Ashburn District Constituent Mailer - June 11, 2013

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

Since being elected in November 2011 to represent the Ashburn District, I have been working hard to continue to make significant progress on the promises I made when I asked for your support. I am pleased to provide an update on my efforts since taking office.

CREATING JOBS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Continuing Commitment to Economic Development – I continue to strongly support our economic development activities so the tax burden on residents is lowered, job opportunities are increased, the commercial opportunity of the Dulles corridor is realized, and continued levels of business growth and affluence result. This has meant increasing support for the Department of Economic Development so they have the tools they need to attract and retain businesses.  We have also streamlined the commercial development process to make it clear that Loudoun is OPEN for business, as the old adage, “Time is Money,” is certainly true.             

Our efforts have already had an impact, with several significant wins over the past year. This includes Raytheon’s expansion in Loudoun, adding to the County’s 20,000 federal government contracting jobs. In addition, we’ve had numerous data center investments in Loudoun, including one that will enable the addition of a 200,000-square-foot building this year and an 115,000-square-foot building in 2014, and another $20 million investment in a 217,000-square-foot data center in Ashburn. Data centers, in particular, are an excellent sector to attract to Loudoun because they typically bring significant commercial tax revenue to help keep residential taxes as low as possible. We’ve also had many other major location announcements, all in the past year. Despite the nation’s economic challenges, our pro-business policies are making a difference and I plan to continue to be a champion for these efforts. The following provides a summary of our successes from July 1, 2012, through April 30, 2013.

·      Total commercial square feet added – 2,332,244 square feet

·      Total investment dollars – $419.2 million

·      Net number of business wins – 44

·      Net new jobs – 1,151

Approving of a Ballpark/Stadium in Loudoun – I, along with the majority of my Board colleagues, approved passage of the necessary land use applications to enable a 5,500-seat privately-owned ballpark/stadium to be built as part of the One Loudoun project. The privately-funded stadium will greatly enhance recreation and athletic entertainment options for Loudoun’s citizens, with the Atlantic Coast League’s Loudoun Hounds and the North American Soccer League’s Virginia Calvary opening their seasons in the new stadium in 2014.  

Supporting and Strengthening Loudoun’s Rural Economy – There is no other county that can boast the breadth of rural economic sectors Loudoun has, which includes: wineries; breweries; farm-to-table restaurants; consumer-supported agriculture; small farms; and the like. This year, we worked with members of our state delegation to support legislation to broaden opportunities to allow Loudoun’s brewery industry to grow, not only to serve our community, but to continue to be a tourist attraction, coupled with our booming wine market. We have also developed a rural economic development strategy and added a staff person to implement it to continue to expand the rural economy.

IMPLEMENTING FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT

Reducing Average Residential Property Taxes, While Investing in Critical Priorities – With approval of the FY14 budget, the final tax rate will be $1.205/$100 of assessed real property value. This is two cents less than the amount if a flat tax had been imposed, three cents less than the FY13 rate, and eight cents less than the rate when I was elected. And – this includes two cents dedicated solely to transportation. On average, Ashburn residents will see a decrease in their tax bill of $100.81. Loudoun continues to tout our AAA bond rating and living within our debt ratios – which means our borrowing costs less.  With regard to residential development, while all land use applications are unique and must be evaluated on their own merits, overall, I am taking a hard line on new residential development.  We must control the pace of residential development to mitigate the impacts on our roads, schools, overall infrastructure and tax rates. I will continue this thoughtful approach as new applications are considered.

Improving the County’s Long-Term Fiscal Position – Getting our fiscal house in order has been a top priority for me and I have worked hard to identify long-term systemic changes to the budget in support of this goal, including revisions to the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB). The previous VRS funding formula created a huge financial liability to the County. This change and the savings that come from it, will substantially improve the County’s fiscal position over time. Through the changes we have made, we have been able to be fiscally responsible, while still expressing the tremendous appreciation we have for those who serve as Loudoun employees, including creating a “bonus pool” through savings in the existing budget that enable employees to earn up to 2% if savings are achieved and providing a 2% potential performance increase in FY14. It is safe to say that combined, these reforms will save the County more than $100 million over the next decade.

IMPROVING OUR ROADS AND REDUCING CONGESTION TO SUPPORT OUR ECONOMY AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Bringing the Silver Line to Loudoun County – Following extensive public input and thoughtful consideration of a wide range of issues, I am very proud to say that the Silver Line is officially coming to Loudoun, and that it will be funded in a way that is primarily financed by those who stand to benefit the most. That means it is being financed without ANY additional taxes on existing residential units. I served as a leader fighting to bring the Silver Line to Loudoun, as well as in developing the service districts that will help fund the project’s Loudoun stations.  

