Editor, Smithfield Times

Isle of Wight Board of Supervisors voted 4 to 1 to defect the ISLE 2040 proposal last Thursday night. Only one dissenting vote was cast, by Hardy District supervisor, Mr. Rudolph Jefferson. I questioned, what does Mr. Jefferson know about this proposal that the other four supervisors do not know? 

It was brought to my attention it was all about payback. The county budget initially had a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) funding for a few fire stations and voted upon by the Board of Supervisors in June.  The majority of supervisors were not aware that most of the CIP funding had been removed from the package by the county administrator and the vote was based on their previous review. 

The Board approved a Capital Improvement Plan and the county budget that contained only one funded station, The Rushmere Fire Department in the Hardy District which would receive funding for upgrades of parking lot paving and HVAC. Oh yes, not only does Mr. Jefferson serve as the elected representative to the BOS from Hardy District, he also holds the position of Assistant Fire Chief of the Rushmere Fire Department. I’m sure all of this it just coincidental.

– Glen Musick
  Smithfield