WTF? 1.3% –The shame of Prince William County

MoonHowler

Or let’s put it another way–Prince William County, you cheap bastards.

Today I listened to the budget presentation from the  Tuesday night BOCS meeting. I was appalled.  Tonight I looked at it online.   The new budget sickened me.

Prince William County is not a poor county made up of poor folks.  It is quite wealthy and has a lot going for it.    It’s also, by Northern Virginia standards, a fairly affordable place to live.  So why are some people, especially those in my district, clamoring for lower taxes?

For that matter, why would our Board of Supervisors agree to make libraries the untouchables in a draconian budget slashing caper?  Why would money be taken away from the performing arts? Why would poor children be denied dental services and drug rehab programs be eradicated?  It isn’t even our poor and most vulnerable who will lose services.  It’s everyone.

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Who’s the wealthiest of them all?

MoonHowler

From Forbes:

Rank County State Median Household Income
1 Loudoun County Virginia
$117,876
2 Howard County Maryland
$108,844
3 Fairfax County Virginia
$107,096
4 Hunterdon County New Jersey
$105,186
5 Arlington County Virginia
$100,474
6 Stafford County Virginia
$97,606
7 Putnam County New York
$96,223
8 Somerset County New Jersey
$95,825
9 Douglas County Colorado
$95,324
10 Morris County New Jersey
$95,294
11 Montgomery County Maryland
$94,965
12 Prince William County Virginia
$93,744
13 Nassau County New York
$93,214
14 Santa Clara County California
$91,425
15 Charles County Maryland
$90,880

Prince William County is #12. That’s not too shabby. Half the households make more than $93,744 annually and half make less. Loudoun, of course, puts us to shame with a top median household income of nearly $118,000 per year.

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School Board needs to hold BOCS’ feet to the fire

MoonHowler

feet

Bristowbeat.com:

The Prince William County School Board gave the Superintendent guidance on preparing a budget that would explore cuts to discretionary programs, Wednesday, but would fund teacher salary increases and class size reductions across one grade level in the district.

In discussion, the proposal to eliminate full-day kindergarten proved to be unpopular amongst board members. School Board members were also unhappy about eliminating specialty programs, but nonetheless agreed to review them along with other discretionary programs. 

Back in December, the Board of County Supervisor’s provided its own budget guidance to the County Executive. They asked her to create the county’s Fiscal Year 16 [FY16] budget based on a tax increase of 1.3 percent, rather than the 4 percent tax increase prescribed by the board’s five-year plan.

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Cheap-ass BOCS antics threaten all-day kindergarten

MoonHowler

Washingtonpost.com:

Prince William County’s schools enrollment boom has outpaced the growth of the district’s budget for years, a quandary exacerbated by the recession. Class sizes have ballooned. Bus service has been cut. Per-pupil spending has flattened.

Faced with the prospect of the county’s enacting a smaller than planned increase in the property tax rate, the school board has again begun weighing drastic cuts, this time to the district’s treasured universal full-day kindergarten program, which Superintendent Steven L. Walts once touted as his “greatest accomplishment.” After years of cutbacks, board members said there are few places left to look to save money.

“It’s more of an economic calculation than an educational calculation,” said school board Chairman Milton C. Johns (At Large), who has championed the expansion of the program. “We’re out of options.”

So this is what it comes down to?  The BOCS needs to stop trying to “out-Republican” each other and do the right and responsible thing.  Cutting new funding back to a $12 million increase is not the right and responsible thing to do when PWC gets approximately 2000 new students per year.

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Cheapo actions by BOCS cause serious cuts to school system

MoonHowler

insidenova.com:

Prince William County could have “a fundamentally different school system” if a proposal to hold real-estate tax bills at the rate of inflation is approved, a move that could trigger up to $20 million in cuts next school year, School Board Chairman Milt Johns says.

The school board won’t discuss particulars until Feb. 4, but to brace for what Johns calls an “unplanned and dramatic revenue cut,” he’s asking board members to consider discretionary spending cuts to absorb a loss of about $11 million in expected revenue. At the same time, he wants to maintain a planned pay scale “step increase” for teachers, costing about $8 million, and a $1 million plan to reduce class sizes in one grade level.

