Voters obviously believe he will seek to promote the rural region's economic development while protecting its agricultural base and the beauty of the land, woods and waters. Republicans might tend to dismiss Pollard's win as an aberration, but it would be a mistake to take it lightly. Pollard's election indicates that Virginians no longer think environmentalism is a dirty word and that they are looking for candidates who pledge to protect the state's natural beauty. Preserving the Northern Neck's character was a central theme of Pollard's campaign. Northern Virginians including Stafford residents are watching the landscape disappear before their eyes.
Life is hectic.
Schools and roads are crowded. At this point, however, most suburbanites think growth management is the responsibility of local government. To a certain extent it is, but the General Assembly and state agencies also play a heavy role in determining the pattern of growth. When voters wake up and realize that state government is part of the problem, legislators and the governor will be held accountable. Unless, of course, Republicans wake up first and seize the initiative now that they, rather than Democrats, can set the agenda in Richmond.