Today at LynnRMitchell.com, we are looking at the Atlantic Coast
Pipeline issue that has stirred opinions both for and against in Augusta
County and elsewhere. Posts from guest writers and regular contributors
include Augusta County supervisors, citizens, information from
Dominion, and an editorial cartoon.
Supervisor Tracy Pyles, Supervisor David Karaffa, former Supervisor Nancy Sorrells, well-known local farmer Joel Salatin, political cartoon from Kurt Michael, and more.
Here is the list of articles in today’s Special Pipeline Issue.... (See links to all authors here)
Showing posts with label Tracy Pyles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tracy Pyles. Show all posts
Monday, November 24, 2014
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Augusta: Pyles suggests staggering board elections
Staggered elections are nothing new in Staunton, Waynesboro, Rockbridge County, and Shenandoah County.
At Wednesday's Augusta County Board of Supervisors meeting, Pastures District Supervisor Tracy Pyles broached the idea of changing to staggered elections in the county.
Noting that many localities already have such a voting policy in place, Supervisor Pyles said it would be a better way to weigh the mood of the people who currently have to wait four years for elections. Under his proposal, supervisors would be voted every two years with three up for election and then four up for election two years later.
Bob Stuart at the Waynesboro News Virginian has the details.
At Wednesday's Augusta County Board of Supervisors meeting, Pastures District Supervisor Tracy Pyles broached the idea of changing to staggered elections in the county.
Noting that many localities already have such a voting policy in place, Supervisor Pyles said it would be a better way to weigh the mood of the people who currently have to wait four years for elections. Under his proposal, supervisors would be voted every two years with three up for election and then four up for election two years later.
Bob Stuart at the Waynesboro News Virginian has the details.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
April's SWAC conservative breakfast ... faces in the room
Augusta Supervisor Tracy Pyles speaks as Del. Dickie Bell and Carl Tate listen.
Looking in from the doorway.
Tracy makes a point.
Staunton City Council candidate Carl Tate addressed the crowd. Carl has also been endorsed by Gov. George Allen, state Senator Emmett Hanger, Del. Dickie Bell, and Del. Steve Landes.
Charles Kraut of the Constitution Party.
Kurt makes a point.
Terry, Katie, Carl Tate.
Tracy talks to the packed room.Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
17 April 2010
Lynn Mitchell
17 April 2010
Frost on the red buds ... Riverfest in Waynesboro
Brrr. This morning was 28 degrees with frost ... a fire is crackling in the woodstove to ward off the chill. The central Shenandoah Valley's safe frost date isn't until May 15 so we still have a month to go. Still, it's sometimes easy to forget with all the nice weather we've enjoyed this spring. The grass is green, the tree leaves have really popped the past week, and the mountains are greening for the season with only the highest ridges still waiting for the spring leaf canopy.Driving through beautiful Virginia ... SWAC Husband, SWAC Daughter, and I drove to Roanoke Saturday afternoon ... the red buds in their hues of pink and purple blooming along the interstate were gorgeous. They had been joined the past week by blooming dogwood and catawba trees, splashes of white and purple along the roads and on mountainsides, a reminder of the beautiful place we call home.
A further reminder of how fortunate we are to live in Virginia was a message Saturday evening from a fellow blogger who lives at Virginia Beach and was heading out to take a sunset stroll on the beach alongside the mighty Atlantic Ocean. It's a reminder of lyrics from a John Denver song, "The moon and the stars are the same ones you see ... it's the same old sun up in the sky...."
Yesterday's SWAC conservative round table breakfast was truly enjoyable as we listened to Pastures Supervisor Tracy Pyles and his insight into the Board of Supervisors and the real estate assessment issue from the past year. Joining us was also attorney Francis Chester who has been sanctioned by the Augusta County government for his efforts to defend citizens. He helped as We the People turned in 10,500 signatures protesting overly inflated assessments at a time of recession ... 1,000 citizens showed up for a Board of Supervisors meeting in March 2009 to protest those assessments ... only 50 speakers from We the People were allowed to address the board at that time. We the People have representation in Supervisor Pyles and Attorney Chester.
Rocket Boys ... it was good to have Chuck Neff of the Augusta County Rocket Boy case at the SWAC breakfast with his wife. He is a scientist who wanted to share his talents and knowledge with those in the community interested in rocketry ... and then was shut down by Augusta County government. Read the entire series ... it's eye-opening. His group is being represented by Attorney Francis Chester.
Congrats to fellow SWAC bloggers on their Blog Net News/Virginia rankings ... Yankee Phil is # 1 this week and Fishersville Mike is # 4.
Riverfest will be next weekend in downtown Waynesboro on the South River with fly fishing, wine tasting, canoeing, crafts, musical entertainment, nature exhibits, plant sales, food vendors, and more. The weather is supposed to warm up all week so come out and enjoy the weather, the mountains, the people, and the hospitality of the central Shenandoah Valley.
Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
April 2010
Friday, March 13, 2009
Augusta residents say thank you, Francis Chester
Heading to the Board of Supervisors meeting.
Francis Chester holds petitions handed to him by those in the overflow crowd outdoors at the Government Center.
Mr. Chester addressed the overflow crowd outside the Government Center and thanked them for coming out while apologizing that they were not able to get inside.
Going over notes before the meeting....Six weeks ago, two old adversaries shook hands and agreed they were on the same side of the real estate assessment issue in Augusta County ... roll back current assessments to 2005 values.
Churchville attorney Francis Chester and Pastures Supervisor Tracy Pyles overlooked past differences to work together for the citizens of the county at a time when both were seeing many in distress who had lost jobs, lost homes, were on fixed incomes, and were having difficulties during a financially turbulent time.
Working pro bono, Mr. Chester spent hours at his law office and at home going through law books, talking with citizens, returning phone calls to other areas of the state, researching and preparing for his presentation before the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday and, now, going to court.
The message that probably came through the loudest from residents was their feeling that no one in government was listening ... no one cared. In Mr. Chester they found someone who not only listened but who also cared.
They are thankful and have been vocal in saying so.
Working together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!
