CITIZEN'S OPINION

Can't you smell the bacon frying in Floyd?

Government low interest loans, taxes, and town revitalization grants are all pretty much the same. ..our tax dollars at work or being wasted.
I really think the citizens of Floyd County deserve better than to even consider use of our local, state, or federal tax revenue to develop a long time privately held venue.
I am specificalIy talking about the Floyd Country Store and surrounding properties where the Friday night Jamboree is held, but it can apply to any situation where government gets in to administration of services, which they are just not as efficient in providing as private business.
Why does Town government feel they can do a better job than private business in the music/entertainment field? What ow interest loans, taxes, and town revitalization grants are all pretty much the same. ..our tax dollars at work or being wasted. I really think the citizens of Floyd County deserve better than to even consider use of our local, state, or federal tax revenue to develop a long time privately held venue. I am specifically talking about the Floyd Country Store and surrounding properties where the Friday night Jamboree is held, but it can apply to any situation where government gets in to administration of services, which they are just not as efficient in providing as private business.
Why does Town government feel they can do a better job than private business in the music/entertainment field?
What experts in this field are present in Town Government? What is their motivation for wanting to acquire the Country Store and surrounding properties?
Further disturbing is the spit-shine political maneuvering by town groups to entice the pork barrel money from state officials as was evident by the visit from our governor to the Country Store. Why is the town even considering dislocating an adjacent non-profit business (Angels in the Attic), which helps many people in the county and as an added benefit, brings many county/town people together for an honorable cause? What other business in Floyd generated $200,000 in the last 5 years for people in need? It surely appears that the founders and workers at Angels in the Attic have seen where the need is in Floyd County so why can't county/town government?
If the town purchases the Country Store or.any other properties, I am planning on gomg to the County Court Clerks Office and comparing deeds and or sale receipts to see how much of a wind-fall is made on this deal with our tax money.
It is everyone's right and duty as a responsible citizen to monitor these transactions.
Furthermore, if the Town assumes responsibilities for any property, won't this just add to the Towns tax burden? What about the additional administration necessary to run this venture and loss of real estate revenue (cannot tax yourself)?
It strikes me as very interesting that just a few weeks ago it was reported that the Country Store was in good shape credited to its former owner's care.
Now, I have learned the State Department of Housing and Community: Development has classified the Country Store and surrounding properties as a being in a blighted, slum area.
Who/what group in Floyd asked this government agency to come to Floyd and do this?
What definition of "slum" is this state agency using? I do not see the definition of slum given in my dictionary on that street. Yes, there is certainly less business in the town and maybe an empty storefront, however, this is likely because the majority of county residents must commute outside the county for employment and also conduct their business there before returning.
Would not public money be better utilized by developing/growing businesses that employ full-time workers( as opposed to seasonal, tourist workers ) that stay and conduct their business in the county/ town?
Lastly, when driving into Floyd County on Route 221 from Hillsville there is a sign that says "Entering Virginia's Technology Corridor".
What is this about? Floyd cannot even entice a fried pie factory to stay here and we want technology?
If Floyd and surrounding areas are truly in this "technology corridor", where are the programs and government funding to back this vision up?
I guess we need to call Congressman Rick Boucher about this one.
Until Floyd County Government as a whole becomes united and gets serious about helping all its residents by filling the industrial park with businesses that generate full-time employment and pay taxes, we will continue to see the support/retail business as a whole decline in the Town and County and yes, our tax burden increase.
Making things pretty for the tourist trade is only a feel good band-aid for a government in denial that we severely 1ack a manufacturing base in this county.
Yes, it seems again the majority of the working people in Floyd are not being represented or considered but our money is being wasted nonetheless.
Come on good people of Floyd -WAKE UP!!

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