Turnover coming to Albemarle County Planning Commission

By Sean Tubbs
Charlottesville Tomorrow
Thursday, November 19, 2009

There will be at least three new members of the Albemarle County Planning Commission when it convenes for the first time in early January.  The changes are a result of the recent local elections and decisions by some commissioners not to seek reappointment.  That could mean big changes in the commission's approach to master planning, zoning regulations, and other key issues.

Rodney Thomas and Duane Snow in May 2009 at the Albemarle County Republican caucus

Each newly elected member of the Board of Supervisors has the option of either nominating a candidate or advertising for applications. Duane Snow, elected in the Samuel Miller district, and Rodney Thomas, elected in the Rio district, have both chosen to advertise planning commission positions to the public. Applications will be accepted on the County’s website through December 16.

The Rio District seat on the commission is currently held by developer Don Franco, who was appointed to a vacancy earlier this year. Franco, a principal with the firm KG Associates has already applied for the position, and says he thinks his experience as a developer qualifies him for continued service as a commissioner.

Thomas, a former Chairman of the Planning Commission, said in an interview that he will keep an open mind as he wades through the applications.

“I would rather someone come in with no agenda,” Thomas said. “I would like someone who knows a lot about the area and has knowledge about planning.” He said he would not rule out reappointing Franco.

Duane Snow will select someone to replace Eric Strucko, who won election to the Samuel Miller seat on the county school board. Snow could not be reached for comment .

The entire Board will also vote on the planning commission’s seventh member, an at-large representative. That seat’s current occupant, Marcia Joseph, has decided not to reapply. Joseph has served three two-year terms and said she wanted to give someone else a chance at representing the entire county.

“What I’m hoping is that the person they select will have the knowledge and history and has been here long enough to understand the workings of the community,” Joseph said.

Outgoing Planning Commissioner Bill Edgerton

Commissioner Bill Edgerton (Jack Jouett) has declined to be reappointed to a third term. Supervisor Dennis Rooker said in an interview that he has a candidate in mind, but is not ready to make the name public. Rooker said he wants to make sure that his choice shares his same planning philosophy.

“With Bill Edgerton, I had that for eight years,” Rooker said. He will talk with his candidate about master planning, transportation and the County’s designated growth areas.

After the last county election in 2007, Supervisor Lindsay Dorrier advertised the Scottsville seat that had been held by William Craddock and selected Linda Porterfield’s name from a stack of applications. She will serve two more years, as will Tom Loach (White Hall) and Cal Morris (Rivanna).

Since being on the Commission, Porterfield has advocated positions that at times were at odds with her colleagues. For instance, she has called for the County to change its rules that limit development at exits off of Interstate 64.

“I’m on the record as wanting to see the county of Albemarle try to attract as much business industry as possible because it helps us with our tax base,” Porterfield said.

Joseph, who in 2007 ran as a Democrat challenging Supervisor Ken Boyd for re-election to the Rivanna seat, said she is not too worried about the upcoming changes in the composition of the commission.

“Whatever your political leanings are, some times [commissioners] rise above that and look at the community as a whole and what’s good for the community,” Joseph said.

Rooker said he hoped that the new commission will be efficient.

“The planning commission can save the Board of Supervisors immense amounts of time if they are doing a thorough job of vetting the planning issues before they get to us,” Rooker said.

Edgerton said he hoped the newcomers would be well acquainted with county issues.

 “I think [we need] somebody who has had some experience in the development arena in Albemarle County, but is also willing to try to figure out how to balance community needs against property rights,” Edgerton said.

City and County move energy audit program forward

By Connie Chang
Charlottesville Tomorrow
Monday, November 9, 2009

Charlottesville City Council and the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors are one step closer to launching a collaborative initiative called the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP). Both entities passed a memorandum of understanding last week that will allow the City and County to direct grant funds to a non-profit operating company to carry out their goals.

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In June 2009, the City and County won a $500,000 grant from the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA), whose main purpose was to establish a community-based energy alliance that would coordinate and provide energy-efficiency related services to residential and commercial property owners of all income levels. LEAP would also provide loans to homeowners to assist in covering the cost of energy-saving improvements.

LEAP Concept of Operations (Source: SEEA grant application)

The City and County’s joint proposal to develop LEAP set a goal of a 20-40% efficiency gain in 30-50% of structures within seven years. Because the City and County do not have the legal authority to accept the grant directly, staff has been exploring the legal ramifications and limitations with respect to forming a new non-profit.

With the assistance of outside legal counsel, staff drafted a memorandum of understanding that establishes that SEEA will redirect the grant to a local operating company and that SEEA will agree to perform all due diligence to ensure that the local operating company meets the criteria enumerated in the proposed MOU. City and County staff have involved various stakeholders in the process of developing the LEAP program, including UVA, PVCC, Dominion Power, and SEEA.

The LEAP program is currently comprised of a three-member Board of Directors, which is expected to expand to include other community stakeholders, such as a representative from the state energy office and local elected officials.

LEAP is currently in the process of filing articles of incorporation with the Virginia State Corporation Commission and in the process of filing for tax exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service.

With the approval of the MOU, City and County staff expect to have an operating company selected before the end of November and to launch the program as early as January 2010.

While City Councilors and County Supervisors are enthusiastic about the environmental benefits and job opportunities with the implementation of the LEAP program, the issue of funding was brought into question by Supervisor Ken Boyd (Rivanna).

“This is just another method of creating bigger government that we do all the time,” said Boyd.

However, the Board agreed that the LEAP program will not have any budgetary impact at this time.

“This is not any undertaking to spend any dollars by Albemarle County,” said Dennis Rooker (Jack Jouett). “That would be a separate decision at a future time if in fact it ever came up.”

“I look forward to supporting the initiative that brings half a million dollars of money into our community to help us facilitate the creation of a program that will result in tremendous economic benefit to a large number of County residents by making it possible for them to reduce their energy cost burdens,” said David Slutzky (Rio).


TIMELINE FOR PODCAST

01:00 – City Council meeting
02:31 – Climate protection programs coordinator Cynthia Adams presents
06:17 – Councilor Satyendra Huja asks how the City and County are involved with the new board agency
08:17 – Councilor David Brown moves approval the memorandum of understanding
08:24 – Board of Supervisors meeting
13:30 – Supervisor Ken Boyd comments that he would like to add a “whereas” to the MOU that it is a non-taxpayer funded organization
14:25 – Supervisor David Slutzky objects to addition
16:00 – Supervisor Dennis Rooker moves approval of the memorandum of understanding
18:20 – Board of Supervisors pass MOU unanimously

Cummings criticizes opponent’s proposed budget cuts

By Connie Chang
Charlottesville Tomorrow
Monday, October 19, 2009

Democrat Madison Cummings, a candidate for the open Samuel Miller District seat on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, held a press conference Monday to address the County’s projected budget shortfalls. Cummings said he was concerned about the proposal to cut 15-20% from the county budget, a recommendation made by one of his opponents last week.

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At last Wednesday’s Senior Statesmen of Virginia candidate forum, Republican Duane Snow said he could “guarantee”  that the County could cut 15-20% from its current budget if it analyzed the entire budget line-by-line. Snow has said zero-based budgeting is his top priority if elected. 

“Those that may not be familiar with the zero based budget, that’s where you go back and look at where  you’re spending the money, why you’re spending the money, and are you getting your money’s worth,” said Snow.  “And if you do that, I will guarantee you that you can come up 15 to 20 % percent savings by taking a hard look at your budget…”

Cummings said he would take a “moderate approach” to addressing future budget decisions, which he said will eliminate the need for “drastic actions such as permanent tax increases” and layoffs.

At the Board of Supervisors strategic planning retreat held last Friday, Supervisors and staff discussed the expected local government budget shortfalls (excluding schools) which are projected to range from $2.4 million in FY 2011 to $5.8 million in FY 2015. Cummings said 15-20% cuts would be impossible and that cuts in the range of 1-2% cuts are more realistic.

In a statement given to the media, Cummings said “current projections show shortfalls less than 2%” in the local government budget (excluding schools) during the next five years.  “The deep 15-20% cuts that Mr. Snow guarantees us to be possible would be harmful and unwarranted,” said Cummings.

Cummings said he wants to employ a more moderate approach should he be elected, which includes continuing the current hiring freeze, delaying expenditures which can afford to be delayed, and finding creative ways to manage expenditures such as cross-training employees.

“I’m not willing to step back on the services and the richness of our County in schools, public safety, and all the other issues the Board of Supervisors have to address,” said Cummings.

