PRESS RELEASE: Jefferson Area Tea Party–– The November 21 deadline for Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli to file a responsive pleading to the suit filed against the State (demanding more money) by the sellers of Biscuit Run (Forest Lodge, LLC) is rapidly approaching. The Jefferson Area Tea Party (JATP) continues to be concerned about both the political and legal aspects of the Biscuit Run transaction.
Since the January announcement of the Attorney General’s investigation into the "Biscuit Run Tax Credit Transaction", the JATP has been patiently waiting for results. While we are not an investigative body, we assume a watchdog role over all public officials when there is any wasteful, inappropriate, or suspicious use of taxpayer dollars. Our Legislative Watchdog Committee has diligently followed the progress, or lack thereof, of this investigation.
It is ironic that it is the sellers’ suit demanding a higher Tax Credit Value than the State of Virginia thinks is reasonable that brings this issue back into the public arena for scrutiny. Elected officials from both parties (including Dennis Rooker and Rodney Thomas), multiple multiple media outlets (including C-VILLE and THE HOOK), the JATP, and a broad cross section of Virginia voters have expressed serious objections. Those objections concern multiple aspects of this transaction, not the least of which is the loss of significant property tax dollars to Albemarle County. Most troublesome is the 2008 Land Preservation Tax Credit Program’s confidentiality clause which shields transaction details from complete and open scrutiny.
The JATP hopes that this latest sellers’ lawsuit will re-energize the collective indignation of all citizens of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the entire Commonwealth of Virginia. Regardless of political persuasion, everyone should be disturbed by this lack of transparency and accountability regarding the use of our tax dollars. The JATP and all concerned citizens will continue to watch and wait – then take appropriate action, if necessary, based on the outcome of the Biscuit Run land transaction.