CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Republican Scott Smith and Democrat Fred Missel expressed a number of similarities in a Free Enterprise Forum event, but also shared different approaches on some issues as the two vie for a spot representing the Samuel Miller District on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors.
Smith talked about a business executive approach in viewing issues, and also a new set of eyes after seeing issues in the county in six years living here.
Missel stressed his 35 years living in the county and 15 years in public service, but also said he brings a new set of eyes to the position as he wants to look at creative ways to approach issues.
Both candidates agreed in tax diversification efforts in bringing industry into the county. The both feel residents field too much of the burden, Missel noting the resident-to-commercial tax base ratio is running about 89-11 when he says that commercial base needs to be brought to anywhere between 15-and 18- percent. Smith says its well past time the county live within its means when it comes to spending.
“I’m glad that I’ve had an impact on the tax question, and I know good people are listening,” Smith said. “As they said, iron sharpens iron and so I think we’re all stronger for it.”
Several times he referenced concern for Slide 10 of an AC44 presentation, the new comprehensive plan.
“Top left, we’re going to increase taxes, bottom right, we’re going to increase debt,” he said.
He said an affordable housing aspect is current residents being able to stay in their homes and not be pushed out by rising taxes and assessments. He wants to lobby the General Assembly to cap real estate tax increases at two-percent.
Missel said he agrees with the concept of reigning in property taxes.
“First of all, I have to give you credit in your concern over the taxes, but believe me, it has predated you,” Missel said. “I think a lot of people have been really concerned with taxes, myself included, and what’s been really cool about the opportunity to knock on people’s doors all over Samuel Miller is seeing the disparity in income levels.
“There are people in with two or three incomes levels having a hard time staying in their homes.”
The challenge, Missel said, when you look at the recent tax increase is it was spent on affordable housing, public safety, and schools. “Which one of those do you determine are not valid to have increased taxes?”
Two areas where the two differed was on a proposal to commit at least $10-million annually to an affordable housing trust fund. While both agreed such a funding mechanism is necessary, Smith said of that particular figure annual commitment, “No.”
“If you go back, the average Albemarle property owner is paying $4720, so $10-million is 20 homes and that means 2100 homes are investing their money into specifically that. The county has invested millions of dollars, and I’d like to see some metrics specifically how that money’s being used, what’s the benefit that’s been achieved.”
Smith said he wants to keep homes affordable for existing residents, so he doesn’t want to spend that kind of money “on those kind of programs”.
Missel said, “I think it’s a critically important aspect of finding funding for additional housing because once you have funding you can continue to leverage that for additional funding.”
“I would not say a hard ‘no’ on that, I think it’s a tool we can use whether it’s a $10-million tool, or a slightly lower tool, or even maybe a higher tool of some kind, I think it’s worth looking into.”
Smith a couple of times touched on an issue he raised in a release in the week before the forum about Missel’s work with the UVA Foundation. He contends because supervisors have to make decisions on real estate and other issues involving the University of Virginia, Missel will have to recuse himself with conflicts of interest
“From my perspective, I don’t have any conflicts of interest and I won’t take on any conflicts of interest and so I’ll be available to be at all the meetings. I don’t need to recuse myself, I can be at the meetings, I can be at subcommittee meetings,” Smith said
Missel said his professional and public service roles have always been grounded in transparency and accountability.
“The importance of functional relationships and long-term working partnerships are essential components of a strong leader,” Missel said.
“The truth is that Albemarle benefits from leaders who know how to communicate effectively with the University of Virginia, city, and county, and key community stakeholders. My record proves that I know how to do that with integrity and independence.”
Roughly two-dozen people attended the forum with a loudest contingent breaking into applause supporting Smith. The candidates’ demeanor was friendly and cordial toward each other as they fielded questions from Free Enterprise Forum President Neil Williamson and Charlottesville Community Engagement’s Sean Tubbs. They spent a little less than 90 minutes answering the questions, then stayed afterwards for about a half-hour speaking personally with attendees.
The forum was not streamed, but was recorded and posted. Click here for the Free Enterprise Forum and click here for Charlottesville Community Engagement.
