Cave Spring Board of Supervisors Candidate Assaid Views Public Service as a Privilege
George Assaid spent years dealing with the public as Development Review Coordinator for Roanoke County, working as a liaison on land use issues between the County, developers, contractors, and citizens, and as Capital Improvements Project Coordinator for Roanoke County Schools. He enjoyed the day to day interaction with the residents of Roanoke County, answering their questions and calming their fears about projects that affected their property and lives. He believes that public service is not a thankless task, but a privilege, and says he wants to again work for the best interests of area citizens as a member of the Board of Supervisors.
A native Roanoker, Assaid graduated from Cave Spring High School, received a degree in Architectural Technology from Virginia Western Community College, and one in Business Administration at Averett University. He taught architecture courses at VWCC, and is now employed by Rife and Wood Architects. Assaid’s two daughters have attended Roanoke County schools. One is currently a student at Virginia Western Community College; the youngest is in middle school.
George Assaid
Assaid is a familiar face to citizens in many Roanoke Valley communities because of his appearances over the years at PTA’s, civic groups, and committee meetings to alleviate concerns over land development and construction projects involving Oak Grove, Burlington, Herman L. Horn, Clearbrook, and Bonsack Elementary Schools, as well as Glenvar Middle School, and Hidden Valley High school.
In his first bid for political office, Assaid is running as a Republican and identifies himself as a fiscal conservative. He has been endorsed by the two other Republicans on the Board, Richard Flora and Mike Altizer.
1. If a severe budget shortfall materializes for the 2012-2013 fiscal year, as some have predicted, what steps will you propose to make up for the shortfall?
I believe the next four years are going to be tough. As a fiscal conservative, I believe that local government needs to be kept lean, especially in our present economy. I would continue to emphasize in budget planning that we need to balance short-term and long-term strategies. Budget shortfalls and some mandates will eventually occur and we need to prepare now, not wait to be surprised. We need to be pro-active in budgeting. We need to maintain the adopted fiscal approach of putting money in the discretionary fund. We need to realize that the continuation or inception of programs and projects is subject to how and where the County spends money, or cuts for savings. We should look for ways to increase revenue by eliminating burdensome or cumbersome Board-approved policies that are over and above what the State mandates.
The long-term solution is to make Roanoke more attractive to new businesses to increase our tax base. We need to insure that the economic development groups in the Valley have the necessary resources and expertise to bring in new industry. We should make it easier to start new businesses by getting rid of regulations that go further than intended, making sure that we are competitive with other localities. We should work to help existing businesses to expand and relocate into other areas of the County as they grow. In addition, we should encourage closer ties with Virginia Tech and with state-elected officials to ascertain ways to bring investment and industry to the region. Finally we need to think outside the box and look at other successful business models to boilerplate.
2. Do you support tax incentive programs for businesses, such as the South Peak (Slate Hill) project?
I could support short term tax incentives for businesses on a case by case basis, depending upon what they have to bring to the table, and what the return will be for the County; but I believe that South Peak was a bad decision, because the developer will be getting a 70 percent revenue reimbursement for a period of 20 years. The approximately 2.6 million dollar project would have been taxed for revenue, most of which will now go back to pay for this project. The taxes that would have been generated by this project could have gone to help offset the State’s continued imposition of mandates. In addition, had allocations followed the normal incentive process, the 2.6 million dollars in tax incentives over 20 years would have been treated as new revenue, and Roanoke County schools would have received 1.3 million dollars, based on the County and schools current funding formula.
3. What steps will you take to protect the environment and the quality of life in the Roanoke Valley?
It’s heavily debated whether job creation or protecting the environment is more important. I think, at this time, that job creation wins over environmental restructuring. We need to be responsible in regards to the environment, but some environmental upgrades may need to wait until we can afford them or until we have a better idea of the long-term consequences to both the environment and the economy. We shouldn’t rush into solutions without having the big picture. This includes legal issues, property rights, research, and affordability.
In regards to the development of large wind farms, we must protect our citizens’ property rights and the County’s beauty and viewscape. What I can guarantee is that every citizen who wants to protect their property will be given a full opportunity to be heard and to provide their facts and opinions. I will introduce every legitimate argument to protect our County’s beauty and viewscape to the Board.
As with other issues, I would always take into account what my constituents want and listen to their opinions before making decisions.
4. What do you see as the important issues in public schools in the Roanoke Valley?
I see several important issues that the Schools need to be able to address. In the current testing-driven environment, the state Standards of Learning and the federal No Child Left Behind Act dictate how teachers have to teach, which significantly reduces the opportunity for creativity. Teachers can’t take advantage of teachable moments and their own special interests and talents. It’s good to have standards, but the School Board needs to address the issue of being forced to teach to a test, and possibly needs to think outside of the box for solutions.
Another issue to be addressed is how much of our school budget and our resources are applied to special populations and situations, going beyond what is required by the state.
A third issue that concerns me is the loss of young teachers who leave the school system or even the profession, because they are overwhelmed with having to wear too many hats. They have too many roles to fulfill in addition to teaching; and they are not being adequately prepared for those responsibilities or supported.
5. What policies or plans will you introduce that will encourage young people to stay in the Roanoke Valley once they complete high school?
This is an issue close to my heart, since I have two daughters, one in college and one in middle school. I am concerned that once they finish school, they will have to leave the Valley to find jobs that will enable them to earn a salary that will support a family. We need to create private sector jobs in the Roanoke Valley that are not just jobs, but professions. That’s the primary need, in addition to making sure that we have available resources and attractions to entice young people to stay here after high school or college, or to return here to raise families.
6. Why should voters choose you to represent the Cave Spring District on the Board of Supervisors?
Voters should choose me to represent them because I understand local government. I have over 10 years of government experience working for the County and in the County school system. I do not represent any special interest groups. It’s not about me; it’s about the preservation of our families. I have no axe to grind. I am not interested in power.
I understand how local government works. I think there is a misconception about government–that it can be run the same as a private sector business; but that isn’t the case. In private industry, there are incentives that do not exist in government. It’s easier to measure productivity and to determine accountability in business than in government. Citizens are constituents, not clients or customers.
It follows that just because you can run a business, doesn’t mean that you will be successful as a public servant. Government serves the will of the people, and must constantly be aware of its constituents. While we have Board members with business experience, we do not have many with experience in government or who know how it works. They must learn after they join the Board. Government is about public service, not entrepreneurship
In addition to my experience, voters should elect me because I have very strong fiscal principles and consider myself to be a fiscal conservative. Over the next four years, my experience in government and business and the principles that I have outlined, will be an asset to Roanoke County during the rough times ahead.
By Debbie Adams
