May 8, 2003 By Richard A. Kasunic 4 min read

It is both amazing and appalling that in the course of one interview in the Herald-Standard (May 2) Jason Thomas of Fayette Films LLC, could impugn the reputation of the father of our country, attack the National Park Service for trying to maintain the integrity of a priceless national battlefield and misspeak on so many issues. One would think that tarnishing so many in one article would be a real chore, but somehow – and unfortunately – Mr. Thomas managed. His comments were counterproductive, inflammatory and shameful. As a lifelong resident of the county and an elected official representing Fayette County, I believe it is my duty and obligation to demand answers to key questions prior to supporting legislation that lifts restrictions so close to a national treasure. Without crucial details about the plan, I am not prepared to hand over the development keys to so valuable a property to an outside influence without assurances that the citizens of Fayette County, the national park, and the thousands of annual visitors who come to view this historic treasure are protected.

For those of us who would be involved in sponsoring legislation, it is important to understand that we have not received one iota of specificity regarding Mr. Thomas’ plans. How can a real judgment be made regarding the development plans of Fayette Films if we do not have answers to key questions and supporting materials that detail plans for this site? To date, we have insufficient information regarding either the site or the jobs that are to be created from developing it.

In fact, we requested a site plan from Fayette Films over two months ago and have yet to receive it. Submission of site plans is a common practice in any development project. What bona-fide businessman cannot even produce the most basic development documents?

Also to be clear on another matter, Mr. Thomas’ mention of 600 union jobs in the newspaper article is the first time I have heard these jobs characterized in any way other than part-time seasonal work. As a long-time advocate of working men and women and a strong supporter of the union movement, I do not have to defend my public record to an outsider who has little history of creating jobs in the county. My colleagues and I in the General Assembly have consistently supported union men and women, job creation projects, and new innovations that help us counter the effects of economic restructuring. In addition, neither the Fayette County Central Labor Council nor local labor unions know anything about these 600 union jobs that Mr. Thomas claims.

This claim raises yet another question about the proposed project.

As someone who has been intimately involved in bringing jobs to Fayette County, I am interested in helping legitimate developers and developments that can work within the context of Fayette County’s immense resources. There is little room for cross words from those who neither understand the history of Fayette County nor its people. We are a far different people from those characterized by Mr. Thomas as desiring a “weed patch.” We have much more to offer. I hope Mr. Thomas comes quickly to realize this and refrains from attacking our county, its history, or its people.

I also want to remind Mr. Thomas that I sponsored the legislation to transfer the amphitheater property from the state to the county, ultimately opening the door for development. I want to emphasize that I am not against the development of this property. But any development must be done in the proper way to ensure the integrity of Fort Necessity.

I eagerly anticipate receiving detailed information about the Fayette Films’ proposal and its impact on the park and the community.

Richard A. Kasunic of Dunbar is a state senator representing Fayette County.