Regionalist Papers

The Regionalist Papers

Forward

The Regionalist papers were developed by the Future of Hampton Roads, Inc., a public service, non-profit organization, in support of its Year 2005-2006 Regional Governance Structure Research Project. The concept of our Regionalist Papers is based on "The Federalist Papers" which served our founding fathers in their quest for an approved and ratified Constitution. Just as "The Federalist Papers" sought to inform elected leaders and the electorate which placed them in office of the complex and intricate rationale for the proposed federal government, our Regionalist Papers endeavor to do the same for the Hampton Roads elected municipal leaders, the electorate which put them in office, local and regional opinion leaders, local and regional organizations such as the Chambers of Commerce, the media and their editorial boards and the businesses upon which the economic vitality of the region depends.

The Regionalist Papers do not purport to provide answers. Instead they serve to frame the pertinent questions surrounding the concept of regional governance. They share with readers the results of a years worth of analyses, research, brainstorming, debate, conferences and questions in a way that supports the "Report Number One: How the Region Works" published by the Steering Committee in June 2005.

Unlike "The Federalist Papers", the Regionalist Papers do not have an instrument of governance for which they are seeking acceptance or approval. Rather, they seek to stimulate thought on questions such as, "Should there be such an instrument, organization or governance structure for Hampton Roads or components thereof?"

Raymond Aron, a renowned French political philosopher, says, in his book, "The Dawn of Universal History", "A person’s passions will always outweigh a person’s interests." Was this the influence at play when the region’s voters soundly defeated the Transportation Referendum two years ago? The Regionalist Papers endeavor to shed some light on this and other related questions. Do Hampton Roads voters need to have an out of state personage with a passion come in before an election and tell us how to vote? Or are we sufficiently well informed to come to our own conclusion about what is in our interest?

We hope that readers will respond to these papers, tell us we are wrong or misled, tell us what we have missed, or identify strong points which need to be emphasized more. We hope to stimulate dialogue and all comments are welcome. Help us address this complicated subject.

Future of Hampton Roads, Inc. Regionalist Paper Contributors: