Issues

Economic Development and Job Growth:

CNN rated Prince William County ##1 for job growth in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Prince William County ranked #17 nationally.

There has been $412 million invested in Prince William County in just the last year.

The economic growth realized in Prince William County has not happened by chance. A conservative local government focused on growth and lowering the tax burden has yielded positive results despite the economic downturn many Americans are experiencing. We must stay diligent and resolute to ensure we keep a business friendly environment where people want to invest and taxpayers want to call home.

Taxes and Spending

Prince William County is the most affordable place to live in Northern Virginia. While serving as Chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors we have maintained a fiscally responsible approach to county government. We have cut real spending by $143 million and have reduced taxes to levels below the 2007 rate. I, along with my fellow board members, accomplished our goal of fiscally conservative tax policy by lowering the residential tax rate by 2.3 cents from $1.236 to $1.213. As a result, the average residential tax bill in Prince William County is $53 lower in FY 12 then it was in FY 07 and $233 lower then it was in FY 2009.When you adjust for inflation, our taxes are 9% below where they were in 2007.We also have the lowest tax bills in Northern Virginia. Prince William residents’ tax bills are 28% lower than in Fairfax County and 35% lower than in neighboring Loudon County. These aren’t projections or estimates. These are real savings for local taxpayers.

Reforming and Improving Government

Maintaining a government that is transparent and accountable to all of its citizens should be the goal of any elected official. Here in Prince William County we have led by example when it comes to accountability and transparency in government. For the first time in our county’s history we have created an independent auditing agency to help further this goal. We also recognize the residents of Prince William deserve a government that is both efficient and responsive. During my time leading the board we introduced wholesale changes to the business and permitting process to make it easier for citizens and businesses to get what they need to grow and prosper. We can all be proud of the openness and integrity of our county government.

Transportation

We must continue to improve the infrastructure in Prince William County. This includes building roads in the short term and working with state and federal government to maximize funding for long term improvements. During my time as Chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, we have appropriated funds to complete several major road projects – including Sudley Manor Drive, Rt. 15, Rt. 1 the Pr. William Parkway, Linton Hall Road and numerous other road construction projects. We have also re-started the county’s $200 million road bond helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding from the state. In the next six years we intend to complete half a billion dollars worth of transportation projects. Prince William County will continue to be a leader in Northern Virginia on infrastructure projects and long term transportation planning.

Illegal Immigration and Crime

Here in Prince William County we are committed to enforcing the rule of law. The Board of Supervisors has instituted the nation’s toughest illegal immigration law, resulting in 3,000 criminal illegal aliens being arrested and turned over to ICE. These zero tolerance policies have been key in reducing violent crime by almost 30%. Crime in Prince William County is now at a 15 year low. This policy has also led to a reduction in hit and run accidents by 41%. Protecting neighborhoods and families is the most important function of local government. When it comes to enforcing the Rule of Law Prince William County is leading the way.