Andres Tobar (D)

Education

• BA, Spanish, Minor in Political Science, California State University-Fresno
• MA, Social Science, Emphasis in Education, California State University-Sacramento

Offices and positions held

• President, South Arlington Kiwanis
• President, Arlington County Crime Solvers
• Chair, Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations
• President, League of United Latin American Citizens Council 4605
• Treasurer, AHC
• Social Justice Committee, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church
• Member, Arlington Food Assistance Center
• Arlington Mill Continuation High School Advisory Committee
• Arlington Chapter, NAACP
• Former Member, American Federation of Government Employees Local 2607
• Former Member, Virginia Latino Advisory Board

District 47 includes million-dollar homes as well as some of the poorest communities in the county. What are the challenges of serving such an economically diverse area, and how do you balance the needs of the poor and the wealthy?

Arlington citizens in the 47th District have a tradition of supporting programs and projects that address community needs, even if they are not directly benefiting from them, such as approving school bonds. This amplifies the Arlington government's vision of a community that is committed to diversity and inclusiveness. In representing the people of the 47th District, I know that it is an economically diverse county and that it is important not only to help the poor, but also to tend to the concerns and problems of the middle class and those in better economic circumstances. In my more than 20 years of civic and community activism, I have seen, time and again, the willingness of Arlingtonians to serve those less fortunate, and provide countless hours of dedicated service to the elderly, the homeless, the poor, immigrants, children and youth, and others in need of our support. It would be a tremendous honor to not only represent those who live in the 47th District, but also to have the opportunity to work with the entire Arlington Delegation in Richmond on behalf of this county.

How would you balance the needs of drivers and mass-transit users in the district? How should the state pay for needed transportation upgrades?

I support transportation policies that encourage or reward those who use public or alternative means of transportation to go and return from work, as well as funding to increase and upgrade mass transit options, along with road maintenance. I am also interested in promoting incentives for alternative means of work that decreases traffic and fuel use, such as telecommuting some days of the week. This may include offering employers tax credits for purchasing needed technology to connect home offices to the workplace. I know that there has been great difficulty in getting approval for new state policies that would raise additional revenue for transportation upgrades and needs. I would at a minimum support dedicating transportation funds from the gas tax. I am particularly concerned about the conditions of state roads and infrastructure in the 47th District and want to ensure that these maintenance projects are being addressed. For Arlington drivers, the condition of the state-maintained roads in the county affects both safety issues and the condition of their vehicles.

Do you support the proposed widening of Interstate 66 through Arlington County?

I oppose widening I-66 through Arlington because it would encourage increased vehicle travel, worsen congestion, and further damage our air quality. It would also be bad faith by breaking the agreement between the U.S. DOT secretary and Arlington, which finally allowed I-66 to be built through Arlington.

One of the key challenges of representing the comparatively liberal 47th district in Richmond will be building support for Arlington's agenda with delegates from across the state. How will you do this?

My 23 years of federal government service working with government officials and top university leaders with many political viewpoints gave me experience working with leaders from both sides of the aisle. As a graduate of both the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership and Virginia Chamber of Commerce-sponsored LEAD Virginia Program, I have experience with Virginia's diverse communities and interests. My local community activism gave me practical experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and interests to solve common problems. As chair of the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations, I have organized annual trips to Richmond for many groups and organizations to visit and advocate at the General Assembly. These groups include community activists, immigrant students, and representatives from several groups, including the American Jewish Committee's Washington Chapter and the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. These activities have prepared me to build connections among Virginia legislators from across the Commonwealth.

What is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?

We must find ways to help improve the economy. Businesses need credit to expand, ensuring jobs and important benefits for employees. Credit and investments have suffered in this recession, forcing many to postpone retirement. The economy faces tremendous challenges with new expectations of a green economy, including new federal standards that address global warming and improve health-care access. We need state policies that will revive our economy and invest in greening the economy, including training for green-collar workers and helping citizens save money and increase uses of renewable energy sources.

Why should voters elect you?

A son of immigrant farmworkers, I want to give back to my community. My experience will serve the people of the 47th District well.

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