Southside legislators said this week that a so-called 'sin tax' increase on alcohol and cigarettes would be unacceptable to residents of the state's tobacco region.
"It's one of those things that people look at to pay for everything in the world," Sen. Charles Hawkins, R-Chatham, said Monday.
"I think what bothers me the most is we have been told by the people proposing the increase that this would deter people from buying the product, yet they want to rely on the product to balance the budget," Hawkins added. "It just doesn't make any sense."
Del. Clark Hogan, R-South Boston, said yesterday that people need to take the budget crunch in context.
"For all the talk about the budget and the budget situation, the biannual budget increased about $2 billion last year," Hogan noted.
"So when we talk about cuts we need to put it in context," he suggested.
But the South Boston delegate said he wanted the public to know about any possible cigarette tax increase.
"I think it's important that the public be informed of what the governor is considering," he said.
Gov. Mark Warner announced last week that he would be open to the idea of the General Assembly raising taxes on cigarettes and alcohol to help ease the state budget crunch.
The question was proposed to the governor during his monthly radio call-in show, "Ask The Governor," in Richmond.
Warner had promptly rejected the idea of raising the state's tobacco tax in the past, a measure he qualified with a message last week. "That was then, this is now," the governor said.
"We're facing a level of cuts that are basically unprecedented," he added.
"I don't think you can take it off the table," the governor said.
Warner claimed that the level of fiscal crisis the state is facing is unprecedented, and that Virginia needs to join other states in looking at the so-called 'sin tax' to ease the budget crunch.
Hogan said he understands the governor has had to make some tough decisions.
"Certainly there have been some tough budget cuts that weren't anticipated," the South Boston delegate conceded.
"But I would have preferred he rule out (the cigarette tax)," he added.
Ellen Qualls, press secretary for the governor, said yesterday that Warner recognizes the importance of the tobacco industry to the state's economy.
"The governor realizes the relationship between Virginia and the tobacco industry," Qualls asserted.
She was also quick to point out that it would be up to the General Assembly to propose any tax increase.
"If any proposals emerged from the legislature to increase the tax, the governor would approach them mindful of the industry," the press secretary said.
She added that the budget crunch was serious enough to merit looking at every avenue that could ease the strain.
But the governor would not be taking the lead in pushing for a 'sin tax' increase, according to the press secretary.
"He just says it's irresponsible to start ruling things out with the problems that have beset Virginia in the last year," Qualls noted. "We don't see an end to them."
Hogan said he would have preferred the governor wait until the new budget numbers are available before making a policy statement.
"I have been told that the governor is likely to make some suggestions or lay out policy on how to close a projected $600-800 million shortfall on August 19," he said.
"I would prefer to wait until those announcements are made to respond to the governor's policy position," he added.
The press secretary also said any proposed legislation raising the cigarette tax would have the input from tobacco-region legislators.
"The governor thinks it's important that legislators from the tobacco-dependant communities would be able to help shape any discussion," Qualls said.
Any Increase Is Bad Increase
But many legislators in Southside think any increase would have an adverse effect on the region's economy.
Hogan considers a cigarette tax an attack on the tobacco region.
"I would view the tobacco tax as basically an assault on the tobacco industry," he said. "One of the vital economic foundations in an area of the state that's already taken a beating."
Hawkins, long the advocate for Virginia's tobacco-growing region, said the suggestion that taxes on cigarettes be raised could have an unexpected negative effect on Virginia's economy.
"If you look at the Master Settlement Agreement, that 48 states are benefiting from, it's based on the domestic sale of cigarettes," the senator said.
"I'm not sure this isn't a no-win situation."
"I guess from my standpoint, I have a fundamental concern about raising taxes when we are in the throes of trying to make an economic recovery in Southside Virginia," said Del. Robert Hurt, R-Pittsylvania County.
"I think in bad economic times, the last thing we should be doing is raising taxes," Hurt added.
Increasing taxes is taking the easy way out, he suggested.
"The responsible way is to tighten your belt, that's what the rest of us have to do," the freshman delegate said.
Hurt said that he hoped the rest of Republicans in the House would feel the same.
"I would like to think that most of the Republicans would share my view that an added tax at this time wouldn't be prudent," Hurt said.
Hogan agrees.
"The Southside delegation will do all we can to make sure this is one tax increase that won't be considered," he said.
"I just think the so-called 'sin tax' would have an unfair impact, particularly for those of us in Southside," he added.
Del. Danny Marshall, R-Danville, said legislators should let the tax commission determine the best method of balancing the budget.
"We need to let the commission do its job and see what they have to say," he said.
"I'm opposed to any sin tax increase, and will work hard to ensure that other members of the house from across the state understand it's not a good idea," the delegate added.
Senator Frank Ruff, R-Clarksville, said the idea of any tax increase is questionable at this point.
"It just makes no sense to me to raise taxes just to maintain the state budget," Ruff suggested.
The Clarksville senator said the state should tighten its belt rather than try to raise taxes.
"The state budget isn't alone in needing money, so do families," he noted.
"Why should you shift additional burdens to families right now?"
Ruff admitted that any additional budget cuts would cut into major programs.
"A lot of what happened in the past session, we were able to find savings that didn't really hurt the state government," he said.
But those cuts have already been made, so any additional cuts would be felt, Ruff said.
"If the debate is whether to put a tax on smokers or not, that is the wrong debate," the senator maintained. "The debate is can families afford any more taxes at all?"
Virginia Has Low Cigarette Tax
Virginia, one of the primary tobacco-growing states in the U.S., currently has a 2.5 cent tax on a pack of cigarettes, although some localities add their own surcharge.
The Maryland General Assembly recently voted to increase the tax by 31 cents to an even $1 per pack. Maryland's increase is expected to generate $101 million in the coming fiscal year.
North Carolina and West Virginia joined the 14 other states this year that increased cigarette taxes.
The state's $237 million shortfall last year was the worst recorded since the state began keeping statistics on revenue collections, and has prompted Warner to press for deeper cuts in operating budgets across the state.

