Chairman Corey Stewart Responds to the Prince William County Budget Shortfall

 Corey Stewart, Chairman Prince William County Board of Supervisors

 

Prince William County is feeling the pinch of the housing market. The decrease in home sales, property revenues, property recordation fees, has decreased the overall county revenues. As a result of the overall depletion, Corey Stewart, Chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors indicated that local residents may see some short term cut backs in state funding in the areas of public service. Affected services include services such as the local police department, teacher’s salaries, and other ancillary services provided to local residents. Chairman Stewart hinted that the ramifications could include layoffs because of the state fiscal shortfall. He further noted that no tax hikes are being proposed at this time, but pointed out to BristowEnews.com that he will vigorously vote against a tax increase.

 

Chairman Stewart said that the budget cuts has no immediate impact on the Immigration Policy and remains a top priority because it involves public safety. The Immigration Policy has relatively low impact on the existing budget because the funding has already been allocated. He pointed out that the Immigration Policy is in full force. The local law enforcement office is currently working with the Department of Home Land Security (DHS) Immigration and Customs Office in formulating and addressing the protocols for exchanging and putting the enforcement measures in place.  As soon as the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is signed and the completion of local law enforcement personnel training is completed, the time table is expected to rollout in early Spring 2008. Chairman Stewart knows it is going to be tough fiscal year for the county and in particularly for residents; but he affirmed that the Immigration Policy will be given top priority.

 

Chairman Stewart is currently forming an exploratory committee for Lieutenant Governor’s office. Part of the reason why Chairman Stewart is running for Lt. Governor Office is because he feels that the Virginia State Government in Richmond has lost touch with Northern Virginians. He believes that the State needs to be focused on the pressing needs of local residents such as the Transportation Bill and how it affects the quality of life for Northern Virginians.
 

He anticipates making a formal announcement in two weeks. Regardless of the outcome for the next year’s election, Chairman Stewart will continue to perform in his official capacity as the Chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors for the next few years. He plans on staying focused on issues affecting local residents and elevating the Immigration Policy to a statewide audience.

 

Date Published: 2008-02-27 06:00:00

Section: Politics, Photos: C Stewart,