|
Cavalier
Coen
Sterling
Only three of six invited participants of the Stafford Board of Supervisors forum appeared at Brooke Point High. |
It was supposed to be a debate, a back-and-forth conversation of opposing views.
But instead, a forum last night turned into a discussion among candidates holding similar political views.
Three Democratic contenders for Stafford County Board of Supervisors boycotted the debate.
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted the event at Brooke Point High School.
No opponents came face-to-face as three empty chairs sat on the stage of the high school auditorium.
Democratic candidates Bob Woodson (Griffis-Widewater District) Jerry Kirven (Rock Hill District, ) and Harry Crisp (George Washington District, ) did not attend.
The men had said they were concerned with the debate's co-sponsors: The Fredericksburg Area Builders Association and the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors. They also expressed reservations about the debate format and the questions, which mostly related to development and land-use issues.
Chamber President Bob Hagan said he was disappointed voters wouldn't hear the Democrats' views. "We do not have a list of correct answers," he said. "Whether an answer is right or wrong is up to the voters."
Incumbent and board Chairman Jack Cavalier lambasted the missing candidates. "There are people here, people who are the back-bone of the business community," said Cavalier, an independent running for re-election in Griffis-Widewater. "To choose to deliberately ignore them, to me, is disrespectful."
The other candidates present were Republicans Cord Sterling, who is vying for a Rock Hill seat, and Tom Coen, who is running to represent George Washington residents.
Like their opponents, Coen, Sterling and Cavalier were also uncomfortable with the debate format. They refused to answer "Yes" or "No" to a majority of development-related questions.
As for the discussion topics, the candidates said they don't believe developer proffers should be the primary source for financing new infrastructure.
Proffers are just "negotiating tools" that local governments shouldn't rely on, Cavalier explained.
The candidates also fielded a question about a possible Business, Professional and Occupational License tax. BPOL is a tax on a businesses' gross receipts. Stafford does not impose the levy. Cavalier and Coen said BPOL should be evaluated closely before consideration.
The Board of Supervisors will discuss BPOL during public hearings later this year.
"We'll hear everybody's opinions on it," Cavalier said.
Sterling was opposed to a BPOL tax, which he called an "inherently aggressive" levy that could deter the business growth Stafford has enjoyed.
The candidates mostly supported a regional comprehensive plan.
Coen said a regional effort is necessary to fix transportation problems.
"The roads don't stop at the Rappahannock River. So we need to work together."
Kafia Hosh: 540/735-1977
