David Karaffa, other new Augusta County supervisors to receive transition briefings

There will be five new faces on the new Augusta County Board of Supervisors when it convenes in January, due in part to the botched 2009 real estate assessments.

New supervisor David Karaffa (I), 28, is already somewhat ahead of the game. During the past year, Karaffa spent hours at the Government Center learning the ins and outs of local government, talking with employees and supervisors, attending meetings, and reading endless documents, meeting notes, and informational sources as he researched the job he was running to win. In November, he beat incumbent Jeremy Shifflett to become Beverley Manor supervisor.

Incumbents Tracy Pyles (I) and David Beyeler (R) are the only returning members of the seven-member board. Larry Wills (R), newly elected, once served on the board in the 1990s.

Bob Stuart at the Waynesboro News Virginian talked with Karaffa about the meetings designed for newly elected supervisors to learn more about various county departments, budgets, and more. “For me, it will be a lot of review of things I already know,” [Karaffa] said. “But it is also an opportunity to fill in holes that exist. It would be nice to get those gaps filled.”

Karaffa became interested in county government after watching the supervisors' handling of the botched real estate assessments and he has attended supervisor meetings on a regular basis for the two years since that time.

He also became involved in the 2010 fire issue, attending meetings along with Kurt Michael (I), who barely lost his bid in November for Wayne District Supervisor, as both talked with firefighters, read the fire plans that date back to 2000, and listened to boots on the ground. Both men, with young children, were concerned for the welfare of not only their own families but those of all county residents. The lack of fire coverage had caused homeowners insurance to increase and even double for some residents.

While learning more about the internal workings at the Government Center, Karaffa also sought counsel from Supervisor Pyles whose 16 years of experience on the board offered a wealth of information and background. At the age of 28, Karaffa is the future of Augusta County and the country.

Supervisor-elect David Karaffa ... a rising conservative star

David Karaffa in front of the Virginia State Capitiol on Bloggers Day in February 2010.

It was a long journey for 28-year-old David Karaffa to his victory Tuesday night for the Beverley Manor District supervisor position in Augusta County. Fourteen months earlier he had decided to run for the job. He spent months learning the business of local government as he visited with workers in the Government Center, soaking in the new-found knowledge about water pipes and fire services and infrastructure and the budget process.

Surrounded by family and friends as they watched election returns at a Verona restaurant last night, the conservative Independent candidate was upbeat and optimistic about the day's results. When the final votes were tallied, he had won by 46 votes over incumbent Jeremy Shifflett, the board's chairman who had been endorsed by Delegates Steve Landes, Dickie Bell, and Senator Emmett Hanger whose campaign sent out a slick flyer three days before the election to encourage voters to support Shifflett.

Part of the four Independents who ran for the board, David will offer a fresh, thoughtful, youthful voice in a county that many feel needs to be updated into the 21st century. Fire and rescue concerns as well as jobs for the area are big issues that need to be addressed.

David and I have grown close since Augusta County  Republican Committee Chairman Bill Shirley illegally kicked 56 hard-working volunteers off the committee three years ago. This young man, who had been a magisterial district chairman and is the age of my son, had a million questions about how everything worked in politics ... and I answered them or sent him researching to find the answers. He was so inquisitive and willing to learn that I began calling him "Grasshopper" after the David Carradine character in the Kung Fu television show from the 1970s.

Married and the dad to two young daughters, David will hit the ground running when he takes his place in January on the Augusta County Board of Supervisors.

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 2010

Augusta BOS prediction for Beverley Manor

Word comes this afternoon that Jeremy Shifflett, who covers Beverley Manor district, will hold a press conference at the Augusta County Government Center at 4:00 p.m.

Prediction: He will announce that he's running for re-election as supervisor of Beverley Manor.

More on this candidate later....

Update 7:25 pm: My prediction was true. Shifflett announced that he was running for re-election.

Reading from a prepared statement, he abruptly ended and, after a few moments of awkward silence as the five people listening seemed to be waiting for a warp-up "thank you for coming out," reporter Bob Stuart with the Waynesboro News Virginian asked questions followed by reporter Calvin Trice from the Staunton News Leader.

His opponent will be David Karaffa, a critical cardiac RN at the local hospital who recently participated in the first of a series of townhall meetings to listen to citizen concerns and offer a vision for the county.  Karaffa would represent a fresh, new voice on a board that has lost the confidence of many Augusta County residents.

A third candidate who ran four years ago and appeared to be preparing to run again told me she will not be challenging either candidate.

Shifflett is part of the old board, four of whom have now announced their retirement.

That leaves David Beyeler, 72, from South River, as the only one who hasn't announced his intentions. My prediction: he will not run again and has hand-picked someone to step into his place, holding out as long as possible to announce to avoid giving others the opportunity to adequately prepare for the upcoming July GOP mass meetings.

It's time for some new blood on the Augusta County Board of Supervisors who will listen to the people and work together to solve issues facing the county. Candidates so far are  Kurt Michael (Wayne), popular Pastures District Supervisor Tracy Pyles, David Karaffa (Beverley Manor), and Marshall Pattie (North River) as well as Michael Shull (Riverheads) and Larry Wills (Middle River).

Augusta Board of Supervisors breaking news ... Coleman and Sorrells will not seek re-election

Update 6/9/11: Reporter Megan Williams with the Staunton News Leader has a good article about Coleman and Sorrells stepping down, and writes, "... running for the Wayne district seat is former county GOP Party chairman, Kurt Michael. Michael, president of the Emerald Hills Home Owners Association, has pushed the county to boost the number of paid firefighters at Yancey. A teacher at the Shenandoah Valley Governor's School, Michael is a teacher sponsor for Fellowship of Christian Athletes."

It's official and my prediction was true: Supervisor Wendell Coleman (Wayne District) will not seek re-election to the Augusta County Board of Supervisors. That leaves two candidates so far ... Dr. Kurt Michael, a teacher with the Shenandoah Valley Governors School in Fishersville, and Jeff Moore, school board member who works for a local trucking company.

