Fiscal responsibility is a significant issue in the Stafford County Board of Supervisors race.
The current board majority has provided leadership in difficult economic times to obtain a balanced budget that covers the most essential needs. It did this while keeping the real estate tax bill essentially flat. The current majority has also overseen the streamlining of the county administrative staff, saving $6 million in FY 2009.
The business tax enacted by the current board has been dedicated to schools, public safety, and transportation needs. It mitigates against raising real estate taxes to provide these services. It is also essential in preserving the county's AA bond rating.
The business tax is structured to protect small businesses; a small retail business with gross revenues of $1 million will pay just $800.
It is important that taxpayers vote for candidates who will continue the fiscal discipline demonstrated by the current majority on the board. Those candidates are Doug Filler, Paul Ortiz, Laura Sellers, and Joe Brito.
Harry E. Crisp II
Stafford
Supervisor Crisp represents the George Washington District.