Corey Stewart Calls BPOL Tax Unfair

Editor's Note: This Q&A has been re-featured for readers as the election is Nov. 8. 

Candidate provided profile:

Corey Stewart  grew up in Minnesota as the son of a longshoreman. An Eagle Scout, Corey was first in his family to attend college, earning a scholarship to attend Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. Corey earned a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Corey met his wife, Maria, while teaching English in Japan. They have been married for 17 years and have two sons, Isaac and Luke, who attend Prince William Public Schools. The Stewart Family is active in their Parish, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, and in youth soccer.  Corey is an international trade attorney in private practice.  Elected Occoquan District Supervisor in 2003, Corey went on to win a special election in 2006 for Chairman of the Board.  He was reelected in 2007.

Corey Stewart's Official Campaign Website

Question 1: What is your No. 1 issue/problem/concern in Prince William County and how will you address this if you are elected?

The number one issue on the minds of voters in Prince William County is jobs and the economy.  We have been named #1 in job growth in Virginia and the DC Region and have the ninth highest median income in the nation.  These achievements are the result of a county government focused on working with the private sector to create an environment that fosters job growth, keeps taxes low, provides necessary infrastructure and actively recruits new companies. We need to continue to focus on these areas and find ways to improve upon the successes we have had.

Question 2: What are your feelings about the BPOL tax?

This is a tax that is unfair to businesses.

In the current budget we were able to increase the BPOL threshold for small businesses in the County; this is a step in the right direction. There may be ways to further increase the threshold in the future and ultimately eliminate this tax completely.

Question 3: Do you support the HOT lanes? What other transportation fixes do you support?

I am satisfied that the current HOT Lanes proposal does not go inside the beltway and preserves the slugging system. In the next five years between county and state funds there will be $470 million in road projects in Prince William County. I also support providing funding to VRE and PRTC , two mass transit systems already in place.

Question 4: PWC Real Estate taxes increases this past year and the economy looks to be in another downward spiral. What have you identified as wasteful spending that you plan to cut if elected? If you don't think there is any wasteful spending, then what cuts will you be trying to make this coming budget season?

Average tax bills in Prince William County are below 2007 levels, 28 percent below Fairfax County and 35 percent below Loudoun County tax bills.  We did this by reducing government spending by $143 million and conducting a full independent audit of government spending to identify waste and fraud. 

I continue to work with county staff to find more ways to increase efficiencies in county government and reduce costs.

Question 5: What plans do you have to help create better paying jobs in Prince William County?

We'll continue the progress that began four years ago.  Twelve new schools have been built or will be opening in five years; $470 million in new road projects are coming to the county; and we have a AAA bond rating from all three major bond ratings agencies.  As Chairman, I will continue to work on improving the quality of life in Prince William County. Low taxes, quality schools, and attractive housing are things that companies look for when choosing where to start or locate. These are all things that I focus on when making decisions as Chairman.