinced he could sell ice cubes to Eskimos. The county chair warned that money was very scarce.

What if Manassas ponies up and the county does not? What if the county gives hard earned county money to this group? How loud will the hue and cry be from groups that support the Senior Day Care Center or transportation for the seniors to go to the senior citizens centers (different from senior day care)? It seems like the county is between a rock and a hard place.

State of Virginia Sesquicentennial Website

146 Thoughts to “Sesquicentennial Plans Presented to BOCS”

  1. Lafayette

    @Poor Richard
    I was in the crowd in 1986 along with my parents which had one of their first dates at the 1961 Commemoration. I do appreciate the reminder that they were from Lafayette, LA.

  2. Poor Richard

    Ok, considered a tremendous success “by many”. Can understand how
    lack of port-a-potties might make it more realistic than some would like.

  3. What I am hearing is we need to know more about Mr. Owen.

  4. Lafayette

    I reallly wasn’t disputing the “report”. I was giving my family’s personal account of the day. I find it amazing that 30,000 flocked to our area in 1961. I wonder what the number will be in 2011.

  5. Lafayette

    Posting As Pinko :What I am hearing is we need to know more about Mr. Owen.

    I think we need to see the “budget” of his group. He did state it was submitted to the board on Tuesday, and that they’d already submitted it to the City Manager of Manassas. I really think that “budget” needs to be made public. It’s OUR tax dollars afterall.

  6. Opinion

    For those really curious, check out the Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park
    Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee and then ask yourself why we need the Virginia Civil War Events Inc.

    http://www.pwcgov.org/default.aspx?topic=030039002180005555

    The Commission has the following powers and duties:

    1. Plan, develop, and carry out programs and activities appropriate to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War.
    2. Encourage interdisciplinary examination of the American Civil War.
    3. Facilitate balanced activities related to the American Civil War throughout Virginia.
    4. Encourage civic, historical, educational, economic, and other organizations throughout Virginia to organize and participate in activities to expand the understanding and appreciation of the significance of the American Civil War.
    5. Provide technical assistance to localities and nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War.
    6. Develop programs and facilities to ensure that the sesquicentennial commemoration of the American Civil War results in a positive legacy and long-term public benefit.
    7. Encourage the development and conduct of programs designed to involve all citizens in activities that commemorate the American Civil War.
    8. Report annually to the General Assembly and the Governor on the interim activity and work of the Commission.

  7. Poor Richard

    Lafayette, Most Civil War battles took place in the summer months and in
    the South – consequently reenactments tend to risk heat and humidity.
    Remember 1986 and almost passing out as a spectator – could only
    imagine what it would be like in a woolen uniform – in 1986 or
    even more in 1861 with people shooting at you. I enjoy history,
    but also A/C and indoor plumbing.
    Did remember one fellow from Lafayette at the 1986 reenactment that
    broke his leg when his horse fell on him. We helped provide
    special transportation so he could return home.
    o

  8. Cluless

    @Poor Richard
    It was also the reason why reenactments were banned from Federal Battlefields and a book was written to speak to why it should not be allowed again.

  9. Poor Richard

    Cluless, the 1986 event was on private property, but the standard story
    is the US Park Service banned large reenactments after the 1961 event
    at Manassas. Can understand how one could cause longe term damage –
    almost as much as the idiots who OKed the recent clear cutting
    of trees and leaving the mess for us to “enjoy”.

  10. Opinion

    The story of the July 1961 reenactment. There are a few lessons here.

    http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/mana/adhi5f.htm

  11. Cluless

    @Poor Richard
    Poor Richard, I was speaking about the 1961 event, sorry for the confusion. Opinion: Thanks for the link.

    I wonder if the County gave money to the 1961 corporation for the event. The history of 50 years ago seems pretty interesting. I wonder if this thread will be reviewed 50 years from now when our children and grandchildren are deciding how to mark the 200th Anniversary of the American Civil War.

  12. Poor Richard

    Recently cleaned out part of the attic and found some promotional literature
    for the Disney facility proposed near the battlfield. (Sure glad
    we opted for the McMansion urban sprawl model instead of a
    proven large revenue/job producer). Disney would have been all
    over this with no government cost and hiring extra people for
    next summer.