Churchville attorney Francis Chester and Pastures Supervisor Tracy Pyles overlooked past differences to work together for the citizens of the county at a time when both were seeing many in distress who had lost jobs, lost homes, were on fixed incomes, and were having difficulties during a financially turbulent time.
Working pro bono, Mr. Chester spent hours at his law office and at home going through law books, talking with citizens, returning phone calls to other areas of the state, researching and preparing for his presentation before the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday and, now, going to court.
The message that probably came through the loudest from residents was their feeling that no one in government was listening ... no one cared. In Mr. Chester they found someone who not only listened but who also cared.
They are thankful and have been vocal in saying so.
Working together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tracy Pyles ... do Augusta Democrats back him in the tax battle?
DJ McGuire over at Right-Wing Liberal wrote a response to the Staunton News Leader's Tuesday editorial about the real estate assessment battle in Augusta County.
In that response, DJ wrote the following:
Way to be observant of local trends, SNL editors!That got me to thinking. Where are the Democrats to back Supervisor Tracy Pyles, the lone Democrat on the board? I've seen Chris Graham, chairman of the Waynesboro Democrats, at meetings and he has covered it in his Augusta Free Press.
But where have the other Democrats been? Are they supporting Tracy? Perhaps I've just missed them in the crowds.
The local Democrat blogs, however, have not mentioned this issue, to my knowledge. But perhaps I missed that, too.
Tracy is the maverick on the board, standing up for what he believes to be in the best interest of county residents. As I've said before, he is my supervisor and since we are on opposite sides of the political fence, we have locked horns on occasion.
But my opinion is he is right on this issue ... that is, if it's proper to call a Democrat "right" on anything. Heh.
So the question remains: Do the Augusta County Democrats back their lone Democrat supervisor on the Board? Inquiring minds want to know....
In that response, DJ wrote the following:
... perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised that the SNL is missing what’s really going on in Augusta. After all, they had the editorial wherewithal to publish a column by Al Dahler lamenting the weakness of the Democrats in the Shenandoah Valley. I particularly loved this clanger:This was published last Friday (March 6). Perhaps Al and the SNL haven’t noticed that Tracy Pyles - one of the ACAUA’s [Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments] best friends and the lone Democrat on the Augusta Board of Supervisors - is easily the most popular politician in the county right now.
If democratic (sic) candidates are able to successfully compete in Virginia’s rural districts, such as our own Augusta County, it would be encouraging.
Way to be observant of local trends, SNL editors!That got me to thinking. Where are the Democrats to back Supervisor Tracy Pyles, the lone Democrat on the board? I've seen Chris Graham, chairman of the Waynesboro Democrats, at meetings and he has covered it in his Augusta Free Press.
But where have the other Democrats been? Are they supporting Tracy? Perhaps I've just missed them in the crowds.
The local Democrat blogs, however, have not mentioned this issue, to my knowledge. But perhaps I missed that, too.
Tracy is the maverick on the board, standing up for what he believes to be in the best interest of county residents. As I've said before, he is my supervisor and since we are on opposite sides of the political fence, we have locked horns on occasion.
But my opinion is he is right on this issue ... that is, if it's proper to call a Democrat "right" on anything. Heh.
So the question remains: Do the Augusta County Democrats back their lone Democrat supervisor on the Board? Inquiring minds want to know....
Patrick County having assessment issues, too ...
... and Gloucester and Bath and Washington and....
Assessments come and assessments go ... so why the big fuss this year? The financial environment, in my opinion. Lost jobs. Decreased incomes. Company cut-backs. Stock market losses. Retirement savings cut in half.
My husband is a Teamster. They took a 10% cut in salary the first of the year to help the companies they work for. Trucking is down because orders are down. People are buying less ... stores are ordering less ... trucking companies are hauling less. Just about everyone is touched in some way by what is occurring in this financial climate.
In the midst of this, reassessment envelopes arrived and many properties, especially those that have land, jumped in value. Keep in mind home prices decreased 18% in the last quarter of 2008, and housing starts are the lowest they've been since 1959.
Alton Foley at I'm Not Emeril wrote a post today about Patrick County's real estate issue. I got a call from a woman in Washington County ... they are dealing with this very issue right now. Washington County had the same accessor as Augusta. Not sure who did Patrick County's assessments.
Alton wrote:
I think it's the fault of both.
Many questions have been raised about how accessment values were arrived at by the accessing company ... how could all lots in a subdivision be valued the same no matter the size or view ... how could properties with huge electrical towers be valued the same as similar properties without that intrusion ... how could a septic field be valued the same as a building lot ... and on and on and on.
The Board of Supervisors appears to want to pass the buck. Only one supervisor has taken a stand to roll back accessments to the 2005 values or to try and find another way to help county residents.
I remember the 2005 assessments. Many property values around here skyrocketed. The combination of having that happen again just four years later, and the financial climate, probably both played into the huge outcry from the public this time.
The Augusta County supervisors meeting is tomorrow night -- Wednesday, March 11 -- at the Government Center in Verona. Petitions with thousands of names will be turned in. Churchville attorney Francis Chester will address the board. Supervisor Tracy Pyles will again try to persuade his co-supervisors to find a way to help taxpayers. Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments will be there to address the board. It could even be billed a tea party of protest against higher property taxes.
Stay tuned....
Assessments come and assessments go ... so why the big fuss this year? The financial environment, in my opinion. Lost jobs. Decreased incomes. Company cut-backs. Stock market losses. Retirement savings cut in half.
My husband is a Teamster. They took a 10% cut in salary the first of the year to help the companies they work for. Trucking is down because orders are down. People are buying less ... stores are ordering less ... trucking companies are hauling less. Just about everyone is touched in some way by what is occurring in this financial climate.
In the midst of this, reassessment envelopes arrived and many properties, especially those that have land, jumped in value. Keep in mind home prices decreased 18% in the last quarter of 2008, and housing starts are the lowest they've been since 1959.
Alton Foley at I'm Not Emeril wrote a post today about Patrick County's real estate issue. I got a call from a woman in Washington County ... they are dealing with this very issue right now. Washington County had the same accessor as Augusta. Not sure who did Patrick County's assessments.