Supervisors get strategic plan update heading into annual retreat

By Tarpley Ashworth
Charlottesville Tomorrow
Thursday, October 15, 2009

At their annual retreat this Friday, members of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors will meet with County staff to grapple with the challenge of creating a balanced 5-year financial plan. Supervisors will be asked to weigh in on possible service level reductions and financial assumptions revenue sources such as the real estate property tax rate. The County’s strategic plan, which is revised every four years, is a collection of long-term goals meant to direct County staff in their daily operations. The strategic plan is also expected to guide the Board’s recommendations  and it includes five central objectives:

• Enhance quality of life
• Protect natural resources
• Develop infrastructure
• Manage growth and development
• Funding the future

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Lori Allshouse, the County’s Manager of Strategic Planning and Performance, briefed the Board of Supervisors at their meeting on Wednesday, October 7th on how well the County has met the goals outlined in the FY 2007-2010 Strategic Plan.

Overall, she said the County completed several important objectives, including increasing collaboration with the school system and developing a comprehensive funding strategy. But significant challenges remain, such as rising unemployment and meeting transportation needs in the wake of budget cuts from state agencies such as the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

Regarding collaboration with the school system, Allshouse cited the County’s recent receipt of a $6 million Safe Schools, Healthy Students grant which required a strong relationship between schools and County staff to qualify. She also said that the Board’s adoption of its first five-year financial plan last year satisfied the goal of creating a joint future funding plan.

Allshouse identified several objectives that were nearly complete as well. The County’s focus on affordable housing in recent years has yielded some benefits such as receiving a $700,000 grant for improvements to Crozet Meadows, a housing development in Crozet intended for low-income elderly residents, and increased enrollment in the Homebuyer Education Program.

The goal of adopting master plans for all five designated growth areas is well underway, too. Two master plans are complete (Pantops and Crozet), two are scheduled to be adopted this fiscal year (Village of Rivanna and Places29) and one is scheduled for completion by FY 2012 (Southern Urban Area).

Source: Albemarle County

According to Allshouse, other issues are proving more difficult, but she estimates that these goals will also eventually be met. Only 23% of local streams meet Virginia’s aquatic life standards (in line with the state average).  The County has met 87% of its goal for conservation easements. Currently, 77,899 acres of County land, or 17%, is under easement and the County has received approximately 20 applications for easements that it has not yet processed.

The County has struggled to meet its public safety goals. The construction of the Ivy and Pantops fire stations has been delayed by funding and site location issues. Albemarle County is 18 police officers short of its target for 1.5 officers for every 1,000 citizens. Additionally, officers respond to Priority 1 emergencies in five minutes or less only 57% of the time, while the goal is 85%. Priority 1 emergency calls are classified as those where life and safety are suspected to be threatened. In rural areas, officers are responding to all calls in an average of 13 minutes when the goal is 10 minutes.

Supervisor David Slutzky (Rio) explained these metrics by pointing out that these slower than hoped for response times were a direct product of the acknowledged officer shortage. “Obviously there is a correlation between the reduction in number of officers and the opportunity to respond in a timely fashion,” he said.

Supervisor Dennis Rooker (Jack Jouett) raised the issue that Priority 1 emergencies included responses to home alarms, and since many of these responses were false alarms, it skewed the data to make response times seem worse than they actually were.

“Police response to private emergency alarm systems going off is one of the biggest government subsidies to private business in the world,” said Rooker. “The amount of money spent on police departments doing this is immense.”

County Executive Bob Tucker said that there had been discussions in the past about instituting a false alarm penalty, and that such a proposal could  come before the Board later this year if they chose to reconsider the issue

The most significant challenges, however, loom for transportation and the job market. Allshouse reported that even though transportation had seen some bright spots in the region, such as a 9% increase in ridership for JAUNT and the 18% increase in ridership for the Charlottesville Transit Service, the 74% budget cut from VDOT towards Albemarle County projects since 2004 remains a substantial hindrance to transportation improvements within the County. 

Steve Allshouse, the County’s Coordinator of Research and Analysis, presented an economic climate summary to the Board as well. He reported that the County experienced a net loss of 487 jobs between 2007 and 2008 and that the unemployment rate increased from 3.4% to 4.9% between August 2008 and August 2009. This compares to 6.5% and 9.6% unemployment in Virginia and the United States respectively, but Allshouse warned that this gap between Albemarle County and the state and national averages was lessening during the current recession. He also reported that the County’s taxable sales declined between 2007 and 2008 as well.

