Stephen C. Shannon* (D)

Office Sought: Va. House of Delegates District 35
Age: 38
Residence: Dunn Loring.
Education: BA, Fairfield University; MA, public policy, Georgetown University; JD, University of Virginia.
Occupation: Lawyer.
Web site:http://www.delegatesteveshannon.com
E-mail address: steve@delegatesteveshannon.com
Offices and positions held: Member, Virginia House of Delegates, 2004-present; co-founder, Metropolitan Washington Amber Alert system; member, Lions International, Governor's Commission on Sexual Violence, Legislative Commission on Fuel Efficiency.

Why should voters elect you?

"I am a responsive legislator with a record of working across political party lines in the best interest of my constituents and all Virginians."

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

"Quality-of-life issues are critically important in my district, which include having a strong economy, great schools, a safe community and a transportation system that works. Traffic congestion continues to be a major challenge throughout Northern Virginia, and the solution involves a multi-pronged approach with continued cooperation at all levels of government. We need to expand our mass-transit options in the region, including making Dulles International Airport accessible by mass transit. We must enable localities to implement smart-growth planning to prevent development projects that overwhelm our transportation infrastructure."

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

We have made recent progress in increasing state funding for road construction and maintenance in Northern Virginia. Yet, for over two decades, Virginia did not have new revenue sources for transportation improvements. Much of the congestion we experience today is a result of this inaction. Our efforts must be devoted to establishing reliable, long-term funding sources that will allow us to address maintenance and construction needs, with a particular focus on expanding mass transit options, including Metro, buses and rail along major highway corridors. We must continue to create incentives for promoting technology as a way to facilitate existing traffic congestion, such as better regulating the timing of signals. We must continue promoting telecommuting options both within the public and private sector. We must find innovative ways to partner with local government to coordinate land use and transportation funding decisions.

Do you think current policies governing growth & development in your area are too restrictive, not restrictive enough or just right?

not restrictive enough

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