Today’s Washington Post reports that County Executive Craig S. Gerhart has warned that budget cuts in Prince William County are unavoidable because of the massive decline in house values. Each department head has been told to slash their budget by a third.
Not every department can take this kind of hit. According to Gerhart,
“The request was not meant to suggest an across-the-board reduction but to identify the potential impact of severe budget cuts.”
Shortfall amounts are unknown at this point in time but more financial information should be available within the next month or so since PWC supervisors hold their annual financial retreat.
Naturally Corey Stewart weighed in:
“It’s going to be ugly,” said Corey A. Stewart (R-At Large), board chairman. “We are going to balance this budget through cuts, not tax increases.”
What happened to all those people who said they would gladly have their taxes increased to rid PWC of the ‘illegals’? What happened to those massive savings that were always brought up by the anti-immigration folks when those of us here brought up the fact that our county could not afford THE RESOLUTION? Savings were supposed to come from all over the place, especially from the schools. (See ESOL Thread below)
It’s time for all those folks to pony up and help us through this deficit. I sure would not want to admit that I had helped contribute to this local financial mess.
“What happened to those massive savings that were always brought up by the anti-immigration folks when those of us here brought up the fact that our county could not afford THE RESOLUTION?”
Sheeeeesh… Give it up already. Ffx is in even worse shape and they’re a sanctuary city.
What? You have like 10 people listening to this tired drumbeat now? Isn’t it time to take on a new “cause”?
There has to be some other boogeyman out there to call a racist.
The rhetoric I see here doesn’t even get my blood boiling anymore.
It could be worse. We could be Loudoun….
Well, Mando, did I lie? Was that or was that not said? All sorts of people last fall, winter and spring had their faces torn off over suggesting PWC could not afford the resolution.
We were all assured that we could and that we would have plenty of savings from runnning off the illegals and esol.
I don’t get over having my face torn off real well. Forgiveness is not my long suit.
More importantly, I knew the masters of the big lie were full of crap when they said it and so did most other people. All one had to do was look around at the empty houses and do the math and know a little bit about the budget process.
Yea, Not Me, Bubba. It sucks to be them also.
Perhaps it’s time for the redundant aspects of the Immigration Resolution to disappear. The 287(g) program at the jail should be sufficient. Put the patrol officers’ time to better use.
yes, we should be tolerant of illegals. They make it so that, idiots we are who let them buy a house, we don’t suffer when our butts are called on it.
In fact, just do away with all laws that some people find not convenient for their livelihood. Sheeeeesh. Stupid lib’s. All about the dollar and not the way of life. Gimme more, gimme more. Who cares about doing the right thing, just gimme more!
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The 287(g) program at the jail is the most expensive part!
Food for thought, is PWC obligated to the City of Manassas or Manassas Park (?) to continue funding the program at the jail. If I remember right, ICE didn’t want to take those jurisdictions as a group but each decided to pursue the program on its own. Does PWC have any obligations to the program at the jail?
Personally, I don’t care if the entire 287(g) program is dropped because PWC represents a miniscule number of local governments that have pursued this program. It’s not common procedure at all.
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I don’t know to be honest. My point is that when people on this forum (and others) complain about the costs of the “resolution” (I think I have seen anywhere from 11 million to 25 million complained about on here over the past several months), they are talking about the money that PWC is spending on 287g at the jail. Without cutting this program, the county won’t really save all that much since the resolution’s major cost (cameras) was already eliminated by the Board during last year’s budget.
What gets me thinking now that the resolution isn’t such a hot idea anymore is the fact that vacant homes and sparsely populated neighborhoods are magnets for criminal activity. if only a teensy percentage of criminals in PWC have been tagged as illegal aliens, It’s time to refocus efforts on securing the neighborhoods we already have from squatters and vandals. Furthermore the resolution may be having a negative effect on the re-selling of the foreclosed housing, in that qualified buyers looking for fantastic deals may not move to PWC because they are of latino descent or other ethnicity.
While I firmly believe that the exodus of latino/hispanic peoples from PWC was because of the ongoing foreclosure crisis and how subprime loans were peddled to them….the Resolution has a double edge to it in that…while some may have left because of it, few will come to PWC and invest in this community!
We may all be of different cultures and colors….but last time I checked the only color that mattered to a government was GREEN…the Green of money. And from the look of it, the county is bleeding it instead of ingesting it.
I meant to say…
while some may have left because of it, few LEGAL RESIDENTS OF ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS/CULTURES will come to PWC and invest in this community!
When Anti started, it was to discuss the resolution and its possible effects. Well, now we are seeing the effects. How many of us stood up last year and said, “Do you know how much this resolution is going to COST?”