Supervisor Ken Boyd (Rivanna) said that unemployment statistics, by their methodology, does not count those unemployed who have given up searching for jobs. Slutzky added that unemployment didn’t adequately measure the under-employed rate either.

Friday’s Retreat to discuss changes for the FY 2010-14 Strategic Plan will be held at the Virginia Department of Forestry in the UVA Fontaine Research Park from 9:00 am-to 3:00 pm.

Rio Supervisor candidates focus on jobs and economic development

Visit our Election Watch 2009 resources

By Connie Chang
Charlottesville Tomorrow
Thursday, October 8, 2009

In the race for the Rio District seat on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, candidate Rodney S. Thomas and Supervisor David L. Slutzky are both promising to make the County more business friendly.

At a Tuesday candidate forum, the audience challenged the candidates to address how they would handle community growth and the current economic conditions facing the County.

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Candidates David Slutzky (D-Rio) and Rodney Thomas (R-Rio)

Both candidates emphasized the importance of improving the relationship the County has with its businesses and neither said they would support a real estate property tax rate increase in next year’s budget.

Slutzky, the incumbent Democrat, spoke of his experience in trying to change the County staff’s attitudes towards economic growth and development.

“We have a serious culture problem in Albemarle County, in the staff…An awful lot of people in the County, particularly in the planning department are not supporters of business, they’re not committed to economic growth and development,” said Slutzky. 

"In the next four years, I’m going to be more assertive with respect to the culture of the County and I’m hopeful other Board members will join me.”

Thomas, the Republican challenger, has emphasized fiscal conservatism throughout his campaign.  He referred to his experience as a businessman and the importance of employing a zero-based budget. “Albemarle County residents cannot afford another tax increase,” said Thomas. “If anything’s not working, take it out. We need to save some money in Albemarle County.”
Candidates also discussed plans for creating and retaining jobs in the County. Slutzky noted the desire to bring “green jobs” and referenced his encouragement of staff to create the winning proposal for a $500,000 energy-retrofit program grant. According to Slutzky, if this program is successful, it has the potential to create as many as 3,000 jobs in the community.

Both candidates discussed the need to increase the commercial tax base to generate new sources of revenue and help fund infrastructure in the community.  Thomas emphasized the need to reach out to the business sector and to look beyond the University of Virginia for new jobs.

“I would hope we could advertise Albemarle County as ‘open for business’ rather than trying not to have new businesses come to Charlottesville,” said Thomas. He also spoke of the importance of providing County children with a good education to fill jobs the County has to offer.

“It’s about being mindful of the need to balance the residential growth with commercial growth,” said Slutzky. “We might as well experience [growth] in the most balanced and cost-effective way.”

The candidates also addressed the level of service the County will be able to provide during difficult economic times.

“There has to be ways to cut costs and make Albemarle County government more affordable,” said Thomas. “I would like to keep the taxes low. We will have to come up with some very good ideas to raise the money in order to put [new proposals] in.”

Slutzky warned the audience about the long term consequences of maintaining the current tax rate in the face of increasing state and federal mandates. 

“If we maintain our tax rate for ten years running…you are going to see continued erosion in services,” said Slutzky.  “The reality is we’re not going to be able to increase our tax rate for the foreseeable future, so please be prepared to adjust to some of those reductions in services.”

In his closing statement, Slutzky emphasized his leadership skills and his ability to investigate issues in-depth. “It’s imperative that we be able to work towards a vibrant economy locally,” Slutzky said. “I will ultimately vote the way I feel my voters would like me to vote if they understood all of the facts.”

Thomas reemphasized his commitment to helping develop a “more comprehensive economic development plan” and protecting the property rights of Albemarle residents.

The Earlysville Area Residents' League hosted the candidate forum which was attended by about 45 people and moderated by WINA’s Jay James.  The election will be held on November 3, 2009.

