1. How does Virginia’s transportation funding formula benefit Loudoun County and what, if anything, should be done to improve the current process?

The current funding formula provides targeted transportation funding for Loudoun County to reduce congestion, improve air quality, reduce accident fatalities, and expand economic opportunity. In real terms however, Loudoun’s share of funding is inadequate due to growth. To improve outcomes, two steps can be taken. First, Loudoun transportation authorities need a strong planning process that will help find ways to maximize priority project ratings in VDOT’s annual Smart Scale grant program. Second, we need to move the General Assembly to restore funding that was taken from NVTA during the 2018 session to fund Virginia’s share of WMATA metro rail project obligations. These two actions would help ensure that more targeted funding reaches Loudoun County’s transportation priorities and that more overall funding is available.

2. How would you more effectively align the Commonwealth’s and the County’s sources of revenue with their respective service responsibilities?

One of the most important things we can do for counties is to give them the ability to diversify their revenue sources much like cities can. This would relieve property owners of excessive tax burdens and give the County more flexibility in determining how best to inject revenue.

3. With Virginia facing a teacher shortage crisis, what current or future measures will you support that will have an impact on this challenge?

In order to recruit and retain teachers we must make investment in education and teacher pay a priority. Most recently the General Assembly gave teachers a 5% raise. But in reality, teacher pay is too low for the cost of living in our area. I have supported bills and funding for increased pay for teachers. Additionally, specifically for Loudoun County, I would support additional funding to supplement the Cost-of-Competing Adjustment provided to schools in the D.C. metro area to further enhance teacher salaries in areas with a higher cost-of-living. In the end, I believe we need to enable localities to raise funds for schools, related to number 2 above.

4. How can the Commonwealth become a more effective partner in addressing Loudoun’s housing affordability challenge?

I appreciate the hard work that Chair Randall has done to increase investment in affordable housing. We must continue to work to expand access to affordable and quality housing, and to address evictions in Virginia. Recently the General Assembly voted to double investments into the Virginia Housing Trust Fund. This program and others like it are critical investments to make if we are to successfully address the needs of low and very low income families for housing. I support tax incentives and public private partnerships to leverage public dollars.

5. Do you support Virginia’s Right To Work laws? Why or why not? If not, what superior solution would you propose?

l continue to oppose “Right to Work’ laws or any similar legislation including attempts to make it a constitutional amendment. I believe businesses and unions should work in a collaborative way to make Virginia a great place to work and do business.

6. Please describe what best qualifies you to hold the office you’re seeking.

I have been a Delegate for 5 years and am deeply committed to the issues and the people of the 34th district. I have dealt with government and businesses on many different levels for over 30 years. I have worked in government, held a top secret security clearance, owned a small business and am a longtime resident of this community. I understand our community’s values and have the experience, knowledge and relationships to continue to be an effective Delegate for this district. During my years in the General Assembly I have demonstrated my commitment to work across party lines, and to listen and advocate for the issues important to our community. I will continue to be an unwavering advocate to ensure we have a world class educational system, that our transportation issues are addressed and to help grow business in our area.

Gary Pan (R) did not respond to the questionnaire.
 

Source: BizVotes Candidates Questionnaire