The BOCS: THEY JUST DON’T LISTEN!
–few LEGAL RESIDENTS OF ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS/CULTURES will come to PWC and invest in this community!–
Damn, you don’t have to be any particular ethnicity to want to avoid PWC and its plague. Reading the newspaper will tell you to stay FAR AWAY.
“And from the look of it, the county is bleeding it instead of ingesting it.”
So more subprime loans should be peddled? Using the logic that the resolution scared legal immigrants off, locales more welcoming to to illegal immigrants (and, using the same logic, legal hispanics) should be doing at least the same if not better right now? Where?
“When Anti started, it was to discuss the resolution and its possible effects. Well, now we are seeing the effects. How many of us stood up last year and said, “Do you know how much this resolution is going to COST?””
And just how much has the resolution cost? Not 287g, but the resolution?
“So more subprime loans should be peddled?”
How could you possibly get that from what I wrote???
“Using the logic that the resolution scared legal immigrants off”
I’m sure it did some, but I disagree to what extent from that of many posters here. I firmly believe the Hispanic/Latino population were sold far more sub-primes than the rest. I can look at my enighborhood and know that is true – regardless of whether they were legal/illegal.
“locales more welcoming to to illegal immigrants (and, using the same logic, legal hispanics) should be doing at least the same if not better right now? Where?”
It all depends upon how they spent their money and from where they got it. Fairfax has its fair share of foreclosed housing, but Fairfax also has A LOT MORE business from which it can draw tax. How they spent/misallocated those funds is how they’re showing a deficit. PWC does not have the Business base like Fairfax – it relied upon residential taxes to support itself.
Good Lord, the resolution has cost us millions in stupid, wasted paperwork, meetings that never would have had to take place, media and FOIA’s, an exodus of displeased residents leaving the county, re-budgeting to make up for the shortfalls….never mind the social and emotional costs that have ripped this county to shreds….time is money and we ain’t got either.
“Using the logic that the resolution scared legal immigrants off”
“I’m sure it did some, but I disagree to what extent from that of many posters here. I firmly believe the Hispanic/Latino population were sold far more sub-primes than the rest. I can look at my enighborhood and know that is true – regardless of whether they were legal/illegal.”
You’re right and that was the catalyst to the mess we wound up in with the flop houses.
“So more subprime loans should be peddled?”
“How could you possibly get that from what I wrote???”
Well, how exactly are you going to attract back those that left?
“Good Lord, the resolution has cost us millions in stupid, wasted paperwork, meetings that never would have had to take place, media and FOIA’s, an exodus of displeased residents leaving the county, re-budgeting to make up for the shortfalls….never mind the social and emotional costs that have ripped this county to shreds….time is money and we ain’t got either.”
Millions in paperwork eh? I see…
“Well, how exactly are you going to attract back those that left?”
If you recall, I stated:
“qualified buyers looking for fantastic deals may not move to PWC because they are of latino descent or other ethnicity.”
Now where in that could you deduce that I wanted more subprime loans doled out? Housing prices are VERY attractive in PWC. But if you were of an ethnicity other than white, wouldn’t you think 2x? I know I would….
ETA: As a white person, having looked at some of the housing in Gainesville, and the radical church population/republican bent there…I’ve had my doubts on relocating there…and I am in the market to move from Manassas Park to PWC.
But then again, I could very well move there with my anti-religion self and throw it in their faces. I’d make a point to throw planned parenthood fundraisers at my home. Just because I roll that way…
The 287(g) program is not part of the resolution. It was up and running before the resolution was presented on July 10, 2007. I believe time will tell if the 287(g) program is worth the money it costs. I am willing to give it a chance because no one supports criminals on the street.
“qualified buyers looking for fantastic deals may not move to PWC because they are of latino descent or other ethnicity.”
“Now where in that could you deduce that I wanted more subprime loans doled out? Housing prices are VERY attractive in PWC. But if you were of an ethnicity other than white, wouldn’t you think 2x? I know I would….”
Housing prices are attractive everywhere. I don’t buy that the resolution is keeping hispanics from moving to PWC. All my neighbors (the 6 immediate houses surrounding me) are hispanic barring 1. 2, maybe 3 of those houses are flop houses (open screen door and all). Not as bad as before, but the screen doors remain open. Nobody is cowering in fear as some would have people believe.
“Well, how exactly are you going to attract back those that left?”
Since some of the neighborhoods that were affected by overcrowding have seen houses depreciate to about 1/3 of the asking price from three years ago, I would venture to say that people could qualify conventionally…if they wanted to live in PWC at all.
Mando, Could it be they aren’t cowering because they realize the resolution was neutered and they are lawabiding?