Supervisor Nancy Sorrells (Riverheads) also announced she will not seek a third term on the board. That leaves the door open for school board member Chad Shomo who is the only school board member who has not announced his intentions. No one else has announced yet for Riverheads.

Supervisor Tracy Pyles (Pastures) has announced he's running for re-election. Supervisors Larry Howdyshell (North River) and Gerald Garber (Middle River) have announced they are not running for re-election. So far candidates for those districts are Dr. Marshall Pattie and Steve Morris (North River), and Larry Wills (Middle River).

Only supervisors David Beyeler (South River) and Jeremy Shifflett (Beverley Manor) have not announced their intentions. Candidate David Karaffa has announced for Beverley Manor).

Predictions: Beyeler and Shifflett will both announce they are seeking re-election. No one has come forward to challenge Beyeler; Shifflett may face up to two challengers.

After the 2009 real estate assessment issue caused negative reaction from the public who felt they were not listened to by the board, and after the fire issue from the past year in which Wayne District was disappointingly left needing in fire and emergency coverage, there's a definite shake-up on this board.

Supervisor Tracy Pyles, who has sometimes found himself the conscience of the board and often at the short end of a 6-1 vote, hopes to bring about a positive change, lining up with candidates Pattie, Karaffa, and Michael to bring a positive vision for Augusta County. They have announced the first of a series of townhall meetings to be held Wednesday, June 15, at 7:00 pm at the Government Center.

Augusta County's traffic circle folly

Many have weighed in on Augusta County's proposed traffic circle to be built in the Wilson Complex at the cost of almost $300,000.

The Wilson Complex is located in Fishersville and encompasses the Wilson Rehabilitation Center, schools, school board offices, and private homes. It is accessed by a single two-lane road off Rt. 250 that splits after about a mile at a "Y" intersection. The road makes a circle around the area and reconnects at the "Y." One way in ... one way out.

Traffic delays at the "Y" intersection are the reason for the current discussion about a traffic circle. Sometimes there's a bit of a delay when schools let out or football games end. Other than that, the area is not that busy.

The vote at the last supervisor meeting prompted me to write the following on March 25th:

For many who follow Augusta County politics fairly closely, this week's disclosure of plans to build a traffic circle, referred to these days as a roundabout, at the Wilson Complex in Fishersville at the cost of almost $300,000 raised some eyebrows. After all, Augusta County has been dealing with serious fire coverage issues the past year in addition to school board cuts so the sudden appearance of so much money for an issue that had not been on the public radar was surprising.

At Wednesday night's supervisor meeting, it was obviously a done deal presented by Supervisor Wendell Coleman, who works in the Wilson Complex, as it was agreed and voted on by the board, and sent to be built during the summer 2011 before school begins.

To my knowledge, there was no previous public input on the issue, and there was certainly no public discussion Wednesday night. Supervisor Jeremy Shifflett rubber-stamped the project and took money out of his own district to support this questionable project.

Traffic circles were fairly common in Richmond at one time. However, VDOT did away with them thirty or forty years ago and replaced them with regular intersections to decrease the number of traffic accidents. There's confusion by some when they enter a roundabout ... do they slow down, speed up -- oops, missed the exit so slam on brakes? The result was banged-up cars.

Add to the mix students from the high school and vocational school plus large, bulky school buses and visitors from out of the area.

What has been needed for years is another roadway out of the complex. That area is a ticking time bomb waiting for a major emergency when everyone would need to exit at the same time out the one, narrow road leading to Rt. 250 -- students, employees of Woodrow Wilson Rehab Center and the school board offices, as well as private homes in the area. Add a roundabout to the mix and one has to wonder if traffic would move faster or bog down.

The timing just doesn't seem right for a traffic circle in light of all the other pressing financial issues on the table. The Staunton News Leader weighed in on the issue in a recent editorial, opining that a traffic circle would not solve the problem. NBC-29 has a diagram of the proposed roundabout.

Now F.P. at the Staunton News Leader has also voiced objection to the darn thing. He grew up in New Jersey and knows the negatives of traffic circles. He wrote:

Not again. That terrible idea that won't die.

A while back, Staunton considered building a roundabout to ease future traffic
congestion at Richmond and Greenville avenues, and now Augusta County is eyeing
a roundabout to solve congestion at the Woodrow Wilson Education Complex.

They just don't work.

I'm from New Jersey, where traffic is much worse than around here and where
roundabouts were a total disaster.

There's more ... be sure to read more of what he had to say about this folly of an idea.

Meanwhile, in Augusta County where citizen input is often an exercise in futility, it seems to be full steam ahead on the traffic circle that is expected to be in place by the start of school at the end of August.

Augusta County: $300,000 traffic circle versus better fire protection?

For many who follow Augusta County politics fairly closely, this week's disclosure of plans to build a traffic circle, referred to these days as a roundabout, at the Wilson Complex in Fishersville at the cost of almost $300,000 raised some eyebrows. After all, Augusta County has been dealing with serious fire coverage issues the past year in addition to school board cuts so the sudden appearance of so much money for an issue that had not been on the public radar was surprising.

At Wednesday night's supervisor meeting, it was obviously a done deal presented by Supervisor Wendell Coleman, who works in the Wilson Complex, as it was agreed and voted on by the board, and sent to be built during the summer 2011 before school begins.

To my knowledge, there was no previous public input on the issue, and there was certainly no public discussion Wednesday night. Supervisor Jeremy Shifflett rubber-stamped the project and took money out of his own district to support this questionable project.

Traffic circles were fairly common in Richmond at one time. However, VDOT did away with them thirty or forty years ago and replaced them with regular intersections to decrease the number of traffic accidents. There's confusion by some when they enter a roundabout ... do they slow down, speed up -- oops, missed the exit so slam on brakes? The result was banged-up cars.

