Jeanette M. Rishell (D)

Office Sought: Va. House of Delegates District 50
Age: 60
Residence: Manassas Park.
Education: BA, history, Pennsylvania State University.
Occupation: Project assistant to chief financial officer, Carteret Mortgage.
Web site:http://www.jeanetterishell.com
E-mail address: jeanette.rishell@verizon.net
Offices and positions held: Past director from Manassas Park, Committee of 100, League of Women Voters; member, Prince William County Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce, NAACP, American Association of University Women; former secretary/recorder and vice chairman, Unity in the Community; former vice chairman, Manassas Park Electoral Board; recipient, Voices of Women award, Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Why should voters elect you?

"I will respectfully work across party lines to encourage consensus and problem-solving, based upon serious deliberation and the transparency in government that constituents expect."

What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?

"Our challenges relate to quality of life. We must address our transportation crisis in order to take Virginia far into the future economically and also not leave workers sitting in traffic when they could be home with their families. We must continue to support public education. Education is the strongest engine for upward mobility and will provide a superior workforce for the future. We need to address residential crowding and community maintenance issues. And because our federal government has failed in its responsibility to address illegal immigration, the states must now find solutions that are long-lasting and legal."

What is your plan to address the traffic problems in Virginia?

Virginia needs a dedicated funding stream for transportation maintenance and construction. The transportation bill passed by the General Assembly was not adequate to address future need. Tremendous growth is forecast for the Northern Virginia area and we must prepare a transportation infrastructure that can handle this growth. People come to our area because it’s a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. Virginia’s economic well-being, and the quality of life for its residents are impacted by the failure to solve our transportation crisis.

The General Assembly must have the political courage to grapple with the issue of how to obtain this funding stream, and must not push this responsibility to the localities.

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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