Dedicating two cents in the FY14 budget solely to transportation – In all, the approved Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) includes $215.4 million for road projects, by far, more than the County has ever allocated for transportation projects. This does not include the additional state funding that will come from the 2013 passage of the transportation package.  That being said, we will continue to work with VDOT to find creative solutions to fund our transportation needs and conserve resources. Suffice to say, dirt will be turning and congestion relief will be happening before your eyes over the coming months and years. Highlights include:

·      Belmont Ridge Road Improvements – We were able to accelerate the construction of all phases of the Belmont Ridge Road project, including the interchange at Route 7, which I hope will enable completion of the entire project in the 2017 timeframe.

·      Waxpool Road Improvements – Waxpool Road continues to be a significant focus – one where real progress has been made, including partnering with the state to invest $7.4 million that will enable this critical roadway to have turn lane and interchange improvements at Waxpool, Pacific Parkway and Broderick Drive.

·      Gloucester Parkway – Along with the Waxpool Road improvements, I have also fought to accelerate funding for Gloucester Parkway from the Loudoun County Parkway to Route 28. Completion is slated for 2015, with financial support from the state and Kincora development proffers.

·      Ashburn Village Boulevard and Route 7 Interchange – I am pleased to say that the outstanding issues between the developers involved and Loudoun Water that had been a hurdle to this project proceeding have been overcome and I helped broker a tri-party agreement between all parties which will enable the project to proceed.

·      Riverside Parkway – Given the importance of completing Riverside Parkway, I identified funding to conduct an alignment study for the missing link so progress can be made on this critical road connection.

Old Ashburn Sidewalk Project – True communities must be safe and walkable. To this end, I was able to allocate $638,000 to repair and upgrade the sidewalks on the west side of Ashburn Road between Partlow Road and the W&OD Trail. I look forward to your feedback as this project proceeds.

Improving Safety at Belmont Ridge Road and the W&OD Trail – I have worked diligently with VDOT, the Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority, the Loudoun Sheriff’s Office, and the Office of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure to improve safety at this widely traveled crossing, and am pleased to share that progress has been made. These improvements include; clearer signage, increased presence by the Sheriff’s office, and the installation of Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFB). I also partnered with Delegate Tag Greason and Senator Barbara Favola to pass a bill in Richmond clarifying rights and responsibilities of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians which should drastically increase safety.

Fighting to reduce the inordinately high tolls on the Dulles Greenway – These high tolls divert commuters to other major roadways (Waxpool Road, Route 7 and Route 28) causing increased traffic congestion throughout eastern Loudoun. While the State Corporation Commission (SCC) approved the toll increases, the fight is not over. I am now supporting a complaint filed by Delegate David Ramadan

that has prompted an investigation by the SCC that will include additional public hearings in both Loudoun and Richmond. This is a critical issue and I will continue to push for reduced tolls on the Greenway to benefit all of Loudoun.

ADDRESSING LOUDOUN’S SEVERE LACK OF ATHLETIC FIELDS

The Ashburn District currently has fewer public facilities than our neighboring districts, which encouraged me to focus on the Ashburn Recreation Center and increasing the use of existing athletic field facilities during this budget cycle.  Despite years without investment in the Ashburn Recreation Center, this year, I was able to pare back the original price tag so the project can proceed, with construction now programmed to begin in 2017.

I also supported an initiative to improve the quality of our existing athletic fields by supporting the investment required to install irrigation systems at the 25 worst fields in the County (per the Parks and Recreation Department) and increased staff to maintain these fields to a higher degree. We also recently approved lighting for seven fields off Belmont Ridge Road across from Briar Woods, as well as fields in Cascades, which will enable increased use of those fields. In addition, I am working to identify new fields in the north part of Brambleton and in the northern portion of the Ashburn District.

MAINTAINING AND EXPANDING HIGH QUALITY EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR CHILDREN

The FY14 budget includes an investment of $841.7 million for the school system’s operating costs. In all, 65 % of the $1.02 billion in revenues from local taxes will be used for school operating expenses, school capital projects and school debt service.  Beyond this commitment to funding our high quality schools, I have also actively supported innovation in our education system, expanding school-business partnerships, development of a technology academy and consideration of various education options to meet the unique needs of every child. Similar to our approach in general government, innovation and increased efficiencies can only result in improvements to the “customer” and bottom line, including in the education arena. As co-chairman of the Board of Supervisors/School Board Joint Committee, I strive to work collaboratively with the School Board to deliver high quality educational opportunities to Loudoun’s youth.

In closing, I hope you will continue to share your input with me and guide me as your Ashburn District Supervisor so that we may achieve the vision we have for our community – to ensure we honor Loudoun’s rich heritage as well as embrace the robust opportunities of each new day, maintaining our high quality of life, shaping a future that represents the best of both worlds, and creates a place where residents are proud to live, work and play. 

I ran for the Board because I firmly believe we live in one of the best communities in the nation and I want to make sure that continues, with your input and support.

Sincerely,

Ralph M. Buona

Ashburn District Supervisor