Taking stock

A year of contrasts

The first post at Goochland on my mind went up in late November, 2008. Since then the world has shaken a bit both literally and figuratively.

One of the first posts lauded the announcement that Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) had decided to build a hospital in West Creek. Three years later, the West Creek Emergency Center is nearing completion.
Although the facility under construction on the east side of Rt. 288 is a modest one, about half the size of the Centerville Food Lion, it is a great beginning.

Emergency medical care is closer than ever to Goochland residents. This will save lives and reduce suffering. We envision its success will soon encourage expansion.

The last post of 2008 urged Goochland to “Ring in the year with a clean house.” It took a while, but 2012 will see the results of a hardworking broom wielded by county voters.

For the first time in decades Districts 1, 2 and 4 will have new supervisors. We have an entirely new school board. All of our newly elected officials have already rolled up their sleeves and started crafting strategies to move Goochland toward a brighter future.

Their task is daunting. The incompetence and mismanagement that have plagued county government for years cannot be reversed overnight.

Although the arrival of Rebecca T. Dickson as county administrator in July, 2009 was the start of some changes, it is pretty evident that she did not have the full understanding and support of all the supervisors.

The school board also has a great deal of unraveling to do.

We will be watching closely but wish them well in their endeavors.

Over the years, GOMM has reported and commented on many topics of local interest ranging from the devil monkey to the downfall of Brenda Grubbs.
The Tuckahoe Creek Service District (TCSD) was the subject of many posts and will be in the future.

At the start of each year, certain subjects loom large, but are often replaced by matters that were not anywhere near our radar screen. This time last year, everyone dreaded the budget cuts portended by declining real estate valuations. Before the budget was finalized, the treasurer had been arrested.

Last year was one of contrasts. We had drought, flood, cold weather, hot weather, an earthquake in the ground and at the polls, and our terrific Bulldogs coming within a few points of winning the state football championship.

No one knows what sort of surprises 2012 will bring. May your 2012 be filled with love, laughter and good health. Thanks for your support. If you keep reading, I’ll keep writing!
Sandie