Typically I would just make this a comment but its far too noteworthy to just reside in the comment section. Yesterday, I reported that long-time Loudoun Treasurer, Roger Zurn, was challenged by Loudoun liberal, Evan Macbeth[read_more] (original post below). Someone graciously pointed out that Macbeth had written a WaPo Letter-To-The-Editor, posted on December 30, 2013, titled, Virginia needs higher taxes in 2014.
While a Treasurer can’t raise taxes, the tax rates are set by the Board of Supervisors, having such a flagrant and outspoken position on raising taxes while arbitrarily having a desire, and perhaps a chance, to be the Treasurer of one of the richest counties in the nation, seems as if there is an underlying agenda. Here is what Macbeth wrote:
December 30, 2013
For 2014, I would like higher taxes.
My family isn’t wealthy, but we aren’t facing the difficulties I see so many of my neighbors in the commonwealth facing.
I have watched governments in both Richmond and Washington slash the protections that our system provides for those left behind by the modern economy. I have watched class sizes in my children’s schools increase each year. I have seen dedicated and compassionate public employees forced to give up benefits they not only were promised but had earned. And I have had enough of it.
I want to pay higher taxes, and with them, fund the public good for myself and my neighbors through our government. I want to pay higher taxes for smaller class sizes. I want to pay higher taxes for a secure long-term safety net. I want to pay higher taxes to fund the benefits my neighbors, who are public employees, have earned.
I call upon the Virginia General Assembly to tax me and fund these needs that we, the public, have. I call upon Congress to do the same.
I am willing to pay, and I am happy to do so.
Evan Macbeth, Leesburg
The writer is the immediate past chair of the Loudoun County Democratic Committee.
Link to WaPo LTE HERE
Original post from 1/14/15
The democrats seem to be making good on their assertion to field a candidate for each seat up for grabs in Loudoun. The latest is a challenge to current popular Treasurer, Roger Zurn. [read_more]The Loudoun County Treasurer’s Office is responsible for billing and collecting taxes, issuing county vehicle license decals, investing, safeguarding, and disbursing all county revenue. For the past 20 years, Zurn has accomplished exactly what taxpayers expect:
- Responsible for over $1.8 billion in funds that go through the County.
- Invests over $500 million and never has lost a penny in any investment for 20 years.
- Longest serving elected official in Loudoun. First elected in 1990 to Board of Supervisors then Treasurer in 1996.
- Population was about 100,000 when elected Treasurer and now close to 400,000 with customer service always being in the forefront.
- Major part of the County’s financial team that obtained and maintains its Triple A bond rating.
Of course, there is a slight problem, or two–for the democrats. Besides it being hard to find fault with any of the above, or figuring out a platform, or having any clue how to run the entire Treasury of one of the richest counties in the nation, challenging Zurn is Evan Macbeth. Macbeth is sort of a wacky, outspoken liberal remembered for his little theater act in front of the Board of Supervisors just after he became the Chairman of the Loudoun County Democratic Committee several years ago.
I doubt if Zurn will have any problem in this challenge but the good thing, one debate should offer enough sound bites from Macbeth to keep us laughing hysterically (or scratching our heads) for weeks.