  13. Cluless

    PWC’s finest hour to turn Disney jobs into Townhome gridlock. I am sure glad that 29/66 developed the way it did. Disney would have brought traffic…..

  14. Poor Richard

    Cluless, a sad thing about blogs and e-mail is that I imagine most of it
    will be lost to future historians. There will be far fewer “primary sources”.

  15. Lafayette

    PR, I have a pin of Disney America that I keep right here on my desk. It still sickens me to this day that we have those McMansions with residents that need numerous services instead of revenue generating Disney(proven as you said). Disney would be ALL over this upcoming commemeration, indeed. The county really missed the boat when they turned Disney down. I’m sure that Disney would have knocked Potomac Mills out of the #1 tourist destination in the Commonwealth. To think PWC could’ve been home to both the #1 & #2 tourist destinations. Just think of the tax revenue, especially the occupancy tax. Grr.

  16. Poor Richard

    Disney would have brought jobs and revenue to PWC and they would have
    been a great corporate neighbor. Their very business plan
    depended on good traffic flow as part of a positive experience for
    visitors. Disney’s best interest was our best interest, far better than
    what we ended up having.

  17. I am sure those who were opposed to Disney would still come up with the same old bull they dished out back when it was on the table. Too many people got involved who were not local people. It still makes me angry.

    Was any Civil War battle ever fought during decent weather? Most of the battles were when it was hotter than hell. Fredericksburg? Not so hot. Right about now, in 1862.

    In fact, they are having events today, according to NPS.gov

    December 13th Battle of Fredericksburg Commemoration:
    12 Noon. Park Historian Frank O’Reilly leads “The Attack of the Irish Brigade” tour retracing the steps of the soldiers of that famed unit as they fought through the streets of Fredericksburg and attacked Marye’s Heights. Meet at city dock off Sophia Street in downtown Fredericksburg. Tour ends at the site of the 2 PM program (below).

    2 P.M. A 30-minute program commemorating the 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg. The program will be held at the Kirkland Monument adjacent to the historic Sunken Road. This years keynote speaker is Dr. Peter Carmichael a professor of history at West Virginia University.

  18. @Opinion But is there anything about fundraising here? Are Owen et al subcontractors in a sense?

  19. Opinion

    @Posting As Pinko
    To answer your question, I think not (although that’s just my opinion). The group as requested 501(c)3 status (which they don’t expect to see approved until July of next year). This means they don’t make a profit. It also means that they can’t lobby to influence public policy. There is an argument to be made that perhaps they are attempting to influence public policy by lobbying that money be spent on this initiative rather than something else. They are required to maintain neutrality regarding Government policy (at all levels). Their very nature makes their neutrality questionable since they appear to be set up to influence how City, County, State and Federal revenue is disbursed. While 501(c)3’s can request grants and funding from the Government, this group appears a bit different (to me) because they appear to be set up for the purpose of funneling Government money (city, county, state, federal) towards their enterprise. Since the Government already has a group

    http://www.pwcgov.org/default.aspx?topic=030039002180005555

    to manage the Sesquicentennial, I find this odd (and perhaps not the best way to spend taxpayer dollars). I would prefer that our money go to the Government formed group to ensure proper oversight (the Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee has very specific requirements to report on how it spends our money). Since I am already paying for the Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee, paying for Virginia Civil War Events, Inc. would be, in effect, paying twice for overhead, administration, execution, staff, etc., etc., etc. I think not.

    Owen et al appear to be Civil War buffs interested in helping make the Sesquicentennial a success. From what I have read, I believe their interest is really in the re-enactment. I believe Owen is a member of sons of Confederate Veterans (and I would guess that many of this group’s BOD members also belong) and guess that he and his crew look forward to participating in the full dress re-enactment.

    http://sonsofconfederateveterans.blogspot.com/2009/11/manassas-prepares-for-150th-reenactment.html

    The sons of Confederate Veterans are, naturally, big fans of this event. The sons of Union Veterans (of which I am one) do not appear to be involved. This link is interesting because it gives (at least me) the first “peak” at what the Virginia Civil War Events Inc. plans to spend our money on, “Owen’s outfit of volunteers is poised to begin organizing the nine-day commemoration that is set to include a Blue and Gray Ball at the Candy Factory, a re-enactment of the First Manassas battle, breakfast with the troops and concerts on the lawn of the Manassas Museum and at the battlefield.” That’s all great… I just don’t want to pay for it (particularly the Blue and Gray Ball – I doubt I would get in. How about you, M-H?).