Johns is asking the board to find savings in three areas: full-day kindergarten programs at non-Title I schools; bus service to middle and high school specialty programs and construction and renovation projects planned to begin in fiscal year 2016.

None are cuts Johns would advise, but they are the few large-ticket items that can be reduced to find significant savings in the division’s budget.

I have a plan. PWC needs to stop going on the cheap. They attempt it again and again. That’s how we get in these pickles to start with.   There cannot be a supervisors meeting without Pete Candland piping up and trying to “reform” us.  In December, he proposed to disregard the 5 year plan and hold revenue increases to 1.3%.  As it stands, the budget guidance is once again going on the cheap.

Pete and his sidekick are only 2 people.  Why did three other irresponsible people chose to support cheap again?   I don’t like paying taxes either.  In a perfect world. I would get really good services for nothing.  As it turns out, that isn’t how things work.  If I want decent services commensurate with Northern Virginia standards, I am going to have to cough up some money.

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BOCS protects first responders and libraries, neglects support staff

MoonHowler

Here we go again.  We are approaching budget time in Prince William County.  First of all, the 5 year plan has gone by the wayside.  There is only one new person on the BOCS so I am trying to figure out why the supervisors  voted in one thing and after a year, did a 180 and discarded their own plans.  Is someone  wimping out?  Sounds like it.  The county has a lot of catching up to do since the recession and it isn’t going to happen unless there is more revenue.  I see and hear Tea Party mentality.

I am trying to figure out where the 1.3% figure is coming from.  The COLA is 1.7%  That’s a long way from a 4% increase in revenue.  What baffles me is what happened to all the big talk about bringing the county back up to speed rather than going on the cheap?  What happened to that leadership I saw?  Has it vaporized?

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Pete Candland Attempts to Retread the Immigration Issue

Elena

Dear Pete,

I would never have guessed that you too would have fallen so quickly into using children to propel you into the “immigration” spotlight.  I realize that you were probably not paying attention back in 2007 when this now, recycled tactic, was originally used and abused.

So allow me to take this public opportunity to educate you.  Back in 2007 John Stirrup, along with Corey, focused much of their attention on the “invasion” of children from South America into our public schools system.  They also wanted reimbursement for the supposed “free” education.  Only here is the problem, it wasn’t free (if you live in the county, in a house or apartment)there is a real estate tax being paid on that dwelling.  In case you weren’t aware, THAT is what pays for our schools.

Also, now pay attention, this is another critical piece of information, there is this pesky Supreme Court ruling, Plyler v Doe.  We HAVE to educate all children, I know, so irritating, but hey, I guess we could live in Afghanistan where no one has to be educated.

HHS is providing funds to house and educate these kids while we determine if sending them back home is a death sentence.  It may be, ultimately, this is the critical difference between you and me, you see, I see them as refugees.

You can’t claim “compassion” for children and yet have your actions be self-serving while possibly inciting another chapter of Help Save Manassas.

You are going down a dangerous moral path,  my friend, and I sincerely hope you rethink this journey you have chosen to embark upon.

 

A clarion call for blog intregrity and decency

MoonHowler

The past few weeks one of  the local blogs has been waging war on behalf of Jeanine Lawson who is running for Brentsville District supervisor.  She wants to take Wally Covington’s place.  That’s fair.  Ms. Lawson has been active in the community and supports many things this very blog holds dear.

Bloggers often have their favorite candidates.  What isn’t fair is the usual half-truths, lies, and derisive pictures being posted against her opponent, Scott Jacobs.  I am reminded of some of the nasty tricks that have been done to local candidates in the past.

For starters, a picture of Canadian Mayor Rob Ford, a large buffoon known for excesses and drug use, is being posted along side, or in place of Scott Jacobs.  This derisiveness and mockery is unacceptable.     Ford isn’t even an American and has nothing to do with Brentsville.  The use of his picture is an immature propaganda attempt to smear Jacobs and to ridicule him.  Absolutely the facts should be debated, sans lies and mimicry.