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Not me, Bubba, I think it was you who said that more Latinos had foreclosures because of unethical sub-primes? I think that might have been the case in this county a year ago but from what I am told, that is not necessarily the case now. It certainly isn’t the case nationally. I hope you do move to the county. I will help you out with that planned parenthood fundraiser. 😉
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“Since some of the neighborhoods that were affected by overcrowding have seen houses depreciate to about 1/3 of the asking price from three years ago, I would venture to say that people could qualify conventionally…if they wanted to live in PWC at all.”
With documentation. That’s the kicker. The firesale is over.
Also, remember the asking price 3 years ago was 3 or 4 times what it was 5 years ago.
“Mando, Could it be they aren’t cowering because they realize the resolution was neutered and they are lawabiding?”
The resolution was always a paper tiger. I’ve always contended that individuals such as Elena, Allana, MWB, CASA, Steinbech, etc. did a FAR FAR FAR better job of scaring latinos off then the resolution ever did.
Congrats.
I’m just amazed at the continued fixation with it considering those that truly amped up the fear and rhetoric.
I just wonder why we will have a continued fixation? Could it be that our county leaders as late as 2 weeks ago were traveling around the countryside telling those who would listen how THEY curbed crime and saved the county big bucks running off the illegals?
I’ll stop when they stop. Meanwhile, they are lying and need to be called out on the lies. That is why there is continual fixation. Obviously it isn’t just the management. You have a liberal, a conservative, and a moderate. We are all hearing the lies.
I think it might be interesting to see someone other than immigrants struggling to live and care for their families when they lose jobs or can’t afford their ARM that just adjusted upward. Let’s see what happens to them……… Oh, it happened to me? Where is my help?!! What did I read over there, “I was a legal welfare recipient but it was okay”??
Yes, Moonhowler now is the time for Cory and John to ‘show us the money’ they’ve been strutting about. C’mon boys, double dog dare ya. Big bad supervisor boys…..
Cut ALL services to illegals, make English the official language of PWC (savings on translators, etc), eliminate ESOL completely (my ancestors didn’t have it). There you go, a BUNCH of savings, without affecting citizens. You’re welcome!
So Slowpoke, if someone is a victim of a crime, or a witness to a crime, or is on trial in PWC, you support not having any translators in the courts to take their testimony?
Leila,
That’s a most excellent point you bring up regarding translators.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEXM_Pb_pIw&eurl=http://bvbl.net/
Off topic.
To all the black velveteen lurkers who are reading tonight. Just wanted to let you know when John McCain says ‘my friends’ to you guys, he is really saying bend over, mis amigos!
English is the official language of Virginia. Therefore it is the official language of PWC. If an ‘illegal’s’ house catches fire, I guess the fire dept shouldn’t put out the fire? If an illegal has a wreck, the rescue squad should just come by, say, ‘looks illegal to me’ and drive on?
Let’s get realistic here, Slow. What services do you think they get now? ESOL is mandated by the feds and it has also been around for years. Unless you are 125, schools probably had it back in your time.
Actually, you and Archie Bunker seem to have a lot in common.
Hear yee Hear yee! It sounds like HMS is giving up on fighting ‘illegals’ and is redirecting into Merry Maids Mode.
According to a high ranking officer in the organization, “Help Save Manassas helped clean up the trash at the old Altmed building and the 7-11. We are also cleaning up graffiti when we have permission to do so. Hands on. Finding solutions. That is what HSM is all about. Actions speak louder than words.”
This is sure good news. It will help fill in spots where county employees have lost their jobs.
How about the illegal that is a witness to a crime where you are the victim. It COULD happen and has happened.
Looks to me that HSM had to stop with “words”. Look where words got HSM’s solicitor ole “Bobby the Cretin” Advocator.
How about a thread on the debate? 🙂
I think McCain had his best performance of the three. Goes to show it is no slouch that Obama is leading on the polls. Same with Hillary Clinton. These candidates are/were formidable and have not strictly beaten themselves.
As I have said before, I love seeing Obama thinking on his feet. I am less impressed when he says his usual thing (although the substance there soundly outstrides McCain). I love seeing Obama navigate complex and potentially explosive subjects with grace and calm, speaking intelligently but in a way that truly reaches us.
Once again the polls are lopsided for Obama and I’m seeing why so lopsided. I guess it’s the cranky angry McCain compared to Obama’s grace under fire.
LMAO Ralph!
Finding solutions.
Actually, I commend them for cleaning. Now if they would stick to cleaning up and keep their dirty hands out of our wallets and county law, they would REALLY be doing something!
Your wish is my command. Abbra Kadabra or however you spell it.
