Ok, in my comfortable little No Va utopia, we are getting crushed w/ new taxes (remember, I still pay state taxes)

We are now guaranteed a huge increase on the Dulles Toll Road, amounting to $250+/year in *additional* tolls. (The toll road paid for itself decades ago) All so we can have a Metro stop in our town, which will require future subsidies b/c the Metro has never paid for itself, and it will also increase urban sprawl (thought Dems hated that) and increase crime.

My community HOA (not my neighborhood HOA) had an audit and they may need to raise dues by 5-7%, to keep surpluses in tact. That's about $400/year.

Fairfax county is lobbying for more money ("We need to provide more services as the county grows" :cry: ) and that's after the fact that my property taxes have gone up by 10% (per year) for 3 straight years.

Oh BTW, Fairfax county is also lobbying to *subsidize* some families b/c the cost of living is so high! (Yeah, look at the f'n taxes! :bang: )

And I look and see the same impotent state delegate (Democrat) running unopposed for the 3rd consecutive term! This is the guy championing bringing the Metro in.

So I call the Republican party to see why this guy is unopposed. They give me some answers, but get this: Out of pocket expenses to run for this type of position- $150,000- $200,000!

Doesn't matter what party, it's clear that government is for the well-to-do. That's discouraging.

we have the same problem but with a republican. Jim Inhofe R-OK. This guy is worthless.

Quote:Out of pocket expenses to run for this type of position- $150,000- $200,000!

That's f*&Ked up. Does this have to be out of your pocket or can you raise the money? Also, how well connected are you? That seems to count for alot in a polical career.

JTiger Wrote:

Quote:Out of pocket expenses to run for this type of position- $150,000- $200,000!

That's f*&Ked up. Does this have to be out of your pocket or can you raise the money? Also, how well connected are you? That seems to count for alot in a polical career.

That was in addition to the money a candidate fundraised, although this was an expectation, not a requirement. If you're exceptional fundraiser, your total might be lower.

This was simply a forewarning from the chair of the party for that district. I appreciated his candor.

Me? I've only been in the area for <4 years, and not particularly active in politics. I'm just incensed at the tax (and quasi-tax) increases. Plus, I'm vehemently opposed to the metro coming out there. There is NO need for a metro, and the problems are going to make things bad.