Despite a $50,000 budget shortfall, Halifax County War Memorial Commission members gave the go-ahead early this week to begin construction of the memorial.
"We want the commission's approval to go forward, realizing we need to generate another $50,000," Larry Clark, acting commission chairman told members prior to the Monday vote.
Clark said that the commission needs approximately $175,000 and has about $125,000.
The commission's unanimous vote authorized, if necessary, borrowing the $50,000 to complete the project.
A fund-raising committee was named by Clark to seek funds.
"The project must be paid for by November," Clark told members. "I do not think it an impossible task. We feel it is attainable and not a stumbling block to the project.
"I believe the interest and support is here," added Clark. "I think we need to go out and get it."
The commission also confirmed a Sunday, November 10, dedication day at War Memorial Park in Halifax.
John O. Marsh Jr., former Secretary of the Army and a former Virginia Representative in Congress, will be guest speaker at the dedication.
At his August 1989 retirement, Marsh had the distinction of having served as Secretary of Army the longest time in America's history.
During the commission meeting, Jerry Lovelace, assistant county administrator, told members the county is working with Dewberry & Davis on bid documents for site work at War Memorial Park, which is located adjacent to the courthouse at the corner of Main Street and Mountain Road.
A Dewberry & Davis employee was told the park site was "a fast track project," Lovelace told the commission.
He said that Dewberry & Davis will provide a utility plan, erosion control, a geometric layout, a lighting and a landscaping plan as part of the proposed contract.
However, Lovelace told commission members that some park work, including landscaping, would be completed in phases. He noted appropriate planting seasons for trees and plants, as one example.
General Carroll Thackston (Ret.) suggested a War Memorial Commission committee meet with a small committee from the Halifax Woman's Club to discuss size, wording and design of donor plaques.
Thackston estimated 80-90 donors of $500 or more already registered through contributions directly to the commission or to the Halifax Woman's Club during its fund-raising drive to purchase the Halifax lot for War Memorial Park.
Joe Barkley, VDOT resident highway engineer, told commission members that several bids were received to improve the turning radius at the Mountain Road/Main Street park site in Halifax.
Barkley said that although the Transportation Board would make the final decision, a Farmville contractor came in with the low bid for that and a companion project.
The resident engineer estimated a late September or early October starting date. He estimated the project would take several weeks to complete.
Barkley confirmed that sidewalks were part of the project, as was handicap access.
War Memorial
The granite centerpiece of the war memorial will carry the names of Halifax County residents killed during war in service to their country.
To date, 725 names have been identified in 10 separate conflicts, beginning with the Revolutionary War with 17 names and ending with the Persian Gulf War, one name. The largest roll is 485 during the War Between the States.
Construction proposals include $45,722.88 to fabricate all parts of the monument in polished black granite, with names, and erecting the monument on concrete core.
Carolina Cast Stone Company has proposed to furnish and install the memorial shelter for $113,217.00. Carolina Cast Stone is located in Greensboro, N.C.