Add to the mix students from the high school and vocational school plus large, bulky school buses and visitors from out of the area.

What has been needed for years is another roadway out of the complex. That area is a ticking time bomb waiting for a major emergency when everyone would need to exit at the same time out the one, narrow road leading to Rt. 250 -- students, employees of Woodrow Wilson Rehab Center and the school board offices, as well as private homes in the area. Add a roundabout to the mix and one has to wonder if traffic would move faster or bog down.

The timing just doesn't seem right for a traffic circle in light of all the other pressing financial issues on the table. The Staunton News Leader weighed in on the issue in a recent editorial, opining that a traffic circle would not solve the problem. NBC-29 has a diagram of the proposed roundabout.

Augusta County in minority without staggered terms

Augusta Board of Supervisors Meeting
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
7:00 pm - Government Center
Rt. 11 in Verona

If you have an opinion or want to be better educated about the issue of staggered terms for the Augusta County supervisors, please come out to the meeting Wednesday when the public will be allowed to address the board. They do not seem interested in pursuing it unless they hear from you.

Augusta County stands alone in the SWAC area (Staunton-Waynesboro-Augusta County) in keeping steady four-year terms for their supervisors instead of staggering the terms to allow voter choices in closer intervals. Staunton and Waynesboro city councils have staggered terms.

According to the Waynesboro News-Virginian, out of the 95 counties in Virginia, 59 stagger their terms and 36 (including Augusta) don't. That means almost two-thirds of the other counties stagger their supervisor terms.

Monday's staff briefing (which was open to the public) was the usual stand-off among the supervisors. David at the Augusta Conservative has the video.

Tracy Pyles once again made the proposal after it had been tabled a month earlier. All he wants is an opportunity for the public to weigh in on the decision of whether to pursue the issue of staggered terms. If it is shot down by the board, the public will not get a voice.

Larry Howdyshell flip-flopped by again saying it sounded like a good idea but then added that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." He also commented that "people don't want to have an election every year" and it would save money by not having a separate supervisor election. That argument doesn't wash because in Virginia we have elections every single year. The only way to change that is at the General Assembly.

Jeremy Shifflett and Gerald Garber appear to be passing on the issue, maybe hiding behind the other supervisors?

Nancy Sorrells initially suggested the issue should be studied, but then she flip-flopped by giving reasons why to keep the status quo. A big concern on her behalf appeared to be that three seats would always come up during an assessment year so those three seats could possibly turn over more often. With someone running for election every two years, she was concerned it would politicize the process more than it is now. Her final concern was that next year, 2011 when the supervisors are next up for reelection, was not the time to implement a new policy if it were to be adopted.

David Beyeler echoed the "if it's not broke, don't fix it" theme and cited his 22 years on the board, experience, institutional background, and said there's no reason to change the way it's always been done. He said if supervisors weren't out talking to their constituents, they weren't doing their jobs. I would argue that 10,500 constituents spoke up loud and clear during the 2009 real estate assessments by signing petitions to roll back the high assessment values during an economic downfall, and 1,000 county residents spoke up loud and clear at a supervisor meeting in March 2009. They were, for the most part, ignored.

Wendell Coleman also used the "if it's not broke, why mess with it?" analogy and opined that a board elected all at the same time provides leadership. He used Staunton and Waynesboro by saying there are some things people don't want to do, other people do want, and they are going in different directions. I was a little confused by that comment. He said he's worked for the state government all his life and on the board seven years, that the learning curve is steep, and it should be left alone.

The issue would have been dead Monday except Supervisor Pyles asked that it be put on Wednesday's agenda.

David has followed up with a post about the newspaper coverage of this issue.

Augusta County: Jean Shrewsbury testifies against law to help taxpayers

Jean Shrewsbury, Commissioner of Revenue, Augusta County,
testifying against a law to help taxpayers.
Photo courtesy of Family Foundation.

After 10,500 taxpayers battled with Augusta County the past year over unfair increases in real estate assessments at a time of financial downturn, it was incredulous to learn that Jean Shrewsbury, Commissioner of Revenue for Augusta County, testified in Richmond against a proposed law that would help lessen the burden on taxpayers.

Thanks to the Family Foundation who provided the following:

... several days ago, HB 570 was before the Senate Finance Committee.

It preceded this infamous bill hearing (you must see this if you haven’t; click here).

This bill, patroned by Delegate Sal Iaquinto (R-84, Virginia Beach) would level the playing field when property owners appeal their often over assessed homes in order to reduce their already overwhelming tax burdens. Besides, if the government has a good case, it will still win. A no-brainer, right? Not!

Currently, and the way it will now remain for at least another year, the homeowner is the equivalent to guilty until proven innocent, and low-income people can’t even afford to hire an appraiser and other expenses required to overcome the burden of proof. (That’s why advocates for low-income families joined us in supporting the bill.)

Tellingly, the bill’s defeat was heavily targeted by a plethora of local governments and associated organizations whose goal is to further government’s prosperity and not that of the family or individual.

One witness favoring the bill exposed their intentions by asking if they would be against this bill would help them overcome an unfair burden against the homeowner.

Be sure to watch the video.

Citizens become frustrated when government does not listen to them as we saw in Washington when 1.2 million marched on 9/12/09 against government-mandated health care.

In Augusta County in March 2009, 1,000 taxpayers turned out for a Board of Supervisors meeting to protest high real estate assessments. A lone pro bono attorney, Francis Chester, defended taxpayers who were upset at what they considered outrageously high real estate assessments ... and he was punished by Augusta County who asked for and received sanctions from Judge Victor Ludwig who called Mr. Chester a modern day Robin Hood.

Even the Rocket Boys had difficulty finding local representation against Augusta County, noting that many lawyers were contacted but a number of them feared retaliation from Augusta County, so Mr. Chester took on their case.

One commenter asked, "Why is it that we see the Augusta County government consistently working against the interest of the citizens of Augusta County?"


