John F. Carroll (D)

Education

• BA, organizational behavior, Brown University
• BA , economics, Brown University
• JD, George Mason University Law School

Offices and positions held

• Member, Virginia State Bar
• Member, Fairfax County Bar Association
• Member, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
• Lecturer, Fairfax Bar Continuing Legal Education
• Lecturer, Fairfax County Police Academy
• Youth sports coach, Fairfax Police Youth Club
• Youth sports coach, Vienna Youth Incorporated

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

It makes sense to think that an increase in mass transit users would have a corresponding decrease in the burdens placed on our systems of roads. However, many of our roadways and bridges are crumbling and in need of structural overhaul. The balance has to be struck to ensure that our roadways are safe and capable of handling our current traffic needs. We are fortunate that the federal government has committed to the Metro Rail to Dulles. We must maintain the same commitment to the use of mass transit. In this economic downturn, we have to look to all possibilities of funding include public/private partnerships. Currently, the HOT lanes project on Route 495 is a joint project between VDOT, Fluor-Transurban and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

How should development be handled in the district, particularly the less-developed Western portion? What should the district look like in 15 years?

The Western portion of the district is well-developed. It is comprised of the Eagle View, Fairfax Government Center and Penderbrook precincts. These, for the most part, are densely populated precincts with homes and condominiums. The citizens in these communities and the entire 35th District are concerned about living in safe and secure communities where the kids can learn in a positive school environment.

It is my hope that the 35th District continues to be the area of Northern Virginia that attracts new business and is the pinnacle of quality public education. The decisions we make today have to be with a view of 15 years or more down the road. This can only be achieved through thoughtful and deliberate solutions to our transportation needs.

How can the state pay for needed improvements to education in Fairfax County?

Currently the residents of the 35th District receive a fraction in return for the tax dollars that are sent to Richmond. This needs to change. Those revenues need to come back to us.

In our current economic environment, we need to focus on the priorities that make our communities strong. Our state government has the responsibility to look at all expenditures on a state level to focus our efforts on improving education, health care and public safety. All citizens of the Commonwealth have a vested interest in these priorities, but the dispute is in how we pay for these important priorities.

What is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?

Transportation. The two major problems are addressing the issues of the aging infrastructure and agreeing on a progressive plan that cuts down on the congestion on the roads of the 35th District. Both must be addressed for this district to attract business and experience true economic growth. Northern Virginia is the economic engine for the entire Commonwealth.

Why should voters elect you?

I have the experience, knowledge of the constituents' needs, and desire to serve as delegate in the community in which I was born and raised.

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