was (maybe still is) a different vibe in Harrisonburg than Blacksburg. Growing up the natives and the city government never completely embraced the school or the students. Yes, they enjoyed the money that the students brought into the area. However, they didn't embrace the growth that came along with it because they wanted Harrisonburg to remain this small town in the heart of the Bible Belt. For the longest time JMU and the city government didn't really work well together. Whereas Blacksburg and Christriansburg have really embraced VT and any growth that has come with it. Something else to consider is that Rockingham County (especially in the western half) has a decent size Mennonite population. So it isn't that uncommon to see an Old Order Mennonite in a horse-n-buggy in some parts of Harrisonburg. Although I think the Old Orders have begrudgingly started driving because Harrisonburg's population is now over 50K and the amount of traffic has significantly increased to the point where it is no longer safe for the horse or the people in the buggy to navigate through the traffic.

In Kenny's case, he may not be that crazy to reject a job offer from VT (as much I would like to see him take it). If he still has any children in high school, then he and his wife may not be in favor of them changing schools before they graduate. Also, he and his wife may not be open to the possibility of him living in Blacksburg while the rest of the family remains in Harrisonburg and he commutes back to Harrisonburg on weekends or whenever he has time. If he has children in middle school or elementary school, then he may not be as worried about them changing schools. Also, we have no idea what goes in their household in terms of assistance in raising the children.

Since both (he and his wife) are from that part of the Valley and can have somewhat crazy schedules, there is the possibility that immediate family in the area help them out from time to time. When I was younger (up through middle school) both my grandmothers would shuttle me and my brother to different things because my mom was still work at a county middle school until about 5pm or so. It is a lot different to get help from family that lives in the same city or 20 minutes away than when you live 2 hours away. Some other reasons could be as simple as that he and his family love living in Harrisonburg or that he and his wife decided (for whatever reason) they want to finish raising their children in Harrisonburg.

Now you may not think those are good reasons for him to turn down a job offer from VT and everyone is entitled to an opinion. If Kenny does end up turning down the job or even an interview, then his decision could be based more on personal reasons than professional reasons.
[Post edited by VTHokie2000 at 03/12/2016 7:24PM]