Please contact our reps and let them know how you feel:

Jean Shrewsbury, Commissioner of Revenue
(540) 245-5640
Larry Howdyshell (North River)
(540) 350-2591
Gerald Garber (Middle River)
(540) 234-8388
David Beyeler (South River)
(540) 943-3202
Wendell Coleman (Wayne)
(540) 430-1350
Jeremy Shifflett (Beverley Manor)
(540) 294-2289
Nancy Sorrells (Riverheads)
(540) 377-6390
Tracy Pyles (Pastures) - only supv to support taxpayers
Please tell him "thank you" - (540) 337-7010

Sen. Emmett Hanger
(540) 885-6898 / district24@senate.virginia.gov
Del. Steve Landes
(540) 245-5540 / steve@stevelandes.com
Del. Dickie Bell
(540) 448-4763 / DelDBell@house.virginia.gov
Del. Ben Cline
(434) 946-9908 / DelBCline@house.virginia.gov

Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments ... latest updates

1) Time to turn in assessment petitions
Petitions should be returned this week with a March 9 deadline. There are three ways to return them:

-- 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) Libraries agree to display meeting notice
(From www.swacgirl.blogspot.com)
In February, when the tax battle began in Augusta County, a petition asking supervisors to roll back real estate assessments to 2005 values was placed in the Churchville Public Library. It was later removed, reportedly at the request of a county official.

The libraries said they had a policy that no "political" petitions could be displayed. This, Mr. Chester argued, was not a political petition but rather a petition of the people about an issue of interest to the community. The Staunton News Leader agreed.

In a victory for Mr. Chester, the libraries have agreed to allow a notice to be posted with information about the upcoming March 11 Board of Supervisors meeting:

3) 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. Please plan to attend. This will also be the opportunity for those who want to address the Board.

4) Parking
A large crowd is expected March 11. It would help if parking closest to the door could be left for our elderly residents and the handicapped.

5) Seating
You may want to arrive early on March 11 for good seating.

6) 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.

Hard copy locations throughout community include:

Tractor Supply (Staunton)
Zelma's (Staunton)
Jiffy Mart on Grubert Ave (Staunton)
Memorial Baptist Church (Staunton)
Obaugh Pontiac-Buick-GMC (Staunton)
Eavers Tire (Fishersville)
7-11 Store (Fishersville - Rt. 250 at Woodrow Wilson Rehab)
Obaugh Chevrolet-Buick (Waynesboro)
Bookkeeping Management (Waynesboro)
Ace Gift Store - Acedemy of CE, Inc (Waynesboro)
Mark Martin's Auto World (Rt. 250 west of Waynesboro)
Pets 'n Pals (Waynesboro)
Middlebrook General Store (Middlebrook)
Jake's Convenience Store (Rt. 250 west of Staunton)
Riverside Grocery (Churchville)
T-Bone Tooter (Churchville)
Eavers Tire (Stuarts Draft)
Eavers Amaco (Stuarts Draft)
Greenville Trading Post (Greenville)
Joe's Barber Shop (Greenville)
BB&T (Greenville)
Chancellor Stone (Vesuvius)
Gertie's Store (Vesuvius)
Midway Machine & Parts (Steeles Tavern)
Augusta Co-Op (Fairfield)
Junction (Buffalo Gap)
Deerfield Convenience Store (Deerfield)
West Augusta Convenience Store (W. Augusta)
New Hope Grocery (Rt. 608 & 621 in New Hope)

7) Board of Supervisors Contact Information
Supervisors may be reached for comments about real estate assessments:
- Augusta Government Center Phone: (540) 245-5600
- County Assessor's Office: (540) 245-5628
- Commissioner of the Revenue: (540) 245-5640

- Jeremy Shifflett, Beverley Manor: 540.294.2289
- Gerald Garber, Middle River: 540. 234-8388
- Larry Howdyshell, North River: 540. 350-2591
- Tracy Pyles, Pastures: 540. 337-7010
- Nancy Sorrells, Riverheads: 540. 377-6390
- David Beyeler, South River: 540. 943-3202
- Wendell Coleman, Wayne: 540. 430-1350

8) Feb. 3 meeting update
The townhall meeting held on Tuesday night, February 3, was a huge success with 600 residents attending to learn from Supervisor Tracy Pyles and Churchville attorney Francis Chester how to make their voices heard at the Government Center.

9) Thank you, Augusta County!
One person wrote on Facebook that Augusta County residents were "packed like sardines" in the meeting Tuesday night and added, "But they were 600 of the nicest people I've ever met." We heard not one grumble or complaint as we scrambled to accommodate the large crowd. Thank you for your patience and understanding. And thank you for your kind words of encouragement.

Together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!

Augusta tax revolt ... citizen update

Augusta Citizens Against Unfair Assessments....

March 11, 2009 - Please attend Board of Supervisors Meeting
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. Please plan to attend. This will be the opportunity for those who want to address the Board or to just show support by being there. Send a message to the Board ... invite your neighbors, family, and friends.

Petitions available
Petitions asking the Board of Supervisors to roll back real estate assessments to 2004 levels are available throughout the community, online, or by contacting us. We would like them returned by March 9, if possible ... Francis Chester's address is on the petition if you would like to mail it, or you may drop it by his office in Churchville. If you are unable to return them, please bring with you to the March 11 Board of Supervisors meeting.

1) Online: Here is the location of the online petition.

2) Hard copy: Contact us if you want an emailed petition.

3) Hard copy locations throughout community:
Please note: The petition in the Churchville Library has been removed by the county.

