1. How does Virginia’s transportation funding formula benefit Loudoun County and what, if anything, should be done to improve the current process?
Unfortunately, some members of the legislature have been playing games with our transportation formula, and I am committed to ensuring we get our fair share. But the fact is, many of our tax dollars don’t come back to Loudoun. As it stands, we are able to access dedicated NVTA funds, but those are based on regional gas taxes. As electric vehicles become more common in Loudoun, we will need to develop a new tax apparatus to focus on usage, rather than point-of-sale at gas stations. Overall, the process needs to be based on where the highest numbers of people live and can benefit from improved transportation. I’ve proposed studies to consider this, and will continue to look for ways to ensure revenue streams flow back towards Loudoun.
2. How would you more effectively align the Commonwealth’s and the County’s sources of revenue with their respective service responsibilities?
The Commonwealth needs to provide additional transportation and education funding, and assist in seeking federal funds where Commonwealth funds cannot supply funding. The fact is, our schools & communities have grown enormously in the past decade and the Commonwealth has not responded adequately.
3. With Virginia facing a teacher shortage crisis, what current or future measures will you support that will have an impact on this challenge?
Hiring & training good teachers needs to be a priority, and the legislature can be a good partner in supporting this effort. We have made strides in ensuring consistent raises, but must do more to support retention, such as technology retraining programs for older teachers, and housing and transportation incentives for younger ones to live in the communities they work in.
4. How can the Commonwealth become a more effective partner in addressing Loudoun’s housing affordability challenge?
Housing affordability is one of the biggest problems we face in Loudoun, brought on by rapid growth and high incomes. It now requires an hourly wage of $32.50 to rent a two bedroom, the smallest amount of space a family can realistically live in. The Commonwealth has a role to play here, and not just by removing restrictive zoning laws. I would propose incentives for developers to include more affordable housing, and incentives to increase overall density around the coming Silver line stations. Developers will need to be properly incentivized to purchase existing single family homes and develop multi-family dwellings.
5. Do you support Virginia’s Right To Work laws? Why or why not? If not, what superior solution would you propose?
Businesses need to be able to have flexibility in employment decisions, and right to work laws provide that flexibility. There are federal laws in place to protect against discriminatory firings, and those must be enforced as well in cases where they are concerned.
6. Please describe what best qualifies you to hold the office you’re seeking.
My decades of experience as a business leader and service in the military have prepared me to consider and address problems the Commonwealth faces with an eye towards both businesses and Loudoun families.
David Reid* (D) is an unopposed candidate.
Source: BizVotes Candidates Questionnaire
