The Connection

Candidate for Delegate District 86

Town of residence: Herndon

Age: 49

Family: Wife, Arlene, and two sons in Fairfax County Public Schools

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Management

Occupation and relevant experience: Founder/President, VARCom Solutions; Former VP Global Sales and VP Latin America, AOL; Former VP Sales and Marketing – Americas, France Telecom; Former Director Corporate/Carrier Sales, Global One (Sprint/FT/DT JV); Former Manager, Raytheon; U.S. Air Force veteran

Community involvement: Former Chair, Virginia Board of Workforce Development (Gubernatorial appointment); Former Chair, Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce; Board Member, Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce; Commissioner, National Museum of the American Latino Commission (Congressional appointment); Former Board Member, Northern Virginia Family Services; Former Board Member, Fairfax Partnership for Youth

Website: www.VargasforVirginia.com

Email: Danny@VargasforVirginia.com

Twitter handle: @DVargas

Name three favorite endorsements: Delegate Tom Rust; Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce; Northern Virginia Technology Council

Questions

What is one issue that defines your call to serve, why does it matter, and how will you tackle it?

In spite of my austere upbringing, I have always felt blessed to have been born in the one nation on Earth where anyone from any background can succeed; where the outcome may not be guaranteed but the opportunity is. I want to make sure that the chance to strive for the American dream remains alive for all my neighbors. Unfortunately, in an economy that has been stagnant for several years, that dream seems increasingly elusive for those who are unemployed or underemployed. I want to apply my leadership skills and business background to grow and diversify our economy to create more good paying jobs, and use my knowledge of the workforce system to ensure people are better prepared to obtain those jobs. And this can only happen in an environment in which the economy is growing and thriving, folks have the tools to succeed, jobs are plentiful and opportunities are abundant.

What distinguishes you from your opponent(s) and why should voters choose you?

I’ve lived my entire adult life focused on service and solutions. My neighbors deserve to be represented by a proven leader who has had real positions of responsibility, with a demonstrated track record of bringing together people of all sides to solve tough problems and someone who truly understands their plight.

Given the political makeup of the state legislature, what examples from your own experience suggests you can successfully bridge the intense partisan differences there?

As Chair of the Virginia Board of Workforce Development, I worked with both Republican and Democrat administrations to reform our workforce system and create new jobs in Virginia.

When I was Chair of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, the federal government was poised to pull their portion of the funding for Rail to Dulles. I rallied chambers and civic groups, coordinated with elected officials of both parties at every level and as part of a collective effort, we were able to get Rail to Dulles back on track.

I am able to bring that bi-partisanship to Richmond to represent the needs of all the citizens in the 86th District.

In order, list your top 5 specific legislative priorities.

Grow and Diversify our Economy; Strengthen Education and Workforce Development; Improve Transportation, including stopping the $17 tolls on I-66 Inside the Beltway; Improve Public Safety; Help our Veterans

How has your district changed in the last 10 years? What caused those changes?

The 86th District has changed significantly. The decline of Dulles airport and the stagnation of the economy due to our reliance on federal spending have hit our District hard. The District has also become more diverse and is now a minority majority District. I look forward to using my unique background to bring our varied residents together to focus on commonsense solutions to create jobs, improve education and solve transportation issues.

Will you support legislation restricting high interest lending including car title loans?

I have always focused on looking out for working families and would continue to do so, including making sure to curtail activities that prey on their finances.

Will you support funding for Fostering Connections which would result in an influx of federal funding for foster children aging out of foster care?

Growing up in challenging conditions and seeing firsthand how foster care and adoption can provide youngsters facing adversity with the stability and care they need, I have always cared deeply about helping them as evidenced by my services on nonprofit boards. Therefore, I would support this funding and the associated federal dollars that would support them to the age of 21.

Do you support expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, and if so, what would you do to make that happen?

I grew up on Medicaid and am familiar with its limitations. I am concerned about the potential for massive, unexpected cost increases associated with Medicaid expansion. However I recognize that we have an opportunity to help provide insurance coverage to those in need at a time when our taxpayers are sending billions of dollars to Washington for Medicaid expansion. I would be open to exploring private sector orientated solutions that would protect Virginia’s taxpayers from future unforeseen obligations and help struggling families obtain health coverage.