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.

Endorsement: Doug Gimbert for Botetourt Chair

Current Botetourt chair, Doug Gimbert is running for re-election. In Gimbert's 4-year tenure as chair, Gilmore was the only candidate to loose the county. The local party has grown considerably under Gimbert's leadership despite his opponent suggesting that we need to get back to growing the party - as if it weren't growing! Gimbert is a principled, constitutional conservative. As such he has done a marvelous job of representing the the grassroots - not power brokers in the party. His role in backing now Senator Ralph Smith v. the incumbent Brandon Bell in the state senate primary showed his willingness to support principle v. an establishment candidate that broke campaign promises. This is courage few men have. It is my opinion, if the party had more men like Gimbert it would be a better place - and so would America! Listen to the debate between Gimbert & Broughton here.

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.