    Owen is a respected member of our business community. He is working pro bono on this project. I do not question his honor or integrity, just his approach to funding this group. His political contribution record indicates that he is a Conservative (many donations to the Republican party – some rather large. Don’t be surprised if Governor-elect McDonnell, Senator Colgan, and Delegate Lingamfelter support his efforts. Likewise, I wouldn’t expect much resistance from the Manassas newspaper). I’m surprised that someone with conservative values would set up a non-profit for apparently the sole purpose of funneling taxpayer dollars to a clearly redundant organization.

    I don’t question this group’s motives. I do question the logic of dipping into taxpayer pockets to fund this private, non-profit group when a properly chartered Government group exists. My problem is with the fact this group would like to operate at our expense. There’s nothing stopping this group from asking for our money. We don’t have to say “yes”. Our BOCS can say “no” on our behalf. Should the BOCS say “no”, this would also end the Manassas contribution (since it was contingent on a PWC contribution) and probably the State and Federal funding requests. I hope our Chairman and County Supervisors have the good sense to say no.

    My opinion – I think these folks want us pay for their party. I’d rather not. I hope the Seniors in PWC read this blog. They could put a quick stop to this (or ensure that we get some new faces on the BOCS in 2011).

    This is all just my opinion. I guess it’s time to write a letter.

  20. Opinion

    You know, we “Seniors” and “soon to be Seniors” really need to get organized so we can “take our Government back”.

  21. Opinion, thank you for that detailed response. I understand the dynamics a bit more now, (though I am not sure conservative and liberal have much to do with it unless people want to read it that way. I don’t, but I can understand where you are coming from if you are politically active, especially in a party).

    I agree that offering up such a large amount of public money for this event is a slap in the face to seniors. Do both or the seniors must be put first. It looks like Wally Covington offered a reasonable solution by suggesting using school buses.

    I also believe there is SOME money which can be used to support the event, even if not the full amount. Again, why aren’t we looking at discretionary funds in addition to private fundraising events? The partnerships could yield significant results.

    Do you really think Sons of the Union aren’t welcome? And isn’t Senator Colgan a Democrat? Am I misreading you?

    I actually took part in a blue and gray ball at Buckland (had a book signing). It was amazing and the people were really nice, but I was definitely outclassed. The good news is there are some VERY dedicated, influential people who do indeed have money and who can help with this commemorative event.

  22. Great response, Opinion. I am still digesting. When I look at who some of the proponents of the VCW are, I don’t think we can divide this down liberal vs conservative lines. If we do, we will end up with some mighty strange bedfellows. It just isn’t dividing right. Definitely some UNholy alliances.

  23. Opinion has done a wonderful job of peeling back the layers on this thing.

    Clueless, thanks for your response. I got very confused over which group was named what and who wanted what amount of money.

    Are we all in agreement that Creston Owen wants about $250k?

    I hardly think the state that can’t keep its rest stops open to save a million bucks is going to be writing any big checks. In fact, I expect to hear laughing all the way to the James River on that one.

  24. Lafayette

    Moon, glad you brought up the rest areas. I sure hope they are open by 2011. The state should open the rest areas up before sinking money into a project such as this given our current economic climate. Let’s see open rest areas or toss money to the VCWE group?

    I believe we are all in agreement Mr. Owen wants $250K from the county, but does it really stop there? Will the VCWE be asking for money after this initial $250K from PWC? We the citizens should not be funding fancy balls and such for visitors when we can’t even give our seniors transportation to the senior centers.

    I sure hope you all have expressed your opinions to all of the supervisors. They may be elected to represent their district, but their vote effects each and every citizen in the county. If you do write, please, write to all of the supervisors. Our seniors do not deserve such an all out slap in the face. I sent my letter a few hours ago.

