Kaine takes development tour of Waynesboro
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine spoke with Waynesboro government leaders and downtown business owners Thursday as part of the economic development theme of this week’s Congressional hiatus and statewide tour.
The city’s administrators and Economic Development Director Greg Hitchin briefed the new senator during a noon lunch on Waynesboro’s downtown revitalization and efforts to attract industry to the city.
Hitchin joined Councilman Tim Williams, City Manager Mike Hamp and Deputy City Manager James Shaw on a walking tour of Main Street businesses, during which Kaine spoke to several store owners.
Officials with the Center for Coldwaters Restoration explained their work to set up a hatchery for Brook Trout along the South River that could also host a stream laboratory for environmental research.
The owners of Initial Inspiration embroidery shop, G&W Motorwerkes and the South River Fly Shop talked to Kaine about their businesses before the tour concluded at Constitution Park, at the endpoint of Waynesboro’s new Greenway Trail.
Getting out to Virginia’s towns and cities to see what localities might write to him about for federal funding or other support makes their needs and development desires more compelling than just the letters, Kaine said later in an interview.
Kaine, a Democrat, served as mayor of Richmond before being elected governor of Virginia in 2005. Waynesboro’s efforts to transform the presence of the South River from a nuisance to an asset reminds him of the work Richmond did with the James River during his time on council, he said.
“That’s very similar to what’s happened here,” Kaine said.
Kaine’s trip took him to Emporia, Roanoke, Harrisonburg and Staunton, where he’s emphasized his support for a bill before Congress that would compel out-of-state online retailers to collect taxes at the point of sale. Supporters consider it a way to protect local bricks-and-mortar businesses.
He has also touted his first bill as senator, the Troop Talent Act, which would make military specialty skills better translate into civilian credentials.
He has scheduled stops Friday in Leesburg, Winchester and Falls Church.
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