Broadband internet, childcare top list of topic discussed at Accomack town hall

MELFA, Va. – Virginia Senator Mark Warner and eastern shore representative Elaine Luria spent significant time Wednesday discussing the needs of constituents. A variety of topics came up during a lengthy town hall, things that could all help the area grow.

Leading things off, Virginia Senator Mark Warner sounded the alarm on the need for broadband internet in Accomack County.

Locals agreed that it is a top priority for eastern shore Virginia.

“To me, that’s like the new telephone. It should be available to people, and it really separates people by class when you can’t get it,” said Judith Grier, of Onancock.

Warner says he is currently fighting for full funding on Capitol Hill for broadband internet expansion nationally, $2 Billion in total.

“We’re gonna have to continue to try to leverage state, federal and local money on broadband,” said Warner.

Another key topic brought up by the audience is childcare, specifically at Wallops Flight Facility. But speaking with residents, it is a county-wide issue.

“Childcare isn’t simply childcare for Wallops, it’s childcare for the shore. We need it,” said Grier. “It’s desperately needed, but the how we do is what still remains.”

The possibility of forming a committee of local representatives to address the childcare issue was raised during the town hall.

Students leaving the region also made the discussion. Warner says we need to make sure the economic system works for all, which could mean asking corporations who just received tax breaks last year to reinvest in rural communities like Accomack County.

Locals we spoke with have ideas of how to attract more young people, and specifically teachers, to stay in the region, such as workforce and educator housing.

Healthcare was also discussed, but not as extensively.

Warner says he acknowledges the flaws with the Affordable Care Act, but that Washington should focus on improving the law rather than replacing it.

Warner also stressed the importance of bipartisan action to address environmental issues, namely sea level rise.