George,

Frank Stoner neglected to mention that he is a county resident and developer. He has a large financial interest in having the MCP go forward.

Where does he come off saying his views represent the majority of the residents of Charlottesville.

Frank seems to think he is more of an expert on constitutional law than Dick Howard who helped draft to rewrite of the constitution.

Frank Stoner can not be trusted and anything he says is suspect because of his development interests.

Downing Smith (electronic mail, January 17, 2003)

Editor'sNote: On May 15, 2003 Frank Stoner of Albemarle County, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Stonehaus Development, received the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce 2003 Chamber Small Businessperson of the Year Award. Stonehaus partners have developed and built more than $100 million worth of real estate in Central Virginia, includinga development in the Belmont area near downtown Charlottesville. I do not know of any specific interest he might have in having the Meadowcreek Parkway go forward, but he has, according to the Chamber of Commerce, spearheaded the Meadowcreek Parkway Campaign.

If there is a clear majority view by citizens of Charlottesville with respect to the Meadowcreek Parkway, it escapes me and has not been reflected by the actions of city council, now or in the past. Perhaps the 2004 Charlottesville City Council race will tell the tale.

This said, Frank Stoner, like Dick Howard, has been thoughtful enough to offer the community his opinion. And Dick Howard, like Frank Stoner, reportedly has a position not only about the easement but about the merits of Meadowcreek Parkway itself.

My guess is that Frank Stoner and Dick Howard have an equal stake in Charlottesville in particular and also in the community at large. And one would hope as the process moves forward, many more voices will be heard.