TIMELINE FOR PODCAST:

00:52 - Opening statement by David L. Slutzky
04:28 - Opening statement by Rodney S. Thomas
06:50 - Question 1: Do you think Albemarle County is a business-friendly community?
07:25 - Thomas responds to question 1
08:42 - Slutzky responds to question 1
10:48 - Question 2: You have both served in local government. How would each of you grade yourselves from a constituent service standpoint?
11:15 - Slutzky responds to question 2
13:53 - Thomas responds to question 2
15:28 - Question 3: What is your philosophy on property tax rate and the budget? How would you approach that process?
16:05 - Thomas responds to question 3
17:40 - Slutzky responds to question 3
20:50 - Question 4: What is your plan for keeping and creating jobs in Albemarle County?
21:05 - Slutzky responds to question 4
23:30 - Thomas respond to question 4
25:20 - Question 5: What are your thoughts on the community water supply plan?
25:40 - Slutzky responds to question 5
28:59 - Thomas responds to question 5
30:55 - Question 6: Please name some ways that growth can pay for itself
31:10 - Thomas responds to question 6
32:20 - Slutzky responds to question 6
35:22 - Question 7: Why do you feel the County should take our property rights by asking us to give up our development rights to keep our land use taxes?
35:36 - Slutzky responds to question 7
39:07 - Thomas responds to question 7
41:50 - Question 8: If taxes remain the same or lowered, will Albemarle County still be able to continue its level of service?
42:12 - Thomas responds to question 8
43:02 - Slutzky responds to question 8
46:44 - Thomas asks Slutzky how he brought NGIC to Charlottesville?
47:04 - Slutzky responds
51:10 - Slutzky asks Thomas how he proposes to fund unfunded mandates without raising taxes?
52:17 - Thomas responds
53:55 - Slutzky closing statement
57:46 - Thomas closing statement

Rio District Candidates Forum

On October 1, 2009, the two candidates vying for the Rio District of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors met at a Candidates Forum sponsored by Charlottesville Tomorrow and the Free Enterprise Forum. Democrat David Slutzky and Republican Rodney Thomas answered ten questions on land use, transportation, and growth in the County. The candidates also answered several questions submitted by members of the audience. The event, held at Hollymead Elementary School, was co-moderated by Neil Williamson of the Free Enterprise Forum and Brian Wheeler of Charlottesville Tomorrow.

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QUESTIONS:

Question 1:
According to the Albemarle County Strategic Plan, “the County desires to maintain a strong, sustainable economy, increase business activity in the urban cores of development areas, and ensure all citizens of the County are able to participate fully in a vibrant economy.” How would you assess Albemarle’s economic condition today? As a Supervisor, what specific strategies would you pursue to generate new jobs and economic vitality? What is your vision for the county addressing economic development opportunities?

Question 2:
How would you assess Albemarle County’s growth management strategies? What other steps would you advocate be taken to discourage development in the rural countryside and encourage development in the growth areas? Are the existing incentives adequate?

Question 3:
Should we start the planning process over on the fifty-year community water supply plan? Why or why not?

Question 4:
Albemarle County has expectations for the development community to build or pay for affordable living choices in new developments. Do you agree with that approach? How do you believe the County should address the need for not just affordable housing, but also workforce housing?

Question 5:
The Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission have both held work sessions on the transportation elements of the Places29 Master Plan. If there is an opportunity to receive a significant developer proffer related to Berkmar Drive Extended in exchange for an expansion of the County’s designated growth area, should that be pursued as part of the Places29 Master Plan?

Question 6:
Do you support the proposed grade separated interchanges on Route 29 as major components of the Places29 master plan? Why or why not?

Question 7:
Do you agree with continuation of the current land use tax program in the rural areas and with the revalidation process that was recently initiated by the BOS? Why or why not?

Question 8:
How do we ensure the community infrastructure—roads, sidewalks, fire/rescue facilities, libraries, etc.—is in place to support our current population, new development and redevelopment in our designated growth areas? To what degree should this infrastructure be funded by the real estate property tax, a gas tax, developer proffers, or new service districts?

Question 9:
An emotional issue that has divided the community is before the Board of Supervisors. How should an elected official balance citizen input, staff input, and the goal of making decisions that are in the best interests of the community as a whole?

Question 10:
How should we measure local government’s effectiveness on its strategic plan?

Audience question 1:
Both candidates have been in elected or appointed positions in Albemarle County. What letter grade would you give your constituent service from that period and how do you plan to improve it if you are elected?