Tractor Supply (Staunton)
Zelma's (Staunton)
Jiffy Mart on Grubert Ave (Staunton)
Memorial Baptist Church (Staunton)
Obaugh Pontiac-Buick-GMC (Staunton)
Eavers Tire (Fishersville)
7-11 Store (Fishersville - Rt. 250 at Woodrow Wilson Rehab)
Obaugh Chevrolet-Buick (Waynesboro)
Bookkeeping Management (Waynesboro)
Ace Gift Store - Acedemy of CE, Inc (Waynesboro)
Mark Martin's Auto World (Rt. 250 west of Waynesboro)
Middlebrook General Store (Middlebrook)
Jake's Convenience Store (Rt. 250 west of Staunton)
Riverside Grocery (Churchville)
T-Bone Tooter (Churchville)
Eavers Tire (Stuarts Draft)
Eavers Amaco (Stuarts Draft)
Greenville Trading Post (Greenville)
BB&T (Greenville)
Chancellor Stone (Vesuvius)
Gertie's Store (Vesuvius)
Midway Machine & Parts (Steeles Tavern)
Augusta Co-Op (Fairfield)
Junction (Buffalo Gap)
Deerfield Convenience Store (Deerfield)
West Augusta Convenience Store (W. Augusta)

Board of Supervisors Contact Information
Supervisors may be reached for comments about real estate assessments:

- Augusta Government Center Phone: (540) 245-5600
- County Assessor's Office: (540) 245-5628

- Jeremy Shifflett, Beverley Manor
Cell Phone: 540.294.2289
- Gerald Garber, Middle River
Home: (540) 234-8388
- Larry Howdyshell, North River
Home: (540) 350-2591
- Tracy Pyles, Pastures
Home: (540) 337-7010
- Nancy Sorrells, Riverheads
Home: (540) 377-6390
- David Beyeler, South River
Home: (540) 943-3202
- Wendell Coleman, Wayne
Home: (540) 430-1350

Tuesday meeting update
The townhall meeting Tuesday night, February 3, was a huge success with 600 residents attending to learn from Supervisor Tracy Pyles and local attorney Francis Chester how to make their voices heard at the Government Center.

Much correspondence has been received from people who could not find parking so were unable to attend but wanted petitions to circulate and sign so we are getting petitions to them.

Phone calls and email messages
Thank you for contacting us. If you have called and left a message, we apologize if we haven't gotten back with you yet. We have been inundated with calls and emails and are working through the list.

Thank you, Augusta County!
One person wrote on Facebook that Augusta County residents were "packed like sardines" in the meeting Tuesday night and added, "But they were 600 of the nicest people I've ever met." We heard not one grumble or complaint as we scrambled to accommodate the large crowd. Thank you for your patience and understanding. And thank you for your kind words of encouragement.

Together, Augusta ... we can make a difference!

Augusta County Supervisors contact info

At last night's townhall meeting of Augusta Citizens Against Unjust Assessments, contact information for the local supervisors was passed out but we ran out of sheets. Some asked if I could post it online ... so here it is.

Supervisors may be reached for comments about the upcoming assessments:

- Jeremy Shifflett, Beverley Manor
Cell Phone: 540.294.2289

- Gerald Garber, Middle River
Home: (540) 234-8388

- Larry Howdyshell, North River
Home: (540) 350-2591

- Tracy Pyles, Pastures
Home: (540) 337-7010

- Nancy Sorrells, Riverheads
Home: (540) 377-6390

- David Beyeler, South River
Home: (540) 943-3202

- Wendell Coleman, Wayne
Home: (540) 430-1350

Augusta home reappraisals up 28% ... commercial property up 42%

The news is in on Augusta County real estate appraisals ... and it's not good. Reassessment increases of 28% on residential properties will be reflected in notices to be mailed to county residents later this month.

Commercial property increases averaged a substantial 42%.

According to the Waynesboro News Viriginian:

The value of Augusta County residential property will reflect a 27.7 percent average increase when reassessment notices are mailed out to county residents Jan. 22.

The Augusta County Board of Assessors learned of the results of the postponed reassessment when the board met Thursday morning with Blue Ridge Mass Appraisal Company, the Staunton company that performed the reassessment.

Commercial property in the county increased by an average of 42.3 percent, said Dave Hickey, owner of Blue Ridge Mass Appraisal.

Of the residential increase, Hickey said it reflects not only county housing sales through December but also a softening of the area market.

DJ McGuire at Right-Wing Liberal pointed out in his recent post about this issue that this issue is not just about Augusta County.

At a time when many are in financial difficulty, state and county budgets are being cut, jobs are being lost, and businesses are closing, there are sure to be protests from residents. Even Augusta County public schools have been notified of a $4.7 million cut from the state budget.

A sample of public reaction may be reflected in a comment already left this morning on the News Virginian's website:

What is the criteria for these ridiculous increases? Wishful thinking? The idea that commercial property values in Augusta County have increased by more than 40% over any short timeframe must be the board of supervisors’ idea of a sick joke. Could any commercial property owner sell it for 20% more than they paid for it two years ago? Doubtful. Blue Ridge Mass Appraisal must earn a large commission for each percentage point they add to the increases. Otherwise, there’s simply no rational explanation for it.

Look for long lines at the Government Center again and overflowing crowds at Board of Supervisor meetings to hear if they will equalize the real estate tax rate which currently sits at 58 cents per $100.

County residents will be able to phone between Jan. 23 and Feb. 6 to schedule an appeal. Appeal hearings will begin Jan. 26 through Feb. 27 at the Government Center.

Augusta Board of Supervisor meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month at 7:00 pm at the Government Center located on Rt. 11 in Verona. Concerns and comments can be passed on to individual supervisors:

- Jeremy Shifflett, Beverley Manor
Cell Phone: 540.294.2289

- Gerald Garber, Middle River
Home: (540) 234-8388

- Larry Howdyshell, North River
Home: (540) 350-2591

- Tracy Pyles, Pastures
Home: (540) 337-7010

- Nancy Sorrells, Riverheads
Home: (540) 377-6390

- David Beyeler, South River
Home: (540) 943-3202

- Wendell Coleman, Wayne
Home: (540) 430-1350

Augusta County real estate reassessments - Updated

Updated: See bottom of this post for link to DJ McGuire at Right-Wing Liberal's commentary.