Alton wrote:
Augusta Patrick County citizens are up in arms over their latest property assessments. Well, to be a bit more accurate, they are upset over their latest property tax bill.One thing I disagree with Alton about, however. He concluded his post by saying it's not the accessor's fault; it's the Board of Supervisors' fault.
I think it's the fault of both.
Many questions have been raised about how accessment values were arrived at by the accessing company ... how could all lots in a subdivision be valued the same no matter the size or view ... how could properties with huge electrical towers be valued the same as similar properties without that intrusion ... how could a septic field be valued the same as a building lot ... and on and on and on.
The Board of Supervisors appears to want to pass the buck. Only one supervisor has taken a stand to roll back accessments to the 2005 values or to try and find another way to help county residents.
I remember the 2005 assessments. Many property values around here skyrocketed. The combination of having that happen again just four years later, and the financial climate, probably both played into the huge outcry from the public this time.
The Augusta County supervisors meeting is tomorrow night -- Wednesday, March 11 -- at the Government Center in Verona. Petitions with thousands of names will be turned in. Churchville attorney Francis Chester will address the board. Supervisor Tracy Pyles will again try to persuade his co-supervisors to find a way to help taxpayers. Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments will be there to address the board. It could even be billed a tea party of protest against higher property taxes.
Stay tuned....
News Leader editorial misses the mark
The Staunton News Leader is certainly covering the water front today on the real estate assessment issue in Augusta County. Some thoughts....
A column by Churchville attorney Francis Chester, County reassessments topic of public meeting, lays out the information and reasoning behind challenging the Augusta County Board of Supervisors. He tells why "We the People" must be vigilent with those who represent us.
A letter to the editor from a gentleman in Stuarts Draft (whom I do not know) was in favor of rolling assessments back to 2005.
An editorial cartoon by McCloskey is unfair and plays on people's fears.
With all due respect, an editorial titled Tax Revolt? by the NL editorial board is inaccurate and spreads the wrong message. After getting the name of the group wrong ... it is the Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments (not "coalition" -- I think there is a difference), they go on to suggest the message to county residents is to not pay their taxes.
Wrong.
At no time in any size, shape, or form has anyone involved in standing up to the supervisors ever -- ever -- suggested citizens not pay their taxes.
No one is opposed to taxes -- they are a necessary part of life. However, fair representation and responsible spending are part of the job of the elected officials who are stewarts of our money.
Tomorrow. March 11. 7 pm. Augusta County Supervisors Meeting at the Government Center in Verona. This is the opportunity to speak up and speak out.
Together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!
A column by Churchville attorney Francis Chester, County reassessments topic of public meeting, lays out the information and reasoning behind challenging the Augusta County Board of Supervisors. He tells why "We the People" must be vigilent with those who represent us.
A letter to the editor from a gentleman in Stuarts Draft (whom I do not know) was in favor of rolling assessments back to 2005.
An editorial cartoon by McCloskey is unfair and plays on people's fears.
With all due respect, an editorial titled Tax Revolt? by the NL editorial board is inaccurate and spreads the wrong message. After getting the name of the group wrong ... it is the Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments (not "coalition" -- I think there is a difference), they go on to suggest the message to county residents is to not pay their taxes.
Wrong.
At no time in any size, shape, or form has anyone involved in standing up to the supervisors ever -- ever -- suggested citizens not pay their taxes.
No one is opposed to taxes -- they are a necessary part of life. However, fair representation and responsible spending are part of the job of the elected officials who are stewarts of our money.
Tomorrow. March 11. 7 pm. Augusta County Supervisors Meeting at the Government Center in Verona. This is the opportunity to speak up and speak out.
Together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!
Monday, March 09, 2009
Augusta tax revolt tea party ... three days to go
Churchville attorney Francis Chester is ready. Augusta Supervisor Tracy Pyles is ready. Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments is ready.
Wednesday is the night when the Augusta Board of Supervisors will meet. That is the night when thousands of signatures will be turned over to the Board. That is the night county residents and others from throughout the state are expected to show up to send a message to county officials.
No ... more ... taxes!
From the latest newsletter sent Sunday....
1) Time to turn in assessment petitions
Petitions should be returned this week with a March 9 deadline. We are busy counting signatures before turning in petitions to the Board of Supervisors at Wednesday's meeting. There are three ways to return petitions:
-- Mail to Francis Chester (address on petition).
-- Drop off at Francis Chester's law office (address on petition)
-- Let us know you need petitions picked up by responding to this email.
2) March 11, 2009 - Board of Supervisors Meeting
The petitions that are being circulated around Augusta County will be turned into the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday March 11, 2009, at 7 pm at the Government Center in Verona. All are urged to attend. This will also be the opportunity for those who want to address the Board. Churchville attorney Francis Chester will turn in the petitions asking the board to turn back assessments to 2005 values.
3) Parking
It would help if parking closest to the door could be left for our elderly residents and the handicapped.
4) Seating
You may want to arrive early on March 11 for good seating and to sign up if you wish to address the board.
5) Petitions available
Petitions are still available asking the Board of Supervisors to roll back real estate assessments to 2004 levels:
-- Online: Here is the location of the online petition.
-- Hard copy: Contact us if you want an emailed petition
Together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!
Wednesday is the night when the Augusta Board of Supervisors will meet. That is the night when thousands of signatures will be turned over to the Board. That is the night county residents and others from throughout the state are expected to show up to send a message to county officials.
No ... more ... taxes!
From the latest newsletter sent Sunday....
1) Time to turn in assessment petitions
Petitions should be returned this week with a March 9 deadline. We are busy counting signatures before turning in petitions to the Board of Supervisors at Wednesday's meeting. There are three ways to return petitions:
-- Mail to Francis Chester (address on petition).
-- Drop off at Francis Chester's law office (address on petition)
-- Let us know you need petitions picked up by responding to this email.
2) March 11, 2009 - Board of Supervisors Meeting
The petitions that are being circulated around Augusta County will be turned into the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday March 11, 2009, at 7 pm at the Government Center in Verona. All are urged to attend. This will also be the opportunity for those who want to address the Board. Churchville attorney Francis Chester will turn in the petitions asking the board to turn back assessments to 2005 values.
