Mommy Life: Patrick Henry College - above all, a good neighbor

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February 11, 2008 2:24 PM

Patrick Henry College - above all, a good neighbor

When I moved to Purcellville in 2002, I was dismayed by the prejudice I heard against Patrick Henry College - much of it perpetuated by the local press (which I've touched on here and there over the years at this blog).

On January 18 an opinion piece in our local papers slammed the college's request to be annexed to the town. Clearly, the writer was driven by fear and prejudice.

The following week, Graham Walker, current PHC president published the following response in the Purcellville Gazette (Leesburg Today would only publish 500 words). With Mr. Walker's permission, I am running the letter here, as it addresses many myths and misconceptions about the college:

Purcellville Gazette
To the Editor:

Allow me to respond to the Guest Opinion letter by Mary Moorcones in the Purcellville Gazette (Jan. 18, 2008), challenging Patrick Henry College (PHC) on three points: non-payment of property taxes to the Town, future depletion of Town water, and student involvement in local elections. Some clarification and background are in order.

First, concerning PHC students and elections, there will never, as Mrs. Moorcones suggests, be 3000 PHC students voting in town elections, as our own “long-range” master plan caps enrollment at 1,600. Moreover, a recent campus survey showed that, from a student body of 317, only 21 PHC students were registered to vote in Loudoun County. Town election data dating to 2000 (the year the College opened), likewise confirms that no Purcellville electoral race or referendum has been decided by such a small margin. The conclusion: PHC students are not tipping elections for pet candidates, though some enjoy politics and serve various campaigns.

Judging from feedback received from town citizens, I would say the College’s far greater impact lies in the numbers of students serving on fire and rescue squads, manning the local teen center and AWANA clubs, volunteering as coaches of local debate clubs, as tutors to the area’s non-English speaking communities, and as Sunday school teachers in area churches.

Second, on property taxes: an offer to pay town property taxes was indeed made by the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) before the College existed, as assurance that Purcellville wouldn’t incur costs of campus development. Virginia’s constitution, however, not only exempts non-profit educational institutions from paying property taxes, state law provides no legal or administrative means for local governments to even assess property taxes on such properties. Nonetheless, since 1997, PHC and HSLDA have paid nearly $2 million in proffers, fees and donations for local government, fire and rescue services, including a $2,500 annual donation to offset additional costs that the Town may incur in servicing the College. To date, the College has received no indication from local government that the amount is insufficient, though we stand ready to address any new findings to that effect.

Third, on future annexations and water use: the College can only proceed according to the Town’s own rules and procedures. We continue to work cooperatively with the Town Planning and Zoning Commission to resolve all impacts as they occur. Patrick Henry College is established at its present location and will grow over the years and decades to come. Our first choice is to proceed under the umbrella of Purcellville’s jurisdiction, with the Town’s full blessing and oversight. Should that fail, we are prepared to develop our property under county jurisdiction.

A water resource study is forthcoming; the College will need water just as it will need to be a part of a water solution. We have no intention of being a burden on the Town but, rather, have every intention of being part of a long-term solution. The College has always, and will continue to pay for every impact of its development on the Town or county.

I believe I speak for all my colleagues and students at Patrick Henry College in saying we sincerely appreciate the friendship, good will, and service extended to the College by the elected officials and citizens of Purcellville and Loudoun County. It is our earnest intention to be a good neighbor and friend who will, for years to come, contribute to the community’s long-term health and vitality. Working together, may we both grow and prosper.

Sincerely,
Graham Walker
President
Patrick Henry College

Bravo, Mr. Walker! It's really time for people to realize that Patrick Henry College - which in 2005 upset Oxford University in debate - is an asset to our county and the town of Purcellville.

Love,