Don't let outsiders, nontaxpayers sway Spotsy decision

Date published: 9/21/2002

I have to wonder why the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust, the Civil War Preservation Trust, all of the trusts and coalitions feel they have to call on members from around the country to react to the building of Chancellorsville.

I do hope the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors is not swayed by these letters. These are people who do not contribute one red penny to the tax base of this county, but feel obligated to dictate to the owner of this piece of property what he can do with his property.

Am I missing something? I recently sold a piece of property to the National Park Service that was truly significant in the history of the Civil War. The Mullins property is like all the other pieces of property in Spotsylvania County. Yes, it is hallowed, but so is the entire county. I do believe the Board of Supervisors realizes this and will act accordingly.

Can someone explain to me how John Mullins, who owns the Mullins farm, does not really own it? How can the country own it? Did the country pay for the farm? Does the country pay the taxes on the farm? This is, of course, one of the ludicrous statements of James Lighthizer, explaining how the property belongs to the American people.

It will be with great difficulty that supervisors decide how to vote on this matter. However, if the Board of Supervisors votes with their heads and does not worry about the next election, we will be seeing a beautiful and welcomed community called Chancellorsville.

Jo Ann Ashton

Locust Grove

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Date published: 9/21/2002