3) Parking
It would help if parking closest to the door could be left for our elderly residents and the handicapped.
4) Seating
You may want to arrive early on March 11 for good seating and to sign up if you wish to address the board.
5) Petitions available
Petitions are still available asking the Board of Supervisors to roll back real estate assessments to 2004 levels:
-- Online: Here is the location of the online petition.
-- Hard copy: Contact us if you want an emailed petition
Together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!
Augusta: LTE from Supervisor Tracy Pyles
Update: Waynesboro News Virginian ... "Pyles: Schools could lost $7.2 M"
Augusta County Supervisor Tracy Pyles (D-Pastures) submitted the following letter to the Waynesboro News Virginian, the Staunton News Leader, and SWAC Girl in regards to the real estate assessment battle. The showdown between property owners and supervisors will occur Wednesday, March 11, at the Board of Supervisors meeting at the Government Center in Verona.
To the Editor:
If the reassessment goes forward it will have severe financial impacts on this County.
As background you should know that the largest revenue source for Augusta County is the State’s “Direct Aid to Public Education”. For Augusta County this is about $5,955 per student or $64 million. This compares to the $30 million that the County receives from Real Estate taxes.
The $5,955 is not the result of simple math where total state aid is divided by the number of students. That average is just $4,900 per student which would translate to a revenue loss of $12,000,000 annually. What gives us above average funding is the Composite Index which is used to determine a locality’s “Ability to Pay”. The more you are worth the less you get. For contrast, affluent Fairfax County receives $2,849 per pupil while rural Lee County receives $8,902.
I am not trying to find a way to avoid losing what we fairly ought to lose. Rather, I am trying to prevent us from being unfairly penalized. I believe, and can substantiate, that the proposed reassessment is overstated. The primary problem is the use of aged information to determine present values. This overstatement will have large and sure consequences on our State funding.
The largest factor in determining a County’s wealth is its property values. Increasing our values by 30% increases our Composite Index by 15%, taking it from .3299 to .3794. Powhatan County has a .3790 Composite Index rating and it receives $5,279 per student. If we were to be funded at that level; the School Board would lose $7,200,000 in future annual Direct Aid.
If my Board believes this County is 30% richer than 4 years ago; and that we are able to forego significant future funding to help some other localities, then the reassessment should go through.
If the Board believes that this County is experiencing the same decline of values that are being seen across Virginia and the nation, and that its school children should not be penalized for a flawed process, then it should join me in stopping the reassessment before it does significant damage to our financial well being.
The Board can throw up its hands and say we are helpless or it can assert itself to take measures that will put off the reassessment for 2 years. The risk of doing nothing is much more than the risk of doing something.
Tracy Pyles
Pastures Supervisor for Augusta County
Churchville Va. 24421
Augusta County Supervisor Tracy Pyles (D-Pastures) submitted the following letter to the Waynesboro News Virginian, the Staunton News Leader, and SWAC Girl in regards to the real estate assessment battle. The showdown between property owners and supervisors will occur Wednesday, March 11, at the Board of Supervisors meeting at the Government Center in Verona.
To the Editor:
If the reassessment goes forward it will have severe financial impacts on this County.
As background you should know that the largest revenue source for Augusta County is the State’s “Direct Aid to Public Education”. For Augusta County this is about $5,955 per student or $64 million. This compares to the $30 million that the County receives from Real Estate taxes.
The $5,955 is not the result of simple math where total state aid is divided by the number of students. That average is just $4,900 per student which would translate to a revenue loss of $12,000,000 annually. What gives us above average funding is the Composite Index which is used to determine a locality’s “Ability to Pay”. The more you are worth the less you get. For contrast, affluent Fairfax County receives $2,849 per pupil while rural Lee County receives $8,902.
I am not trying to find a way to avoid losing what we fairly ought to lose. Rather, I am trying to prevent us from being unfairly penalized. I believe, and can substantiate, that the proposed reassessment is overstated. The primary problem is the use of aged information to determine present values. This overstatement will have large and sure consequences on our State funding.
The largest factor in determining a County’s wealth is its property values. Increasing our values by 30% increases our Composite Index by 15%, taking it from .3299 to .3794. Powhatan County has a .3790 Composite Index rating and it receives $5,279 per student. If we were to be funded at that level; the School Board would lose $7,200,000 in future annual Direct Aid.
If my Board believes this County is 30% richer than 4 years ago; and that we are able to forego significant future funding to help some other localities, then the reassessment should go through.
If the Board believes that this County is experiencing the same decline of values that are being seen across Virginia and the nation, and that its school children should not be penalized for a flawed process, then it should join me in stopping the reassessment before it does significant damage to our financial well being.
The Board can throw up its hands and say we are helpless or it can assert itself to take measures that will put off the reassessment for 2 years. The risk of doing nothing is much more than the risk of doing something.
Tracy Pyles
Pastures Supervisor for Augusta County
Churchville Va. 24421
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Wow! 70 degrees in the Valley
For the second day in a row we will have 70-degree temps in the Shenandoah Valley. Snow on Monday, 70 degrees on Friday -- must be March in Virginia.
I'm heading out to continue collecting petitions that have been available throughout Augusta County for residents to sign if they want supervisors to roll back real estate assessments to the 2005 values. During my travels, I have enjoyed talking with farmers and property owners and residents who are concerned that government is not listening to them.
Petitions will be turned in by Churchville attorney Francis Chester on Wednesday at the Board of Supervisors meeting at the Government Center in Verona.
Click here for more information about Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments, to sign the petition, and for information about Wednesday's meeting.
Together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!
I'm heading out to continue collecting petitions that have been available throughout Augusta County for residents to sign if they want supervisors to roll back real estate assessments to the 2005 values. During my travels, I have enjoyed talking with farmers and property owners and residents who are concerned that government is not listening to them.
Petitions will be turned in by Churchville attorney Francis Chester on Wednesday at the Board of Supervisors meeting at the Government Center in Verona.
Click here for more information about Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments, to sign the petition, and for information about Wednesday's meeting.
