The Virginian-Pilot
©
SUFFOLK
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge won't be representing Virginia on a quarter.
Unbeknownst to many in the area, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine decided months ago to go with Shenandoah National Park for the federal government's latest state coin program. The news came as a surprise Friday to those in Hampton Roads who had been plugging the refuge.
"I have never, ever seen a congressional act implemented that fast," said Chris Lowie, the refuge's manager.
Kaine spokesman Gordon Hickey wasn't aware of the decision when he was asked Monday about the selection process.
On Wednesday, the Suffolk City Council passed a resolution supporting the Dismal Swamp, while a Chesapeake City Council member planned to do the same. State Sens. Harry Blevins and Fred Quayle had written to the governor in support of the refuge.
By Friday, though, Hickey had an update, "It turns out, it had already been done," he said.
The language in America's Beautiful National Parks Quarter Dollar Coin Act of 2008 said site selection had to be done within 270 days of its enactment Dec. 23.
But the U.S. Mint expedited the process, said Kathleen Kilpatrick, director of Virginia's Department of Historic Resources. It issued a deadline of late February for a recommendation, she said.
Kilpatrick, whom Kaine appointed to advise him, said she had only about one week to decide and consulted with about 20 people. The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge "was definitely on a list of about 10 that were considered very seriously," she said.
The choice: a recommendation to incorporate Skyline Drive, the famous route along the Blue Ridge Mountains, against a backdrop of Shenandoah National Park, which turns 75 next year.
Dave Forster, (757) 222-5563, dave.forster@pilotonline.com
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Dismal Swamp and George Washington.
The Dismal Swamp has direct ties to the guy on the front of the quarter. I guess they forgot.
A pothole would have been a much better symbol for Virginia.
Kaine has lost focus as usual. A pothole would have been a much better symbol for Virginia.
Just another pot hole
No worries,
this is just another pot-hole for the Hampton Roads area.
This is what autocrats who don't respect the people do...
...they take decisions out of the hands of the people they are supposed to represent. This easily could have been handled by setting up a State website and letting the PEOPLE of Virginia decide what they preferred by their votes. Instead, the decision apparently came down to a single person and what could be her social/professional circle. Governor Kaine, you did a poor job with this issue. For the public interest, please disclose the "...list of about 10 [choices] that were considered very seriously..." so the V-P can publish them for the citizens to see.