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

As we transition from gas-powered vehicles to ones that run on electricity, I worry that the funding provided by the state and the NVTD will prove insufficient to our infrastructure needs. As such, we will need to procure additional revenue streams based on this transition.

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

Firstly, we need to be sure that there is an accurate census count to that the county receives the proper revenue. This is especially true when it comes to our children. The state and county need to continue to partner in order to provide our children with a world-class education. Beyond that, we need to maintain the rural character of the west. Continued support of easements and purchase of development rights programs will help ensure this.

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

Teachers need to be paid like the professionals they are. Making their salaries as competitive as possible is paramount. Beyond that, we need to be sure our per-pupil funding is also competitive. Investing in affordable housing will allow teachers to live where they teach. However, teaching is not a career just about dollars and cents. We also need to treat them like professionals. This means respecting classroom autonomy and providing them with manageable classrooms.

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

The Commonwealth can support Loudoun with zoning flexibility. This means partnering in zoning transitions--in service districts and where appropriate--away from simply single-family zoning. We might also provide purchasing incentives to aid in this process.

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

While Right to Work laws provide employers with flexibility and responsiveness, we need to make sure that workers are taken care of as well. This means strengthening collective bargaining and making sure that appropriate non-discrimination policies are in place.

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

To be frank, we need more educators in Richmond helping to make education policy. Beyond that, I have experience working with people from different backgrounds and different ideologies in order to produce accomplishments. Lastly, my life experiences contribute to bring particular sensibilities to the office: as someone who has fought through the Great Recession to transition from financial insecurity to current stability, I have experience navigating the path to success.
 

Source: BizVotes Candidates Questionnaire