Karl R. Phillips

Office sought: Mayor Purcellville
Age: 49
Residence: Catoctin Meadows.
Web site:
http://phillipsformayor.org
E-mail:
campaign@phillipsformayor.org

Occupaton: Owner, Dynamic Geographics.

Education: BA, individualized study, American geographic history, George Mason University.

Elected offices/civic activities: Member, Purcellville Town Council, 2002-06; citizen member, Western Schools Task Force, Naming Committee for HS-3 (Woodgrove High School).

Questions & Answers

Q: Do you believe additional steps are needed to control the pace of development in your community?

A: Growth is at a standstill due to the slowdown in the economy. I will not annex any new areas for development unless or until we can secure adequate water resources to serve them.

Q: In March, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled the transportation package passed by lawmakers last year unconstitutional, endangering major projects across the region. What steps, if any, should the county, region and state take to address funding issues for transportation projects?

A: All elected officials need to put partisanship aside and develop long term funding solutions. We need to return to the formulas that made possible the Interstate Highway System. Stop robbing highway funds for other programs.

Q: What is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?

A: The growth of our town budget, now at $52 million. This will drive up our public debt into the tens of millions for a town of only 6,700 people. The current Town Council is wasting millions on lawsuits to fight a badly needed high school. They continue to hire unnecessary staff. Payroll and benefits are now up to $5 million. They plan to spend $9.5 million for intersection improvements that can be remedied by installing a turn arrow, for example. Our cash reserves have been drawn down by $5 million in the past year and a half.

Q: How would you rate your town’s relationship with Loudoun County officials and what, if anything, would you do to improve that relationship?

A: F. It is the worst I've ever seen. I will stop the litigation to clear the way for the construction of Woodgrove HS. I already have a good working relationship with the board members.

Q: Why should voters elect you?

A: I'll get spending under control and will work with the county to build Woodgrove High School. I'll also move forward with the Centennial Reservoir project.

Your Thoughts...

What action towards school development would best fit your community's needs?