  25. Opinion

    @Posting As Pinko
    Preston is a Conservative who has invested in his beliefs at many levels. Conservatives happen to run things at the moment. The Conservatives in the food chain (the folks I mentioned – including Colgan) for approval of this request all received donations form Preston. That certainly ensures that Preston will get an appointment and an audiance (although not necessarily the decision he wants). There is nothing wrong with any of this (that’s how Government works – and it isn’t necessarily fair); however, exposing the connections will make elected officials think a bit harder about their decision.

    To clarify, I don’t think the Sons of Union Veterans would be unwelcome. I just couldn’t fine any evidence of engagement. I’m guessing an invitation will be coming forthwith.

    I can see the headline now, “BOCS stiffs County seniors; however, the Blue and Gray banquet danced on!” I’m surprised that the press isn’t asking some of the questions we are asking… perhaps not so surprised. That really proves the value of a “free blog”.

    @Moon-howler
    Excellent observation about the rest stops!

  26. Virginia rest stops are supposed to reopen within 90 days of the new govenor’s term, according to what McDonnell told reporters.

    Just my opinion, since I’m not a county resident, but I think we should fund the commemoration, and fund transportation for seniors. Use school buses since they sold the other buses. I see Gregg Reynolds regularly and admire his community activism. There is a lot going on at those senior centers.

    I am a business person and Chamber member. I’ve already sent money to Creston Owen whether it’s tax deductible or not, and I encourage other businesses and individuals to do likewise. When I visit other places of history, others have paid so I can learn. Looking forward to going to Little Rock, Arkansas next spring, and hope to visit as much history as possible. They paid to perserve their history so I can see it. Again, I think if you fund several different groups and agencies, you will ensure you get several different viewpoints on history, and that’s the way it should be.

    Disney … I was right there with all the other contractors and subcontractors salivating at the possibility of getting work from them. Went to the free seminars at George Mason in Fairfax, ate their food, drank their drinks, looked at their displays, kept all their souvenir buttons and brochures. Thankfully, my first husband, who was born in Virginia, and protective of Virginia history, kept me grounded. I trust Creston Owen and his board to do the events right, despite all the jabs here about running around playing soldier or dancing while seniors are stiffed.

  27. I don’t think anyone has impugned Creston’s character or motives. As for dancing the night away while the seniors hobble down to the center, it might as well be said now because our supervisors will certainly hear it again at the next election which will happen in 2011.

    County employees have not had a raise in 2 years. Several unpopular decisions have been made by our county involving senior citizens. Developmentally delayed citizens have had to beg. Troubled youth have had to grovel. The economic forecast for next year is not good.

    Where do we get the money and how can any elected official possibly justify voting yes to VCW money? The political reality is, they can’t.

    I haven’t made up my mind how I feel about it as a final decision. I haven’t written my supervisors’ letter because I am still learning. I wish we could put on a big bash. The seeds were sewn on this one a long time ago, I fear.

    I want to know what Owen’s group can/will do that the already formed County/MC/MPC group won’t/can’t do.

  28. Where is the new governor getting the money to open the rest stops? I feel certain they have already been vandalized.

    Was that decision Kaine’s alone or did the general assembly vote on that also?

  29. clueless

    @CindyB
    Cindy, I am glad that you are willing to financially support the group. At this point I am not. We have nothing to go on to complete any due diligence, at least in public. Maybe the City and the County have more information. I doubt that State money is coming. Posting as Pinko mentioned a recent ball. Did the County pay for that?

    I think the plan may have merit and I beleive that Mr. Owen is doing this to help generate business. It should be funded privately, if businesses think it will make money then they will invest. Businesses will review detailed plans before investing, something that is missing, at least publicly here. At the very least, the BOCS needs to put this off until more information is made available and the State kicks in $1 million.

  30. @clueless
    NO that ball was put on by Buckland Preservation Society–completely private.

    If Mr. Owen knows how to generate business from this and keep the visitors coming, I’m all for it!

  31. […] many other blogs, Anti-BVBL is discussing how the event will play out and where the money will come from. According to Anti-BVBL, “Creston Owen, chairman of the newly formed Virginia Civil War Events […]

  32. Al Alborn

    Email sent 07:55 P.M. 13 Dec 2009

    Chairman Stewart and members of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors,

    I watched Creston M. Owen’s Presentation on 8 December requesting that Prince William County give $250,000 to Virginia Civil War Events, Inc. Mr. Owen made a most compelling argument. I understand that the Sesquicentennial holds the potential to generate jobs and revenue for the County. I also understand that any investment of this nature includes risk. As you acknowledged in your remarks, these are tough times for Prince William County taxpayers. I understand that you and your colleagues on the Board will be faced with tough choices.