Audience question 2:
With 60% of the County's budget going towards education, how do you propose ensuring Albemarle provides a quality education for its children that attracts high-paying jobs to the area? Do you plan on cutting education funds to balance the budget?

Audience question 3:
It seems like we've seen nothing but tax increases from the board. When do you see these taxes increases stopping?

Audience question 4:
What is your position on public transportation, in particular, cooperation with Charlottesville Transit Service and University Transit? What are your feelings on a Regional Transit Authority? How did you get here tonight?

Audience question 5:
What is your position on the County's current cash proffer system?

Audience question 6:
The Jefferson-Madison Regional Library has had a 30% increase in visitors over the past year and a more than 6% increase in circulation at the three Albemarle locations, but also was level-funded in this year's budget. Do you intend to increase funding to support increased use?

Audience question 7:
Give us your general perspective on balancing development and the environment in Albemarle County?

TIMELINE FOR PODCAST:

• 01:00 - Opening introduction from Brian Wheeler of Charlottesville Tomorrow
• 01:45 - Rules are read by Neil Williamson of the Free Enterprise Forum
• 03:20 - Question 1
• 08:30 - Question 2
• 12:40 - Question 3
• 16:30 - Question 4
• 19:15 - Question 5
• 24:30 - Question 6
• 27:40 - Question 7
• 31:00 - Question 8
• 34:30 - Question 9
• 38:40 - Question 10
• 43:00 - Audience question 1
  
• 47:45 - Audience question 2
• 52:00 - Audience question 3
• 55:40 - Audience question 4
• 1:00:30 - Audience question 5
• 1:04:20 - Audience question 6 
• 1:08:00 - Audience question 7
• 1:12:30 - Rodney Thomas's closing statement
• 1:14:40 - David Slutzky's closing statement

Samuel Miller District Candidates Forum

On September 30, 2009, the three candidates vying for the Samuel Miller District of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors met at a Candidates Forum sponsored by Charlottesville Tomorrow and the Free Enterprise Forum. Democrat Madison Cummings, Independent John Lowry and Republican Duane Snow answered nine questions on land use, transportation, and growth in the County. The candidates also answered several questions submitted by members of the audience. The event, held at Murray Elementary School in Ivy, was co-moderated by Neil Williamson of the Free Enterprise Forum and Brian Wheeler of Charlottesville Tomorrow.

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20090930-Samuel-Miller from Charlottesville Tomorrow on Vimeo.

Question 1:
According to the Albemarle County Strategic Plan, “the County desires to maintain a strong, sustainable economy, increase business activity in the urban cores of development areas, and ensure all citizens of the County are able to participate fully in a vibrant economy.” How would you assess Albemarle’s economic condition today? As a Supervisor, what specific strategies would you pursue
to generate new jobs and economic vitality? What is your vision for the county addressing economic development opportunities?

Question 2:
How would you assess Albemarle County’s growth management strategies? What other steps would you advocate be taken to discourage development in the rural countryside and encourage development in the growth areas? Are the existing incentives adequate?

Question 3:
Should we start the planning process over on the fifty-year community water supply plan? Why or why not?

Question 4:
Albemarle County has expectations for the development community to build or pay for affordable living choices in new developments. Do you agree with that approach? How do you believe the County should address the need for not just affordable housing, but also workforce housing?

Question 5:
The Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission have both held work sessions on the transportation elements of the Places29 Master Plan. If there is an opportunity to receive a significant developer proffer related to Berkmar Drive Extended in exchange for an expansion of the County’s designated growth area, should that be pursued as part of the Places29 Master Plan?

Question 6:
Do you support the proposed grade separated interchanges on Route 29 as major components of the Places29 master plan? Why or why not?

Question 7:
Do you agree with continuation of the current land use tax program in the rural areas and with the revalidation process that was recently initiated by the BOS? Why or why not?

Question 8:
How do we ensure the community infrastructure—roads, sidewalks, fire/rescue facilities, libraries, etc.—is in place to support our current population, new development and redevelopment in our designated growth areas? To what degree should this infrastructure be funded by the real estate property tax, a gas tax, developer proffers, or new service districts?

Question 9:
An emotional issue that has divided the community is before the Board of Supervisors. How should an elected official balance citizen input, staff input, and the goal of making decisions that are in the best interests of the community as a whole?

