It is possible that Gov. Bob McDonnell had an epiphany, or perhaps he merely received one too many angry letters from Rotunda visitors who fell victim to water leaking from its roof. Regardless of the reason, the news that McDonnell proposed an amendment to the state budget that would fund $2.69 million worth of repairs to the Rotunda should be welcomed.
The Rotunda is a cultural landmark not only for the University but also for the entire state. The fact that it is publicly owned means politicians in Richmond have a responsibility to pay for at least some of the repairs that are needed to fix its roof and its crumbling column capitals. Therefore, praise for McDonnell should not be too effusive - he is merely recognizing the state's baseline commitment to an adequate upkeep of its facilities.
Nevertheless, McDonnell has demonstrated himself to be far more attuned to the state's history and to the University's financial challenges than legislators in the General Assembly who declined to provide money for the Rotunda repairs in the initial budget. These politicians should follow McDonnell's lead and act upon their duty to support higher education and the state's heritage by appropriating the much-needed funds in their final budget.
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