Connaughton's wobbly conservatism makes race a tough choice
by James Simpson

Potomac News
Friday, October 17, 2003

Let me begin this column with a two corrections regarding the Prince William Linguistics Academy application. When I mentioned that the initial application was submitted in July, I failed to mention that it was July of 2002 ... not 2003. This should put into perspective the time frame that elapsed while the Prince William Linguistics Academy was waiting for sufficient feedback as to what they needed to correct for the application to fit the needs of the Prince William School System. Prince William School staff are currently working with the PWLA to ensure that issues are addressed before the School Board makes a decision.

Additionally I was under the impression that it was Lucy Beauchamp who provided board members of the PWLA with three pages of issues related to the application. While she has in fact just recently responded to the PWLA request with her concerns, it was PWLA Board members who took three pages of notes. The PWLA Board is working feverously to address Ms. Beauchamp's concerns in time for the public work session coming up later this month.

Now on to the main topic… the race for the Chair of the Board of Supervisors.

There is no more confusing a race to me this year then that for the Chair of the Board of Supervisors. On October 9, I attended the candidate's forum for the Chair of the Board of Supervisors cosponsored by the Prince William Committee of 100. I had hoped to learn something about one of the candidates that would sway me to vote in his favor, unfortunately that didn't happen. Frankly, after the debate I am not sure that they are running under the correct party labels.

In his opening statement of the debate, Rick Coplen (Democrat) asked Chairman Connaughton (Incumbent Republican) to pledge that he will serve all four years of his term. I believe this is a reasonable request as much speculation had been circulating that he could be tapped for the next Attorney General of Virginia. Chairman Connaughton didn't respond to the request, so one has to consider how sincere he is in wanting to represent the citizens of the county versus how serious his political aspirations are. Where are his priorities?

Rick Coplen stated during the debate that the county needs to find a way to provide lower cost housing to county employees who cannot currently afford to live in the same community in which they work. According to an article last month in the Washington Post, Chairman Connaughton is concerned about this issue also. However, if I understand the article correctly, Chairman Connaughton wants the county to build hosing for its teachers and public service employees. This is not acceptable to me. I am in agreement with Mr. Coplen, who specifically stated in the debate that this needs to be done through private enterprise, not through a government-private venture.

Sean Connaughton dismissed Rick Coplen's idea for "Innovation East". If I grasp the concept correctly, Mr. Coplen wants to change zoning to provide for a business oriented corridor along Route 95. This seems logical to me. I can't help but wonder why Chairman Connaughton would be opposed to a free-market solution to bring higher paying jobs to Prince William County. The solution Chairman Connaughton has championed - Innovation@Prince William - is owned by the county. As he has stated, through Innovation@PW, "the county is in the land development business."

Chairman Connaughton has also spoken out against the proposed Bus Rapid Transit alternative to serve our growing commuter population. Personally I am opposed to all taxpayer subsidized transportation schemes. However, Rick Coplen strongly supports this as a viable, inexpensive solution and I haven't heard a good reason why BRT will not work. Money will undoubtedly be spent on transportation options, and we certainly can't pave our way out of the problem. Where is Chairman Connaughton's plan for mass transit? Is he in favor of bringing costly rail out into the suburbs?

Both Connaughton and Coplen have indicated that they will fight to lower taxes, yet neither is willing to sign a pledge stating that they will limit increases to a reasonable amount each year. Mr. Coplen's website has the phrase "Cut Real Estate Tax Bills, Not Just Tax Rates!" and Chairman Connaughton's campaign literature actually states that he has "Proven Leadership for: Lowering Taxes". What?! He may have lowered the rate, but taxes have gone up 37% since he has been in office. Who is he trying to fool? Frankly I don't believe either of them will set a reasonable tax rate next year.

According to Chairman Connaughton, I should be expected to pay for the shortsightedness of previous county budgets. That is ludicrous. The county needs to cut non-essential services and stop trying to be everything to everyone. No one on the Board of Supervisors seems to understand the concept of "limited" government.

When I asked for the responses they sent in to the Prince William Education Association questionnaire, I received one from Mr. Coplen but not from Chairman Connaughton. Although they are not going to be released by the PWEA, I see no reason to refuse to allow voters to see them. What is Chairman Connaughton hiding?

It seems that some Republicans are in such a hurry to socialize the nation that Democrats have the opportunity to relax a little. I have no doubt this is why Rick Coplen sounds more fiscally conservative (to me) then Chairman Connaughton. Of course, knowing the Democratic Party as I do, I don't really believe that Mr. Coplen would be willing to cut spending any more the chairman Connaughton has. At least one Democrat has taken a principled stand - Davon Gray (Candidate, Dumfries District) has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. Those who haven't may talk fiscal responsibility, but I believe they are just playing the old political game.

Frankly I plan on writing in "None of the Above" for the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors race.

James Simpson lives in Lake Ridge