During
my short time as Delegate of the 26th District, I’ve worked hard to do what’s
right and to truly listen to my constituents, no matter the issue. In fact,
over the last two years, I have visited every town council, provided updates at
nearly every civic organization, formed new citizen advisory panels, and addressed
every constituent concern that was brought to my attention. Below contains
my strong beliefs on important issues for the Shenandoah Valley.
LOW TAXES, RESTRAINED SPENDING AND QUALITY JOBS
Our families and businesses already pay enough in taxes. That’s why I am proud
to oppose raising taxes. At the same time I seek to reduce wasteful spending
by looking to make our government more efficient and effective. As a small business
owner and operator I know we need an environment where we can create quality jobs.
BETTER EDUCATION FOR OUR CHILDREN
My experience on the Rockingham County School Board and as a middle school teacher
has taught me that local parents and teachers -- not Richmond bureaucrats -- know
what’s best for our children’s education. And as the father of
two children I have a personal interest in improving public education. I am
committed to high academic standards and the fundamentals of education like reading
and math, and I am dedicated to making sure that Richmond fully funds the Standards
of Quality. Over the last two years I have worked closely to see that all
Virginian’s have access to higher educational opportunities. I have
supported lower tuition for members of the military in Virginia, supported a community
college transfer grant program, and promoted an increase in technical educational
programs across Virginia.
CURBING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
Together with my Hispanic Advisory Council I seek innovative solutions to the illegal
immigrant problem in Virginia and to support those legal immigrants who have decided
to make Virginia their home. We must study both the impact of illegal immigrants
to better understand the issue and to pass laws to curb the incentive for illegal
immigrants to come to Virginia. This is why I voted to create a joint subcommittee
to study the impact of illegal immigrants on Virginia’s economy and governmental
services. I also fought for laws to get tougher on illegal immigrants who
commit crimes while in the Commonwealth. We must work to provide disincentives
to those who enter our country illegally while welcoming the legal immigrants into
the great American melting pot.
KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY SAFE
I believe the right to keep and bear arms is one of the most important rights that
we have, and I will fight to protect that right for all of Virginia's law-abiding
citizens. I also support Governor Kaine’s common sense Executive Order
restricting the sale of guns to mentally ill patients in court-ordered programs.
I spearheaded legislation to put teeth into the protective order laws to make sure
repeat offenders spend real time in jail. I have also supported legislation
to make sure Virginia’s sexual criminal laws are as tough as they can be.
I pledge to continue making the Commonwealth a safer place.
TRADITIONAL FAMILY VALUES
I guarantee to all families in the 26th district and across the Commonwealth that
I am and will remain, committed to the families of Virginia. I have supported pro-life
laws such as protecting the lives of unborn humans and requiring as a component
of informed consent to an abortion, every pregnant female shall be given the opportunity
to view an ultrasound image of her unborn child prior to the abortion. I have
also defended traditional marriage and supported legislation to protect our children
and our families from pornography. When it comes time to vote, I will not
back away from my personal convictions. Instead, my convictions will continue to
guide me in my public service.
PROMOTING AGRICULTURE
Agriculture plays a vital role in Virginia’s economy, traditions, and quality
of life. As a life long farmer I pledge to promote the agricultural heritage
of the Shenandoah Valley. The sound practices on my farm that won us a national
award for environmental land use management are the same that guide my strong convictions
for the future of agriculture in Virginia. To help the future of this important
business I voted to end the estate tax. This was an important victory for
farmers in Rockingham County whose land prices are escalating. This legislation
will protect our Valley farms and ensure the continuation of family farming.
I have also supported a statewide plan to conserve farmland by buying development
property rights from farmers interested in saving their farms from developers and
I helped champion an eminent domain bill to protect land owner rights.