August 19, 2005
The race for governor is closing up and closing in. In fact, recent polls show the Democratic candidate Tim Kaine with only a one point lead over Republican candidate Jerry Kilgore. Independent Russ Potts holds nine percent of the votes of the 625 polled. Many of his voters identified themselves as Republican.
Kilgore says this does not worry him, since other polls he has seen show Potts' supporters to identify themselves as democrats. Furthermore, Kilgore says all other polls show himself in the lead. But still he must run like he is ten points down every day.
In response to a question regarding high property taxes, Kilgore said as governor he would impose a five percent property tax increase in localities. He said that if a locality wishes to raise taxes beyond that, a referendum needs to be held. He promises to localities no new unfunded mandates.
On the issue of education, Kilgore's focus is better teachers. His "3 R's" plan recruits better teachers with a performance pay plan. For instance, a bonus is given to those who teach in under performing areas.
This week, the Charlottesville school district as a whole did not meet the state's Annual Yearly Progress report standards.
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