The board denied that Myers' business situation had anything to do with its decision. Myers said public opposition and an impractical plan for building the interchanges on tight, developed urban roads killed the idea. Economic interests aren't the only reasons the board has come under criticism from those who oppose I-73. Tom O'Brien, of the Virginia Democracy Coalition, a Charlottesville-based group that advocates campaign finance reform, said the contributions create the perception of impropriety. In picking people who have given contributions to serve on these boards, you're picking people who are political or at least ideologically loyal, not the best people for these positions.
Members say the contributions mean little.
Welsh said she didn't think roads should be built just for the sake of building them. I don't think we need to take every cornfield and build a subdivision. We don't need to pave everything. Ybarra, secretary of transportation and a historic supporter of I-73, said she didn't know how political contributions relate to how members vote on where to build a highway project. Both Martinsville and Henry County officials preferred the eastern route because water and sewer lines are already in place.