As we move forward post-election, Chesterfield County appears poised to either return to the old path driven down by Republicans up until the change election of 2007 or one guided by needs and fiscal responsibility. Virtually all the candidates this year for the Board of Supervisors ducked the really tough questions regarding the future of Chesterfield. Instead, the usual consultant-backed strategy of making the election more about the opponents faults than one's own vision for the County ruled the day. Its a shame really that citizens of Chesterfield really have no real clear indication of the direction the new board will take; all those "Pledges" aside.Issues such as poor infrastructure, economic development, the Comprehensive Planning and of course the guerrilla in the room, School Funding took a back seat to the kinds of attack pieces like where fundraisers were hosted or where money was coming from. The elements of a fundamental vision for the future of Chesterfield was never really expressed by any candidate seeking a seat on the Board of Supervisors.
We have to ask ourselves exactly why these campaigns in 2011 were so void of solutions or fresh ideas? The answer may be in what lies ahead for Chesterfield. The agenda that has basically been placed in a holding pattern in 2011 because of the election- the Comprehensive Plan- will no longer be able to be be shelved as it faces its deadline from the State. Unfortunately, we have our State leaders to blame for passing requirements that localities have such plans that basically mandate New Urbanism. What on earth were the Republicans in Richmond thinking?
Chesterfield managed to send back both Senator Steve Martin(R-011 unopposed) and Senator John Watkins(R-010) back to Richmond. No word on whether or not Mr. Watkin's proposal regarding the cash proffer system will re-surface or not in the coming term to address the needs of adequately securing funding resulting from new development to assist in offsetting build-out expenses by localities. No doubt the Real Estate Associations will push back an any proposal they perceive as being an added layer of expense in terms of new home construction under the guise those fees will be passed on to buyers. Again, during the campaign season of 2011 no mention by any candidate regarding the broken Cash Proffer System or even a whisper about real estate tax revenue given the fact that property values appear flat moving into 2012. No mention regarding potential increases in sales and meals taxes given real estate taxes account for over half of the local revenues generated for the budget.
One question I sought to get answers from candidates regarded the unfunded pensions. The State saw fit to dip into the VRS fund, which has now dropped below 60% of its funding status. Given the number of teachers approaching retirement, this issue cannot simply remain to go ignored and like so many issues our local leaders will have to figure out means of addressing issues rather than simply blaming Richmond and the State.
Recently, County Administrator of Chesterfield James Stegmaier stated that "the biggest vulnerability we have is the apparent failure of the Commonwealth to find solutions to its fiscal difficulties, and the tendency of the Commonwealth to shift their budget problems to the local level". Mr. Stegmaier's statement illustrates a rather "entitlement" mentality regarding State revenues and how localities must secure those revenues or at the very least deserve them in order to solve its own budgetary issues. How can local leaders rationalize the dependence upon the State and most recently Federal Stimulus dollars to address its needs but act as if they believe in limited government and don't support bailouts from the national government and yet gladly take the money every time.
A week hardly goes by that Senator Steve Martin does not blast President Obama and the Progressive regime in Washington for its stimulus programs on his facebook page and yet remains silent about his own districts use of those funds through our local government. Isn't this the height of hypocrisy? Why has candidate Steve Elswich (R-Mataoca) and now a newly elected Supervisor avoided addressing such issues? In the coming months we may learn whether the County's newest Supervisor is the "outsider" he claims or merely just another establishment-type as his opposition penned him during the campaign.
The alignment of the Board appears to have shifted back to the Republicans. Supervisors Warren, Jaeckle and Elswich representing the Republicans with James Holland and Daniel Gecker residing in the minority. The Republicans have enlisted the support of Gecker the last two years or so, but the honeymoon could now be over now that Elswich has been elected and the Republicans have a block of three votes to carry any issue. The Republicans did not actively seek out a challenger in Midlothian for Gecker in 2011 and determined to concentrate its efforts in Matoaca and Dale. It paid off in Matoaca with Elswich's victory, but the Republicans were unable to unseat James Holland (D).
I am hardly optimistic that the new Board will chart a new path given the circumstances facing them. In years past, the Board has done about everything it could to avoid addressing most of the issues facing the County and rather has sought to inflame the debate with unproductive rhetoric aimed directly at the School Board. It is obvious to any objective party that a shortfall with regard to the CCPS is once again on the horizon and once again there is little a whisper from our leaders concerning and proactive steps to be taken or any proposed solutions to head off what will certainly be a contentious 2012.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
61 comments:
Last time the GOP controlled the BOS my taxes increased 30%.
Best we can hope for out of Elswick is that he is not a criminal like R. Humphrey.
This is a good article and offer some helpful information. Looking forward for more updates! Keep doing the same.
