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Action, not study
RAPPAHANNOCK’S representation on the Region 9 Planning District Commission—mainly through Pete Luke, because he likes to talk a lot, and he does it effectively—have made some consistently good points about several regional projects that have come up. By and large, Rappahannock has stood for less study and more action, or, to put it perhaps more accurately, less expensive and exhaustive study so that more money and more time can be devoted to effective action.
The point has been made in regards to questions about rural transportation, regional jail facilities, food assistance programs for the poor and/or elderly, and similar undertakings. Let’s don’t do any more studies about something we know already, say the Rappahannock commissioners; let’s get something done.
They’ve only had partial success, and for a curious reason: Most of the “grant funds” available for regional planning district commissions seem to be for “studies.” When it comes time to acquire money for actually getting a project done—a building built, a bus system in operation, a food program actually serving meals or distributing commodities —then it’s often a different story.
RAPPAHANNOCK’S DELEGATION hasn’t been entirely alone, just perhaps a little more outspoken about the whole “grantmanship” game that bureaucracies like to play.
Here’s hoping they continue their efforts. If these regional districts are to serve any purpose, it seems the counties and communities which comprise the commission’s membership would be better served by a few projects instead of just studies of studies of studies.□
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