Dem LG Race Notebook

NO CAR TAX, REVISITED: Russell County is pushing back the deadline for its residents to pay their personal-property taxes 30 days. Board of Supervisors member Jon Bowerbank, a candidate for the 2009 Democratic Party lieutenant-governor nomination, backed the measure and is calling on other Virginia localities to follow suit.

“In these difficult economic times, every little bit helps, and struggling families shouldn’t be forced to choose between paying their tax bill and meeting their expenses this holiday season,” Bowerbank said. “If the Commonwealth of Virginia can revise their revenue estimates every three months, working families deserve 30 extra days to pay their taxes. I hope other counties will consider taking similar steps for taxpayers in their counties.”

The deadline for Russell County residents to pay their personal-property taxes had been Dec. 11. That deadline has now been extended to Jan. 12.

“These are tough times for our economy, and while government can’t fix everything, those of us elected to serve must look at all avenues possible to give our citizens the best quality of life we can,” said Bowerbank. “These are the types of measures I think we need to help champion at the state level as well and it is in no small part why I am running for Lieutenant Governor. In tough times we need tough leaders who are decisive and committed to delivering for the people of Virginia. That’s what I will strive to do as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor,” concluded Bowerbank.

WAGNER GETS BACKING: ‘09 Democratic Party lieutenant-governor nomination candidate Jody Wagner is picking up more support in vote-rich Northern Virginia. Her campaign touted the endorsements of a number of elected officials in NoVa yesterday, including former Democratic Party of Virginia chairman Kerry Donley, who is also a former mayor of Alexandria, Arlington County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Barbara Favola and four members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

“I’m honored by the support of these outstanding public officials from across Northern Virginia,” Wagner said. “Having a strong relationship between state and local officials is critical to moving Virginia forward, and as lieutenant governor will be one of my top priorities.”

- Column by Chris Graham