His question about a smaller tax base, increasing taxes and declines in services is critical. The point about Byrd Park makes the case. In states around the country, cities are putting money into parks, not stripping them down. The reason? A high quality of life will encourage development. The problem with Richmond is that so many of the basic things that cities should do for their citizens (parks, libraries, clinics, schools) are starved for attention, while money goes down empty but expensive rat holes like the Greater Richmond Convention Center, which seems to be a pedestrian-free zone.
But I am not sure that more visioning will bring regime change to Richmond. The current downtown plan pushed by Renaissance, as I recall, was hatched during one of those visioning meetings. I have been to umpteen visioning meetings here in Richmond over the last 20 years. They always seem to be hijacked by the same old club.
Garland Pollard
Winner Named in "Most" Contest
Readers who submitted ballots for "The Most" opinion poll were entered in a drawing to win a night on the town.
Congratulations to Jennifer Burke, of Richmond, who will receive dinner for two at Havana '59, a pair of tickets to "Jesus Christ Superstar" (a Baci Show production) at the Carpenter Center and a night's stay at The Berkeley Hotel.
Thanks to the hundreds of readers who voted for the extremes of life in Richmond. "The Most" starts on Page 18.
Richmond should take the time to look a little deeper when borrowing from other cities. Claims made by proponents of new ballparks usually are overstated.
"We live in an age of increasing ubiquity, in which the quirks and eccentricities of local businesses are being overshadowed by the blandness of national retailers and service providers."
Style Weekly's mission is to provide smart, witty and tenacious coverage of Richmond. Our editorial team strives to reveal Richmond's true identity through unflinching journalism, incisive writing, thoughtful criticism, arresting photography and sophisticated presentation.
We make sense of the news; pursue those in power; explore the city's arts and culture; open windows on provocative ideas; and help readers know Richmond through its people. We give readers the information to make intelligent decisions.