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Blogger forum brings out two
Bloggers question two of four candidates on wide range of topics, including VRE, taxes and school fundingDate published: 10/13/2009 By DAN TELVOCK Two Spotsylvania County supervisors facing re-election contests did not attend an Oct. 7 forum local bloggers organized. Their absences provided challengers Chris Yakabouski and D.J. McGuire two hours to share their political ideology with the bloggers' panel and a handful of people who attended the event at Riverbend High School. Yakabouski is challenging Supervisor Benjamin Pitts. Pitts told panel member and Fredericksburg City Councilman Matt Kelly that he had a prior engagement that he could not get out of. McGuire is facing Supervisor Gary Skinner, who told Kelly the afternoon of the event that his doctor recommended he not participate because of an illness. Skinner said he can supply a doctor's excuse for missing the forum. The bloggers had more success at a forum for the Stafford County candidates a week earlier, said panel member Eric Martin. But despite the small turnout, the forum was not able to avoid controversy. Some candidates in both Stafford and Spotsylvania had concerns that some of the bloggers are Republicans who help the campaigns of their challengers. Mountain View High School graduate Colin Brehm, 19, came up with the idea for the forum, and this is its first year. He said he plans to have more in 2010 for congressional races. He is a Republican who writes for a blog called "Fred2Red." The panel asked questions on various topics, including Virginia Railway Express, taxes and education funding. McGuire and Yakabouski, both Republicans, do not support Spotsylvania's joining the commuter rail service. Yakabouski said he would consider supporting VRE if the county contracted for the service and did not have to enact a 2 percent wholesale gasoline tax. McGuire said vanpools are a better option for commuters. Both candidates have said they would vote to overturn the supervisors' August vote to join VRE. The day after the forum, the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors issued a press release endorsing Pitts and Skinner, chiefly because of their support of VRE. McGuire said he would not vote for a real estate tax rate above the equalized rate. An equalized rate means the tax rate is increased so the collection is the same as the previous year. Under that scenario, most people wouldn't see their bill rise or fall. He did not specifically answer the question of whether he would sign a no-tax pledge. Both candidates said they want the county to return to category spending for the school system. For example, if the school system wanted to transfer funds from instruction to maintenance, it would need approval from the Board of Supervisors first. Currently, the school system gets lump-sum funding from the county. Pitts and Skinner have campaign material that says they have fostered a better relationship with the School Board, which has helped strengthen the school system. Dan Telvock: 540/374-5438
Read more stories about Spotsylvania Date published: 10/13/2009
Of course they got the endorsement
(posted by
livnginva
, Oct. 13, 2009 9:13 am)
of the Realtors Association. They are the builders candidates. As for Mr Skinner saying he has developed a strong relatinoship with the School Board. Go figure he was on the School Board and in the first debate forum he said he felt more comfortable talking about school issues. Maybe he should go back to the School Board.
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