Dear Friends and Neighbors,

When I campaigned to represent the Falmouth District on the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, my vision was to cut government spending, work in partnership with the School Board, and boost the local economy.

I am pleased that during my first eight months on the Board of Supervisors we have been able to accomplish many of the goals I laid out during the campaign and deliver on promises made. During my first month on the Board, we cut our pay by 25%. To boost Stafford County’s economy we adopted a 10 point economic development plan and we repealed a regressive business tax called “BPOL.” The Board also made certain the County rejoined the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. With these successes we are stating Stafford is “Open for Business” and we are committed to strengthening our local economy.

We have also taken action to find and eliminate waste and inefficiency in the County budget. I was selected to serve as a member of the Finance, Audit and Budget Committee and there I conducted a line item budget review. I eventually voted against the proposed budget because I felt more could be cut and I also disagreed with the increased tax rate on real estate. On a positive note, however, for the first time since 1965 our budget was less than the previous year’s budget for the second year in a row.

Working with the School Board has been one of my main priorities and I am so pleased that Falmouth School Board Member Meg Bohmke and I enjoy an excellent relationship. For the first time, the Board categorically funded the School Board’s instructional line, thus ensuring teachers are fairly compensated and class sizes remain small.

Finally, I understand the significant importance of land use policy. As we are now working through revisions of the Comprehensive Plan, this Board is ensuring that new development will pay for itself. We are investing money in new sports fields and preserving the rich history of Stafford County by creating trails that connect historic Belmont to Ferry Farm, the boyhood home of George Washington.

But the greatest joy I have found as Supervisor is working with residents of the Falmouth District. Though I am accessible to residents and I communicate via e-mail, I would like to provide an even stronger constituent services program. Supervisors do not have funding in the County budget for this. I am hosting a special event at Belmont. Please visit www.susanstimpson.com for more information. If you would like to attend, the proceeds from the event will go towards helping me reach out to the residents of the Falmouth District so I can communicate what is happening within the County and provide a strong constituent services program.

It is a pleasure to serve you on the Board of Supervisors. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Together we continue to make Stafford a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Sincerely,
Susan Stimpson