PRESS RELEASE
May 13, 2008
PALMYRA, VA. The Fluvanna Taxpayers Association (FTA) reports that the Saturday, May 10, 2008, Lunch Barbeque was a terrific success. Congressman Virgil Goode, State Senator Frank Ruff, Delegate Watt Abbitt, and State Delegate Rob Bell all addressed the crowd and answered some very difficult taxpayer questions.
Citizen Carrie Wigal really quizzed the elected officials on local issues. She was one of the first to speak at the Domino Plan’s new High School construction public hearing, as she is quite concerned on the tax consequence on young families.
Lee True, Chairman of the FTA, emphasized that the organization is a non-partisan taxpayer association that provides information, as well as seeking input from the taxpayers on their thoughts, needs and position on taxpayer issues in the county.
Supervisor Don Weaver had informational questions for our state officials concerning how state programs effect local decisions as many requirements designed for high density northern counties do not seem appropriate for the rural counties such as Fluvanna.
Supervisor Mozell Booker sent her regrets as she had a conflicting church function.
The event was hosted by Doug and Peg Johnson in their home in the Cunningham District. Doug is on the Steering Committee of the FTA and it was in that capacity he volunteered his home for the event.
Doug said: “While I would like to report on the actual questions and answers, the thrust of the gathering was the one on one interaction with the elected official. Watt Abbitt sat down with his constituents from Fork Union and Columbia Districts while Rob Bell spent his time with those from the other Districts. My wife had a long discussion with Frank Ruff while my daughter spent considerable time with Virgil Goode.”
Doug continued: “While the FTA purpose is strictly taxpayer issues, every conceivable concern came up in the small group discussions. Virgil was asked about border issues. Frank was asked about cluster subdivisions, Rob dealt with the VT shooting, and Watt mentioned being officially Independent.”
Lee True said: “Unfortunately, I was not taking note of all the answers. Some specifics stuck out regarding local taxes currently and in the near future appear to be on the rise, as are the state taxes if left to the legislators to drive on blindly (without asking the taxpayers).”
Note: There are two pictures included, the first 
shows left to right, Lee True, Rob Bell, Frank Ruff, Virgil Goode, and Doug Johnson. The second 
shows Rob Bell in the foreground talking with Carrie and Ty Wigal and Frank Ruff in the background talking with Al Colville and Bert Brittain.