Mando: “Now where in that could you deduce that I wanted more subprime loans doled out? Housing prices are VERY attractive in PWC. But if you were of an ethnicity other than white, wouldn’t you think 2x? I know I would….”
With all the talk about evil MS-13 gangs that are supposedly running around all over PWC, even white folks have been scared off. Very few people of any ethnicity are moving to PWC these days – everybody has been scared off by the BVBL crowd.
Editor’s Note: I’m not convinced this is the same ‘StarryFlights’ that posts on BVBL because the comment seems rather critical. If I am wrong, I will happily be corrected.
Mando:
“Housing prices are attractive everywhere. I don’t buy that the resolution is keeping hispanics from moving to PWC. All my neighbors (the 6 immediate houses surrounding me) are hispanic barring 1. 2, maybe 3 of those houses are flop houses (open screen door and all). Not as bad as before, but the screen doors remain open. Nobody is cowering in fear as some would have people believe.”
Housing prices may be “attractive everywhere” but AFFORDABILITY is also an issue and homes in PWC are not only attractive they are AFFORDABLE. Trust me, we’ve tried to get into Fairfax. While housing prices there may seem attractive because of the economy and foreclosure crisis – they are NOT affordable unless you want to drastically reduce your square footage and neighborhood status.
However we will have to disagree on the resolution’s impact on barring people from moving to PWC. If housing is not only attractive and affordable in PWC, why aren’t more qualified buyers buying?
Moon HOwler:
“Not me, Bubba, I think it was you who said that more Latinos had foreclosures because of unethical sub-primes? I think that might have been the case in this county a year ago but from what I am told, that is not necessarily the case now.”
Yep. I couldn’t tell you from the homes on my street whether the occupants were “illegals” or not. But I CAN tell you that in looking at the public records, all had hispanic/latino last names and all bought homes for RIDICULOUSLY inflated prices. Some are/were short-sales and you could see that they had 2-3 mortgages on their homes…or they outwright walked away in the dead of night. Because it was so easy to buy houses – nothing down, low introductory rate…many may hev been led to believe that they COULD afford it. OR they believed teh market would stay red hot and they could dump the property for a profit.
And FWIW – does anyone know here the story of Villichez & Associates? Seems as if Ms. Villichez bought several multi-million dollar properties, refinanced them for several hundred thousand dollars and then stopped making payments, took her re-fi earnings and moved back to S. America. Do NOT do business with them!
“It certainly isn’t the case nationally. I hope you do move to the county. I will help you out with that planned parenthood fundraiser. ”
And I know it isn’t the case nationally, but in PWC, because housing was so attractively and affordably priced – even in the BOOM times, people who would otherwise be renters because of economic constraints could buy homes. And in PWC, those were the Latinos/Hispanics (not as a rule, just overall)…they came from Arlington, Fairfax, etc…because there they had a snowball’s chance in hades of buying a home.
And all who support Planned Parenthood, age-appropriate sex-ed, contraception, and safe, legal medical care are welcome to come to a fundraiser. :>)
Slowpoke:
“make English the official language of PWC ”
Yeah- sure. Because the US has a national language. If the USA were to adopt a national language, an official language we would do as Canada has done. We would be a bi-lingual nation because of our two dominant ethnic populations here: English and Spanish. And then what would you do? Law would require all signs in both English and Spanish and citizens would be required to have fluency in BOTH. It would be a boost to spanish classes everywhere in the US. Somehow I don’t think you want to traverse in that direction….
Jorge:
“Leila,
That’s a most excellent point you bring up regarding translators.”
Let’s not also forget hospital translators who help the ill/injured understand the medical treatment they will be getting so they can consent/refuse it….
Read the comments, still haven’t heard a good reason to pass up the savings of doing away with translation services.
“still haven’t heard a good reason to pass up the savings of doing away with translation services”
I don’t think you would ever allow yourself to.
Slowpoke,
Bubba’s right, you wouldn’t allow yourself. Did it ever cross your mind that some translators may be donating their services? I’m not saying all do, but I think there might be some willing to volunteer their time, energy, and services.
And, since you seem to be avoiding Leila’s question. I must ask you this. Let’s say YOU are traveling abroad and heaven forbid you become ill or inadvertently break a law and YOU don’t speak the language. Wouldn’t you like a translator for YOU? Just think about it for a minute, if you can bring yourself to ever imagine yourself in a less than perfect situation.
Not Me Bubba,
I don’t think he’d get it if a snake were to bite him in the a$$.
Starryflights,
“-everybody has been scared off by the BVBL crowd.”
How do you know this? Would you share the facts that substantiate your comment?