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further during the past few lean years. We cannot afford to allow those of our residents who depend on mental health services to suffer with inadequate facilities any longer.
The parks and recreation bond will improve the state’s parks. One of the byproducts should be increased tourism, always a boon but particularly in tough times. Rappahannock County has explicitly stated that it wishes to encourage tourism, so improvements to the state’s park system, as well as the acquisition of additional parkland, should help the county.
'Yes' to rainy-day fund
The ballot also contains an amendment to the state constitution that would create a Revenue Stabilization Fund, where surplus state money would be deposited during fiscally flush years, and could then provide a cushion for the state’s coffers when the financial times are tough.
We realize that the idea of a government running a surplus is novel — and prudently investing it in the future even more unusual — but we think it’s an idea the voters ought to encourage.
Elect the School Board
County voters will decide whether to permit direct election of School Boards. Since taxing authority will still be limited to the Board of Supervisors, the remedy is not the best. However, direct elections may improve communications between board members and the voters.
Until School Boards are granted the power to levy taxes for their expenditures, however, their authority will remain beholden to the county board, to which they must apply for operating funds.
95.3%