The NG unit based (partially) in Manassas – the 266th MP unit had its shipping out ceremony today.  The City Council and Mayor were there as was the Governor.  I’ve seen many of these things on TV and you can get some sense of how difficult a time this is for family members but there is really nothing like being there.  Everyone tries to keep a stiff upper lip but its tough for a young mother who has a little one on her hip and another by the hand or the family seeing their young son or daughter go off to war.

Watching those families go through that ceremony was one of the toughest things I’ve done lately.  They have my respect and admiration.   I hope they all return safely.

The employee housing program is still moving forward but it has been sent back to the Land Use Committee to be reviewed and possibly resized.  It was originally authorized at $675k and since then, the economy has pretty much disintegrated before our eyes.  That $675k was coming directly from the fund balance and in such uncertain economic times the City needs to keep its options open.

So, here is what I am going to propose: fund it at a lower rate around $250k for the next two years and we’ll take a look at it after that.  Keep in mind that this program passed the Council 6-0 so there is clearly support for it but prudence demands that we at least discuss resizing it for the near term.