Republicans face off in Prince William Chairmans Race Primary Debate
Two Republicans seeking to lead the Prince William County Board of Supervisors sat down for a debate on Saturday.
Incumbent Corey Stewart faced newcomer Chris Crawford, and each discussed issues facing the county from tax bills, funding firefighters, to bringing new jobs to the region.
On the latter note, Stewart addressed a question that asked what more is being done to bring high-paying jobs to the area as retailers like Walmart consistently rank in the list of the county’s top employers.
“We have so far, in a two-year period, have $1.5 billion in private investment in Prince William County,” said Stewart. “The jobs are there. Some are in the retail sector, but a lot of them aren’t. We’re seeing a lot of development in the life sciences industry especially in the [Innovation Park] area, and in the Route 1 corridor [in Woodbridge.]”
Crawford disagreed, and said he is tired of having to leave Prince William each day for a high-paying job.
“Innovation looks like a wheat field. I hear there’s a lot of jobs but I just don’t see it. We’ve got to get our tax rate under control…the businesses aren’t coming here,” said Crawford.
Recent local government data show the vacancy rate for commercial office, industrial, and retail space sits at 6.8% in December 2014, down from 8.3% one year earlier. At-place employment is also slightly on the rise.
Home values continue to rise, too. Stewart said he and others on the Board of Supervisors have worked to keep low the average property tax bill for Prince William homeowners, citing the bills are 30% lower than they are in neighboring Loudoun County.
“It’s not apples to apples to compare homes in other counties. Their houses are worth more,” Crawford fired back.
Both men support taking funds from the county’s fire levy that were once given to volunteer fire companies and instead use them to pay the salaries of career firefighters.
“As we become a more suburb and community and less rural, the number of volunteers is inevitably declining,” said Stewart.
Both men added they support the county’s blended career and volunteer fire system, and both thanked volunteers for their service.
The debates were held at the Dar AlNoor Islamic Community Center. They were co-sponsored by the Coles District Civic Association and Potomac Local.
Video of the full debate produced by Bill Golden of the Coles District Civic Association after the jump:
