Mary Margaret Whipple* (D)
Office Sought: Va. Senate District 31
Age: 68
Residence: North Arlington.
Education: Course work, Rice University; BA, English, American University; MA, American studies, George Washington University.
Occupation: State senator.
Web site:http://whippleforsenate.com
E-mail address: mmwhipple@erols.com
Offices and positions held: Member, Virginia Senate, 1996-present; member, Arlington County Board, 1983-95; Arlington School Board, 1976-80;
past member, chairman, Washington MTA board of directors; member, COG Air Quality Committee; former president, Virginia Transit Association; member, former chairman, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission; former president, Arlington branch, American Association of University Women; Arlington Kiwanis Club.
Why should voters elect you?
As senator for three terms, I have the knowledge, experience and demonstrated ability to be an effective legislator and to faithfully represent the district.
What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?
The lack of affordable housing is of urgent concern in District 31. It is increasingly difficult for persons of all income levels to find housing in close-in locations. I serve on the bipartisan Virginia Housing Commission and, to assist with this problem, we are seeking to establish a Virginia Housing Trust Fund. In addition, I have introduced legislation to allow localities to provide a homeowners' exemption from property tax for up to 20 percent of a home's value. With the agreement of local government and developers, I sponsored successful legislation that requires affordable units when new development or redevelopment occurs.
What is your plan to address the traffic problems in Virginia?
Effective, reliable, convenient transit options are the answer for congestion issues. Large numbers of people use transit when and where it is available. Ridership on Metro is at record levels as it is on VRE. That means we need to upgrade the infrastructure: more railcars, the electric power to support longer trains, additional parking, more convenient neighborhood bus lines to take people to their destination or to Metro stations. Pedestrian access and bike trails can also enhance transit use. The new transportation bill provides record capital and operating funding for transit and the Northern Virginia Regional plan provides $50 million for Metro and $25 million for VRE annually. If Congress passes meaningful federal funding for Metro, many of these capital needs can be addressed. Of course, many people will continue to be auto-dependent, so intersection improvements, additional HOV lanes, better traffic signalization,etc. will also be necessary.
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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