FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 5, 2007

Voice of Strasburg:” Concerned Citizens Taking Action”

ISLAND FARM APPEAL BEING CONSIDERED

Strasburg, VA — Given the recent dismissal by Judge Lane on a technical point which left unanswered the legal questions raised in the suit, the plaintiffs are evaluating an appeal to the Supreme Court of Virginia to ensure the citizens of the Town of Strasburg have their rights protected as required under the Code of Virginia. This case is being motivated by the principle of due process under law for all citizens and, accordingly, that the Town is not above the law.

Given the recent allegations concerning a coalition of developers attempting to bribe a public official on the Strasburg Town Council, this case becomes even more significant to the citizens of Strasburg.

Members of the Voice of Strasburg know that the process leading up to the vote to rezone the Island Farm was seriously flawed and are simply asking that the Town of Strasburg right this error to ensure equity under the law for the adjoining landowners. Furthermore, given the unanimous vote by the Strasburg Planning Commission to deny the rezoning (see Planning Commission document), the vote of the Town Council to allow for the rezoning did not make sense then and does not make sense now.

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The Voice of Strasburg is a grass roots citizens organization focused on ensuring that Strasburg remains a special place to call home.

I was wondering if anyone else out there is wondering why Mr. Boyd’s lawyers are making arguments for our town in court? I mean I’m no lawyer or judge or even legal expert, but it seems to me that Mr. Neal ought to be speaking before the judge when cases come before the court, as on Thursday August 16th, not Mr. Athey. I thought the town was supposed to be “neutral” about this rezoning. If the proper paperwork was or was not done why does it seem like the town is “siding” with the developer as opposed to the citizens (Voice of Strasburg.) Yes it hurts Mr. Boyd’s interests if the process must be redone, but it hurts the citizens far more if our town’s managment does not have to follow the rules. As far as this citizen goes I am very perplexed and honestly a little angry about this. Is anyone else?

The following are my comments to the Council at their meeting on July 10: I’d like to comment first, however, that if any citizen ever feels like someone on Council or someone in authority during Council meetings makes negative or disrespectful comments about citizens standing up for their rights you should stand up before the Council and let them know. It’s important for them to act respectfully when we, as citizens, are expected to. My Council meeting comments follow:

Mr. Mayor and the council…I don’t know if you have noticed my absence from these meetings over many months, until last month, but I took a little break from all the town’s business. As it was I had become disgusted with all the “window dressing” of the new found “civility”. Most of us, citizens, saw through the disguise. Anyway, I decided to come back and make a statement about the water billing, last month and truly was impressed with receiving comments to my concerns, during the meeting. Even if they did not come out to my liking I am very grateful that you have allowed minor discussions between the council and citizens, even if it is still only one sided as opposed to back and forth, it was appreciated.
I was very disturbed, however, by the Town Attorneys belittling of the Voice of Strasburg. The disrespect shown to a civic group of concerned citizens was disgraceful. I would like to state for the record that people, like me, opposed to the rezoning of the Island Farm stepped back from making statements to this council, while awaiting the court’s decisions. However, with the Town Attorney’s need to attack this group, citizens, like me, will step up their voices once again. Don’t for a minute believe that there is only “one voice of Strasburg” because there are many voices and we will be encouraging them to come forward and speak, as well as write you letters, and call to show their support for THE LAW. Everyone seems to forget that the law was not properly followed. It is not the citizen’s fault that the town and the developer did not cross all the T’s and dot all the I’s. Perhaps in the future the official representatives of the town involved with law suits and disagreements will keep a civil tongue in their mouth, so as not to stir up the passions of the people. I know this isn’t what any of you want to hear, but I don’t feel like keeping quiet any longer…You want VOICES to show you our intent? Then you shall have them. Thank you.