Members of South BostonTown Council agreed to conduct a traffic engineering study regarding the 25 mph speed limit on North Main Street.
This determination followed a presentation during their Monday worksession by Town Manager Ted Daniel regarding the controversial portion of highway.
Council appeared split on the issue, with Vice-Mayor Carroll Thackston presenting concerns from residents along North Main Street, and Ed Owens and Coleman Speece speaking out in favor of increasing the limit.
"Many of the residents along the street feel if the speed limit is raised to 35 mph, the normal speed of traffic will be 45 mph," Thackston told council.
But Speece had a different view.
"The overall majority of the citizens of South Boston overwhelmingly want the speed limit to be increased," Speece countered.
Daniel said the town officials have met with VDOT representatives and they suggested that a speed study be conducted.
The speed limit has been challenged by J.J. "Joe" Bahen, a Richmond engineer who has gained noteriety across the state for successfully challenging speed limits.
The speed limit on North Main street between Wilborn Avenue and Dan River Church Road has generated controversy recently following a letter from Bahen to Daniel, claiming the speed limit was posted illegally.
"My goal down there is the same as everywhere in the state, to see the speed limit is legally posted," Bahen said earlier.
He said he was alerted to the problem by a local citizen.
"On June 1, 2002, a citizen of Halifax County alerted me to the improperly posted speed limit in South Boston," Bahen said.
"My investigation revealed that the 25 mph speed limit north of Hamilton Boulevard had been posted without authority in law, and without the slightest engineering justification whatsoever," he added.
Bahen said that in order to change the speed limit, a governing body must make an ordinance change based on an engineering and traffic investigation.
"They have not been able to provide me with one," Bahen said yesterday.
Daniel confirmed that the town has been unable to produce any engineering and traffic investigation concerning the speed limit on North Main Street.
"Up to this point, we have been unable to find any investigation," Daniel told council Monday.
"The speed limit on Route 129 was decreased on May 6, 1996, by a city council 'motion,' not an ordinance," Bahen maintained.
"The motion was based on a petition signed by 21 citizens, not the required engineering and traffic investigation," Bahen said.
"This is a road that is used by12,000 vehicles per day, and the speed limit was changed based on a petition signed by 21 people," Bahen said earlier this week.
"That's just ridiculous.
"Since there is neither an ordinance nor an engineering and traffic investigation on file, the 25 mph speed limit on State Route 129 is unlawfully posted," the engineer concluded.
During the meeting, Daniel defended the town's designation of the road from Hamilton Boulevard to Dan River Church Road as a residential district, which carries a maximum speed limit of 25 mph.
Daniel said that under town code, a residential district is defined as "the territory contiguous to a highway, not comprising a business district, where 75 percent or more of the property contiguous to such highway, on either side of the highway, for a distance of 300 feet or more along the highway is occupied by dwellings and land improved for dwelling purposes, or by dwellings and land improved for dwelling purposes, or by dwellings, land improved for dwelling purposes and land or buildings in use for business purposes."
"Mr. Bahen is challenging the claim by the town that this stretch of road doesn't comprise a residence district by this definition," Daniel said.
Daniel illustrated the claim that Route 129 is a residential district with a map of the lots along the road.
"We identified those lots that met our definition," Daniel said.
He told council that the total street frontage along the stretch of Route 129 is 4,673 feet.
"When you add up all these lot widths of these improved lots for residential usage, you come up with 3,490 feet of improved houses along either side, that's right at 75 percent," Daniel claims.
"If you made an argument that these are all improved lots, that meets the definition. I think the argument could be made that this is a residential district," he added.
Could Figures Be Challenged?
But he admitted to council that the figures could be challenged.
"But if you headed to court, based on some language in some Virginia Supreme Court cases, you might find somebody saying you can only count the width of the buildings, but that would be ludicrous," the town manager suggested.
He admitted that the speed limit may appear too slow based on the visual impression of drivers.
"If you drive down the street and you are judging a safe speed to drive, if you're seeing nothing but forest and no obstruction and no danger, you're going to drive at a faster speed," he conceded.
"If you're driving through a specific residential district where the lots are cleared around the houses and you see a number of houses, you're going to drive slower," Daniel said.
Daniel said he and Councilman Chris Elliott took a "snapshot" of the stretch of road for a 30 minute period Monday afternoon.
"We counted 318 vehicles, and their average speed was 28 mph," the town manager said.
He said that 50 percent were traveling at 27 mph, 60 percent at 28 mph, 75 percent at 31 mph and 85 percent at 32 mph.
"This is the kind of study that VDOT would conduct, only over a period of time and at different times of the day," Daniel said.
He said that South Boston issued 44 speeding tickets during calender year 2001.
"The average speed of the vehicles was 43 mph," the town manager said.
"The VDOT average vehicle count is 10,000 vehicles per day," he added.
Daniel suggested that 44 tickets out of 3,650,000 vehicles per year wasn't excessive.