Nike Robert Griffin III Jersey axiotakix
Blue Eli Manning Kids Jersey axiotakix
Navy Russell Wilson Women's Jersey axiotakix
http://whoesalenikenfljerseys.weebly.com
Eli Manning White Jersey
Marshawn Lynch Grey Jersey
Heath Miller Youth Jersey
drydayoutraro
Russell Wilson Blue Jersey
Victor Cruz Pink Jersey
Marshawn Lynch Women's Jersey
drydayoutraro
Ben Roethlisberger Jersey
Sidney Rice White Jersey
Antrel Rolle Pink Jersey
drydayoutraro
Biansioni Chris Conte Womens Jersey Lawrence Timmons Youth Jersey www.officialpatriotsshop.com
ZesNiclesex Santana Moss Jersey
www.officialbroncosfansstore.com
Von Miller Jersey
nutWhororog
axotomarvex Michael Oher Jersey Andrew Luck Youth Jersey J.J. Watt Womens Jersey UnmannaSmurce
I said, of course I would like to have it The NFL produces a lot of money on its broadcasts and these different kinds of issues take too much time to work through Have you got a jersey of you preferred player? Should you don't have 1, it is possible to get it on the webnbajerseyonline In my original predictions, the Cincinnati Bengals were the sixth seed a good real nfl jersey is not cheap but there are still some ways to get hands on the cheap authentic wholesale nfl jerseys online particularly One of the sporting products that generate clicks and sales into most online sporting goods stores nowadays is the NFL jersey In conclusion It's a solution to make new buddies, too
matt forte jersey women
Jay Cutler Jersey
Robbie Gould Jersey
remarkable news,isn't it? Just click your computer mouse after which wait around for express, at last your jersey arrives, placing in your body The Jacket is all black with the word Stealer in a distressed fashion on the front Though medieval education has provided the fundamentals for formal education, some people prefer to deny medieval education methods the credit it is given4) Size: 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 605) Authentic quality, Wholesale price6) Send the items to you within 24 hours after confirming your order7) Delivery time: 3 - 7 working days8) Delivery types: EMS, DHL, TNT, UPS, FedEx9) Well packaged to protect items demanding The reason for people buy the in my mind is easy Finally, the nightcap features the traveling to the east coast to play the NFL at the earliest was established in 1920 within the name of American Expert Football Association, later renamed as the National Football League in 1922 Al Barsha has two zones with the main area offering large villas with big gardens
kgbjamouc
UGGムートンブーツ
[url=http://www.jyoseiboots.com/]UGG アウトレット[/url]
http://www.jyoseiboots.com/ ugg ショートブーツ
Heath Miller Women's Jersey
Know your marketOne of the most important aspects of running any type of business is to know whom your market is?Also pick up a glue stick and a pair of scissors Martial Artist: Tony JaaDirector: Prachya Pinkaew #4 – Iron Monkey (1993) Doctor by day, thief by night…Iron Monkey is your classic Robin-hood meets Kung Fu Then, after having been cleansed of all past debris, you can truly live in the present and look forward to the future You can set up your journal to contain categories such as: daily entries, goals, gratitude, nighttime dreams, etc If our prayers are not answered quickly, we often wonder, What is God doing? We also decide to go it on our own and not wait for God's direction Putting away a few dollars each week could get you at the $500 mark in no time The positivists would accept a statement like some cars are red, because this could be verified empirically You may want a holistic vetThese are just four of the possible suggested ways that developing a personal spirituality can help in keeping our stress at optimum levelshtmlHappiness - cause and effect - Articles articles - MessaggiamoCan you imagine the benefits of such a convergence of these technologies and what it means for the forward progress of mankind? How about our health care system, how about the health of our nation? Imagine the increased productivity and time efficiency of trainingbelieverDid you know that there are gifts that will multiply your happiness when you give them away? Here are seven of those gifts To find courses, use the Internet search engines ? survival weekend, survival courses and learn basic survival as search terms Generate appreciation towards these individuals in order to heal yourself
Cheap Jerseys Paypal
Volunteer time for projects that benefit others in your community, country, and worldOnce you have this awareness, you can apply the sixth principle, that all thoughts and behaviors are voluntaryYou are fulfilled and in joy, no matter what happens, no one gets to take your joy, you aren't giving it up! How many times have you heard someone say, You made me feel angry? I know we have all heard that, or another form of it Other considerations, such as freedom from imperfections, are quite secondary in determining the value of the stone
Von Miller Elite Jersey
top [url=http://www.c-online-casino.co.uk/]uk casino bonus[/url] brake the latest [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com/]casino bonus[/url] unshackled no deposit hand-out at the chief [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]free casino
[/url].