    I would like to go on record requesting that you do not support Virginia Civil War Events, Inc. with taxpayer money.

    The Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee was formed to coordinate local efforts of the statewide commission and local activities among local historic sites, museums, parks and localities. Through this committee, programs will be planned, implemented and coordinated. Future plans call for the committee to sponsor lectures, bus tours, and living history programs. It is not intuitively obvious to me why Prince William County should support a second, private group when a formal group already exists. I do not understand what Virginia Civil War Events, Inc. would like to do that could not be accomplished by the aforementioned group . Since Virginia Civil War Events, Inc. has apparently based its business plan on public money (100k – Manassas, 250K – PWC, 1 Mil – Commonwealth of Virginia, TBD – Federal Government), it would actually be a quasi-governmental group without the associated oversight. To fund two groups would be do fund two apparently redundant organizations and the associated management, overhead, office space, etc., etc. with no obvious additional value. This is not the path to a smaller, more efficient Government.

    That being said, Mr. Owen did offer some interesting ideas and leadership that would be good for the event. I recognize the potential benefits to local businesses. I would suggest that the local businesses that would benefit from his organization should be the ones that fund his organization. Prince William County should support the already established The Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee. Virginia Civil War Events, Inc. should look to the local business community and county residents for funding and sponsorship.

    Respectfully,

    Al

    Alan P. Alborn
    President & Principal
    Alborn Foundation
    http://www.alborn.net

  33. Black Velvet Reporter

    Readers might want to check out the fight on the dark screen over Creston Owen’s group.

    It gets sort of personal over there.

    http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2009/11/12/hold-your-wallet-%e2%80%93-here%e2%80%99s-mark-again/

  34. Lafayette

    I would like to know why the request of $250K from the county isn’t be covered.

    I don’t about personal BVR. I did notice one person thinking the were called the R-word. Guilty conscience perhaps?

  35. Lafayette

    corr: I don’t KNOW about….

  36. @Black Velvet Reporter
    Doesn’t EVERYTHING get personal over there?

  37. Pinko, I always found that to be the case. It starts with the owner and works its way down. It seems like the ideas need to be discussed rather than the personal attacks on each other.

    Thanks for that link, BVR. That one individual is known for attacks though. Nothing new there. Usually ‘liberal’ is slung in there a few times. It sounds to me like he is the one being a ‘liberal’ since he wants to turn all the money over to government and have them do his work for him.

  38. Lafayette, yea, I saw the R word pop up. Where did that come from? No one called him that. I think you are right. Guilty conscience. snicker.

  39. Opinion

    I would suggest that there is middle ground regarding leveraging Creston Owen’s proposal, talent as a businessman, salesman, and advocate for the Sesquicentennial. Why not put him in charge of The Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee and allow him to run the show?

    I believe that a successful business person with his range of contacts across the County and State is best positioned to bring the diverse equities of the many groups involved into a cohesive and successful Sesquicentennial celebration. Simply put, his business success demonstrates he knows how to manage to budget. I also believe combining his talent with the existing group provides the oversight required for the investment the City of Manassas, Prince William County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Federal Government are prepared to make.

    While I don’t support public money going to a private group when a publically funded group already exists, I do think putting Mr. Owen in charge of the existing public group is… well… a swell idea. He brings a certain passion to the effort that is required to do the job. When I think about it, I love his vision, I am just suggesting a change of venue.

    It’s a win/win.

  40. Al Alborn

    @Opinion
    You know, that’s not a bad idea.

