Janet S. Oleszek (D)
Office Sought: Va. Senate District 37
Age: 61
Residence: Bonnie Brae.
Education: BA, University of California at Davis; MEd, American University.
Occupation: Member, Fairfax County School Board.
Web site:http://www.janetforfairfax.com
E-mail address: info@janetforfairfax.com
Offices and positions held: At-large member, Fairfax County School Board, 2003-present; chairman, Virginia State PTA legislation; co-founder, Coalition for Good Schools; member, Pro Fairfax, Robinson Secondary, Bonnie Brae Elementary and Oak View Elementary PTAs, Bonnie Brae Civic Association.
Elected offices/civic activities:
At-large member, Fairfax County School Board, 2003-present; chairman, Virginia State PTA legislation; co-founder, Coalition for Good Schools; member, Pro Fairfax, Robinson Secondary, Bonnie Brae Elementary and Oak View Elementary PTAs, Bonnie Brae Civic Association.
Why should voters elect you?
"Fairfax needs a senator who represents the views of the district. On issues like choice, transportation and education, our current senator is outside the mainstream."
What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?
"Transportation is easily our most urgent problem. We need to be mindful of the needs of the rest of the commonwealth. But let's make sure Northern Virginia, the economic engine of the state, gets the money and leadership necessary to solve our traffic mess. Ultimately, our transportation woes are about more than simply losing half an hour while stuck sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic. If we can't reliably move people, goods and services, our economic vitality is at risk. If our economy falters, things will get a lot worse, very quickly, and not just on the roadways."
What is your plan to address the traffic problems in Virginia?
Itâs important to realize that with the scope of our problem, and the way our modern economy works, we need a range of solutions. I strongly support investing in mass transit. VRE and Metrorail already take enormous pressure off our congested roadways. Adding VRE cars and expanding Metrorail will provide still more relief. (Imagine if the thousands of people who take Metro from Vienna were driving every day instead.) We should offer greater incentives for employers to offer flextime and telecommuting, and to encourage carpooling. In some places, new or expanded roads will be the most appropriate answer. We also need steady, reliable, long-term commitments from the state to help fix the problems. Our current senator has voted against every transportation plan to come before him â except for the one featuring $3,000 traffic tickets. When I get to Richmond, Iâll start working immediately to actually get something done.
Do you think current policies governing growth & development in your area are too restrictive, not restrictive enough or just right?
just right
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