Five questions: Clover Hill District supervisor candidates

Floyd Bayne

The Chesterfield Observer believes it's important for voters to be informed when they go to the polls on Nov. 6. Over the next five weeks leading up to the election, we'll run Q & A's featuring the candidates running for the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors from each district, so constituents can make a side-by-side comparison of where the candidates stand on some of the county's most important issues. This week, we'll focus on the supervisor candidates in the Clover Hill District, Independent Floyd Bayne and incumbent Republican Art Warren. We asked them each the same five questions. Here are their responses.

Do you support the rezonings for Branner Station (4,998 homes and 470,000 square feet of retail) and Roseland (5,140 homes and 1.5 million square feet of office/retail)?

Bayne: It seems to me that this is a moot point. They are both done deals at this point. The problem, as I see it, is this, "Just because you can build it, doesn't mean you should." Were local residents asked about their thoughts before the deal was closed? Who does this benefit? The local residents, area businesses, the developers, the board of supervisors? Once again I feel we are seeing an example of "OK the project, build it and we'll worry about that other stuff (infrastructure) later."

Art Warren

Warren: I look at every zoning case based on a number of criteria. I consider its potential impact on schools, roads, water supply and other public facilities (i.e. police, fire, emergency medical and parks). I also review carefully the proffers and conditions in the zoning proposal. I review the staff recommendations and the comprehensive plan as well as the planning commission's comments. Most importantly, I listen to citizens' input regarding each proposal. I will look at the Branner Station and Roseland proposals in a similar manner when they are presented at the public hearing process.

About $24 million in additional funding is necessary for a cloverleaf to provide direct access to I-295 for the Meadowville Technology Park. Should Chesterfield provide funding or financing for the cloverleaf?

Bayne: No. The fact that the park exists and is now doing business is an indication that there is already a transportation route in place. If the park simply wants to make it more convenient, then let the park pay for it. Stop looking at the taxpayer as an unlimited resource.

Warren: Meadowville Technology Park is an important part of Chesterfield's economic development initiatives. Direct access to the park will facilitate in attracting new high-tech industries to Chesterfield County, which will ensure a more balanced tax base for the future. The county should explore all options for funding a cloverleaf at this location, which can include but [should] not be limited to: VDOT funding, economic development and tax incentives, and Chesterfield County support.

How would you provide funding for Chesterfield County's road needs?

Bayne: I would scour the budget to eliminate fraud and waste and spend the taxpayers' money more efficiently and frugally. If we can find $550,000 to help with the maintenance of the Diamond, which, by the way, is in Richmond, not Chesterfield, then I am confident that we can find the money to fix our roads without raising taxes.

Warren: We need to continue to encourage our local representatives at the General Assembly to address the road needs at the state level. The most recent bond referendum provided much needed funding for improvements to Hull Street Road from Brandermill to Woodlake. Recognizing that Chesterfield is not receiving adequate funding from the state, I support additional funding for road projects in future bond referendums. Chesterfield County will continue to rely on Community Development Authority (CDA) projects and developer proffers in addition to other funding resources to meet the increased demands for road improvements.

What property tax rate do you favor and why?

Bayne: Had I been on the board of supervisors in April 2007, I would have voted for the $.95 rate. In fact, I would have looked at lowering it even further. I would expect the county, rather than the citizens, to tighten its fiscal belt. If the county can afford $18,000 plane flights or $550,000 to help upgrade the Diamond, then it has too much of the taxpayers' money. My constant and consistent focus will be on lowering or abolishing any and all taxes wherever possible.

Warren: This year, the board of supervisors approved a reduction in the property tax rate to $.97 per $100. I supported an even lower rate than was approved by the majority of the board. Any rise in property assessments should be offset by a reduction in the property tax rate. I favor the lowest possible tax rate while at the same time maintaining our commitment to quality schools and first-class police and fire services.

Should the board of supervisors be expanded to more than five members?

Bayne: At this point in time, it may not be necessary to increase the number of representatives on the board of supervisors. However, if the uncontrolled growth that we have seen in recent years continues, I believe it will soon be necessary. This must be done to assure proper representation of all Chesterfield County citizens. If the Matoaca District is able to maintain its rural appeal and avoid the crowding we have seen elsewhere, more representatives may not be needed. This would also avoid more bureaucracy and the cost of supporting it.

Warren: I favor expanding the number of supervisors on the county board because it would give the citizens of Chesterfield County more access to their representatives.