Together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Augusta reassessment battle ... local tea party?
An Augusta County version of the Boston Tea Party will occur on March 11. That is the day Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments will turn out to send a message to the six supervisors who are not listening to the people.
Supervisor Tracy Pyles has been the lone voice on the Board of Supervisors to stand for property owners who are outraged at their high real estate assessments at a time of recession. He has been shunned by other members of the Board but has persevered in his quest to stand up for the little guy.
Churchville attorney Francis Chester was also outraged at his personal real estate assessment that went up 255% and decided to do something about it. His petitions requesting the Board of Supervisors to roll back assessments to 2005 values have been circulated throughout Augusta County and are available in 40 locations and online. They caused an unprecedented groundswell from the people who were looking for a voice to stand up to their local government. Many had felt ridiculed and rejected by those at the Government Center.
A movement began. A meeting was held and 600 people packed Verona Methodist Church on a cold winter night as they heard from Tracy Pyles and Francis Chester. They asked questions; they laughed; they cheered. Volunteers from the community joined in with their neighbors in the battle.
Citizens have taken handsful of petitions into their neighborhoods. Others have displayed them at their businesses. One citizen activist put a petition online which has generated 800 signatures. A Pastures District business, Jake's Convenience Store, has collected over 1,000 signatures.
Valentine's Day found Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments at the Tractor Supply Store in Staunton. At the invitation of the store, we set up a table for their Community Days event and enjoyed talking with county residents while filling up three more petitions.
Mike Shull, who owns a farm in southern Augusta County, made sure petitions were placed in businesses around Raphine, Vesuvius, and Greenville.
The owners of Middlebrook General Store have turned in a number of filled-up petitions.
Countless people have stopped at Francis Chester's farm in Churchville to turn in, pick up, or sign petitions.
The Waynesboro News Virginian picked up on this early, reporting about it beginning in the fall of 2008 when Supervisor Pyles first brought it up. They have publicly voiced their support in editorials and continue to do so, giving a thumbs up to Mr. Pyles.
The eyes of Virginia are on Augusta County during this battle. Neighboring Nelson County Life magazine readers went through a similar battle last year as did Gloucester and Bath.
Local readership on this blog has jumped during this battle as SWAC area folks have checked in for the almost-daily updates on this issue.
Even as news that housing starts are at their lowest since 1959 ... even with the news that home prices dropped 18% the last quarter of 2008 continuing a trend that had begun two years earlier ... even as we heard of a national property tax revolt ... Blue Ridge Mass Appraisal tried to say everything was just fine.
March 11. Mark your calendars.
Together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!
Supervisor Tracy Pyles has been the lone voice on the Board of Supervisors to stand for property owners who are outraged at their high real estate assessments at a time of recession. He has been shunned by other members of the Board but has persevered in his quest to stand up for the little guy.
Churchville attorney Francis Chester was also outraged at his personal real estate assessment that went up 255% and decided to do something about it. His petitions requesting the Board of Supervisors to roll back assessments to 2005 values have been circulated throughout Augusta County and are available in 40 locations and online. They caused an unprecedented groundswell from the people who were looking for a voice to stand up to their local government. Many had felt ridiculed and rejected by those at the Government Center.
A movement began. A meeting was held and 600 people packed Verona Methodist Church on a cold winter night as they heard from Tracy Pyles and Francis Chester. They asked questions; they laughed; they cheered. Volunteers from the community joined in with their neighbors in the battle.
Citizens have taken handsful of petitions into their neighborhoods. Others have displayed them at their businesses. One citizen activist put a petition online which has generated 800 signatures. A Pastures District business, Jake's Convenience Store, has collected over 1,000 signatures.
Valentine's Day found Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments at the Tractor Supply Store in Staunton. At the invitation of the store, we set up a table for their Community Days event and enjoyed talking with county residents while filling up three more petitions.
Mike Shull, who owns a farm in southern Augusta County, made sure petitions were placed in businesses around Raphine, Vesuvius, and Greenville.
The owners of Middlebrook General Store have turned in a number of filled-up petitions.
Countless people have stopped at Francis Chester's farm in Churchville to turn in, pick up, or sign petitions.
The Waynesboro News Virginian picked up on this early, reporting about it beginning in the fall of 2008 when Supervisor Pyles first brought it up. They have publicly voiced their support in editorials and continue to do so, giving a thumbs up to Mr. Pyles.
The eyes of Virginia are on Augusta County during this battle. Neighboring Nelson County Life magazine readers went through a similar battle last year as did Gloucester and Bath.
Local readership on this blog has jumped during this battle as SWAC area folks have checked in for the almost-daily updates on this issue.
Even as news that housing starts are at their lowest since 1959 ... even with the news that home prices dropped 18% the last quarter of 2008 continuing a trend that had begun two years earlier ... even as we heard of a national property tax revolt ... Blue Ridge Mass Appraisal tried to say everything was just fine.
March 11. Mark your calendars.
Together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!
Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments to turn out March 11
March 11. Mark your calendars for 7 pm at the Government Center in Verona.
That is the day Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments will turn out to send a message to the six supervisors who are not listening to the people.
Please pass the word. Tell your friends. Tell your neighbors. Tell your family. An Augusta County version of the Boston Tea Party will occur on March 11.
Supervisor Tracy Pyles has been the lone voice on the Board of Supervisors to stand for property owners who are outraged at their high real estate assessments at a time of recession. He has been shunned by other members of the Board but has persevered in his quest to stand up for the little guy.
Churchville attorney Francis Chester was also outraged at his personal real estate assessment that went up 255% and decided to do something about it. His petitions requesting the Board of Supervisors to roll back assessments to 2005 values have been circulated throughout Augusta County and are available in 40 locations and online. They caused an unprecedented groundswell from the people who were looking for a voice to stand up to their local government. Many had felt ridiculed and rejected by those at the Government Center.
A movement began. A meeting was held and 600 people packed Verona Methodist Church on a cold winter night as they heard from Tracy Pyles and Francis Chester. They asked questions; they laughed; they cheered. Volunteers from the community joined in with their neighbors in the battle.