I call on both Jeanine Lawson  and Pete Candland to contact the blog owner(s) and demand decency during this campaign.  Pete gets named as culpable because of his close connection with the blog in question.  He is its favorite son.  If they do not insist on ethical behavior, then count on me to call them out–all candidates.  We need to stick to the issues of Prince William County.  Let’s not vilify other candidates or those who support them. Yes, I recall what was done to Jeanette Rishell and her campaign manager.  I recall what was done to Sharon Pandak when she ran for chairman,   I remember what was done to Elena as she supported the Rural Crescent and a candidate who did not win.  If the politician stands to profit from unethical, derogatory  blog behavior, then they will quickly own the problem and must step up to the plate to demand decency.

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Hispanic Bar Association Opposes Covington Judicial Appointment

MoonHowler

covington

Valawyersweekly.com:

The Hispanic Bar Association of Virginia is opposing a Manassas lawyer nominated for a general district judgeship.

The HBA-VA says W.S. “Wally” Covington III – a Prince William County supervisor – has indicated a bias against immigrants, particularly Latinos.

The group has written to Del. Luke E. Torian, D-Dumfries, opposing Covington’s bid for the judgeship vacated by the retirement of Judge Peter W. Steketee this year.

HBA-VA president Manuel E. Leiva said the effort may be futile, since Torian is a Democrat and Covington reportedly has the support of Republican legislators in the area. Republicans control both houses of the legislature.

Leiva said his group was disappointed that seemingly better qualified candidates who interviewed with bar groups were passed over in favor of Covington. “I just think it’s a slap,” he said.

 

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Child sex abuse? Rule of Law! Rule of Law!!

Angelina_Apr

Mike Hethmon, for those of you who do not remember, was one of the outside sources giving Prince William County legal advice on how to write their “Rule of Law Resolution.” There are just some things that come back and bite you in the ass. This is one of them.  Surely Prince William County could seek advice from someone who didn’t have this alleged dirty little secret.

Don’t expect other blogs to be covering this tawdry story.  I am sure it will be brushed under the rug.  The anti-immigration blog might be crawling back under its rock with this news.

Mike Hethmon tried to protect us from anchor babies.  If this charge is true, who is going to protect the anchor babies and all the rest of the children from Mike Hethmon?

Mike Hethmon advises US on Rule of Law????

Mike Hethmon is innocent until proven guilty.

Lies, leaks and children in crisis

Angelina_Apr

children_on_border

From The Sheriff of Nottingham BlogSpot:

The Sheriff has learned that Chairman Stewart gave permission to Youth for Tomorrow, a taxpayer-funded non-profit serving at-risk youth in Prince William County, to open their doors to house children for Homeland Security that have been flown to Prince William County from Texas and other areas on the southern border.

This statement is an outright lie.  It is not up to Corey Stewart to give permission or not give permission to Youth for Tomorrow.  YFT is a private organization.  YFT is also not a tax-payer funded organization.  Does it get a grant like many other organizations in the county?  Probably.  So do lots of agencies and clubs that meet the criteria. However, most of the county money received by YFT is for services rendered.

One such  example  of these services would be if a child needed residential placement because Prince William County Schools could not provide the appropriate educational setting for this child.  PWCS would pay the residential /educational fee to YFT, the same as it would pay to any other 24 hour facility.  The court system, in conjunction with social services, might also place a child in the YFT setting.  Either the state or the county would pay for those services.  That to me, is not “tax-payer funded.

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Tweeting birdies say RUN, COREY, RUN!!!

MoonHowler

Yesterday I had a strange phone call from a county employee who identified themselves as an “ex-birdie.”  I almost hung up on them except his voice sounded very familiar to me.  Once we got the identity established, the fun began.  It seems that loyalty to staff counts a great deal at Complex 1 and at Independent Hill.

