Former Chairman Dale "McGlothlin said the overall defining factor for his [Republican] party is its desire to build the community in Charlottesville. 'We want people to not only work in Charlottesville but live in Charlottesville.'"

"McGlothlin claimed that high and arcane city taxes scare away businesses."

"Republican candidates John Pfaltz and Elizabeth Fortune have taken turns at City Council meetings in the last months, asking Council to lower the city's real estate tax rate to be more in-line with Albemarle County."

"According to McGlothlin, no one in city government will say if there is a budget surplus. 'Tell us the truth,' McGlothlin said. 'Return the money or use the surplus to find a reduction in the property tax.'"

"McGlothlin said that the BPOL (business practice and operating license) tax - enacted to pay for the War of 1812 - should be eliminated. 'I'm pretty sure we've covered those debts by now,' McGlothlin said."

"For the past four years, we've been pointing to the fact that we need change,' said McGlothlin. 'The status quo isn't good enough'" (Brian Cohen, The Charlottesville & Albemarle Observer, April 26-May 2, 2000).

"McGlothlin admitted that the local party is divided into factions. Libertarian leaning Michael Crafaik, in a surprise upset, was able to unseat McGlothlin as the city GOP in March."

"'But it's a good thing,' said McGlothlin. 'It will give traditional Republicans the opportunity to define ourselves and separate from those who are destructive to the party.'"

"'Dale has loyalty to the party,' said [Elizabeth] Fortune, after the Republican candidate's first press conference. 'Dale is the reason that we have a full slate running'" (Brian Cohen, The Charlottesville & Albemarle Observer, April 26-May 2, 2000).

When Elizabeth Fortune announced her candidacy back in February she said "she would encourage business and homeowners to move to the city by reducing the city's real-estate tax rate of $ 1. 11 per $100 of assessed value" and that "she would seek to phase out the city's business, professional and occupational license tax" (Davide Dukcevich, The Daily Progress February 24, 2000).

I have already asked for comments about the efficacy of increasing parking fees, diminishing salary increases for city employees, and/or diminishing services in order to decrease the city's real-estate tax rate.

If you have comments about the efficacy of phasing out the BPOL tax in Charlottesville, please send them to george@loper.org and the most representative will be posted with full attribution.

To date, comments have been received from Raymond Richards.