Citizens have taken handsful of petitions into their neighborhoods. Others have displayed them at their businesses. One citizen activist put a petition online which has generated 800 signatures. A Pastures District business, Jake's Convenience Store, has collected over 1,000 signatures.
Valentine's Day found Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments at the Tractor Supply Store in Staunton. At the invitation of the store, we set up a table for their Community Days event and enjoyed talking with county residents while filling up three more petitions.
Mike Shull, who owns a farm in southern Augusta County, made sure petitions were placed in businesses around Raphine, Vesuvius, and Greenville.
The owners of Middlebrook General Store have turned in a number of filled-up petitions.
Countless people have stopped at Francis Chester's farm in Churchville to turn in, pick up, or sign petitions.
The Waynesboro News Virginian picked up on this early, reporting about it beginning in the fall of 2008 when Supervisor Pyles first brought it up. They have publicly voiced their support in editorials and continue to do so, giving a thumbs up to Mr. Pyles.
The eyes of Virginia are on Augusta County during this battle. Neighboring Nelson County Life magazine readers went through a similar battle last year as did Gloucester and Bath.
Local readership on this blog has jumped during this battle as SWAC area folks have checked in for the almost-daily updates on this issue.
Even as news that housing starts are at their lowest since 1959 ... even with the news that home prices dropped 18% the last quarter of 2008 continuing a trend that had begun two years earlier ... even as we heard of a national property tax revolt ... Blue Ridge Mass Appraisal tried to say everything was just fine.
March 11. Mark your calendars.
Together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!
That is the day Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments will turn out to send a message to the six supervisors who are not listening to the people.
Please pass the word. Tell your friends. Tell your neighbors. Tell your family. An Augusta County version of the Boston Tea Party will occur on March 11.
Supervisor Tracy Pyles has been the lone voice on the Board of Supervisors to stand for property owners who are outraged at their high real estate assessments at a time of recession. He has been shunned by other members of the Board but has persevered in his quest to stand up for the little guy.
Churchville attorney Francis Chester was also outraged at his personal real estate assessment that went up 255% and decided to do something about it. His petitions requesting the Board of Supervisors to roll back assessments to 2005 values have been circulated throughout Augusta County and are available in 40 locations and online. They caused an unprecedented groundswell from the people who were looking for a voice to stand up to their local government. Many had felt ridiculed and rejected by those at the Government Center.
A movement began. A meeting was held and 600 people packed Verona Methodist Church on a cold winter night as they heard from Tracy Pyles and Francis Chester. They asked questions; they laughed; they cheered. Volunteers from the community joined in with their neighbors in the battle.
Citizens have taken handsful of petitions into their neighborhoods. Others have displayed them at their businesses. One citizen activist put a petition online which has generated 800 signatures. A Pastures District business, Jake's Convenience Store, has collected over 1,000 signatures.
Valentine's Day found Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments at the Tractor Supply Store in Staunton. At the invitation of the store, we set up a table for their Community Days event and enjoyed talking with county residents while filling up three more petitions.
Mike Shull, who owns a farm in southern Augusta County, made sure petitions were placed in businesses around Raphine, Vesuvius, and Greenville.
The owners of Middlebrook General Store have turned in a number of filled-up petitions.
Countless people have stopped at Francis Chester's farm in Churchville to turn in, pick up, or sign petitions.
The Waynesboro News Virginian picked up on this early, reporting about it beginning in the fall of 2008 when Supervisor Pyles first brought it up. They have publicly voiced their support in editorials and continue to do so, giving a thumbs up to Mr. Pyles.
The eyes of Virginia are on Augusta County during this battle. Neighboring Nelson County Life magazine readers went through a similar battle last year as did Gloucester and Bath.
Local readership on this blog has jumped during this battle as SWAC area folks have checked in for the almost-daily updates on this issue.
Even as news that housing starts are at their lowest since 1959 ... even with the news that home prices dropped 18% the last quarter of 2008 continuing a trend that had begun two years earlier ... even as we heard of a national property tax revolt ... Blue Ridge Mass Appraisal tried to say everything was just fine.
March 11. Mark your calendars.
Together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Augusta Free Press: "Supes duped by legal jargon"
Chris Graham over at the Augusta Free Press has been doing some investigative work into the legal wranglings between the Augusta County Board of Supervisors (six of them) versus Supervisor Tracy Pyles, attorney Francis Chester, and hundreds of local residents in the current real estate assessment battle.
With permission, here is the column in its entirety or check out Supes duped by legal jargon at the Augusta Free Press:
With permission, here is the column in its entirety or check out Supes duped by legal jargon at the Augusta Free Press:
February 25, 2009
by chrisgraham
The newspaper headlines suggesting that the Augusta County Board of Supervisors’ hands are tied with respect to legal remedies regarding the widely disputed general property reassessment come across to me as misleading.
It’s not exactly breaking news to me that the county attorney, Pat Morgan, would say that he can’t find any “lawful way,” as he wrote in a report to the Board of Supervisors presented on Monday, that the Board can halt or adjust the reassessment. I say that because the strategy offered by the single member of the Board of Supervisors, Pastures Supervisor Tracy Pyles, who has been advocating for the large contingent of county residents who have been fighting this fight, is not at all a “lawful” one, but that has been the point all along.
Pyles was the first to point out that while the county is indeed required to complete a reassessment under the State Code, the penalty for not doing so appears to be relatively minor in the form of the loss of local revenues from the sale of alcholic beverages under the Virginia ABC system, at a total cost to county taxpayers of roughly $40,000.
In that context, then, I wouldn’t expect Morgan to say anything other than what he said in his report. I mean, after all, he’s a lawyer, right? He can’t recommend in writing or otherwise that his client willfully break the law, as Pyles is suggesting as a course of action. He’d risk his law license in so doing.
Same for the part of the story involving an attorney general’s opinion in a similar case originating in Dinwiddie County from earlier this year. The Board of Supervisors there also wanted to block a reassessment that had come under fire, and the opinion of the attorney general’s office used language akin to what Morgan offered to Augusta supervisors. “(T)he Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors cannot prevent, in a legally enforceable manner, the duly appointed professional assessor for a general reassessment of Dinwiddie County’s real estate from complying with Section 58.1-3300 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, because the Board of Supervisors disagrees with the results of such general reassessment,” the opinion concluded, again not surprisingly.
