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Tax Rally Makes Voice HeardBy Chuck Eby Fairfax - April 3, 2006 - The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is raising real estate taxes -- again! The board met Monday evening to raise the rate from $0.83 per $100 assessed value to $0.93. About fifty tax protesters from several organizations including rally co-sponsor, the Libertarian Party of Northern Virginia, stood outside of the Fairfax County Government Center prior to the meeting chanting, "NO TAX HIKE!" The rally was organized by the Fairfax County Taxpayer's Alliance headed by Arthur Purves. In addition to LP-NOVA, the event was also co-sponsored by Northern Virginia GOP.com. At least one representative from the Constitution Party was also present to protest ever increasing property taxes that have doubled in just the past seven years. "This is a significantly higher turnout than last year, when the board raised taxes by ten percent," said Donny Ferguson, who attended last year's rally as a candidate for Virginia's House of Delegates 36th district. "On top of last year's huge hike, our supervisors now want an additional eleven percent," he said. "That's outrageous!" Wilbur "Bill" Wood, candidate for Congress in Virginia's 10th district was on hand to protest ever-increasing taxes in the county. "We need lower taxes across the board, not higher taxes," said Wood as he addressed the protest group. "I'm running for Congress as a Libertarian, the party of small government, reduced spending, and low taxes," said Wood. "Send me to Congress, and I will set an example for state and local governments to copy." A passing front of thundershowers drove the protest group inside just before 7:00. Protesters entered the Government Center waving placards, holding a banner and chanting "NO TAX HIKE!" They were met by representatives of the teachers' union who attempted to drown out their chants with "thunder sticks" imprinted with "If not now, When?" referring to their demands for higher salaries, greater benefits, and shorter hours. Several tax protesters addressed the Board of Supervisor's meeting afterwards, including FCTA president Arthur Purves. The event was covered by reporters and photographers from ABC Channel 7, the DC Examiner, and the Fairfax Times. |
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Libertarian Party of Northern Virginia |
