What is the most significant issue facing Northern Virginia?
Continued investment in education, both K-12 and higher education, remains the most important issue and use of your tax dollars made by the General Assembly. Our future workforce is the key to success in the 21st century economy. Nonetheless, our most urgent, unaddressed issue is transportation.

How would you address this issue?
Our primary source of transportation funds, a per-gallon gas tax, has not been adjusted to account for inflation since 1986. We are short of 51 votes in the House to pass a transportation package that returns us to the same financial position we were in 23 years ago. I am strongly opposed to transferring funds now supporting education, public safety, the environment, disabled children, nursing home care and other healthcare needs to transportation as proposed by the Republican candidate for governor and my opponent. However, my legislation to use General Fund surpluses for transportation did become law, a source of future transportation funds when the economy is growing strongly again.

What qualifies you for the office? What qualities do you bring?
I have been an effective representative, a moderate and balanced member of our delegation pursuing public policies to keep Virginia the best managed state (Governing Magazine), the number one state for business (Fortune), and for educating a child (Education Week). I serve on the Virginia Commission on Energy and Environment, the NCSL Health Committee, and the Southeast Health Planning Task Force. I also served as chair of the Joint Subcommittee Studying Biosciences and Biotechnology in 2008. Prior to running for office, I was the Lee District Trustee on the Fairfax County Public Library Board, and served on the United Community Ministries Board. I also volunteered for Del. Gladys Keating in Richmond for three sessions.

What differentiates you from your opponent?
Having served in the General Assembly for six years, I have the breadth of experience, committee assignments, and relationships to get things done for the citizens of the 43d District. My longtime community ties and volunteer work help make me an effective advocate and leader on the issues that matter most. I have a close working relationship with Supervisors Jeff McKay (D-Lee) and Gerry Hyland (D-Mount Vernon) that is very important on a day-to-day basis. I have lived here for 22 years, serving on the Library Board for 11 years, on the United Community Ministries Board for six.

If you could say one thing to voters, what would it be?
I am honored by the trust given me by the voters of the 43d District to represent them over the past six years and ask for their vote again to serve another term. I always remember what a great privilege it is to serve in this historic democratic legislative body. I wish every voter could visit me in Richmond during our winter sessions to get a flavor of legislative process.

Who are your political heroes/influences?
Nobody can top the public service provided by Abraham Lincoln in our most difficult period as a country. We still have so much to learn from him. I have observed many local and state political leaders close up over my life and have tried to borrow admirable qualities and attributes from them. It is clear to me that there is no one successful personality type in politics, but that willingness to work hard is a universal trait among successful leaders. Any success I have had can be attributed to my parents and to so many familiar Virginia names that I am afraid to start listing them.