Audience question 1:

What is your position on public transportation in Albemarle County, including a Regional Transit Authority with Charlottesville? How would you fund it? Would you support rapid public transit such as light rail or bus rapid transit?

Audience question 2:
A new economic development office and a Regional Transit Authority are two new government agencies I've heard proposed tonight. Where will you cut County government to fund these agencies, or would you propose new taxes during an economic downturn?

Audience question 3:
Would you revise the current barking dog ordinance to provide more restrictions in the entire County, and or the barking of multiple dogs?

Audience question 4:
There has been a significant retail sales tax shift out of Albemarle County. Do you believe the loss of sales tax revenue is a serious issue? How do you view neighboring counties' commercial development activities?

TIMELINE FOR VIDEO AND PODCAST:

• 01:00 - Introduction from Brian Wheeler of Charlottesville Tomorrow
• 01:45 - Neil Williamson of the Free Enterprise Forum reads the rules  
• 03:00 - Question 1
• 10:20 - Question 2
• 18:45 - Question 3
• 25:00 - Question 4
• 32:30 - Question 5
• 40:00 - Question 6
• 48:00 - Question 7
• 52:30 - Question 8
• 1:00:00 - Question 9
• 1:09:00 - Audience question #1
• 1:16:30 - Audience question #2      
• 1:22:45 - Audience question #3 
• 1:28:15 - Audience question #4    
• 1:35:00 - Madison Cummings' closing statement
• 1:38:15 - John Lowry's closing statement
• 1:40:35 - Duane Snow's closing statement

Lucia Phinney announces campaign for Board of Supervisors

By Fania Gordon
Charlottesville Tomorrow
Monday, April 13, 2009

Batesville resident Lucia Phinney (D) has announced she is seeking election to the Samuel Miller seat on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors.  Incumbent Supervisor, Sally Thomas (I), announced on April 8 that she is retiring from the Board at the end of 2009.

“I am going to go out and talk to as many people as I can and bring a lot of energy to the campaign,” Phinney said in an interview with Charlottesville Tomorrow.

Lucia Phinney (Photo by Will Kerner)

Lucia Phinney has served on the Board of Trustees and the Building Committee of the Charlottesville Waldorf School and advises their Greenest School in America initiative.  She is a member of the Board of Directors of Public Policy Virginia, an organization that provides statewide public policy leadership on energy-related issues.

When asked about her reason for running for elected office, Phinney told Charlottesville Tomorrow she was running because she has a strong background in the issues facing the County.

“In my professional career, through teaching, lectures, informal conversations and visiting experts I’ve been dealing with issues that face the County. In the last five years I’ve been out knocking on doors talking to people throughout the County, especially the district, about the issues that concern them,” said Phinney.

Phinney moved to the area in 1981 and has been a member of the Architecture faculty at the University of Virginia ever since where she is a Distinguished Lecturer.  Her current research re-purposes inexpensive agricultural fabrics for energy-saving use in residential and urban environments.  She is married, with one adult son.

Phinney joins Madison Cummings (D) and John Lowry (I), who are already declared candidates for the Samuel Miller seat.  Phinney is currently the Democratic Precinct Chair for Red Hill and has volunteered for the Albemarle County Democratic Party since 2003.   County Democrats have scheduled a caucus for Monday, May 11th to select their candidates for the Board of Supervisors.  The Jack Jouett and Rio District seats will also be on the November 2009 ballot. 

Local political parties will officially nominate their candidates between May 8, 2009 and June 9, 2009.   Independent candidates have until June 9th to collect necessary petition signatures to get on the ballot.  

See Charlottesville Tomorrow's Election Watch page for complete coverage of the County's 2009 elections.

Sally Thomas announces retirement from Albemarle’s Board of Supervisors

By Brian Wheeler
Charlottesville Tomorrow
Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Supervisor Sally Thomas (I-Samuel Miller) announced this evening that she will retire at the end of 2009 after 16 years on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors.  Thomas served as Chairman of the Board during 2001-2002.  

Thomas has represented the Samuel Miller district since 1994 when she won the 1993 election in a write-in campaign over Carter Myers by a margin of 192 votes.  In all elections since, Thomas has run unopposed.  

“I originally ran to give Samuel Miller voters a choice when only one name was on the ballot,” said Thomas.  “Since then, I’ve been privileged to serve those voters and all the residents of Samuel Miller and the County....I love the job and the responsibility that the voters have given to me, but sixteen years probably is as long as one should stay, so I won't be running for re-election this November."

