Devolites Challenged
The Washington Post’s Lisa Rein managed to write a story about Fairfax County’s budget without quoting anti-tax zealot James Parmelee. To her credit, she put state Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites on the spot with this conclusion to her article, referring to Board Chairman Gerry Connolly lobbying the state legislature to allow counties to diversify their tax base so as to enable property tax relief:
“Gerry is always putting the blame on us for not providing the panacea for him,” said Sen. Jeannemarie A. Devolites (R-Fairfax). “He needs instead to evaluate where he can make cuts to his budget.”
Connolly called the comment “a little too easy a way to let the senator off the hook.” He then challenged her to come up with cuts to spending in the county budget.
We await the senator’s response.
Did Callahan Flip? Or was it a Flop?
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Vince Callahan (R-Fairfax) seemed to disavow the call for a tax referendum just hours after he joined Speaker Bill Howell at a press conference touting it. But after his remarks saying it wasn’t going to happen, the Speaker called him for a tête-à-tête. He then said the referendum was still an option but was quoted:
“Who am I trying to fool? They’re [Senate] not going to accept referendum, but we’re going to keep pushing it.”
Who are you trying to fool Mr. Chairman?
Crime Costs
Good Washington Post article on the cost of Va.’s prisons. Thank former Gov. and current U.S. Sen. George Allen. He’s a hypocrite says Virginian Pilot editorial.
GOP Infighting
Republicans are battling each other over taxes in Prince William County.
Gilmore’s Soapbox
The conservative Washington Times gave former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore a forum yesterday under the guise of an exclusive. (Gilmore would sit for interviews with shopping rags if given the opportunity. The guy is desperately trying for a comeback. Even the Republican National Committee dumped him because he has NO credibility and is widely seen as the reason Va.’s budget is tanking.)
According to the Times, “his proudest accomplishments were giving Virginians a car tax refund, cutting tuition rates and making sure state lottery money went toward education funding.” Ah, Jimmy boy, tuitions are going through the roof now to make up for your artificial restraints, and all you did with the car tax is shift who collects it. The car tax is now paid for by state funds. And who funds the state?
The Times also makes this statement: “All 40 [state] Senate seats are up for election in November.” Ah, wrong again. The next election for the senate is 2007. Then the Times doesn’t usually let facts get in the way of a radical right rant.
Reward for Making Cigarettes
While considering massive tax hikes smokers would pay for cigarettes, the General Assembly has been considering a huge tax break for Phillip Morris. The break was beaten down in the House yesterday but might still be resurrected.
Quote of the Day
“Sprawl is the American dream.”
Suzanne Volpe, former chairwoman of the Loudoun County Republican Committee.