Chairs of Prince Edward Republicans and Democrats Join Together To Endorse Sales Tax Referendum for County Schools

Farmville, Virginia—Prince Edward Republican Party Chair Carolyn Bowman and Prince Edward Democratic Party Chair Patsy Watson today issued the following joint statement of support for the 1% Sales Tax Referendum for school construction and renovation that appears on the county ballot this year.

"As leaders of the local Republican and Democratic Party organizations here in Prince Edward, the two of us rarely vote the same way when it comes to state and national issues and candidates. But local issues are different, especially when we're talking about kids, community and finding a smarter way to collect and spend our tax dollars. Those are goals that reflect the values of both parties.

That's why we are both supporting the 1% sales tax referendum for the Prince Edward County Public Schools. We both recognize how much schools matter for our community, and that teachers and school leaders have a hard job and need our support. We also both agree that in providing that support, it makes sense for Prince Edward to take advantage of our location as a shopping destination—following what other counties have already done to make sure some of the cost falls on visitors, not entirely on county taxpayers.

Though we often disagree, local Republicans and Democrats all care about our home community, understand that kids are our future, and want to be smart when it comes to working to protect local property taxpayers. There are a lot of good reasons to vote Yes on the referendum – and they go beyond politics.”

Added Prince Edward Republican Chair Carolyn Bowman: “This vote is about our children, who are the foundation for this community. This would be the best investment in the future and helping our community grow and prosper together as ONE!”

Added Democrat Chair Patsy Watson: “There is common ground in our community, especially when it comes to supporting our kids and the hard work our teachers and school leaders undertake. I’m glad we can come together around this issue.”

About the Sales Tax Referendum:

After years of effort by local officials of both parties, Prince Edward has finally received permission to hold a referendum this fall for voters to consider a 1% sales tax. By law, revenues could only be used to support new school construction and renovation here in Prince Edward.

Voters in neighboring localities such as Charlotte and Halifax have already passed such measures and used them to make important investments in their public schools, while protecting county property taxpayers from bearing the entire cost. Prince Edward attracts a considerably higher proportion of out-of-town shoppers than neighboring counties, so has more opportunity to benefit.

The sales tax would not apply to groceries, gas, heating oil, diapers or other personal hygiene items.

While some Virginia Lottery funding does help local public schools, that’s generally for teachers and educational programming. It has not paid for buildings themselves. About 90% of the cost of school buildings in Virginia falls on localities, almost entirely through the lever of property taxes. The sales tax referendum would help spread some of that cost.

The Prince Edward schools referendum is NOT one of the state constitutional amendments on the ballot—it’s a local issue. It is the final item on the county ballot. Election Day is November 3 and early voting is underway.

For more information, visit www.oneforprinceedward.com or email info@oneforprinceedward.com