BY JONAS BEALS
Falmouth District Supervisor George Schwartz will step down when his term ends in December. Stafford Democrats have nominated Doug Filler to run for the seat in the November election.
"I have a common-sense approach to decision-making," Filler said. "After a nonpartisan, objective evaluation of a situation, I can make the best decision for Stafford."
Filler, a resident of the Falls Run community off U.S. 17, moved to Stafford with his wife, Dee, five years ago. Prior to that, the Great Neck, N.Y., native lived and worked in Princeton, N.J.
They moved to Stafford after he retired because they liked the local history and cultural offerings and because it was convenient to Springfield, where one of their two daughters lives.
"We found Stafford to be the ideal location for us," Filler said. "We were very careful in making our decision. We love every minute of it. This is our forever home now."
The 66-year-old Filler has never held political office before, but he owned and managed his own business--Communications Media for Education Inc.--for 25 years.
"I have the benefit of the knowledge I gained over that time as a small-business owner, which is why I strongly support BPOL," he said.
Filler believes the Business, Professional and Occupational License tax will be the most divisive issue of the election, and his position is somewhat surprising considering his background. The loudest criticism of BPOL in Stafford has come from local business owners.
"Repealing BPOL is indefensible," he said. "It is one of the most important things the current board did. Our real estate taxes are going up year after year, and it is essential that Stafford businesses pay their fair share of taxes."
Aside from tax issues, Filler is concerned about schools and transportation. He would like to enhance the former by increasing teacher pay, and improve the latter by supporting mass transit options such as Virginia Railway Express.
He also believes that smart-growth principles implemented now will put the county in a good position when the economy recovers.
Above all, Filler wants to keep a tight leash on the budget.
"It is important that economic issues are in the forefront" Filler said. "We're all worried about the economy now, but we live in a county that is recognized as being successful and well-run. My responsibility is to continue that trend."
Jonas Beals: 540/368-5036
Email: jbeals@freelancestar.com