Then press [Enter] to open the message This can increase your sales3
We make a living by what we get[url=http://giantsofficialjersey.com/]Victor Cruz Authentic Jersey[/url]
but we make a life by what we give Using dog dryers improperly Should you expect any less from your canine? Is your dog requesting you for some other reason?Your dog could be scared of something
top [url=http://online-casino-norge.com/]slots[/url] brake the latest [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com/]casino online[/url] free no deposit bonus at the leading [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]free casino
[/url].
I am really inspired with your [url=http://www.rayban-cheap4uk.co.uk]cheap ray bans[/url] writing abilities and also with the layout for your blog. [url=http://www.rayban-cheap4uk.co.uk]ray ban sunglasses sale[/url] , Is this a paid subject matter or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it??s rare to see a great weblog like this one these days..
Learning is like rowing upstream; not to advance is to dropback.
http://www.casquemonsterbeatser.com/
http://www.cheapfashionshoesas.com/
http://www.michaelkorsoutletez.com/
http://www.nflnikejerseysshopxs.com/
http://www.coachfactoryoutletsez.com/
http://www.buybeatsbydrdrexa.com/
http://www.burberryoutletusaxs.com/
I know this if off topic but I'm looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is required to get set up? I'm assuming having a
blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I'm not very internet smart so I'm not 100% sure. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers
my page - Toronto Office Furniture for less everyday
Hello. And Bye. Thank you very much.
I'm not sure why but this weblog is loading extremely slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a issue on my end? I'll check back later and
see if the problem still exists.
Feel free to surf to my website ... state select water heater parts sacramento
my website :: state select hot water heater thermocouple
Currently it sounds like BlogEngine is the preferred blogging platform out there right now.
(from what I've read) Is that what you're using on your blog?
my site Social bookmarking service
tory burch fafxtomj トリーãƒãƒ¼ãƒ iphoneケース gyayrvse トリーãƒãƒ¼ãƒ ãƒãƒƒã‚° ymhbsklc トリーãƒãƒ¼ãƒ 財布 szgjavkz トリーãƒãƒ¼ãƒ 店舗 ovsnymxw トリーãƒãƒ¼ãƒ é´ macytnva トリーãƒãƒ¼ãƒ jhfdfuvu トリーãƒãƒ¼ãƒæ–°ä½œ eybztvyx
I seriously love your site.. Very nice colors & theme.
Did you build this site yourself? Please reply back as I'm looking to create my own site and want to find out where you got this from or exactly what the theme is called. Thank you!
Feel free to surf to my page great black golden retriever pictures facts
If some one wants to be updated with newest technologies afterward
he must be go to see this web site and be up to date every day.
Here is my homepage - Click This Link
Very soon this website will be famous amid all blog people, due
to it's nice articles
Stop by my web-site; awesome can golden retrievers be black tips
I аbsolutelу love уour blog and find almost all of your post's to be just what I'm
looκing for. Do you offeг guest writers to write content available for
уou? I ωοulԁn't mind publishing a post or elaborating on most of the subjects you write concerning here. Again, awesome blog!
My web site - raspberry ketone uk
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an extremely long comment but
after I clicked submit my comment didn't appear. Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that over
again. Anyways, just wanted to say fantastic blog!
Visit my page - useful english golden retriever information facts
Wow, marvelous blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is magnificent, let alone the content!
Visit my web-site :: Useful Link
If you are going for finest contents like me, only go to see this site
everyday since it provides feature contents, thanks
Here is my webpage ... awesome golden grooming content
I got this web page from my friend who shared with me regarding this site and now this
time I am browsing this web page and reading very informative articles at this place.
Here is my web page: good yellow lab and golden retriever mix tips
singles women for marriage
Very descriptive article, I loved that bit. Will there be a part 2?
my page Golden Retriever Yellow Lab Mix
An interesting dialogue is worth comment. I think that
it is best to write more on this topic, it may not be a taboo subject however
usually people are not sufficient to speak
on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Feel free to visit my weblog :: facebook of sex
If you would like to obtain a great deal from this
paragraph then you have to apply such methods to your won blog.
Feel free to visit my blog post stretch mark creams
Great post.
Also visit my blog: Golden retriever and lab mix
I am sure this article has touched all the internet
visitors, its really really fastidious paragraph on building up new blog.
Check out my page; important source
Unquestionably believe that which you stated.
Your favorite justification seemed to be on the internet
the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people think about worries that they plainly do not know about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take
a signal. Will likely be back to get more.
Thanks
my webpage ... good dog adoption forum information
Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification seemed to be on
the internet the easiest thing to be aware of.
I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people
think about worries that they plainly do not know about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side
effect , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more.
Thanks
Also visit my weblog; good dog adoption forum information
An outstanding share! I've just forwarded this onto a friend who has been conducting a little homework on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast due to the fact that I discovered it for him... lol. So let me reword this.... Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to talk about this topic here on your internet site.
my page Discover More Here
At this time it sounds like BlogEngine is the preferred blogging platform available right
now. (from what I've read) Is that what you're using on your
blog?
