Budget Battles in Prince William
Nearly 100 people spoke at a hearing last night on the Prince William County budget. Although many people thought the county's illegal immigration policy would dominate the testimony, the crackdown took a back seat to firefighters, who showed up in droves.
Several firefighters implored the Board of County Supervisors to fully fund this year's proposed budget, which upgrades the department to regional and national standards. The updates were prompted in large part by the death of firefighter Kyle R. Wilson last year.
"This budget was driven by one priority and that was safety," said Adam Mowry, a career firefighter. "We need to catch up. Funding anything less would be nothing short of irresponsible."
Several people spoke out against the proposed 21.3-cent increase in the county's tax rate. Supervisors advertised the tax rate at $1 for each $100 of assessed value. If adopted, it would boost average homeowner tax bills by 8.25 percent in the coming budget year.
County employees asked the board to make sure incentive pay is included in the budget. Nonprofit groups want to make sure the board matching funds aren't cut. Some citizens asked supervisors not to pay for illegal immigration measures, which would cost $6.4 million in the first year.
"Set aside political ambitions and agendas and do what is best for the citizens of this county," Nancy Escue said. "Funding this resolution jeopardizes money that should be used for human services. We simply cannot afford it."
Still, some residents said the program, which went into effect March 3, is already working. "By continuing the implementation of the resolution, we are taking back our community and making it safer by removing criminals," Jeff Williams said.
The board voted last fall to direct officers to check the citizenship or immigration status of suspects they think might be in the country illegally. Supervisors are scheduled to vote on the budget later this month.
-- Kristen Mack
By Kristen Mack |
April 8, 2008; 12:38 PM ET
| Category:
Kristen Mack
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Prince William
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Posted by: act up | April 8, 2008 2:52 PM
It's elementary. Prince Williams thinks harrassing illegal immigrants is more important than the safety of its firemen. Face it, Sparky, the people would rather be Latino-free than fund firemen's safety.
Posted by: Gasmonkey | April 8, 2008 3:17 PM
The whole immigration policies was politically motivated and poorly planned, not to mention discriminatory.
The county has no business doing something the Fed government should have been doing all along.
Again, the Feds are lacking in their promises they made to the county to remove the individuals from our jail.
The lack of through planning and instead the rush to enact legislation has cost the citizens of PWC more money at a time when they can least afford it. What are the Supervisors going to do now?
Posted by: Randy | April 8, 2008 4:38 PM
How exactly do you harass an illegal immigrant, follow him back to Mexico and throw stuff at him?
Posted by: Anonymous | April 8, 2008 5:08 PM
It is time for law enforcement to stop discriminating against criminals!
Posted by: Mexicans Without Borders | April 8, 2008 5:10 PM
Vol FF here...I do not recall ever seeing an illegal hispanic join a volunteer fire company. Very few hispanics ever show up for fund raising events so it is not too difficult to imagine very few provide donations. PW county needs all available resources for so many things, but the way things have been going in the county the taxes were escalating annually because of educating so many in the county illegally or born to illegals. Pick your poison - just remember your volunteer fire fighter is there for you no matter what even if most donations come from only black and white folk.
With that said, too bad this reporter veered off course for her pet project like the first poster stated.
Posted by: a | April 8, 2008 5:40 PM
Fire & Rescue are overwhelmed when they have to deal with overcrowded boarding houses filled with illegal aliens who are living in the 18th century. If they can wait it out for a little while longer, some of the major obstacles will be removed as the illegal aliens leave the county.
This program has been in effect a little over a month and positive results are already being seen. Illegal alien criminals are being arrested and removed from the streets, and those who escape the "long arm of the law" are running away to nearby Fairfax and Arlington Counties.
To the tax payers, it may be painful initially, but the end result will be massive savings further down the line.
The PWC Council is to be commended for making the effort to reclaim PWC for its legal residents. As a result of this program, the county will only be stronger and wealthier.
Posted by: junes_reston | April 8, 2008 6:33 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
Mack states the real story is the mass showing of firefighters. However, only Mack will disrespect their plight by ensuring she addresses her pet project. Mack you are a very pathetic reporter.