Want your schools fixed or new schools?

Call your county supervisors and tell them. Before all our coal tax or VCEDA money leaves the local area to a regional plan.
Im sure some had to read this in the coalfield newpaper. How this money to go regional. Folks that money was for the coal field areas of Wise, Dickenson and Buchanan counties and to help if alloted to others.
It seems some on this VCEDA board, and some running for office have other plans for this money, and it's not to help out locally.
Want your schools fixed or new schools, call you local board of supervisors and ask about this money and what we can use it for.

[retiredteach]

Actually I have spoken with some of the Supervisors and I was told an entirely different story than was in the newspaper. It seems that Wise County hasn't gotten their fair share of VCEDA funds as has been the case of some of the other counties. The Supervisors are attempting to rectify the situation through the VCEDA Board first and if that doesn't work, then look at other measures.

Im am glad some of our local official are looking into. I know Dickenson or Buchanan Co. voted to pull out of CEDA, if local money left this area.
What gets me it's money that is to be set aside for this area due to mining and some want to take it and use, for everything else. I can see a loan set up and pay back program, but not just giving away money for projects outside the area.
Im glad someone looked into some of it. Thanks Mr. G.

[R0cketer]

I tell you what, I think there needs to be a 'fixing' of the VCEDA as opposed to just a pulling out, by Dickenson/Wise or whomever.

Have heard a few stories, some of them pretty validated about people that work with them, not giving some localities the fair shake, and you kind of wonder if there isn't a bit of 'backroom dealings' going on.

I'm happy that some questions are being risen, hopefully it can be improved. The VCEDA is a good idea but if one or two counties are given 'preferred' treatment then it isn't quite right.

[retiredteach]

For example, Wise County applied for a grant to use with a software degree program at UVA-Wise, but was told that the money could not be used for education. Then money was given for the Pharmacy School in Grundy. Sounds like some inequities are occurring. Hope some of this info helps.

Well i first heard about it at the Appy/Cove game.
I didn't think much about it at the time, but the more the man talked, it was evident he knew what he was talking about.
Esp. with money and how it has been used and appropriated. I wish i had the guys name to talk to him more about it. But he was hot about the way the money and some involved appropriated funds, for what they wanted and it outside of the counties it was set up for.
Heck from what he said and this is nothing against Lee Co or Scott Co, but VCEDA money has went there and their not even contributors into the fund.
It just seem like once again. The three counties and workers get shorted, because we have no real voice or votes on who gets what.
Now that is a little odd, plus the vote always goes the way of a few on the board was what i have been told.
A lot of things that, well need to be cleared up, or at least a set way of dealing with items and projects.
I can see helping out our local counties, but i can't nor don't understand changing the rules to suit a few, then tell others you can't use the money for that?

[retiredteach]

Was also told that the Wise Co. Board oif Supervisors have a voting member on the VCEDA Board, but his voice is ignored and forgotten.

Told the same thing Mr. G. The way i understand it, we will take your concerns under advisement. But nothing gets done due to the other members.
Was even told the one who represents the coal companies has no say, or can't say anything due to not wanting to create problem.
It seems quite a few are upset with the way VCEDA is operating and one reason the coalfield counties, want to pull out and have their money given to them, and set up their own board.
Yet many are told if they do this the money will go regional and the coalfield counties will have no say so at all then.
It seems as if someone or some group intends to keep the money rolling, but not to the places it is coming from.
One reason i posted this about schools. It was said this money was not to be used for that. When VCEDA was established that was one primary goal education.
As i stated in a previous post Appy elem, J.W. Adams and other schools got their start and matching funds for their schools from the VCEDA, now it can't be used for that?
Just my opinion, but i think all three coalfield counties need to have their board of superviors, go to a VCEDA meeting and ask what is going on.
And find out who is behind all of the running of VCEDA, it sure seems, the money is there for some, but for others there is always an excuse or always out voted.