April 14, 2008
As fellow city council members slashed Richmond’s real-estate tax rate by three cents last night, councilman E. Martin “Marty” Jewell – saying he was “perplexed at all the math involved” on such matters – took every opportunity possible to make sure constituents felt refreshed with ice-cold water.
“How are you on water? Good? You thirsty? We got some water there on the podium if you want it,” Jewell told a woman as she stood up to speak in favor of a tax rate decrease before the nine-member council.
While the woman graciously declined the councilman’s unceasing offers for water, she began to explain how her property assessment jumped nearly 8 percent last year, and demanded residents get some relief in hard economic times. “And speaking of relief,” Jewell quickly interjected, holding up a Styrofoam cup full of water, “you really can’t ever get enough of the good stuff. That what I always say.”
“Mmm mmm,” Jewell added, audibly exhaling after taking a large sip. When the woman asked how the city planned cut taxes but continue to support a fiscal 2008-09 budget of $658 million, Jewell responded, “I hear doctors recommend anywhere from a good seven to 10 glasses a day. Which I do, really. Keeps me healthy.”
Jewell, who cast the dissenting vote against the tax cut to “a completely non-understandable” $1.20 per $100 of assessed value “or something like that,” noted that he prefers drinking water at room temperature but wouldn’t complain about the ice-cold water in the council chambers, as the taste was so good.
Comments
2 Comments so far










Marty is such a gentleman. He always says nice things before interrupting you. His “old south ways” will be sorely be missed should he be defeated by an undeclared 1st District blogger who would blow him away in a head to head run off.
PH
(of the 2nd district)
the 5th district deserves a real councilperson, not a well meaning “Yes”-man from another planet that is in entirely over his head (sorry Mr. J), @ PH, it is not nice to tease the foundering 5th with your superior 2nd district representation, have a heart man, have a heart!