Aylor vows to promote economic development

As his first term as draws to a close, Cedar Mountain Supervisor Larry Aylor wants voters to know that remains committed to the platforms that got him elected.

“I have been in the construction business for 36 years without speculating. I’m a pro at meeting market demands. The reason I’m still around is that I learned a long time ago that you can’t create a market, you have to be prepared to service it. You have to be able to adjust to it, large or small. My platform hasn’t changed — I pledge to promote economic development, build the tax base with clean businesses, and support education.”

Aylor, 61, is unopposed for a second term. Responding by e-mail, here’s what he had to say about issues facing Culpeper:

CSE: What needs to happen in order for the county and town to reach an equitable, long-term solution to meet the area’s water and sewer needs? Is the county on the right track?

Aylor: “In order for the town and county to come to terms regarding water and sewer, both need to stay focused on what is best for our community as a whole, and find common ground that works for both parties.

Though this issue has been in the works for a long time, progress has been made. However, there are still a lot of unanswered questions. The impact regarding revenue, cost, services, land use, and (the business, professional and occupational license tax) are the major points.

To me, this challenge is no different than any other business agreement between two parties that want to do business together.

The reason for an authority is that it makes sense. It’s more productive and is cost effective. A joint water and sewer authority is the best economic tool the citizens of Culpeper could benefit from.

We know what the goal is — that’s a joint water and sewer authority. I make deals every day. First, I identify the hurdles and overcome them by offsetting, substituting, or negating them. Once common ground has been established, make the deal.

The quickest and easiest way for the town to join the authority is to make a charter change. In my opinion, the citizens elected their chosen officials to do what is best for the majority of the population. This is not a referendum situation. Those who want to go to referendum, quoting that they don’t want to take the right to vote away from the citizens, is nothing more than passing the buck. They were elected to a job and they should step up and do it.

A referendum is a set up for failure. If the town really believes that an authority is what is best for our community, then change the charter and do it. If the town doesn’t believe that the authority is what is best, walk away. I’m ready to move forward either way.

I respect the opinion of all the elected officials. As a businessperson, I know that’s how we find common ground.

If the joint authority doesn’t happen, Culpeper will move forward and continue to be a great place to live and do business. It might not be as cost effective, but we will succeed.
The county is on the right track. We are planning for the future.

CSE: Do you think a good working relationship exists among Culpeper’s elected officials — the School Board, Supervisors and Town Council? How might things be improved?

Aylor: “I know that the county officials do have a good working relationship with each other. We might not always agree, but we do work together and I know that the end result is what is best for our community.

The Board of Supervisors has an excellent working relationship with the School Board, especially with the new superintendent. Our joint meetings are productive. The School Board is sensitive to the cost of doing business and understands budget restraints during this economic downturn, while the Board of Supervisors understand the needs of the school system and is working with the School Board on a master plan for the near future.

The town and county are working together on several projects; water and sewer, consolidation of services, and transportation.

The way to improve relations is to keep working together, joint meetings, and for the citizens to communicate with their elected officials and attend the meetings. After all, we the elected officials, work for the citizens.”

CSE: How would you attempt to balance the county budget at a time when there just doesn’t seem to be enough money to meet the county’s obligations? Is there anything you would push the county to increase or decrease funding after you begin your term if elected?

Aylor: “First of all, we do balance the budget. Several things need to happen during this downturn. One is that we can still cut expenses by reducing staff.

That is to say by early retirement, not replacing some vacancies, and moving some staff into other areas along with multitasking and second, by consolidating services with the School Board and town.

I think we can make these changes without reducing the level of service. I believe that a joint authority needs to be formed right away or the county needs to invest in expanding its authority. There are businesses looking at Culpeper right now. Water and sewer need to be available in order to attract these businesses so we can build the tax base.

The county can expand its services in stages, service the debt, and meet the needs of new business.

This, in the long term, will be the best investment Culpeper can make. It’s the future. I have supported this idea during my four years on the board and I will continue to do so. I assure the voters that I’m not a gambler, especially with taxpayers’ money.”

CSE: What issue has the county not paid enough attention to and how would you bring it to the forefront?

Aylor: “I know the county has paid attention to all issues at hand. The transportation impact fee has been quite challenging.

Culpeper has wanted this authority for more than 20 years. We didn’t qualify until last year. It’s based on growth.

There is a lot of misunderstanding about the fee. It’s a great tool for Culpeper. There is not enough money in the state to even maintain the roads we have now. Richmond is going to put the burden of transportation on the local government. By passing the transportation impact fee ordinance, Culpeper can charge a fee for transportation impacts. This fee is only for transportation. The payer benefits from the improvements, the fee is offset by proffers, and the payment can be negotiated. Schools, churches, family divisions, are just a few that are exempted.

Money not used can be spent on secondary roads. This is a great opportunity and needs to pass.

I, along with staff and committee, have bought this opportunity to several groups, including the Chamber Of Commerce. People seem to feel better about it after they understand how it works. The reality is that if it doesn’t pass, raising taxes seems to be the answer. No one wants that.”

CSE: Which transportation project should be competed first: the outer loop, the inner loop, the US. 29-666 interchange or something else?

Aylor: “The outer loop. We have matching money and can get this project under way right away. Otherwise, we run the risk of the state pulling the project because of budget cuts.

The county has contributed matching funds toward the U.S. 29/Route 666 interchange, but that project is years away.”