  41. PWC taxpayer

    In the interests of the vast majority of Prince William County residents, employees and taxpayers, Prince William County and the BOCS need to take full advantage of this opportunity to support the Virginia Civil War Events, Inc. (VCWE) request. There are several reasons. First, it is an important moment in history and the County’s history that VCWE sees as the first in a series of large scale and other annual events – events that have been shown to bring in large numbers of tourists/ $. If the BOCS lets this opportunity pass, there will be a large scale reenactment of First Manassas somewhere else for some other community- even out of state – to benefit from the large scale business opportunities, jobs and tourism/tax dollars. Its been done before and will otherwise be done again – which is why, as Mr. Owen has explained – felt compelled to get involved — to keep it here. Second, what is being offerred here is a public-private partership with the City and County where ALL proceeds from the events will be plowed back into the County/City. A private sector non-501c3 for profit – can and will otherwise take this opportunity on and keep the money and it is a substantial amount of money we are talking about- the risk is minimal Lets do it another way, if the County is not a player in this partnership – it has no claim to any of the proceeds. As it is, jobs will be created/saved here both directly in support of these events and indirectly in the hotel, food and, hopefully, the construction trades. This includes funds for historic restoration which will reduce the pressure on County PW appropriations for existing assets which are already underfunded. Third, the money requested is not competing with senior citizens. Geez !! As noted above, the money is from existing Board of Tourism residuals that cannot be used – as also noted above – for anything other than tourism. In effect folks, the local business community (hotel and restruant industries) have already paid for this investment and its really only a question of what to use that money for – As the PWC Budget Director noted — its fenced money – not available, as a matter of law, to the senior transporation transfer subsidies. The new tourist phamplets are nice, the pastures to suburbs exhibit is nice, but they are not going to generate substantially more money to the County. Its the big show that is needed. 15-20,000 reenactors are not unreasonable – plus spectators and Mr. Owen and “his team of volunteers (contractors = jobs) have the experience, skills, background to pull this off. Reenactments are not new, doing them for a public purpose at this scale is.
    Again, this is not your general public appropriation fund that can be used to subsidize seniors — but you choose, County agencies have asked – Clueless – for $95,000 per year (more than $475,000) for their torch light tours, book signings and teas, and yes, lectures, bus tours, and living history programs. which frankly will not generate a single new tourist – or do you want to invest half of that total amount – once – to generate the money for, as Chairman Stewart said, the major events over a number of years that will generate a Return-On Investment to the residents of the County, be used to fund our historical assests, publicize PWC on the national news and create jobs and more tax revenue. Its the investment that – once rolling – keeps on giving.
    On a business/good government level, Owen is trying to minimize the growth of government, while benefiting publically owned assets. I still do not get the resistance /concern. I see Owen trying to do what the public agencies are unwilling or are incapable of doing – and putting together the teams that can do it.

  42. Opinion

    @PWC taxpayer Re, “I see Owen trying to do what the public agencies are unwilling or are incapable of doing – and putting together the teams that can do it.”

    It would appear that you are telling us that our investment in the existing public agencies probably is a waste of taxpayer money and that perhaps the BOCS is not providing the necessary oversight of public resources dedicated to this event… correct? If this is true, why not “fire” whomever is in charge now and put Owen in charge of these public agencies? He is working pro bono as it is and not in it for the money. I’m guessing he’d step up if asked.

    Sorry… the appeal of funding (as you said) “…public agencies that are unwilling or are incapable of doing – and putting together the teams that can do it.” in addition to funding a a second, non-profit group to make up for the shortcomings of the folks responsible for the task really doesn’t give me a warm, fuzzy feeling as a taxpayer. Let’s fix what’s broken before paying twice for the same services.

    Am I missing something?

  43. PWC taxpayer

    Yes, you are missing it. Public agencies have statutory, regulatory and budgetary limits on how they achieve specified goals, the scope of what they can do and how they do it – how and what they can spend money on. To my knowledge no PWC agency has ever tried to put on a complex or large scale event like this nor do they have the background experience or skills. Remember that the Manassas Museum Director introduced Owen to the Manassas City Council recognizing that.fact – so they are trying to do more of what they do know – which, frankly, will not generate the kinds of new revenues we could be talking about. I do not think that VCWE wants to operate our publiclly owned assets nor do I think that VCWE wants to compete with those activities – hence the coordination commitment and , yes, they should all get along together and schedule to facilitate each other. But I think you know that is not what we are talking about here. We are talking about whether the BOCS will let this stimulus opportunity go to someone else. If that happens, the loss to the community will be well defined when the event occurs somewhere down the road – literally. The 501c3 public-private partnership that VCWE is offering, takes the strengths of each player to the general beneift of all.

