Sept. 5, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: Well, surprise, surprise, Andy - the Backroom Boys have sweettalked the Virginia Department of Aviation into pouring taxpayer money into their pet project: a fancy parking lot for their handful of private planes. And, of course, some cash will “accidentally” sprinkle down to a few lucky airport contractors for an airport that will never turn a profit. If this looks, sounds, and smells like the Buena Vista golf course fiasco, that’s because it’s the same kind of insider “economic development.”
The deal goes like this: take money from working people and retirees to subsidize private airplane owners so they don’t have to drive 45 minutes to their planes. Then, when the whole thing collapses, hand the bill back to taxpayers.
And what do they call this? “Job creation.” The kind where you shovel taxpayer money into a losing airport. Joe Biden-style “job creation.” Naturally, there’ll be an airport authority, and wouldn’t you know it, the same fellows or their cousins will end up running it. We’ve seen this movie before.
Meanwhile, Rockbridge County is already tens of millions in debt, losing population every year, and juggling unfunded projects like solid waste, water treatment, and a brand-new $13 million social services building constructed with borrowed money. Just in interest, $1.5 million a year walks right out of the county.
It’s time to get serious about “economic development.” That means investing in the small businesses we already have and helping young local entrepreneurs build futures here, not chasing piein- the-sky schemes that enrich a few insiders. Let’s spend our time and money on the people who pay taxes and create real jobs - right here in Rockbridge. BILL RUSSELL Kerrs Creek Distric t