I have read and reread that opinion, and did not find any reference to the penalties that could be incurred were the Board in Dinwiddie to violate the terms of the Code applicable to reassessments.
I e-mailed Morgan late Tuesday night to ask what to me is the salient question in this instance - namely, is Pyles right that the only penalty to the county for failing to comply with the Code on the reasssessment the loss of $40,000 in ABC revenues?
Morgan got back to me on that point early this morning.
“There is another possible penalty found in 22.1-97 of the Code of Virginia, dealing with school funding,” Morgan wrote in his e-mail reply. "As you are probably aware, funding from the state is based on what is called a composite index. The State looks at many factors to determine a locality’s fair share of the costs of educating our children. One of the factors that goes into determining the composite index for a locality is if its real estate values are correct. Under 22.1-97 of the Code of Virginia, if the Department of Education determines that a locality is not appropriated sufficient funds, it can notify the Attorney General and he or she can petition for a writ of mandamus directing the locality to make such appropriations as are required by law.”
Interesting point there. A counterpoint, not legal in response to Morgan, but political to the Board of Supervisors, is that it would appear that this composite-index issue could also bite us another way if the reassessments are allowed to stand.
As has been pointed out elsewhere in the local news media, the average property in Augusta is now in Chesterfield County range with our new reassessment. The problem that we will face is not having anything close to Chesterfield County’s economic base or its tax rate. Get this - Chesterfield’s property-tax rate is 95 cents per $100 assessed value. Augusta is currently at 58 cents, and if the reassessment is allowed to stand with the tax relief to come from a reduction in the rate aimed at equalizing things, we could be in the 50-cent range when all is said and done.
And what does that mean? You got it. We get Chesterfield County-level money from the state for education with a tax rate about half what Chesterfield assesses its citizens to make up our local share.
The second part of Morgan’s answer was also helpful.
“To date, I could find only one County that failed to reassess when lawfully required,” he wrote in his e-mail. “That was Pittsylvania in the mid-’70s. The Board there followed a faulty interpretation of a statute that allowed Counties to alter the reassessment schedule if they had been subject of an annexation suit. In a formal opinion, the Attorney General determined that the County had violated the code, but also concluded that it would receive its ABC funding when a reassessment completed. The law concerning adjustments due to annexation suits has since been repealed,” Morgan wrote.
So we might not even lose our ABC revenues if we go this route.
Interesting, that.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Maverick on Augusta BOS looking out for the little guy
Check it out today ... a great positive front page story by reporter Bob Stuart with the Waynesboro News Virginian about Augusta Supervisor Tracy Pyles.
In an article titled "Maverick on Board of Supes: Pyles goes it alone in reassessment battle," Mr. Stuart talks with Mr. Pyles about growing up in western Augusta's Deerfield community and his enjoyment representing the working-class people of his district.
In an article titled "Maverick on Board of Supes: Pyles goes it alone in reassessment battle," Mr. Stuart talks with Mr. Pyles about growing up in western Augusta's Deerfield community and his enjoyment representing the working-class people of his district.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
A tale of two newspapers ... Waynesboro vs Staunton
Two SWAC area newspapers ... two opposite reactions to a supervisor trying to listen to the people and work his way through the current issue of citizen outcry over outrageously inflated real estate assessments in Augusta County.
The Waynesboro News Virginian has supported Pastures Supervisor Tracy Pyles in his (so far futile) quest to get the other supervisors to listen and roll back assessments rates to 2004. Last week's editorial gave him a thumbs up for his stand with the people.
To read the Staunton News Leader's thoughts, one would think a supervisor should sit in his cushy leather chair in the Government Center and walk lockstep with the rest of the supervisors. In their editorial last week they criticized Mr. Pyles for standing before hundreds of citizens to listen to their concerns and answer their questions. They criticized him for urging those citizens to turn out at the Board of Supervisor meetings to show their citizen activism.
Shouldn't they be patting him on the back? Newspapers, after all, propose to be for the people and all about transparency in government.
Their concern, the NL said, was that by listening to the citizens Mr. Pyles would not be able to work with "them" -- "them" being the other six supervisors. These are the same supervisors who have excoriated him publicly in BOS meetings ... the same "them" who shut him out from speaking at a meeting last fall ... the same "them" who shun him at meetings. (See News Virginian articles, below, dating back to September 2008 on this subject.)
Isn't it nice to have democracy, freedom of speech, and an elected official who actually listens to the people?
Background News Virginian articles on assessments:
- Pyles proposes delaying assessment for 2 years
- Preliminary assessment values show rise
- Break needed for taxpayers
- Reassessment delayed until end of year
- County seeks extension
- Consultant delves deeper into Augusta County economy
- State budget woes being felt locally
- Supervisors seek a more flexible reassessment cycle
- Economy offers opportunities
- Reassessment update to be given to board
- Say yes now to lower rate
- Reassessments raise debate
- Heed Pyles, us
- Reassessment notices to be sent Friday
- Reassessments frustrate many
- Homeowners appeal assessment
- Mass appeals
- Augusta needs lower tax rate
- Attorney wants rollback or he'll sue
- Editorial: Put brakes on assessment
- Supervisors tighten belts for next year's budget
- Roll right on back to 2005
- Meeting to address reassessments
- Property owners protest increase
- Opinion: Present times draw memories of the past
- Editorial: Three thumbs up, three thumbs down
[Editor's note: I had posted the News Leader's editorial here but was asked to remove it and leave only the link which will be active for about three months. I was trying to make it convenient for folks but will not risk copyright infringement by leaving it up. I apologize for the inconvenience.]
The Waynesboro News Virginian has supported Pastures Supervisor Tracy Pyles in his (so far futile) quest to get the other supervisors to listen and roll back assessments rates to 2004. Last week's editorial gave him a thumbs up for his stand with the people.