Today's issue of The Gazette-Virginian is being sent as a sample copy to over 17,425 households and businesses throughout South Boston/Halifax and neighboring communities as the newspaper kicks off its annual fall subscription drive.
Enclosed within is a special subscription form providing details on how subscribers can save from $8 to $10for a limited time only on the community's most popular newspaper. The Gazette-Virginian reading audience is substantially larger than any other newspaper serving the South Boston/Halifax County area.
Gazette subscribers receive three issues weekly, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Due to the numerous postal increases, The Gazette-Virginian is announcing the first in-county price increase in over a decade, from $12 to $14. All other annual subscription rates are increased $2.
The Gazette even pays the postage. Just enclose the form along with your payment in the attached envelope and drop it in any mailbox.
Subscribers are urged to take advantage of these reduced rates regardless of their subscription expiration date.

The Halifax County South Dixie Youth Minor League all-star team had both bad fortune and good fortune Monday night in the state tournament at Madison Heights.
But things worked out in Halifax County South's favor as it won a bye from last night's action and advanced to tonight's state championship game.
Tonight will mark the second straight year that Halifax County South has made it into the state championship game.
Last year Appomattox toppled Halifax County South in the state championship game.
Halifax County South's Minor Leaguer all-star team has finished as the state runner-up twice.
First, Monday night, it was a case of bad news as Halifax County South fell to Blackstone 7-3 in a game that went nine innings.
The loss left three teams, Halifax County South, Buckingham and Blackstone, with one loss each, forcing a drawing for a bye from last night's game.
Halifax County South won the bye and was automatically propelled into tonight's state title game where they will face the winner of last night's game between Buckingham and Blackstone.
Monday night's loss to Blackstone came as something of a surprise in that Halifax County South had already nailed Blackstone once in the tournament.
Halifax County South had only five hits in the game, two each from Tyler Long and Michael Puryear and one hit, a two-RBI double, by Kelsey Campbell.
Blackstone led all the way, starting the game with a three-run first inning.
Halifax County South countered with two runs in the bottom of the inning on Campbell's two-RBI double.
The deadlock was reached in the bottom of the second inning when Halifax County South picked up its final run of the game.
Aaron Mitchell walked and Dion Betts reached base on a well-placed bunt that left both runners safe on the sacks.
With one out, Long hit a ball to the Blackstone second baseman on a play which resulted in Mitchell scoring the tying run.
The game remained tied for a long stretch as Halifax County South failed to capitalize on opportunities in the fifth and sixth innings that could have netted the win.
Blackstone broke the game open in the ninth inning, scoring three runs with two out by taking advantage of an error, a hit batter, two walks and a hit.
In Sunday night's action, Halifax County South downed Buckingham in a close encounter, 5-4.
Halifax County South needed some late heroics in that one, scoring two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, the last of which was delivered by a hit by Dillon Sons, to get the win.
Buckingham got the upper hand early, picking up three runs in the first inning with the help of two hits and an error, all of which came on balls hit in the gaps.
Halifax County South rallied for three runs in the third inning which started with a hit by Demetre Faulkner.
A hit by Josh Rogers plated Faulkner for the first run. Long reached base on a bunt that put runners on first base and second base.
Tyquan Graves then delivered a long double that scored Rogers and Long to tie the game.
Buckingham picked up a run in the fourth inning to go up 4-3 and the game then came down to Halifax County South's final turn at the plate in the sixth inning.
Dion Betts walked and stole second. Then, with two out, Faulkner hit a ball to the Buckingham third baseman who made a throw over his first baseman's head that allowed Betts to score and tie the game.
Faulkner, who went to second base on the overthrow, scored when Sons smacked a line drive over the Buckingham third baseman's head and gave Halifax County South the win.