Also visit my weblog - useful labs vs golden retrievers tips
What's up to every single one, it's in fact a fastidious for me
to visit this website, it includes valuable Information.
Feel free to surf to my page Important Site
Thanks very interesting blog!
Feel free to visit my webpage; Awesome Golden Retriever Labrador Retriever Tips
I have read so many content on the topic of the blogger lovers
however this paragraph is really a fastidious
paragraph, keep it up.
My blog :: Find Out More
Whoa! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It's on a entirely different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!
Take a look at my blog post Useful Link
This is a topic that is close to my heart... Thank you!
Exactly where are your contact details though?
Also visit my web site ... lab golden mix
This article will assist the internet visitors for creating new blog or even a weblog from
start to end.
Feel free to surf to my weblog; Ranger Forum
I'm amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that's both educative and entertaining,
and let me tell you, you've hit the nail on the head. The problem is something too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I'm very happy that
I stumbled across this during my hunt for something regarding
this.
My webpage; Our Website
Both groups of women are relationship focused and look
for the new keywords and work on specific key words to get new traffic.
Google also keeps track of the sites. In fact, the most important tasks for you to be successful.
Limited Liability experts can enable services and products to
the people.
Also visit my website Seo Google ranking
My relatives always say that I am wasting my time here at web, but
I know I am getting know-how all the time by reading thes good articles.
My webpage: xerox 8560dn printer
You can certainly see your expertise within the article you write.
The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to say how they
believe. Always go after your heart.
Look at my blog post :: benefitsofeatinghealthy.info
Everything is very open with a really clear description of the challenges.
It was really informative. Your site is useful. Many thanks for sharing!
Feel free to surf to my blog; best game server hosting uk
It operates! Which's actually wonderful that you posted this details ... I can easily not say the same for Samsung that is proposing something they did not examination!
Delighted brand-new year!
my site :: xerox phaser 8560mfp
Я вот задумалась,а возможны ли вообще нормальные отношения между мужчиной и женщиной без секса?Я не имею в виду дружеские.Передо мной этот вопрос встал очень остро,пришлось выбирать.Об этом я рассказала в теме"Какие странные мужчины"Может это просто я такая нетакая,а для других отсутствие секса в отношениях не повод для расставания?
[url=http://eyesvision.ru/laser-correction][color=#E4F4FE]лазерная коррекция зрения[/color][/url]
Having said that, despite this sample, a visitor is
able to digressing from this sort of a design. One of the biggest temptations for a new Spanish student is the desire to jump straight into conversation.
Once you have determined the drop, add three to four inches
as a margin.
my web-site - effortless english
This is a νery good tip еspecially to thοse
new to the blοgosphere. Brief but very aсcurate info… Thank you for sharing this οne.
A muѕt reаd post!
Hегe is my webpage hcg weight loss side effects
Have you ever сonѕіdered writing аn e-book or guest authoгing on other ѕites?
I have а blog basеԁ on the same iԁeaѕ you ԁiscuss and would really liκe to havе you share
ѕοmе stοгiеs/informatiοn.
I know my subscribers would apρгecіate уouг
work. If you arе eνen remotely interesteԁ, feel freе to shoot me an е-mail.
Heгe is mу web sitе; hcg phase 2
Truly nice, wish to try it today.
Feel free to surf to my webpage: http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/kitchen-reno-appliances-what-we-picked.html
dating coach david http://loveepicentre.com/ dating newcastle
who is brett michaels currently dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/map/]hbo dating game of the 80s[/url] free canadian dating sites
dating fender bullet guitars by headstock [url=http://loveepicentre.com/map/]simgirls dating simulator 5.0[/url] is phil mcgraw dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/gerrard1965/]gerrard1965[/url] orlando bloom dating
who is rachele brooke smith dating http://loveepicentre.com/success_stories/ popular dating chat sites
senior citizens christain dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/contact/]10 adult dating free[/url] jehovah's witness dating websites
dating sites like vampirefreaks [url=http://loveepicentre.com]nz free dating sites[/url] free dating grand junctio colorado [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/cutecrazy/]cutecrazy[/url] dating marriage south africa
vampire knight dating sim http://loveepicentre.com/faq/ relationships removing dating profiles
when you should stop dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/contact/]women seeking dating rate photos[/url] dating transexuals 2009 jelsoft enterprises ltd
thailand dating chatrooms [url=http://loveepicentre.com/faq/]dating bible studies[/url] single parent dating com [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/gonulname/]gonulname[/url] international senior dating
Great post! Nothing new for me to change on my site, but its nice to have confidence when something is reaffirmed!buy generic viagra oral jelly
Post a Comment