Bob Marshall is a 14-year incumbent representing the 13th district, most of which is in Prince William County. What the small number of Loudoun residents who are in the 13th district really need is for redistricting to place them in a district that makes sense — a Loudoun district.
Marshall, like Del. Dick Black (R-32) has been very busy with social issues very near and dear to his heart. Any possible way to further restrict abortion is at the top of the list, along with any possible way to further restrict same sex couples.
This focus has distracted them from the real tasks of a citizen legislator, making sure that the commonwealth provides for the needs of local citizens. But opposing most possible sources of revenue has also been high on the agenda.
Loudoun’s massive rate of growth calls for more intensive attention. To his credit, Marshall says he does not support a property tax cap.
But Bruce Roemmelt, a long-time fire and rescue worker in Prince William, and, like Marshall, a bit of a maverick, brings considerable energy and many ideas to his first-time candidacy. After interning for Brian Moran (D-46), Roemmelt says he’s ready to head to the House of Delegates to tackle transportation issues: "No one's working the problem." It's a hard-headed, hands-on style that's drawn from a first-responder's approach to life.