THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2005

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2005

Our View

Growing pains

Not many folks turned out for the joint meeting on

Monday evening between the Town Planning

Commission and the Tbwn Council.

The Tbwn’s Comprehensive Plan is bubbling to the surface at the same time that residents will need to decide on a wastewater treatment facility. The two go hand-in-hand. They will be partners in what is sure to result in some growth in the Tbwn of Washington.

Just how much depends op which way the plan goes but undeveloped land in the Tbwn will be a prime target for future homes whether on one acre lots or closer together.

The waste water treatment facility is needed. It is inevitable that it will be built and hopefully before the Tbwn’s septic tanks explode.

But, it’s size will depend on how many buildings it will accommodate and that answer will be determined in how the Tbwn’s Comprehensive Plan is now crafted.

When we’re planning a family, we don’t always count on having three instead of two children or twins or an ailing parent that comes to stay but we welcome them and make room and expand if necessary.

As the “uncomfortable for some” decision creeps closer, residents are encouraged to attend future meetings as more information becomes available.

Social Security:

It’s our business

For most of us, deductions from our paychecks for social security have been going on for years. Most of us realize that it won’t be enough to support us completely when and if we should decide to retire but it will be something.

What about our children? Our grandchildren? Will the well be dry for them?

Local resident Frank Brosgol wants everyone to be as informed about this social security issue as possible.

Tb that end, he has personally arranged for Ed Berkowitz, a noted professor of history at George Washington University, to come to Rappahannock County and talk to the residents about an issue, that for Brosgol, is important for all of us to fully understand.

Berkowitz writes on American social welfare policy, liis books include: Disabled Policy, America’s Welfare State, and Mr. Social Security - the Life ofWilburr J. Cohen. In 2003, the University of Wisconsin press published his book titled Robert Ball and the Politics of , Social Security.

Berkowitz’s talk, entitled “The History of Social Security: It’s Past, Present and Future,” will be presented on Saturday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m. at Rappahannock County High School. There is no charge.

Brosgol, a retired physician, and one who is passionate about health care issues feels strongly that residents be given an opportunity to learn more about this “social security” system that is supporting many now in some form or another but with a future that is being questioned by our government leaders and poses serious decisions for many.

The Rappahannock News thanks Frank Brosgol for his enthusiasm, concern and commitment to today’s young people and their future which is in our hands.

Come on April 16 and learn more.

r