Remarks to the Prince William Board of County Supervisors: January 11, 2022

I’m Bill Wright and I live in Gainesville.  I am here to speak out against the Prince William Digital Gateway and the tactics being employed to promote it.

Yesterday morning I sent my fellow Democrats on the Board of County Supervisors an e-mail to express my bewilderment at your continued support of this non-sensical proposal that defies core Democratic principles and wondering what your true motives might be.  I chided you for embracing unsavory and unwarranted appeals to thinly disguised “dog whistles” deliberately amplified by the mercenary proponents of this scheme.  

Coincidentally, a few hours later, a rambling letter from the self-described “Pageland Stakeholders” made my case better than I ever could have myself.

Their unhinged rant; addressed to Supervisors, the Planning Commission and labor leaders, with copies to all local elected officials, expressed their outrage that noted filmmaker and historian Ken Burns had dared to suggest that it might not be the best idea to develop a 2,133-acre industrial corridor on the boundary of a national park.

National parks belong to all Americans.  Ken Burns’ lack of a Pageland Lane address does not disqualify him from warning us against threats from irresponsible development.  In fact, he is uniquely qualified to offer his perspective, having devoted countless hours to making his epic documentary “The Civil War” and “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea”.

The letter starts: “Ken Burns’ latest gift to the Confederacy is a letter to our Prince William County Supervisors…” and heads rapidly downhill from there.  It continues with such unsubtle tidbits as:

* “Many question the need to celebrate the Confederacy or its victories on the battlefield at all.”

* “A conversation is needed that goes well beyond statues and hallowed ground, especially in an area in a majority minority county that seeks to honor and celebrate those who fought on the side of slavery.”

You have got to be kidding me with this putrid drivel.  How did Ken Burns suddenly become a Son of the Confederacy?  How many of you think the purpose of Manassas National Battlefield Park is to “celebrate those who fought on the side of slavery”? 

The consistent theme of the “Pageland Stakeholders” is their over-the-top attempt to associate anyone who opposes their reckless development with racist and economically divisive motives.  Their letter was written to you in the manner it was because its authors believe it will appeal to you.  Which of you are prepared to reject such a cynical and sordid appeal?  Show of hands please?

The letter is disingenuous trash, but my favorite nugget of hypocrisy is “the residents of Prince William County, are working to create opportunity for our nearly half a million residents right here at home”.  Do you really think the CPA applicant and the land barons of Pageland Lane are pushing the Prince William Digital Gateway out of benevolent concern for their fellow citizens?  As for the “right here at home” remark, they won’t even live here anymore after they cash in and check out.  At least we can thank them for providing excellent material to illustrate their duplicity.