To the citizens of the Critz community
Within a week of my being appointed to the Board of Supervisors I was a approached by a member of the school Board to discuss the situation involving the closure of Dogwood Dr. in front of Harden Reynolds School. Why did this happen? It appears that the unsettled issue was still active and if it came before the Board for discussion I would have to vote, yes or no on the issue. At the time of that meeting I was unaware of the conditions at the school itself that led to such requested actions by the school board. To understand the situation I undertook on-site observations, talked with citizens in the Critz area and got assistance from the VSP to check vehicle speed through the school zone during a typical school day. Before I could form an opinion I wanted to see for myself what the “unsafe” conditions were at the school and I did this in anticipation of the possibility that I would be required to take a position should the matter come up before the BOS in the near future.
Now the matter will be considered by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.
I urge the citizens of Critz, whether opposed to or in support of the road closure, to carefully follow the actions of the CTB to learn the dates of any public hearing in the future. The citizens still have an opportunity to present their positions before a Board that has final decisions. It is up to you, the citizen, to determine the impact the CBT determination it will have on your community!
Now the question will surely arise, Why did I get involved with this situation since the subject in question does not directly affect the Smith River District? !) Because I was contacted by a member of the school board to discuss this because I would probably have to vote yes or no on this issue in the future. 2) Because the actions in Critz would also impact Patrick County as a whole.
My responsibility to the citizens of the Smith River District is my primary area of importance, however, as a member of the BOS I must also consider actions that affect not just one particular district but all of the other citizens who reside in Patrick County. Therein lies the many challenges I will approach as a member of the BOS and I did not accept this position with a blind eye and I intend to confront those challenges such as the Dogwood issue with facts and not just opinions. I walk a tight rope in my decisions but rest assured I have the intention to do my best to represent my constituents and all citizens of Patrick County.
Kindest regards,
Richard Cox- Smith River District
Board of Supervisors
