Originally posted on AntiBVBL.net

I agree with Alanna that this is an excellent article. I have some minor quibbles but no complaints. I don't know why the article says "fewer" cameras in police cruisers. I believe what was at issue was the question of cameras or no cameras. "Fewer" was not an option as far as I know.

The article correctly reports that, according to Supervisor Principi, Chairman Stewart tried to trick him into voting against a policy change that was very similar to the policy change Principi himself had proposed two hours earlier. But the wording is confusing in my view. Gainesville Times reporter Dan Roem wrote:

"Viewers find out here that during a behind-the-scenes meeting between
Stewart and Principi, the Republican chairman asked the Democrat to go
back on his resolution."

Instead of "go back," he might have written "vote against."

The resolution that Stewart asked Principi to vote against was to set the tax rate at 97 cents, and take the police cameras out of the budget. This is the one that passed unanimously minutes later.

According to Principi, Stewart's words to him were to the effect of: The Board has reached a deal - we move immigration checks to post-arrest, but only if you vote against it.

Asked to reflect on the incident a few weeks later, Principi expressed amusement that Stewart would ask him to vote against "my own resolution."

But Principi also explains in the final moments of the film, shot just minutes after the unanimous vote, that there is a difference between his resolution and the one that passed.

Both motions amended the policy so that immigration checks are done post-arrest, both called for a 97 cent tax rate, and both removed the police cameras from the budget.

HOWEVER, the motion that failed 7 to 1 would have required immigration checks for all people (regardless of ethnicity) who end up in jail. The motion that passed 8 to 0 required immigration checks for all people (regardless of ethnicity) who are arrested.

Not everyone arrested is remanded to jail. Chief Deane told us that about half the people arrested are released on their own recognizance. So this was indeed a comprise of sorts.

Also, let me explain a bit more about the 4 to 4 vote. This was the most dramatic moment according to everyone we interviewed, on and off camera. In a highly unusual maneuver, Chairman Stewart passed the gavel to Supervisor Stirrup so that he could make a motion without breaking protocol (normally the Chairman is not supposed to make motions).

It is my impression that none of the other Supervisors wanted to make this motion because it involved a raise in taxes. Instead of the 97 cents (per 100 dollars of assessed property value) they had agreed upon on April 22nd, Stewart proposed 98.7 cents. He seemed pained to be the advocating a raise in taxes, but said he felt the Immigration Resolution was very important, otherwise he would never do such a thing. My guess is that he hoped that by taking this unusual step, he would lure his colleagues to join him in raising taxes knowing that Stewart would take most of the heat for it.

There were laughs in the chamber as Stewart snatched the gavel back from Stirrup immediately after the motion was made. Stirrup seconded the motion as the gavel slipped off its holder making a resounding clatter in the microphone under Stewart's chin.

Principi asked for help from County Attorney Ross Horton, wondering if this "little escapade" was within the rules. Horton said that it was unusual but not prohibited for the Chairman to make a motion.

Seconds later, Caddigan and Covington joined Stewart and Stirrup in voting for the tax hike that would have "put the cameras back" as Stewart phrased it, and allowed him to keep the policy in tact (with immigration checks out in the field triggered by "probable cause" that someone might be undocumented).

The motion failed as a tie, 4 to 4, with Supervisor Nohe, Supervisor Jenkins, and Supervisor May joining Principi in voting against it.

After Principi's motion also failed, the Board tried to carry on with business, but really could not make any headway without knowing what the tax rate would be. Next came a recess that was announced as "15 minutes" but lasted nearly 2 hours. During that time, among many other negotiations, Stewart asked Principi to vote against the policy change.

My understanding is that both Caddigan and Covington voted with the Chairman to raise taxes because they wanted more money for the schools. Caddigan said so just prior to the vote. (According to a 1998 law, the schools are provided 56.75% of the county's general revenue - in other words, the higher the tax rate, the more money for the schools.) Covington said he still thinks we need police cameras for various reasons above and beyond the immigration controversy.

I really appreciate the detail in your comment.  The whole mess got so distasteful that I had to turn away.  I even cancelled my subscription to the Potomac News because I could not stand to read another ignorant and hateful letter to the editor.  I felt ashamed to admit that I live in Prince William.  I will do my best to get home early enough for the screening on Thursday.  I thanked Mr. Principi profusely when I got a chance to meet him.  He really impressed me.  I am also deeply grateful for the wonderful work that you and Annabel have done.  Best of luck with Sundance.