Check out today's print edition for more information on little league results.

John Wayland Bass Sr.

Graveside services for John Wayland Bass Sr., 86, will be held Wednesday, July 31, at 11 a.m. at Clover Cemetery.
Mr. Bass died July 29. He was the son of the late Joseph Samuel Bass and Elsie Canada Bass. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Smiley Bass.
Survivors include one daughter, Barbara Bass Thompson; one son, John Bass Jr.; one sister, Alyce Bass Sydenstricker; five grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Clover Baptist Church or Clover Volunteer Fire Department.

Otis Brandon Sr.

Otis Brandon Sr., 65, of 6200 River Road, South Boston died July 28 at Berry Hill Nursing Home.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, August 2 at Greater Brandon Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. H.R. Surgeon officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Mr. Brandon was the son of the late Willie B. Brandon and John Woodly Brandon. He was a native of Halifax County and was a member of Greater Brandon Chapel Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Nora C. Brandon; one daughter, Willie Lenora Pumphrey of South Boston; four sons, Otis R. Brandon Jr., John H. Brandon, James A. Brandon, and Phillip D. Brandon, all of South Boston; three sisters, Ola Mae Brandon of Alton, Lavernie Malone of Danville and Portia B. Johnson of Philadelphia, PA; one brother, Napoleon Brandon of Alton; and 11 grandchildren.
There will be a viewing at Plenty Funeral Home in Semora, NC on Thursday evening from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. The family will receive friends at the home.

John Patrick Coyne

John Patrick Coyne, 89, of 2002 Green Valley Road, Clover, died July 29 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mr. Coyne was born in Long Island, NY on February 4, 1913, the son of John Coyne and Margaret Joyce Coyne and was married to Annie Mae Seamster Coyne. He was a member of St. Paschal's Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife of the home; two nephews, Joseph Monhan of Chicago, IL and Frankie Monhan of Little River, NJ; a special niece and nephew, Joyce and Richard Cheek of Clover,
A service for Mr. Coyne will be held today, July 31 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with Sis. Edna Maher conducting the service. Burial will take place in Clover Cemetery.

Lawrence R. 'Buck' Epps

Lawrence R. 'Buck' Epps, 72, of Rice, died July 26 at his home.
Mr. Epps was born April 20, 1930, the son of Charlie H. Epps and Lillian Hall Epps, and was married to Joyce Ann Rickmon Epps. He was a Korean War Veteran.
Survivors include two daughters, Wanda Gail Jenkins of Rice, and Karen McCormick of Danville; four sons, Randy, Michael, and Carlton Epps of Danville and Tony Epps of Rice; one brother, Cecil Epps of Halifax; four sisters, Morell Ridgeway of Alton, Geneva Cole of Halifax, Margaret Hemric and Evelyn Crews, both of South Boston; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A service for Mr. Epps was held July 28 at Trinity Memorial Gardens in Farmville.

