Doesnt a trust selected by leaders in Washington and/or Richmond mean there would not be local control of Fort Monroe?
A. Yes and no. Local control, in the sense of unfettered control by the Hampton City Council or any other local government, would be avoided and we think that is very desirable, as a local government would not be able over the long term to protect, fund and manage successfully a national treasure like Fort Monroe. The board of the trust would, similar to the Presidio board, have a fiduciary duty to preserve and enhance the natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources of Fort Monroe for public use and would much more likely be successful in this mission. That is not to say, however, that there will not be significant local input in the control of the fort, as most if not all trust board members will be area citizens suggested to the state and/or the regions Congressional delegation for appointment (the latter is the case at The Presidio). And the trust, to be successful, will have to work with regional leaders, including those in Hampton, as well as with Virginia leaders. Also,