  44. Opinion

    It would appear that you are proposing Prince William County make a business decision to base its future on a tourist economy driven by the Manassas battlefield. This would in fact create many openings for restaurant and hotel workers, small business opportunities for vendors, T-Shirt shops, souvenir stands, etc., and forever change the nature and character of all roads leading to the Battlefield and Prince William County. The vision you propose is not one to be made lightly. You are talking about an impact on the environment and quality of life for the residents of Prince William County for many years to come. The county would become a tourist destination driven by a tourist economy. I would suggest this is not a decision to be made in haste.

    I have a few questions.

    1. How does this fit into our Comprehensive plan?
    2. How does it integrate into our Business Development initiative?
    3. How will it impact our environment?
    4. What is the history of tourist destinations regarding crime (does crime tend to increase or decrease)?
    5. Will this create an even larger magnet for illegal immigrants to come to Prince William County for jobs?
    6. How will it impact real estate values?
    7. Will it impact our ability to attract the fortune 1000 business crowd, Washington Metro System Integrators, and Educational Institution expansion that I believe we are currently seeking?
    8. We know funding for roads is non-existent. What will the impact be on traffic?
    9. What will a tourist based County do to its residents commute on I95 & I66?

    I could go on. Perhaps the Chairman and the BOCS should “take a breath” and task staff to do a strategic analysis to answer the above questions (plus a few more). This is a math problem. I would suspect staff would want to see a flushed out business plan and examples of other communities who made such a decision (both good results and bad results). This is something that should have been proposed perhaps five years ago to allow for the analysis required to decide on such a strategic direction. Saying “yes” could change the Character of our County forever. We really need to think about that a bit.

    Thanks for your post. I had no idea just how grand a scale Virginia Civil War Events, Inc. had envisioned for Prince William County. If we say, “yes” things will never be the same.

  45. Opinion

    @PWC taxpayer
    Your last post gave me pause. This is a complex venture that requires very specialized skills and experience. No disrespect intended to Mr. Owen or his group; however, considering the scale you presented perhaps we would be better served paying a for profit company with experience in such matters to handle execution.

    Personally, I have no sense of scale regarding what such an event costs. do you know where the numbers being asked for come from (roughly 1.35 mil not counting any Federal contribution by my math)? Have you seen the business plan? I didn’t really see anything on the website. Perhaps I missed it in Mr. Owen’s presentation.

    Perhaps the real answer is to go through the proposal process and compete this. Frankly, I really don’t see how the BOCS could do anything else other than compete this. Virginia Civil War Events, Inc. could then compete with other vendors on a level playing field… let the best proposal win.

  46. PWC taxpayer

    Good questions – and I hope we get to a point that they are given full consideration. Diversifying our economy, creating new jobs and new sources of non real property tax revenues, protecting our historic assets and cultures – its all in there. But its a moot point if the County walks away from this cash cow — and those with hurting businesses and job losses might want to know why this investment was not made.
    I agree it takes leadership, because the decision point for this event is – perhaps unfortunately – now. The Va Board of Tourism has a site that might also address some of your questions. We have been talking about unrestrained residential development for 35 years.

  47. Opinion

    @PWC taxpayer
    Your post really opened my eyes. I would propose one alternative that should be seriously consider is that Prince William County support modest, one time celebration of he Sesquicentennial with minimal temporary infrastructure to handle anticipated crowds… and then return to normal for 50 years or so. We should emulate the many struggling families in the County and live within our means.

    The County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Country is broke. There’s a war on. We should celebrate consistent on the reality of the times within which we live.

  48. Opinion

    @PWC taxpayer
    The decision point for a proposal of this scale was about five years ago. That boat’s sailed. I’m afraid this is one of those times where I hope our leadership just says “no”.

  49. Opinion

    @PWC taxpayer
    I assume you are familiar with the County’s other business development initiatives? We do have other options for growth that already consider the questions I posed. Actually, the other options (after understanding the scale of your vision) appear much more attractive to me now.

  50. Lafayette

    Why wait 148 years after the First Battle of Manassas to decide it’s a “cash cow”. Gettysburg started cashing in years ago. I don’t see Manassas becoming “the Civil War” battlefield to visit. It seems to me this would’ve happened years ago, if not decades.

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