05-01-08: Camden candidates oppose OLF

(c) The Virginian Pilot

By Jeff Hampton, Staff Writer

CAMDEN -- In Camden County, the only primary contest pits two candidates with somewhat different views on the proposed Navy practice airfield.

Republicans Robert "Bob" Albury and Michael McLain, both of Camden, will face each other in Tuesday's primary. Albury, an antique-shop owner, and McLain, a certified public accountant and teacher at Hampton University, are vying for the right to face Democrat Joey Coppersmith for the Courthouse District Board of Commissioners seat in the November general election.

Incumbent Jeff Jennings, the board chairman, is not seeking re-election.

The site under consideration in Camden County for the Navy's outlying landing field is in one of the region's largest potato growing areas. County residents have opposed the airfield, where fighter jets would practice carrier landings. Sitting commissioners have issued a resolution opposing the field no matter what incentives the Navy offers.

In addition, Camden and Currituck counties have teamed up to hire a law firm to lobby against the field.

A site in Gates County and three others in Virginia also are being considered for the airfield. An environmental study requiring at least a year will determine which site the Navy prefers.

Both Albury and McLain have said that they oppose the OLF, but McLain said he is open to discussions with the Navy.

"There are some who favor the OLF," McLain said. "They're the silent group."

He's willing to listen to the Navy, he said. "I believe all offers are open for discussion," he said.

Camden's population has grown sharply in recent years, creating a need for more schools. But the county has lagged in attracting the industrial and commercial development that would broaden the tax base to help pay for schools.

Albury and McLain support attracting more businesses to the county.

Albury said he would form a search committee to focus on attracting light industry. McLain said he would try to entice industry by pushing for a partnership with Chesapeake to bring public sewer service to the north end of the county.

 Jeff Hampton, (252) 338-0159, jeff.hampton@pilotonline.com