There probably isn’t a state in this country with a richer history than Virginia. And, from time to time, folks also happen to focus on the future. When they get it together, the results are usually quite positive.

Back in the 1970s, for instance, Virginia’s business community and elected officials targeted schools and roads for improvement. They made sure funds were available. They proceeded in a thoughtful, deliberate way. Roads improved enough to make Virginia an attractive relocation spot for industries and individuals. Public colleges in the Old Dominion got a major boost in quality and reputation. Not to annoy anyone, but let’s face it, some years ago the University of Virginia was really known more for beer blasts than rigorous academics. At least that’s what my cousin says and he’s been a ‘Hoo since the early 1960s. Since then, UVA has greatly improved its reputation.

Virginia is at a critical juncture once again. The very fact that two of the most important regions of the state — Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia — are having to go to referendums to raise the tax money to try and fix incredibly clogged roads shows a major lack of leadership in Richmond. Reagan-style, no-tax populism may be great in boom times, but not when the economy is in a crunch and our businesses and children are at stake. And, if Virginia is to keep its unique advantages — a great location in a great climate without many of the hassles farther North — it had better get off the stick and start some serious planning.

To underscore the point, consider my situation. I was pleased to move back to Virginia two and a half years ago after residing in big cities for nearly 20 years, including New York, Chicago and Moscow. Instead of squeezing into an inner-city apartment, I found a great neighborhood in a semi-rural area with a not-too-difficult commute. An added feature: Down the road is a quaint, 1920s-style gas station at a four-way stop lined with pines. The white-washed building makes me feel like I’m in an episode of “The Waltons.”

Not long after I moved in, however, the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors approved a 900-unit subdivision nearby. All of those residents will have to drive through that little intersection, which seems all but doomed. Apparently no thought went into whether roads were available to handle the growth.

As our cover story by Senior Editor Bob Burke, a veteran urban planning writer, points out, local government in this state can approve projects without much logic as to whether needed services are available. In fact, cities and counties often must go along with growth just to keep their head above water, tax-wise. There must be a better way or many of the features that make this a great state will be destroyed.

Peter Galuszka Executive Editor