Strategically, if the Board really wanted to pressure Kaine to reconsider a tunnel, they would do this:

-postpone the 6/18 vote
-hold a couple Town Halls for unrestricted public input
-advertise a full public hearing before they vote

Then the Board could rely on the voice of the people to back them when they tell Richmond they just can't vote to fund a $5.15 billion project for an elevated train.

Remeber, Kaine himself said the Board has NEVER told him they would not support an EL through Tysons. He needs to hear that from them NOW, and the best cover the Board has for taking that stand is the strong vibrant will of the citizens.

So, if the Board proceeds with the 6/4 staff briefing and an up/down vote on 6/18 with no public input, what will that tell us? 

Just in case anyone needs an answer, it will tell us that the Board has already decided to fund the project no matter what, saddling Fairfax taxpayers and toll road commuters with an unending obligation to fund what will surely be ever-escalating costs. 

I think this letter means that the Board has already decided.  So that means that they will "Hear No Citizens".

The board will try and hide behind the federal 800 million dollar contribution to the overall project

Ideally after tomorrow we should know

1.  Which board members support a tunnel

2.  Which board meembers support the aerial option

(This is not an either or question its one of the two options)

Look, I have watched too many of these Board hearings to depend on the depth of a Supervisor/Chairman's questioning to determine if he/she will vote against an application.

I have seen Smyth ask the bright question and I think, "Yeah, she is for the citizens."  Then she turns around and supports the developer.

So don't be swayed with the level of questioning as any indication that the BOS will vote against the elevated.

I have seen Smyth and team say they don't like a project because it has too many impacts, but when that vote is called for....Smyth and team fall over themselves to vote yes.

Just look at the record of this BOS for the past 4  years, there are just about 3-5 overall land use applications that have been denied.

Do you get the picture?

Smyth can have "Over No Under" stickers plastered all over her head.  Gerry can beat his chest clamming for the tunnel.  This BOS can send Resolution after Resolution....WE PREFER....but until they:

Vote YES for the tunnel option ONLY, we are being blinded by their "fast talk."

Of course the BOS members will support the tunnel, but it's merely a means of currying favor with West Group and other developers who lavish millions in campaign contributions.  But there's nothing the Board can do.  FTA has made its decision and that decision is final == above ground.  The BOS is probably afraid to float the $400 mil. bond now because (perhaps) West Group and others may wish to pull out of the tax district unless they get their stupid tunnel.  this means the BOS is holding the bag on a project that wont get the requisite funding from the feds.  People forget that the tax district can be dissolved by just 23 big property owners.  Doesn't take long to get those signatures. Either way, Dulles Rail and the tysons segment, in particular, is a massive fraud on the taxpayers.  Too many folks live with this fantasy that rail will make Tysons a Smart growth mecca.  It won't.  It only allows wealthy developers to get big densities on their properties.  what tysons needs is reconfiguring Route 7 as a boulevard with side walks and express bus in the median.  over time, it could be converted to rail -- assuming you have the density around the stations.  Let's remember that just 2 years ago, the cost of the Tysons-reston extension was pegged at $1.8 billion.  Now, we're talking $2.7 billion.  Watch for higher tolls and possibly higher taxes to pay the cost overruns.  And, watch how Metro does squat for congestion in the Tysons and Dulles Corridor.  Sorry, folks, but that's reality.