By Sean Murphy

Let me tell you about the stench wafting from Fairfax County’s latest adventure in political backscratching. The $71,699,000 rehabilitation of the Accotink Wastewater Pump Station is about to cost you, dear taxpayer, millions more than necessary. And why? Because Board Chairman Jeff McKay couldn’t resist slapping on a government-mandated Project Labor Agreement (PLA)—the first of its kind in Virginia. Ah, progress.

Here’s the deal: Back in September, Fairfax County proudly announced their construction contract for the Accotink Pump Station was signed, sealed, and delivered to Northeast Remsco—a firm from New Jersey, of all places. And wrapped up in a nice bow was this shiny new PLA, blessed by the Baltimore/DC Metro Building Trades Union and their organized labor pals.

Patrick Dean, from Virginians for Fair Contracting & Employee Protection, put it perfectly in his December 6th Fairfax County Times op-ed: “Something smells in Fairfax County, and it’s not just the stench of wastewater.” You’ve got to appreciate the man’s nose for truth.

The Downside of Project Labor Agreements

Let’s talk about what these PLAs really mean for your wallet:

They’re like inviting only your rich cousins to bid on the family inheritance. Fewer bidders, higher prices—and suddenly taxpayers are shelling out 12-20% more. But hey, who’s counting?

Remember those promises about efficiency? Funny thing: The RAND Center found these PLA projects drag on 27% longer than regular ones. But time is just money, right?

And here’s the kicker—these agreements effectively tell 95.7% of Virginia’s non-union workforce to take a hike. Local contractors? Sorry, folks. This party’s invitation-only.

Other Places Learned This Lesson the Hard Way

The greatest hits of PLA disasters read like a greatest hits album nobody wanted:

Prince George’s County, Maryland had to slash school programs because—surprise!—their PLA-mandated construction ate the budget.

Los Angeles watched $140 million vanish from an affordable housing project. That’s 800 units that won’t get built. But at least the paperwork looks nice.

Even DC’s Mayor Bowser—no enemy of big spending—had to admit their PLA mandate was draining resources faster than a broken pipe.

And when California’s Governor Newsom—yes, that Governor Newsom—vetoes a PLA mandate, you know something’s rotten in Denmark. Or in this case, Fairfax.

Follow the Money (It’s Always About the Money)

McKay calls this PLA a “historic milestone.” And maybe he’s right—it’s historically expensive. But let’s peek behind the curtain: According to VPAP.org, our Chairman has collected $129,727 from organized labor. Quite the milestone indeed.

Pat Herrity Sees Through the Smoke

At least Supervisor Pat Herrity isn’t buying what they’re selling. He’s warning anyone who’ll listen: costs will skyrocket, your sewer bills will climb, and Virginia contractors will be watching from the sidelines. But hey, at least the unions are happy.

The 21% Question

Here’s a math problem for you: If the RAND study shows PLAs jack up costs by 21%, what happens when McKay starts slapping these agreements on every project in sight? Schools, housing, roads—all getting that special PLA premium. But don’t worry, it’s only your money.

Fairfax Deserves Better

This isn’t about improving infrastructure—it’s pure political theater, with taxpayers buying the tickets. Higher costs, fewer jobs for Virginians, and competition that’s about as real as professional wrestling.

The real question isn’t whether the Accotink station needs fixing. It’s whether Jeff McKay will keep playing favorite with your checkbook to keep his political friends happy. Fairfax County deserves better than this expensive game of “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.”

But hey, what do I know? I’m just counting the millions floating down the drain.

Sean Murphy is a member of the Fairfax County GOP and lives with his family in Burke.