To read the Staunton News Leader's thoughts, one would think a supervisor should sit in his cushy leather chair in the Government Center and walk lockstep with the rest of the supervisors. In their editorial last week they criticized Mr. Pyles for standing before hundreds of citizens to listen to their concerns and answer their questions. They criticized him for urging those citizens to turn out at the Board of Supervisor meetings to show their citizen activism.
Shouldn't they be patting him on the back? Newspapers, after all, propose to be for the people and all about transparency in government.
Their concern, the NL said, was that by listening to the citizens Mr. Pyles would not be able to work with "them" -- "them" being the other six supervisors. These are the same supervisors who have excoriated him publicly in BOS meetings ... the same "them" who shut him out from speaking at a meeting last fall ... the same "them" who shun him at meetings. (See News Virginian articles, below, dating back to September 2008 on this subject.)
Isn't it nice to have democracy, freedom of speech, and an elected official who actually listens to the people?
Background News Virginian articles on assessments:
- Pyles proposes delaying assessment for 2 years
- Preliminary assessment values show rise
- Break needed for taxpayers
- Reassessment delayed until end of year
- County seeks extension
- Consultant delves deeper into Augusta County economy
- State budget woes being felt locally
- Supervisors seek a more flexible reassessment cycle
- Economy offers opportunities
- Reassessment update to be given to board
- Say yes now to lower rate
- Reassessments raise debate
- Heed Pyles, us
- Reassessment notices to be sent Friday
- Reassessments frustrate many
- Homeowners appeal assessment
- Mass appeals
- Augusta needs lower tax rate
- Attorney wants rollback or he'll sue
- Editorial: Put brakes on assessment
- Supervisors tighten belts for next year's budget
- Roll right on back to 2005
- Meeting to address reassessments
- Property owners protest increase
- Opinion: Present times draw memories of the past
- Editorial: Three thumbs up, three thumbs down
[Editor's note: I had posted the News Leader's editorial here but was asked to remove it and leave only the link which will be active for about three months. I was trying to make it convenient for folks but will not risk copyright infringement by leaving it up. I apologize for the inconvenience.]
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Augusta County: Pastures Supervisor Pyles wants to delay home reassessments
Last night's Board of Supervisors meeting in Augusta County saw Pastures Supervisor Tracy Pyles walk out after he was shut down by board chairman David Beyeler and not allowed to further address his recommendation.
Mr. Pyles proposed delaying real estate reassessments for two years due to the unsettled economy and depressed house prices. Augusta County had delayed mailing the reassessments for a month after the federal financial bailout to see if the markets stabilized, with plans for those to go out in November.
I was not at last night's meeting so cannot speak from a personal point of view. However, Mr. Pyles, who happens to be my supervisor and a Democrat, is a stickler for fiscal responsibility, something I have always admired. I call him "Mr. Numbers" because he pours over spread sheets and crunches the bottom line.
One supervisor said he wanted time to read the information Mr. Pyles passed out. That's fair. On the other hand, I am not sure why Mr. Beyeler would shut down discussion. In the words of a lawyer friend in Northern Virginia, "Discussion is always good," and she never wants to cut it off. However, not being at the meeting, I don't know the reasons.
It should be interesting at the next meeting on October 22nd.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Augusta Board of Supervisors under new leadership
The Augusta County Board of Supervisors has two new members this year ... one who previously served during the 1980s ... and one who was born in the 1980s.
Gerald Garber of Middle River District returns to serve in the position he held twenty years ago. Jeremy Shifflett, 24, is the new representative for Beverley Manor District.
On Wednesday the Board unanimously voted David Beyeler of South River as Chairman even though he was out of state due to a death in the family, and Tracy Pyles of Pastures District as Vice Chairman for 2008. The reorganizational meeting lasted about 30 minutes.
The first regularly scheduled meeting will be held Wednesday, January 9, at the Government Center in Verona at 7:00 p.m.
Gerald Garber of Middle River District returns to serve in the position he held twenty years ago. Jeremy Shifflett, 24, is the new representative for Beverley Manor District.
On Wednesday the Board unanimously voted David Beyeler of South River as Chairman even though he was out of state due to a death in the family, and Tracy Pyles of Pastures District as Vice Chairman for 2008. The reorganizational meeting lasted about 30 minutes.
The first regularly scheduled meeting will be held Wednesday, January 9, at the Government Center in Verona at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Dems losing control of Party?
I received an unsolicited email from my Democrat Supervisor Tracy Pyles who publicly endorsed Emmett Hanger a few weeks ago along with the rest of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors.
Tracy and I have gotten along well over the years. Now we're on opposite sides of the fence. It makes me wonder who he will support in the General Election because the Democrats have backed a candidate.
Will Mr. Pyles support Republican Emmett Hanger, the person he endorsed in April? Or will he endorse the Democrat who will represent his Party?
I looked up the Democrat Party Plan:
Tracy and I have gotten along well over the years. Now we're on opposite sides of the fence. It makes me wonder who he will support in the General Election because the Democrats have backed a candidate.
Will Mr. Pyles support Republican Emmett Hanger, the person he endorsed in April? Or will he endorse the Democrat who will represent his Party?
I looked up the Democrat Party Plan:
DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF VIRGINIA STATE PARTY PLANInteresting situation for Mr. Pyles....
Section 10.8 Party Support
No Democratic committee member or officer of any Democratic committee shall publicly support, endorse, or assist any candidate opposed to a Democratic nominee. In the event any Democratic committee member shall undertake such public activity, the appropriate Democratic committee shall remove said person from office. Such action shall not be taken without at least ten (10) days written notice to the accused member and an opportunity for him or her to refute such charges. In the event that no action is taken against such person, the
district committee shall initiate the necessary action. The Steering Committee may take further action within the thirty (30) days after the receipt of a written complaint by any member of the Democratic Party in relation to such matters.
Section 10.9 Candidate Support
The obligations and duties imposed on any county, city or district committee or the Central Committee and their members in this Plan shall not be deemed to require support of any candidate who is publicly supporting a nominee on the ticket of any other political party in any general election where Democratic candidates for office appear on the ballot, or who publicly supports any other candidate opposed to a Democratic nominee.
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