On Nov. 7, Fairfax County voters have a wealth of choices before them. They’ll decide whether Republican George Allen or Democrat Jim Webb should fill a hotly contested spot in the U.S. Senate. They’ll decide whether preventing two men from marrying should be part of the state’s constitution.
And there is another question that Fairfax County is asking: Can I borrow some money?
Since September, the county’s office of public affairs has mounted an information campaign on the two bond referendums, totaling up to $150 million, that would pay for an array of construction and renovation projects for public safety and park facilities.
The office has a war chest of nearly $100,000 — more than some local congressional candidates — which doesn’t include the cost of pulling together a brief informational video. Most of that money has gone toward fliers distributed to every one of the county’s households, said Brian Worthy, a Fairfax County spokesman.
“We’re not allowed to advocate for passage or defeat of the bonds. It’s strictly educational,” Worthy said.
About half of the funds raised from the bonds would go to police facilities, while $29 million will go to fire and rescue, and almost $25 million will go to public safety, civil and criminal justice buildings. Another $25 million would go to the Park Authority to buy land and build new facilities.
The referendum would add to $1.96 billion worth of bond debt the county now owes. Fairfax County boasts a AAA bond rating, and officials hope to garner a low interest rate if the referendums are passed.
