I join with many others in expressing my sorrow in regard to the loss of
Virginia Cavalcade. My friends, family, and colleagues in state and local
government are all going through difficult times as they struggle to meet
the mandate of a balanced budget in a time of sharply reduced revenues.

There is one point, however, that I wish to raise in regard to funding and
priorities. By no means do I intend this to be a criticism or chastisement.
The staff of LVA deserve our support and encouragement - period.

As a point of fact, the last time that I renewed Virginia Cavalcade, I paid
$15 for a two-year subscription (less than $2 per issue). As late as 1997,
the cost was $10 for two years. This fine publication is hardly an
exception. I last renewed Virginia Wildlife (full color, slick paper, superb
photography) at a cost of $24 for 42 issues. I paid VDOT $2 for a CD with
statewide traffic counts (it cost more than that to mail it). Folks, this
ain't no way to run a railroad.

The cost of these state publications is far less than the price of
comparable periodicals. I realize that state agencies are sometimes required
by policy to charge a price to the public that is limited to the actual cost
of the product. But would I pay more if Virginia Cavalcade could be saved?
HELL, YES.

Charge a fair price, and people will pay it. Charge half price, and
eventually you will not be able to pay your bills.

_________________________________
H. Glenn James, MAI
Commercial First Appraisers, LLC
101 Granby Street at Main, Suite 200
Norfolk, Virginia  23510-1603
Voice +1 (757) 623-2800
Fax +1 (757) 623-2900
Business e-mail [log in to unmask]
Personal e-mail [log in to unmask]

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