Thomas moved to the area in 1963 and soon became involved in the Charlottesville-Albemarle League of Women Voters ultimately becoming President of that organization.  Thomas remains involved in the League and recently served as its representative on the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir Stewardship Task Force. Thomas was also appointed to the Albemarle County School Board as the At-Large member during 1980-1983.  Prior to her election to the Board of Supervisors, Thomas was Director of Governmental and Community Relations at the University of Virginia.

Making her announcement at the end of a meeting of the Board of Supervisors, Thomas also had some advice for the voters in her district.  “For the same reason that I originally ran, giving the voters a choice, now folks need to think what they want for Albemarle County and select the right person to work for those goals,” said Thomas.  She encouraged the public to ask candidates about their views on education, growth management, and protection of natural resources.  Thomas has championed these causes throughout her service to the community both inside and outside of government.

In Charlottesville Tomorrow’s 2005 election Voter Guide, Thomas said protecting the rural area would be her top priority in another term on the Board.  In December of 2006, Thomas published an open letter with her recommendations on how to address the County’s goals of preserving its rural fields, farms, and forests from residential development.  

Interviewed by Charlottesville Tomorrow, Thomas said she did not have plans to seek any other elected office.  Asked about accomplishments she was most proud of in her tenure on the Board, Thomas cited her support for and encouragement of public participation in local government.

Madison Cummings (D) and John Lowry have already announced that they will be running for the Samuel Miller seat.  Cummings is a part-time pharmacist at the University of Virginia Medical Center and currently serves as the County Democratic Party’s Chair for the Samuel Miller District.  Lowry is a recently retired investment counselor and is the current Chairman of the Albemarle County Economic Development Authority.  He has not yet announced whether he will run as a party candidate or an independent. The Jack Jouett and Rio District seats will also be on the November 2009 ballot.

Local political parties will officially nominate their candidates between May 8, 2009 and June 9, 2009.  County Democrats will hold a caucus on May 11, 2009 to nominate their candidate for the Samuel Miller seat on the Board.  Independent candidates have until June 9th to collect necessary petition signatures to get on the ballot.

See Charlottesville Tomorrow's Election Watch page for complete coverage of the County's 2009 elections.

Madison Cummings announces campaign for Board of Supervisors

File Photo: Madison Cummings in March 2005

North Garden resident Madison Cummings (D) has announced he is seeking election to the Samuel Miller seat on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors.  Incumbent Supervisor, Sally Thomas (I), is expected to announce in April that she is retiring from the Board at the end of 2009.  Cummings told Charlottesville Tomorrow that he would hold a formal campaign launch in mid-April after any announcement by Thomas.

According to Albemarle County Democratic party Chairman, Fred Hudson, County Democrats have scheduled a caucus for Monday, May 11th to select their candidates for the Board of Supervisors.  According to Hudson, only the Samuel Miller District is expected to have a contested nomination at this time. 

Cummings joins John Lowry, who is already a declared candidate for the Samuel Miller seat, though Lowry has not indicated if he will run as an independent or as a party candidate.  Cummings is currently the County Democratic Party’s Chairman for the Samuel Miller District.  The Jack Jouett and Rio District seats will also be on the November 2009 ballot. 

In 1997, Cummings was the first elected member of the Albemarle County School Board to represent the Samuel Miller District.  He served two terms on the School Board during 1994-2001 and served as its Vice Chairman.  Sally Thomas appointed Cummings to the School Board in 1994, before it became an elected body. 

Asked about his reason for running for elected office again, Cummings told Charlottesville Tomorrow he was running for “a whole host of reasons.” 

“I love Albemarle.  I think it is a great place.  We have a lot of great things going on and I don’t want to see us go backwards.  Education and social service issues are very important to me, but so are public safety matters.  I want to see us keep making progress and going forward,” said Cummings.

Cummings turns sixty-six in June and he is currently a part-time pharmacist at the University of Virginia Medical Center.  He retired from his full-time work in that same position in 2004.  He moved to the area in 1970, is married to Pat Cummings, and has children and grand-children living in the community.

See Charlottesville Tomorrow's Election Watch page for complete coverage of the County's 2009 elections.

Brian Wheeler