There are about 4,000 county staff and about 10,000 school board staff.  The caller then asked me (like I would know) why Pete Candland thinks that they would all vote for him rather than Corey Stewart.  I just listened, assuming that was a rhetorical question.  He went on to say that Candland has subjected their bosses to public embarrassment and humiliated them with supposed gotcha questions.  Additionally, there has been a great deal of public criticism over staff work projects over the past two years that we keep hearing about during BOCS meetings.  Now that is getting fairly personal.  He also told the budget director her numbers were wrong when in fact, they weren’t  wrong.

This employee was on a rant.   He then told me that Melissa Peacor was far more popular with staff than Candland realizes and that she had been attacked relentlessly (THAT part I know, the popular point I didn’t.)   Chris Martino was also called out by Candland’s BFF, the Sheriff, as being a financially  illiterate nincompoop.  Martino’s sound investment choices kept the county on an even keel for the past 5 years and Fairfax County routinely called him for advice, very often too late.  (I knew that Chris Martino was much sought after by other municipalities from some of my chick friends at Complex 1.)  (Too bad Fairfax, you snooze you lose, he’s ours!)

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Some supervisors have a hell of a nerve….

MoonHowler

lucy math

It appears that several of the BOCS took out after the Prince William County School Board with a vengeance. Jim Livingston, PWEA president, said it best when he  “suggested that supervisors are more concerned with political posturing than about the needs of the school system.”

From insidenova.com:

Yet those stark numbers didn’t keep some supervisors from grilling Johns and David Cline, associate superintendent for finance and support services, about why the school system isn’t doing more to lower class sizes – a topic both boards discussed during three joint board meetings held over the summer and fall.

During those meetings, supervisors asked Superintendent Steve Walts to come up with a plan to begin lowering class sizes. Walts presented a $3.5 million plan to lower class numbers in kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades, but said the school system would need extra money from the county to fund the changes.

But when supervisors failed to offer any extra funds, the school board scaled back their plans to only sixth-grade. Supervisors offered no sign Tuesday that any extra money would be coming from the county to lower class sizes next year – but that didn’t keep them from hammering school board members for not doing more.

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Why the assessment hysteria?

MoonHowler

assessments

The county assessments are out.  You can find yours at the county website.

Despite the dire warnings I have read on Internet and on blogs, my real estate assessment didn’t go up all THAT much.  At one quick glance I determined that if the $1.158 published tax rate goes through, then I might be paying about $13 [editorial correction from earlier amount] more dollars per month in real estate taxes.  That is not going to break the bank.

The hype and scare that some politicians are trying to work up in the Gainesville District  are simply that, hype and scare.  I heard about all the mock concern for the working class people (read:  those who don’t live in a McMansion)  That would be me.  I am not whining.  I live in a perfectly ordinary older home in a 40 plus year old neighborhood.  Lots of Prince William residents do.  I would say my assessment is pretty typical.  I did notice my house went up 9k more than my neighbor’s house that is the same model.  Maybe it was the bathroom upgrades and the new roof.

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Stewart, Jenkins, Principi and Nohe make the Hall of Fame

MoonHowler

A huge thank you goes out to Corey Stewart, John Jenkins, Frank Principi and Marty Nohe for attempting to keep the advertised tax rate at the current rate of  $1.181.  These supervisors understand that we must leave ourselves some wiggle room when numbers come in for real situations rather than predictions.  Predictions can change, based on many factors, at this stage of the budget game.   Supervisors Stewart, Jenkins, Principi and Nohe all have a place in the Moonhowlings Hall of Fame for their efforts to do the right thing at budget time.

Unfortunately, we had to reserve a row of   naughty chairs for Supervisors Caddigan, May, Covington and Candland.  Were they all trying to out-tea party each other?  Those 4 naughty chairs sit in the Hall of Shame for right now.  It’s not too late to redeem yourselves.

Mr. Candland’s response was not unexpected.  He and his minions had been preaching austerity and fiscal doom and gloom all along.  However, Mrs. Caddigan has always been a champion of the teachers–until she isn’t one.  Mrs. C–what kind of deal did you cook up over there at Ruby Tuesdays?  Please tell me I heard wrong!  You have lost your “supports teachers and children”  street cred.  Creating an unholy alliance won’t really protect you.  Mike May, I am surprised at you also.    No more ‘good guy street cred.’

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