Augusta County's real estate assessments for 2009 were questioned by Democrat Supervisor Tracy Pyles in October 2008 because of a proposed 33% increase at a time when real estate transactions were plummeting, home prices were dropping, and the economy was reeling.

The Board decided to put reassessments on hold until the end of the year to allow an unstable financial landscape the opportunity to revive.

Today's Waynesboro News Virginian reports that the Board of Assessors will meet Thursday to review the situation:

The Augusta County Board of Assessors expect to get an overview of the county’s delayed real property reassessment when the board meets Thursday morning.

The reassessment was delayed 90 days in October after county supervisors heard the concerns of residents who doubted property values could have increased an average of 33 percent in light of the current depressed economy.

The 33-percent number was the average increase reported in October by Blue Ridge Mass Appraisal Co., the Staunton company performing the reassessment.

Supervisors agreed to wait until January for the reassessment to get a more realistic evaluation of the county’s real estate values.

Walter Brown, the co-chairman of the Augusta County Board of Assessors, said he was awaiting the final reassessment average from Blue Ridge Mass Appraisal.

“I don’t know the final average, but I expect some increase,’’ said Brown, who represents the Riverheads District on the board of assessors.
...
Pastures District Supervisor Tracy Pyles said he is convinced the economy and real estate slump will continue.

“This thing is not getting any better,’’ said Pyles. “We were slower to feel it.”

Pyles said one act supervisors need to take during the upcoming budget deliberations is a lowering of the county’s 58 cents per $100 tax rate.

“I hope the board decides to make it neutral,’’ Pyles said of the increase in real estate values being offset by a lowering of the tax rate.

Notices are expected to be mailed the third week in January with the first round of appeals from residents to begin January 26.

The Augusta County Board of Supervisors meets monthly on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at the Augusta Government Center on Lee Highway in Verona.

UPDATE: DJ McGuire at Right-Wing Liberal, who has followed this issue because of a similar issue in his part of the state, has a post with blunt commentary. His concluding comments:

The last time assessments were made (2005, and they rose), the Republicans had four of seven seats on the Board - but they didn’t equalize the tax rate. This time, however, the rest of the state is watching.

This isn’t just about Augusta - which was one of the few counties the GOP swept last November (yes, even Jim Gilmore carried it). If what is arguably the most Republican county in the Commonwealth ends up with a tax increase, it will be much easier for other counties in Virginia to hit up their taxpayers for more money. Moreover, the State Senator the represents Augusta (Emmett Hanger) has been using local government “needs” as his excuse to support tax increases in 2004, 2006, and 2007.

The Republican Party began its political recovery in Virginia during last summer’s special session, and it started to bear fruit last night. Will the Augusta Republicans on the Board of Supervisors keep up the momentum? Or will they turn the party back toward the wilderness of higher taxes, angry activists, and libertarians defecting to the Democrats?

Supervisors may be reached for comments about the upcoming assessments:

- Jeremy Shifflett, Beverley Manor
Cell Phone: 540.294.2289
E-mail: Jeremy Shifflett

- Gerald Garber, Middle River
Home: (540) 234-8388

- Larry Howdyshell, North River
Home: (540) 350-2591

- Tracy Pyles, Pastures
Home: (540) 337-7010

- Nancy Sorrells, Riverheads
Home: (540) 377-6390

- David Beyeler, South River
Home: (540) 943-3202

- Wendell Coleman, Wayne
Home: (540) 430-1350

Augusta County real estate assessments to go up 33%?

Pastures Supervisor Tracy Pyles asked for a two-year delay in mailing new real estate assessments to residents of Augusta County ... but that probably will not happen after the board of assessors suggested the reassessments be mailed in November.

The shocker ... reassessments are up one-third! The real estate market is stagnant ... yet home values are going to be taxed another 33% while all taxable properties will increase 43%.

At a time when the economy is unstable, the stock market is jittery, and hard times have hit America's work force, Supervisor Pyles felt it was best to let economic matters stabilize before burdening Augusta County residents with increased taxes.

In my neighborhood, home turnovers have been quick throughout the years ... it was actually difficult to find something for sale. Over the past twelve months, however, homes have gone on the market and are still sitting. We currently have three houses and one parcel of land for sale, the most I have seen in the twelve years I have lived here.

Taxpayer rage has already been felt in neighboring Bath County when reassessments went out earlier this year with some values up 1,000%. The Roanoke Times reported:

Following a public outcry at the first revaluations since 2005 -- some rising 1,000 percent -- county supervisors voted to terminate the appraiser's contract and stick with the previous assessments. Taxpayer rage took a heavy toll on public officials.

The appraisal company that was terminated was the same one used by Augusta County -- Blue Ridge Mass Appraisal. The Times continued:

When the next assessments do come, they won't be nearly as high as the ones rescinded in March, said Byrd, who asserted that the company responsible for those evaluations, Staunton-based Blue Ridge Mass Appraisal, didn't allow for the real estate market's slump of the past year.

Pat Haynes, a real estate broker in Hot Springs, said high-end houses are now staying on the market a year or more. "The market is soft. A lot of people are sitting on the sidelines, including those from outside."

But David Hickey, the owner of Blue Ridge Mass Appraisal, said his assessors analyzed comparable sales of homes and land across the county from 2004 through the past few months. "There hasn't been a decline in values. People in Bath County might read about the housing market collapsing in California or Las Vegas and they think that's happening to them, but it isn't."

Residents retort that the reassessments must have had their rustic retreat confused with some stylish hot spot.

Bath and Augusta counties have been affected by more affluent residents moving in from outside the area, driving up house prices and property values for others.

The Augusta County Board of Supervisors will vote on Wednesday night whether to mail out reassessments. Bob Stuart has more in the Waynesboro News Virginian.

Let your voice be heard! Pat Coffield, County Administrator, can be reached at (540) 245-5600. Supervisors should be notified if anyone has thoughts on this matter.

