Tuesday evening, the Leesburg Town Council deferred consideration of a resolution opposing the North-South Corridor until July 23rd. At the meeting, a controversial email chain came to light in which Bob Chase, Randy Minchew and other local figures were planning their defense of the corridor.
The North-South Corridor is not an adequate solution to our community's traffic problem. Independent studies show that 32 times as many Loudoun residents commute east to west as they do north to south and that the Corridor will not help congestion. In fact, most sources indicate that it will increase congestion around Leesburg. We need to focus on improving our current roads, increasing bus access, and completing the Silver Line to help Loudoun residents get out of traffic.
I'm also disgusted by the email chain in which Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance President Bob Chase threatens that Leesburg will be deprived of transportation funding for all priority projects if the Council opposes the Corridor.
Intimidation is no way to make public policy. I'm confident that, whatever the result, the Council will act in the best interests of Leesburg residents. Randy Minchew's comments on the thread are both ridiculous and unworthy of a public servant. Anyone who's seen Mayor Umstattd and Councilor Burk working in the community knows that their focus is on how to best serve the people of Leesburg.
Monte Johnson
Monte Johnson is the Democratic nominee for Delegate in the 10th House District.
To learn more about Monte, please visit monteforvirginia.com and don't forget to follow him on Facebook and Twitter!
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