Are some people in PWC purposefully obtuse? One can volunteer for ANY organization they want, however, one cannot then direct taxpayer money, in large sums, to their personal non profit. It’s called special interest for a reason!
I am shocked at the level of purposeful denial regarding a very basic principal of what constitutes political financial favoritism. Having friends with family members connected to the pot of tax payer cash IS what constitutes favoritism and special interest. THAT relationship is what CREATES the conflict of interest.
FYI, not such a smart idea to high five each other on Facebook. It appears EXACLTY as though there is special interest being favored due to “friend” status, one even might say, a conflict of interest.
As more partnerships are formed with government, PWC should get ahead of the curve and establish clear guidelines. We all have our issues that we feel are paramount for the good of the community.
I am a firm believer in volunteering for your community, I have volunteered my entire adult life. However, having a direct connection to the county coffers, creates the impression of preferential treatment, how can it not. To suggest that the wives of politicians should not be singled out is simply not realistic. What would happen if Mrs. Obama served on the Board of Planned Parenthood, imagine the uproar that would ensue!
Let’s break this ground…..
4 of the board of directors for RRC are PWC employees.
This business has gotten so mired in special interests that it is down right incestuous.
http://rainbowriding.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/2012BOD-Bios.pdf
And one cozy with Fairfax CXO.
Still trust the government?
I never said I trusted the government totally. I believe in trust but verify.
I dont trust individuals either. Government is simply individuals appointed or elected to represent everyone.
Our skunks have let me down.
You you you Regan-ite 🙂
@Lyssa
Sigh….I sure sound like I am one, don’t I.
My cage has to get pretty well rattled before I start on conspiracy theories. Marin was born believing in them.
Denying a second on the motion is acceptable. It is very difficult to have faith in our representatives when “audio/visual problems” allow them to meet behind closed doors.
Can a petition be started? Would it make a difference?
I just found this, so I guess there is a petition started.
https://www.change.org/petitions/the-prince-william-county-delegation-to-the-virginia-general-assembly-extend-15-2-2287-1-of-the-code-of-virginia-to-all-local-governments?utm_campaign=petition_created_email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=guides
@Our Schools
Done
http://www.change.org/petitions/the-prince-william-county-delegation-to-the-virginia-general-assembly-extend-15-2-2287-1-of-the-code-of-virginia-to-all-local-governments?utm_campaign=petition_created_email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=guides
🙂 @Mom
Regan was a Democrat turned Republican….Neither party has the corner on wisdom – the best outcome is a blend of both with a dash of pragmatism to get things done and a pure intent. The saying politics makes for strange bedfellows is usually used when things are getting done.
I don’t discount conspiracy theories – they are usually an amalgamation of varied observations and facts. Dig…..
conflict of interest surrounds us – and is not limited to Government and non-profit groups. Usually, those in the position, having the conflict of interest, do not see it that way.
apparently some people believe that discussing Rainbow Riding is not relevant to the topic of conflict of interest! so, because my comments kept being deleted, I thought I would repost a reply to Debi Alexander.
Ms. Alexander replied to a comment I made, suggesting that I don’t understand the needs of a particular population: So this is my response to her.
Given the amount of money our public school system invests in our special needs population, I see this issue very differently. Having said that, I personally feel that every child deserves an opportunity to enjoy their life,no matter what their circumstances, albeit physcial limitations or socieconomic. I have a close friend who runs a non profit therapeutic riding facility in colorado. I admire her tenacity in creating and sustaining her program. I know well the challenges her family faced when she was growing up. This is not about Rainbow Riding Ms. Alexander, this is about transparency in government. Having been involved in the fight for Silver Lake, the once “jewel” of PWC, I simply firmly believe that before another dime is directed towards your non profit, Silver Lake should have its master plan implemented. As you know, Silver Lake will serves an entire county. The proffer from Toll Brothers was intended to offset the burden of an additional 400 homes. This is how the proffer system works for taxpayers.
400 homes bring about the need for 2 elementary schools and/or a middle school. Do the math folks.
Financial decisons shouldn’t be based on emotions. The first obligation of the county is to Silver Lake. Reminder to the people: Bull Run Conservancy offered to take it over and see to its upkeep. But oh nooooo…Prince William County would not allow that. Now Silver Lake has been pushed, once again, to the back of line.
Let’s just be honest here and ask that “stepped in horse manure” question: If the Covingtons weren’t involved with Rainbow, would that establishment be out there at Silver Lake and would they have just gotten $178,000 at the taxpayer expense?
I say no. They would have never been at the table with the proffer offer either. I suspect John Stirrup had something to do with that since he is part of the horse crowd also.
Before anyone suggests that I hate horses and don’t understand the population, don’t even go there. I used to ride and I also am disabled. That isn’t an entitlement.
Continuing on with the horse manure questions that no one wants to say aloud–if Wally Covington hadn’t had the audacity to try to funnel $100k out of his own district to a private entity his wife was actively engaged in (see, I can talk without saying pet project) would the citizens of Prince William be in the middle of a revolt? I say no. It got everyone’s attention in terms they could understand. Simple to understand, much more so that budget process mumbo jumbo.
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A private message…sometimes its wise not go to where angels fear to tread.
One bit of advice to a lady I think a lot of—when no one is criticizing you, don’t try to draw fire. Not one person had criticized you. Don’t discuss something where everyone can see it. Yes, you have free speech. With that free speech come the consequences. I am afraid the consequences will not treat you or your spouse kindly in the long run. It isn’t important now that your friends embrace you. Its important about those enemies though and the last thing you want to do is give them ammo.
Sometimes you just have to suck it up and weather the storm. This would have been a good time to do that. We have a mutual friend who is very politically wise. That friend would be a good one at times like this. Sometimes its not can I do it but should I do it.
These are uncertain political times.