- Jeremy Shifflett, Beverley Manor
Cell Phone: 540.294.2289
E-mail: Jeremy Shifflett

- Gerald Garber, Middle River
Home: (540) 234-8388

- Larry Howdyshell, North River
Home: (540) 350-2591

- Tracy Pyles, Pastures
Home: (540) 337-7010

- Nancy Sorrells, Riverheads
Home: (540) 377-6390

- David Beyeler, South River
Home: (540) 943-3202

- Wendell Coleman, Wayne
Home: (540) 430-1350

Every GOP elected in Augusta County signed for Roller ... who do you trust?

Across Virginia, as GOP grassroots leaders endorsed by hordes of electeds have been up for re-election, many have found themselves losing or almost losing when faced by a grassroots rebellion.

SWAC Girl ran for State Central Committee against an incumbent who was backed by a legion of electeds including Emmett Hanger. I was backed by no elected. I won.

In the 2nd Congressional District incumbent chairman Bruce Myer was defeated by Gary Byler.

In Augusta County an appeal was filed by Larry Roller after the Augusta County Mass Meeting held on April 10, 2008. The appeal was signed by every Republican elected in Augusta County including three who were not even at the mass meeting, a clear violation of the 6th District Bylaws.

Below is the original appeal and the signatures that followed. Every Republican elected in Augusta County ... versus ... a lone volunteer.

Emmett Hanger is determined to purge Augusta County of the Sayre supporters who almost defeated him a year ago. This is further proof and he has convinced every elected to join him including Jeremy Shifflett who was just seated on the Board of Supervisors in January after being supported and promoted by Kurt Michael for that position.

April 16, 2008

Mr. Fred Anderson
Sixth Congressional District
Republican Party of Virginia

Mr. Chairman:

We the elected officials of Augusta County are supporting Larry W. Roller, as the duly elected Chairman of the Augusta County Republican Committee at the Mass Meeting conducted on April 10, 2008.

[signed]

Richard Homes - Treasurer
Jean Shrewsbury - Commissioner of Revenue
Randall Fisher - Sheriff
Jeremy Shifflett - Board of Supervisors
Larry Howdyshell - Board of Supervisors
Gerald Garber - Board of Supervisors
R. Steven Landes - Delegate
John B. Davis - Clerk of Court
David Beyeler - Chairman, Board of Supervisors
Emmett Hanger - State Senator

The 6th District Bylaws clearly state only those who attended the mass meeting can sign an appeal.

The following did not attend the mass meeting and, therefore, are ineligible to sign the appeal:

- Delegate Steve Landes
- Jeremy Shifflett
- Gerald Garber

The grassroots need to run the Party ... and the electeds need to run their elected positions.

Update: I have been told by Roller supporters this is not an appeal but, rather, a letter of support. So Larry Roller has the "support" of every Republican elected in Augusta County....

Update 5/13/08: Spark It Up!! has linked and has comments.

All Augusta GOP electeds vs one volunteer

On this side of the fence is every Republican elected in Augusta County including:

- State Senator Emmett Hanger
- Delegate Steve Landes
- Commissioner of Revenue Jean Shrewsbury
- Clerk of Court John B. Davis
- Treasurer Richard Homes
- Supervisor Chair David Beyeler
- Supervisor Larry Howdyshell
- Supervisor Jeremy Shifflett

~ against ~

... a volunteer, Kurt Michael.

'Nuff said.

Augusta County BOS appoints 2008 commission members

The Augusta County Board of Supervisors voted on members of county commission at their first regularly scheduled meeting of 2008 held Wednesday night.

COMMITTEES & COMMISSIONS FOR 2008 APPOINTED BY THE BOARD:

Elect representatives to Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC) (2)
Current: John C. McGehee and Tracy C. Pyles, Jr.

Elect representative to Employer Advisory Committee Virginia Employment Commission (1)
Current: Faith Souder

Elect representatives to Agricultural and Forestal District Committee (10)
Current: [Betty Jo Hamilton], Earl Reeves, [Charles Curry], Roger Hammond, Randy Roller, Joseph Zapotoczny, W. Jean Shrewsbury, David R. Beyeler, W. Douglas Riley and Nancy T. Sorrells. New appointees: Clinton Martin and Clay Hewitt

Emergency Management Director (1)
Current: David Beyeler

Emergency Management Co-Director (1)
Current: John C. McGehee

Emergency Management Coordinator
Current: Bruce Crow

Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator
Current: Donna Good

COMMITTEES FOR 2008 – APPOINTED BY THE CHAIRMAN:

Emergency Services Committee (2)
Current: Larry C. Howdyshell and [F. James Bailey, Jr.]
New appointee: Jeremy Shifflett

Property Committee (2)
Current: [Tracy C. Pyles, Jr.], and Larry C. Howdyshell.
New appointee: Gerald Garber

Parks and Recreation (Liaison Member) (1)
Current: Wendell L. Coleman

Valley Program for Aging Services, Inc. (1)
Current: [Ronald H. Sites] New appointee: Nancy Sorrells

Library Board (Liaison Member) (1)
Current: [Kay D. Frye] New appointee: Jeremy Shifflett

Recycling Committee (Liaison Member) (1)
Current: Nancy T. Sorrells

Board and Commission Liaison Member (1)
Current: Tracy Pyles, Jr.

General Assembly/VACo Liaison (1)
Current: Tracy Pyles, Jr.

Governmental Opportunities Committee with cities of Staunton and Waynesboro (2)
Current: [Wendell L. Coleman] and [Nancy T. Sorrells]
New appointees: David Beyeler and Tracy Pyles, Jr.

Rockingham/Augusta Liaison (2)
Current: Larry C. Howdyshell and [Kay D. Frye]
New appointee: Gerald Garber

Reassessment Liaison Member
Current: Wendell L. Coleman and [F. James Bailey, Jr.]
New appointee: Tracy Pyles, Jr.

