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.