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

The SMART scale program did not provide an adequate share of funding to Loudoun County and other high growth areas in Northern Virginia and I believe the formula must be changed in order to correct the deficiency that kept funding from the highest growth areas like Loudoun County. Separately, I believe 100% of local road funding that was redirected to the Metro in the 2017 legislative session must be fully restored.

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

First, Virginia must maximize federal dollars and ensure we are taking full advantage of federal programs that can improve Virginia’s transportation network. I would like to see improved communications between the county, VDOT and all stakeholders and actually have hosted several meetings to improve interactions to the benefit of businesses and families in the Commonwealth. I also believe long and short term planning and improved project coordination can be better aligned and streamlined to decrease cost and timelines.

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

First, we must continue to improve teacher salaries to ensure teachers can afford to live in high cost areas such as ours. Second I believe we should explore programs that will provide student loan relief for new teachers as both an incentive for new teachers and as a way of relieving a heavy financial burden. Reimbursement stipends for continued education and certification must be fully funded so teachers can afford to improve skills and maintain currency to best educate our children. We must also look closely at affordable housing programs to ensure they meet the need of public servants like teachers, law enforcement officers and firefighters so those who serve our communities can afford to live where they serve.

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

With low unemployment and rapid growth of our area seeking affordable housing must be a priority. As a co-patron of the 2019 amendments to the Proffer bill I feel by opening communications and lifting the heavy restrictions of the 2016 Proffer bill which I opposed we can now openly communicate between developers and county officials to address this issue. I would like to see an aggressive push for more affordable rental units in Loudoun County and developments customized for younger home owners who are particularly struggling in the current market.

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

I have established a solid track record of supporting Virginia’s businesses and am proud to have a number of business supporting my campaign and to have earned a number of business endorsements during my campaigns. As a member of the House of Delegate Appropriations Committee I am particularly proud of our designation by CNBC as the Top State for business. I was proud to support the Amazon HQ2 and the Micron Technology deals with Virginia and I will continue to pursue public policy that seeks to protect the prosperity of both business and workers and believe a win-win approach is the best way to continue growing our economy.

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

I am proud to have served for two terms in the General Assembly and have successfully passed bi-partisan business friendly legislation that was developed by working closely with business owners. I have also passed legislation that lowers the cost of government and legislation that protects children and fights the opioid crisis. I have a strong background managing large budgets having served as a Finance Officer in the Air Force (I retired after over 25 years of service) and I have served on the House Appropriations Committee for the past two years and am proud of Virginia’s booming economy and the heathy state of the budgets I helped to craft and supported during my tenure.
 

Source: BizVotes Candidates Questionnaire