Babs, let me be clear… the use of the words “johnny-come-lately” in my particular context denotes those who came onto the back end of a movement that was started 2 years before we even saw them near it. They were VERY instrumental in starting the PAC activity, but the real horse left the barn 2 years before their involvement.
Perhaps the use of PACs will come in time, but right now, we’re identifying the nuts and bolts of the grassroots that will be used in three years. The PACs are more like “the icing on the cake”.

I am so tired of the arguing over this issue.  The metro in Loudoun is long overdue.  Lets get this project started already.

Dean, I got here 6 years before you did, and while many are correct in noting that support is weaker west of 15 (but it does exist, as the public hearing shows—I was very surprised at the number of speakers from the rural policy area, some of whom were born here, and some their families before them), any coalition of rural residents that think they will get people unelected (or elected) in the suburban policy area are really facing diminishing returns.

There was broad crossover support in the eastern portion of Blue Ridge for Ms. Clarke, for a variety of reasons: many do not consider themselves “rural”, and were outraged at the slice-and-dice of redistricting, many were tired of Mr. Burton.  Many also support Metro.

Just as you may feel that “johnny come latelys” don’t have the gravitas to opine on a level playing field with where you stand, I must say I feel exactly the same way when someone who built a townhouse in Purcellville 4 or 5 years ago tells me they moved to the country and don’t want any more anything.  I hate to tell them, but building what’s classified as an urban single family unit a much farther commute than anyone in the suburban policy area means they themselves have contributed to the need for more infrastructure.

This project deserves attention, and a rational discussion of methods of payment, and not the hype and outright FUD that’s been tossed at it.

“I would dare to say you will not be in office if you ignore us on this issue.”

I’d contest that, because I’ve already assembled a large team that will blanket those district supervisors that go along with Metro.
And I have ten years experience and as many elections that have been upset by assemblies that I helped to construct. Some of the johnny-come-lately’s that have joined those efforts are actually posting here.

More importantly, and on topic, is the fact that MWAA cannot be trusted. If they get their money from Loudoun…you can guarantee that the PLA will be back on the table. This is the last chance for the supervisors to do the right thing for the county.

Just for your info in case you missed this:
Moreover, the location of the proposed airport Metrorail station does not allow for the nearby construction of such facilities. The station has been located in close proximity to the main terminal in order to optimize the convenience for air passengers and airport workers. It also is in close proximity to existing parking garages which are needed to accommodate the expected growth in air travelers. All unimproved land that is near the station is in high demand and has been designated by our planning documents for airport use only. And even if there were some unimproved land available, the use of such land for commuter facilities would be restrained by regulations governing the historic main terminal and Saarinen Circle. In short, land

is simply not available reasonably near the proposed airport Metrorail station to accommodate new commuter parking, bus and other facilities.
The Airports Authority certainly hopes that Loudoun County will remain a participant and partner in the Silver Line project. However, whether the County opts in or out of the project, the Airports Authority will not be in a position to provide land adjacent to or near the airport Metrorail station for parking garages, bus facilities and roadways intended to serve commuters from Loudoun and other jurisdictions.

I hope the politicians are listening to the majority of their constituents when they vote. I would dare to say you will not be in office if you ignore us on this issue. We feel strongly that we need the Metro and now it’s time for you to do your jobs and represent the opinions of those who live in your district.

fedupdude - while it’s understood that support is weak as you go west of 15, the population is substantially denser east of 15.  the population east of 15 is overwhelmingly in favor of rail. also, it was evident at the Loudoun County hearing last week in Leesburg that the general population is overwhelmingly in support of rail.

ashburnfella - I would not say support is overwhelming, it is in the slight majority county wide. I support it but I am realistic; I know the county west of 15 is not into more development and not into expanding the city into our county boarders.

Totally agree with Satchmo. I hope Supervisor Clarke remembers the people that voted her into office and what they want and that is metro to Loudoun County. I am thrilled that the BOS is putting so much consideration into this because it is not a decision to be taken lightly. Working together to come up with viable solutions to get the metro out here is promising!

Loudoun Insider, you continue to grasp at a couple of points:

1. “we will need to subsidize” - we do that for everything taxpayer funded.  We subsidize schools, police, roads, parks etc.  What is the ROI on parks?  While I understand that you feel that Metro might be expensive, you shouldn’t project it as being uniquely subsidized.  It is not.

2. “bought and paid for consultants” - Get off of it.  There are plenty of Loudoun residents who support Metro.  Not only plenty of them, it seems to be the vast majority of them.  Don’t minimize our voice with distracting commentary on paid for consultants.  ALL of my neighbors support this initiative.  NONE of them are bought and paid for.

Higgins and Clarke are solid ‘no’ votes.  Suzanne Volpe is the swing vote.  It’s all up to her. It’s crazy that we will all be billed for this, $30 to $60 million a year, forever, for two measly stops, 2 miles into Loudoun county.  It’s insane to give those two corrupt groups, WMAA and WAMATA, a blank check on our future.  Competely stupid way to waste $1.2 BILLION.  Before you ask, I got that figure from the BOS.  Why would we do that?  Anyone who wants to take metro can drive the two more miles to Dulles Airport and Loudoun won’t have to pay a dime.

I don’t even understand why we don’t have Metro now. So silly.

I can’t believe there are this many people who want to bring a huge money losing operation that we will need to subsidize into Loudoun County. That is the heart of this matter for me. Metro is a big money loser. They run a deficit every year. They have a horrible safety record, which leads to expensive lawsuit payouts. They are waaaaaaaaay behind in system maintenance and will need further pricey fixes all while still losing money on operations every single year. But somehow it makes sense to bring this mess into Loudoun County and have us help pay for all of these problems. I will never think that is a good idea no matter how many bought and paid for consultants say so.

The fact that the supervisors are thinking about this so carefully is very promising.  They know what the residents want and will bring metro to Loudoun..its in the best interest of the county’s future!

I agree Satchmo. I am really glad that all of the Supervisors are putting in time and consideration to this matter, it’s nice to see some politicians actually do their jobs out there.

So 1 out of the 5 remaining - but really that’s 1 out of 4, given that Delgaudio is a 100% NO vote.  I like the prospects for rail to Loudoun!

Chances are very good that Geary Higgins won’t actually show up on the day of the vote.  He’s becoming the Catoctin Ghost.

Considering Clarke a western Supervisor is not accurate.  She represents a good chunk of the east as well.  A portion that is strongly in favor of Metro.  She’s going to have to take that into account if she’s interested in being re-elected.  She also ran on a strong platform of economic development and transportation.  I’d be surprised if she dumped those initiatives and voted against Metro.