Why won't Angler answer questions?
By Geraldine Schneider, Special to The Culpeper Times
Culpeper citizens delegate authority to the Board of Supervisors, confident that their tax money will be distributed with wisdom and discretion – a tremendous responsibility. Relying on their capable representation, the residents feel tranquil to devote their efforts to personal, professional occupations such as raising and educating children, running a farm ... This does not mean the citizenry loses sight or interest in the work of the Board. Lately, there have been ample indications of a growing feeling of unease, expressed in this newspaper and on the street.There is a large percentage of Culpeper residents in ignorance of the projected relationship being considered at this time with a company of questionable business reputation. Angler Development services as project manager for Culpeper Utility Partners. Their unsolicited proposal to build a full water-sewer system for the county, at a cost of more than $100 million! A proposal that ignores the side effects on environment and community life.
Angler's team of lawyers and experts have presented a volume of arguments to convince our Board of Supervisors of the advantages they will offer. Their grandiose presentation is impressive – but is it not out of proportion in the location they have chosen involving extensive lines of piping to areas where it is most needed, residential and industrial? They do not consider the unnecessary destruction of property and endangering the supply and purity of the underground water and Mountain Run in the Brandy Station and Stevensburg area where the sewer plant is not needed.
At the insistence of Angler, the plans and conditions have been in closed sessions, behind closed doors labeled "confidential". Before the decisions become too advance, would it not be proper to inform the affected public of the proposals and hear the overwhelming number of constituents who, equip0ped with irrefutable facts and figures, oppose this proposal? Anglers says "No!" Angler has handicapped our Board of Supervisors by demanding that no information be released until they are ready. This company has been in financial difficulties, including an involvement with bankruptcy. In other counties they face some strong negative feelings (see Fauquier Times-Democrat of April 16, 2008 and May 14, 2008).
A group of neighbors and friends with the same concerns has been meeting and invited the members of the Board individually to join us informally to discuss and clarify our preoccupations. Each very kindly did his best within the limitations for secrecy set by Angler. Our objections are backed by research and personal investigation and the group is growing. Hundreds have come forward to sign a petition for saying "No" to Angler.
Think positively:
Investigating alternatives – building the reservoir previously suggested, building smaller water and sewer plants closer to where and when they are needed.
Investigating other reputable companies that may be more directly cognizant of the local conditions.
Prevention of indiscriminate use of underground water causing irreparable damage to farmlands.
Seriously consider the well-founded objections to the Angler project.
Consider meeting occasionally, informally, with small citizen groups when there are major projects, especially those involving more than $100 million.
What are our goals for the future? The Angler project foresees in the distant future mega housing developments to provide taps for financing their mega water and sewer treatment plant. Do we want to be a bedroom community for employees who work and shop elsewhere. Our young adults will leave to seek more agreeable locations to live and raise their children. Is it not preferable to value the healthy and beautiful area of Virginia in which we now live – especially with fine new schools soon to open – a balance of rural and urban.
We have in Culpeper what other towns are seeking, by trying with restoration to recover what they destroyed in the name of progress as interpreted by mega companies such as Angler.