Edward Lee Hamlette

Edward Lee Hamlette, 59, of 2083 Wilkins Road, Alton, died July 26 in Alton.
Mr. Hamlette was born in Halifax County on March 17, 1943, the son of the late Archie Hamlette and Pearl Poteat Hamlette. He was a member of Cross Roads Baptist Church.
Survivors include three sisters, Geraldine Hamlette, Josephine Hamlette and Retired Staff Sgt. Addie P. Hamlette, all of Alexandria; four brothers, Retired Sgt. First Class John Hamlette of Chambisbig, PA, Ray Hamlette of South Boston, William Hamlette of Alton, and Dana Hamlette of Danville; and his stepmother, Emma Jane Hamlette of South Boston.
Memorial services for Mr. Hamlette will be held August 3 at 11:30 a.m. at the Chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home.
The family is receiving friends of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hamlette, 1002 Watkins Avenue, South Boston.

Tate Andrew Jackson

Tate Andrew Jackson, age 7, of Chase City, died July 28. He was a rising second grade student at Chase City Elementary school.
Survivors include his parents, Tim and Patty Jackson; a brother, Timmy Jackson Jr., a sister, Lindsay Jackson; stepbrother, Eric Tollerson, his maternal grandmother, Helen Rogers of Boydton; his maternal grandfather, Jimmy Allen of Greensboro, NC; and his paternal grandmother, Frances Jackson of Chase City. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Charlie Jackson.
A memorial service was held July 30 at 2 p.m. at Black Branch Baptist Church with the Rev. David Blakely and Kelvin Jackson officiating.
Memorials may be sent Make-A-Wish Foundation, 9211 Forest Hill Ave., Suite 205, Richmond, 23235.

Gerald Thomas Moorefield

Gerald Thomas Moorefield, 43, of 3071 Acorn Road, Nathalie, died July 27 at his home.
Mr. Moorefield was born in Halifax County on May 6, 1959, the son of George Manley Moorefield Sr. and Alease Pickeral Moorefield and was married to Brenda Singleton Moorefield.
Survivors include his wife; one stepdaughter and step son-in-law, Laurie Crews and Harry Crews of Halifax; his mother of Red Oak; three sisters, Fernanda Queensberry and Peggy Morgan, both of Chase City, and Carolyn Moore of Portsmouth; three brothers George Moorefield Jr. of Halifax, Tim Moorefield and Robert Moorefield, both of Red Oak. He was preceded in death by his father and one sister, Deborah M. McKinney.
Services for Mr. Moorefield were held July 30 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Sam Russell conducting the service. Burial was in Woodland Cemetery in Chase City.

Jim H. Wilmouth

Jim H . Wilmouth, 71, of Chase City, died July 28. Born in Halifax County on September 14, 1930, he was the son of the late Isaac C. and Willie Moorefield Wilmouth.
Survivors include two daughters, Kathleen Wilmouth Butts and husband, Newell of Nathalie and Mary J. Medley and fiancee, Garland Carter of Chase City; one son, Jim H. Wilmouth Jr. of Randolph; three grandchildren, Joy M. Lewis, Carl Richard Medley II and Debbie Jo Carter; three brothers, Isaac Lee Wilmouth of Greensboro, NC, Johnny Buck Wilmouth of Ruffin, NC and Gene Wilmouth of Eden, NC; five sisters, Myrtle Wilmouth of Clover, Lettie Wilmouth of Lynchburg, Bessie Shumate and Irene Wilmouth, both of Eden, and Helen Walls of Richmond. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bettie Smith Wilmouth; three brothers, and six sisters.
Funeral services for Mr. Wilmouth will be held today, July 31 at 2 p.m. at Wood Funeral Service in Chase City. Burial will follow in Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Meherrin SPCA, 848 Free State Road, Meherrin, 23954.