About The Candidate

• Office Sought: Representative, Virginia (11)
• Occupation: Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; director, Community Relations, SAIC.
• Web site: http://www.gerryconnolly.com
• E-mail address: info@gerryconnolly.com

Education

BA, literature, Maryknoll College; MPA, Harvard University.

Offices and positions held

Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, 2004-08; member, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, 1995-2003; chairman, Northern Virginia Regional Commission; chairman, Emergency Preparedness Council, Council of Governments; past president, Virginia Association of Counties; member, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority; past chairman, Washington Council of Governments.

On the Issues

By summer 2011, it is predicted, Northern Virginia could be facing blackouts due to its growing demand for energy. Should Congress intervene now to prevent that possibility, and if so, what is the most important single step it could take?

The most important step Congress can take to solve our energy crisis is to develop an energy policy that encourages conservation, invests in alternative sources of energy, and increases domestic production. Unfortunately, under the Bush Administration, our energy policy has been to give billions in tax breaks to big oil and allow price-gouging. It's time for a change. As Fairfax chairman, I've purchased hybrid cars for our county fleet, increased our use of wind and solar, and made a commitment to green building practices. Congress needs to advance similar initiatives.

What impact does immigration have on your district?

Immigration -- legal and illegal -- has had a real impact on Northern Virginia. Our community has benefited tremendously from the contributions of legal immigrants from all corners of the globe. They've helped make us stronger economically and culturally. It's important that those of us in positions of leadership make it known that our community welcomes and appreciates their contributions. Illegal immigration is a federal responsibility and the federal government has failed. The system is broken and needs wholesale reform. I'll support measures to secure the border, improve the process, and stem the flow of undocumented immigrants into our country.

What steps, if any, should the federal government take to address funding issues for transportation projects?

As the congressman from the 11th district, my number one priority will be getting our fair share of transportation dollars. We need to be funding expanded capacity on our roads and transit projects like Rail to Dulles. The federal government has a real responsibility to address funding for transportation projects here in the national capital region. I'll fight to secure dedicated funding for Metro, expanded bus service, and road construction. As Fairfax Chairman, I've invested hundreds of millions of dollars into transportation projects for our region. In Congress, I'll continue working to reduce congestion.

Why should voters elect you?

Voters should elect me because I've spent 14 years working to get things done in Northern Virginia. It's time for change in Washington.

What is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?

There are a number of urgent problems facing our region. While Northern Virginia's economy is still vibrant, the national downturn has begun to affect us. We need to reverse the Bush economic policies by balancing the budget and making targeted investments in transportation infrastructure, health care and energy. I've spent 14 years working to build a strong economy in Northern Virginia, balancing budgets and creating jobs. There's no reason we can't take the same approach on the national level.

Here's a place to help you keep up with the Commonwealth's overcaffeinated political culture.

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