I just watched the webcast of the vote on rail to Loudoun – it was fascinating. I especially appreciated seeing how the majority of the board members worked together, for the most part, on what had become a contentious issue.

But why, exactly, did it have to be a contentious issue? The desire for improved transportation has been a unifying theme in our county for quite some time. And while we don’t have a crystal ball, we do have a good idea of the business development and subsequent population that’s coming to Loudoun.

Members of the BOS are given the responsibility to vote on behalf of their constituents, reflecting our expressed wishes. And the voters made it abundantly clear that we wanted the rail. We did the cost/benefit analysis, and over 75 percent of us said “Do it.”

Some supervisors, however, decided to play the role of authoritative parent – trying to decide what’s in our best interests. They let political leanings get in the way of doing their jobs. And they were the ones who acted as if they had a crystal ball, using it to override our specific instructions.

For this reason, supervisors who opposed rail to Loudoun can expect to be voted out of office in the next election.

Elaine Jean

Cascades