Cross posted at SixtyFour81.com

Augusta County Board of Supervisors mtg tonight

The first regularly-scheduled meeting of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors will be held tonight at 7:00 at the Government Center in Verona. Two new Republican board members, Jeremy Shifflett and Gerald Garber, will begin their four-year terms representing Beverley Manor and Middle River Districts, respectively.

The agenda for tonight's meeting:

COMMITTEES & COMMISSIONS FOR 2008 APPOINTED BY THE BOARD:

Elect representatives to Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC) (2)
Current: John C. McGehee and Tracy C. Pyles, Jr.

Elect representative to Employer Advisory Committee Virginia Employment Commission (1)
Current: Faith Souder

Elect representatives to Agricultural and Forestal District Committee (10)
Current: Clinton Martin, Earl Reeves, Clay Hewitt, Roger Hammond, Randy Roller, Joseph Zapotoczny, W. Jean Shrewsbury, David R. Beyeler, W. Douglas Riley and Nancy T. Sorrells

Emergency Management Director (1)
Current: Chairman of Board of Supervisors

Emergency Management Co-Director (1)
Current: John C. McGehee

Emergency Management Coordinator
Current: Bruce Crow

Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator
Current: Donna Good

COMMITTEES FOR 2008 – APPOINTED BY THE CHAIRMAN

Emergency Services Committee (2)
Current: Larry C. Howdyshell and F. James Bailey, Jr.

Property Committee (2)
Current: Tracy C. Pyles, Jr., and Larry C. Howdyshell

Parks and Recreation (Liaison Member) (1)
Current: Wendell L. Coleman

Valley Program for Aging Services, Inc. (1)
Current: Ronald H. Sites

Library Board (Liaison Member) (1)
Current: Kay D. Frye

Recycling Committee (Liaison Member) (1)
Current: Nancy T. Sorrells

Board and Commission Liaison Member (1)
Current: Vice-Chairman of Board of Supervisors

General Assembly/VACo Liaison (1)
Current: Vice-Chairman of Board of Supervisors

Governmental Opportunities Committee with cities of Staunton and Waynesboro (2)
Current: Wendell L. Coleman and Nancy T. Sorrells(Chairman and Past Chairman)

Rockingham/Augusta Liaison (2)
Current: Larry C. Howdyshell and Kay D. Frye

Reassessment Liaison Member
Current: Wendell L. Coleman and F. James Bailey, Jr.

MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC

MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY THE BOARD

MOSSY CREEK CAFÉ & CATERING – DANCE HALL PERMIT
Consider request for a dance hall permit for the Mossy Creek Café & Catering located in Fishersville (Wayne District).

RED LEAF LANE WATERLINE EXTENSION
Consider allocation of Middle River Infrastructure funds to extend waterline.
Funding Source: Middle River Infrastructure Account #80000-8012-53 $23,543

CONSENT AGENDA

MINUTES
Consider minutes of the following meetings:
- Regular Meeting, Wednesday, November 28, 2007
- Regular Meeting, Wednesday, December 12, 2007
- Special Meeting, Tuesday, December 18, 2007

CLAIMS
Consider claims paid since December 12, 2007.

(END OF CONSENT AGENDA)

MATTERS TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF

CLOSED SESSION

Cross posted at SixtyFour81.com

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.

Augusta County Republicans ... how did they do?

An after-election-day wrap-up and thoughts about yesterday's results in Augusta County:

Senate, 24th District: Emmett Hanger easily won reelection over dem David Cox and libertarian Arin Sime.

House of Representatives:
-- Delegate, 25th House: Republican Steve Landes was unopposed in his bid for reelection.
-- Delegate, 20th House: Republican Chris Saxman was unopposed in his bid for reelection.
-- Delegate, 24th House: Republican Ben Cline was unopposed in his bid for reelection.

Commonwealth's Attorney: Lee Erwin, long-time democrat, was unopposed.

Constitutionals:
-- Clerk of Court: Republican John B. Davis was unopposed in his reelection bid.
-- Sheriff: Republican Randy Fisher was unopposed in his reelection bid.
-- Commissioner of Revenue: Republican Jean Shrewsbury was unopposd in her reelection bid.
-- Treasurer: Republican Richard Homes was unopposed in his reelection bid.

Board of Supervisors:
-- North River: Republican Larry Howdyshell squeaked out his reelection bid against independent (former Republican) Charles Curry. Mr. Howdyshell is a driving conservative force on the Board so it is good to see him returning for another four years. It was surprising to see him challenged by Dr. Curry who had recruited Mr. Howdyshell to run eight years ago. What was behind that?
-- Pastures: Democrat Tracy Pyles won reelection for his fourth term on the Board against Republican Travis Smithdeal. Mr. Smithdeal, a local small business owner, is a newcomer to politics and will be around. Mr. Pyles, who has battled cancer the past year, had many turn out for him in a 70%-30% final.
-- Riverheads: Independent (democrat-leaning) Nancy Sorrells won her reelection bid against political newcomer Republican Michael Shull in an area that seems to be clashing between the farmers and land preservers. While Ms. Sorrells is knowledgeable about her supervisor job, she sometimes seems to overwhelm with long-winded explanations while Mr. Shull would have brought everyday common sense to the Board.
-- Beverley Manor: Republican Jeremy Shifflett, 23, eeked out a win over MoveOn.org democrat Lee Godfrey, winning by 15 votes. That is scary. Mr. Shifflett's age may have been a factor to some voters who did not realize Ms. Godfrey was the anti-war protester who held up signs with the number of American military killed in Iraq. However, the hometown candidate prevailed and will bring a breath of fresh air and youthful leadership on a Board that is dominated by those in their 50s and older.
-- Middle River: Republican Gerald Garber, a former supervisor, was unopposed in his bid to regain a seat on the Board.
-- South River: Republican David Beyeler was unopposed in his reelection bid to return to the Board.
-- Wayne: Independent Wendell Coleman was unopposed in his reelection bid to return to the Board.