Jim Gehlsen, candidate for Brentsville Supervisor
Platform:
Data Centers: The hot topic for this election cycle is data centers. Farmers always extend courtesy to their neighbors and don't put their hogs in a pen next to their neighbor's house. We shouldn't put data centers there as well. As I research the data centers, I'm amazed how little revenue they will bring to the County, while they were sold to the citizens as cash cows. The reason Prince William will get little revenue is that the County rapidly depreciates the computer value for tax basis. The equipment is taxed at 50% of cost the first year of operation, 35% the second year, 20% the third year, 10% the fourth year and 5% the fifth year and beyond. So 5 years out, the County will only get 10% of the tax we got the first year. To clarify, see the chart below which outlines the tax for each of five years based on one million dollars of computer equipment. I have a solution to this issue, which I will explain later.
Year Tax Base Tax rate Tax per million $ computer equipment
1 $500,000 2.15 $10,750
2 350,000 2.15 7,525
3 200,000 2.15 4,300
4 100,000 2.15 2,150
5 50,000 2.15 1,075
Source: https://www.pwcva.gov/department/tax-administration/business-tangible-property-tax
Water: Prince William does not have a long-term plan for water consumption. This will be a work in progress but nothing will happen until we get started on it. It is past time to start! The water in the Occoquan that supplies drinking water to southern Fairfax and eastern PW is very polluted. Supervisors have been ignoring this for over 50 years and it is way past time for action!
Comprehensive Plan: I would like to see the Rural Crescent reinstated. With the Rural Crescent cast aside, the current Board is looking to place a lot of high-density housing in the Nokesville area. The infrastructure is not in place in the Nokesville area. It would cost hundreds of millions of dollars over a decade to put it all in place. A sewage plant alone could cost over $100,000,000. I will consistently vote no to Fairfaxing western Prince William!
I would like to see the meals tax rolled back. Hospitality venues are struggling and don't need the County to pad the bill.
About Jim:
A resident of Brentsville District for 43 years.
All 5 of my wonderful children graduated from Brentsville H.S.
I've been an enrtepreneur all my life operating a Masonry Contracting business for over 30 years, operating Evergreen Acres Farm in Nokesville for 40 years and designed and built Cedar Run Brewery, the only true 'Farm Brewery' in PW.
First certified organic grower in PW County from 2010 through 2017.
Operating the only Christmas Tree farm in PW County.
Positions held:
Ten years eight months as Director of Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District serving mostly as Chairman.
Area II Chairman for two terms for Virginia Association of Soil and Water Districts.
Past president of Prince William bee club.
Current Director of Prince William/Fairfax Farm Bureau serving as secretary/treasurer.
Coached pee wee wrestling for 10 years as head coach; served as treasurer of Northern VA wrestling Federation for 6 years.
Coached T-ball and softball for 7 years.
Contact:
Would you like to help with Jim's campaign? Please consider any of the options below and contact Jim at the email above.
I would like to host a meet and greet with my friends and neighbors.
I would like to invite Jim to speak to my group or HOA.
I would like a yard sign.
I would like to contribute to Jim's campaign and will click the link below:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/getting-jim-started
