Botetourt: Larry Ceola is Republican Nominee For Fincastle District Supervisor

Larry Ceola is the Botetourt County Republican Committee nominee in the Fincastle District Supervisors Race. A special election will be held this November to fill the position vacated by the death of Don Meredith. Ceola and his wife Terry raised two sons and his family has lived in Botetourt County over three decades. As the owner of Cavalier Automotive in Troutville, he has been a business owner for over 30 years. Ceola states he is concerned with the expansion of government. “Big Government on the federal and state levels has impacted our county and our citizens in negative ways,” said Ceola, “That is why I have chosen to run for Fincastle Supervisor.” Ceola stated, “When elected, I want to re-establish the concept of being a public servant.”

Ceola said “There are two things that I find to be of great importance in Botetourt County: 1. Preserving the unique character of Botetourt County’s rural environment; 2. Growing intelligently to keep that character intact while ensuring that Botetourt has the business, financial, and recreational resources necessary to ensure that it remains a wonderful place to live. Botetourt is a special and important place to me and I want nothing but the best for the County and its residents.”

Ceola said, “My years of business budget experience has given me a commonsense approach to separating wants from needs. I would like to see our government start to think outside the box and see if the “wants” can be reduced or eliminated, and some of the “needs” be built and paid for by private donations, grants, or endowments.”

Ceola said “I believe that our county government is well run and the services provided are as good if not better than many of the surrounding counties in Southwest Virginia. My concern is for the future.”

Ceola is a fiscal conservative. “I advocate avoiding deficit spending, size of government, encourage local trade, attracting new business and promoting current business both small and large.” Ceola elaborated, “I am a small business owner who appreciates that most small businesses in Botetourt County remain loyal to their location in this county.” Take a look at the county and ask, “Can we continue to sustain our lifestyle? Like many residents and business owners in the county, “Ceola continued, “I have had to cut back in my personal and business expenses. I think it only prudent that our local, government do the same in order to maintain a low debt ratio and insure the future for the next generation.”

Ceola stated “I’ve tried to do my part to preserve the untouched parts of Botetourt while developing in a responsible manner. When I relocated my business to Troutville in 2002, I built in the 604 corridor, an area that is already home to business and development. On the opposite end, I am a member of the American Tree Farm System and the State of Virginia Stewardship Program.

“Change is inevitable and almost on a daily basis the face of Botetourt is changing from rural to suburban,” Ceola said, “As a business owner, I do welcome responsible growth and development as these are necessary to provide our citizens with the services they require: our excellent schools and recreational systems, responsive police and fire departments and low taxes.”

“My hope that Botetourt grows and develops intelligently while retaining its unique country atmosphere isn’t just a convenient slogan; it has been my way of life for years.”

To offer support in his campaign, contact Ceola at 540-588-4350. Visit the Ceola for Fincastle District Supervisor website www.CEOLALLC.com and join the Facebook group for dates and times of his town hall meetings and gatherings.

New County Taxes on the Way?

Virginia Senate Bill 280 has been passed by the Senate. If passed by the Virginia House of Delegates, it will allow county board of supervisors throughout Virginia to pass tax increases with a simple majority of the given board of supervisors. At present the board of supervisors in a Virginia county can only increase food and beverage tax by putting it to the citizens of that county in a referendum or in some counties by a unanimous vote of that county's board.

Here is a flyer with more details tailored to Botetourt County.

Thanks to Senator Smith for bringing this to my attention.

Here's a thought to keep in mind:

When we ask, "Should we raise taxes?" - we are asking the wrong question. When we ask, "Should we lower taxes?" - we are still asking the wrong question. If we were to ask, "How much should we lower taxes?" - then finally we would be asking the right question. Until we learn to think Constitutionally, we will not be able to ask the correct questions.

More on the Scandal at the Loudon Planning Commission

The FOIAs concerning the scandal at the Loudon Planning Commission have been responded to, and now people are sifting through the e-mails and other documents trying to figure out what is going on. Over at Crystal Clear Conservative, their is a report on some of the findings. Remember, Sandra Chaloux, the commissioner at the heart of this, is the protege of Stevens Miller, the Democrat running against Tom Rust for delegate. Do Democrats really believe in getting paid for doing nothing, and keeping others from accomplishing things?

The Loudoun Planning Commission Manifesto Continues On…

Last week, I mentioned about the Planning Commission manifesto that is taking place in Loudoun County. Well, I have decided to follow up with that post, and yes, there is more to this than what meets the eye.

Today, I would like to focus on an e-mail that was sent on June 25, 2009 from Sandra Chaloux, Dulles Planning Commissioner to the Catoctin Planning Commissioner that indicates her absence from a board meeting.

From:
To:
Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:59:38 -0400
Subject: TONIGHT’S PC WORK SESSION
Erin,

I don’t think I am going to go to the PC CTP work session tonight. No quorum tonight probably means no CTP PC public hearing in July.

Sandra

Now, why would Ms. Chaloux decide to abruptly announce her absence? Could it be that she was angered by the previous Planning Commission meeting, where a previous motion that she had made to delay the July hearing was denied? Whatever the reasoning behind Ms. Chaloux’s abrupt absence, there is indication that this particular hearing had no quorum due to an e-mail that was sent to several Planning Commission members urging them not to show up for a hearing that was to begin adopting a draft recommendation. According to Leesburg Today, the Planning Commission was scheduled to meet three times a week, along with Saturday mornings to review the Countywide Transportation Plan. The Board of Supervisors set a deadline to have the Planning Commission’s revised plan by September.

In the meantime, I guess we will see what happens on July 21, when the Board of Supervisors takes up the scheduling issues. However, I am still asking, is it ethical or right for a county employee to be absent from their appointed duties and still receive compensation?