Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 6 · column 1 of 3 · from the scan, no model involved
While the concept ol sacrificing our scenic beauty for convenience — or added public safety — will certainly be a topic of debate, there are small issues, like the economic advantages to those who are willing to rent tower sites. And large issues, including what the state and federal government expects communities like ours to do “for the greater good.”
Certainly, there are some people who will be enticed by the $600 per month (at least) and other “perks” that the telecommunications companies are willing to offer. But are they in the right places? And if so, how will their neighbors look upon such a deal?
And even if no one in Rappahannock County wants the towers or improved service, could they still be kept out, anyway?
The federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 hints that local regulations cannot absolutely stop the installation of towers needed to provide a network. And closer to home, the Virginia General Assembly killed a bill patroned by Albemarle Sen. Emily Couric that merely asked that local governing bodies be informed of actions taken by the VDOT when they consider allowing towers to be placed on highway rights-of-way.
County Administrator John McCarthy has stated that if our local ordinances are to stand, we must be able to show our citizens care about what’s happening here. Regardless of your position on the issue, the joint meeting March 18 at 7 p.m. at RCHS gives us just that kind of opportunity.
Let’s show then that we care a great deal.
96.3%