Gerald E. Connolly (D)
Office Sought: U.S. House, District 11 (D)
Age: 57
Residence: Mantua.
Education: BA, literature, Maryknoll College; MA, public administration, Harvard University.
Occupation: Director of Community Relations, SAIC.
Web site:http://www.gerryconnolly.com
E-mail address: info@gerryconnolly.com
Offices and positions held: Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, 2003-present, member, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, 1995-2003; chairman, Northern Virginia Regional Commission; past chairman, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission; member, board of the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments; board member, Virginia Association of Counties; past president, Fairfax Federation of Citizens Associations.
What is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?
The most urgent problem facing the 11th Congressional District is transportation. As Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I've fought for transportation funds, emphasized transit-oriented development and expanded access to transit. Giving commuters choices beyond just the automobile and changing the patterns of growth and development are the keys to solving our transportation crisis. In Congress, I'll work to bring home funding for critical projects like rail to Dulles and will work to secure a stable funding source for the Metro system.
Why should voters elect you?
I have a unique blend of practical local government experience and foreign policy credentials. In my fourteen years on the board of supervisors, and last five as chairman, I've focused on getting results. Here at the local level, we expect government to work. I want to hold the federal government to that very same standard. Before entering public office, I spent 10 years advising the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee on foreign policy. George Bush's reckless war in Iraq and cowboy diplomacy have left American credibility abroad at a low ebb. I hope to put my experience to work.
By summer 2011, it is predicted, Northern Virginia could be facing blackouts due to its growing demand for energy. Should Congress intervene now to prevent that possibility, and if so, what is the most important single step it could take?
It's absolutely critical that Congress pass a rational energy policy that focuses on conservation and the development of alternative sources of energy. As chairman of Fairfax County, I've made conservation a top priority through the Cool Counties program and other initiatives. We've invested in wind energy, expanded our hybrid fleet, and constructed green buildings. I believe the U.S. must lead the world in undertaking a massive effort to research and develop new sources of alternative energy. We need to develop the capability to mass produce a car that can get 100 mpg. Congress must lead the way in this effort.
What impact does immigration have on your district?
Immigration is an issue that has had a real impact on Fairfax County and Northern Virginia as a whole. The stark reality is that the federal immigration system is broken from top to bottom. In short, it's too difficult to immigrate legally and too easy to immigrate illegally. We must overhaul the system to make the legal immigration process transparent and more efficient. Simultaneously, we must secure the borders and stop the flow of illegal immigrants.
What steps, if any, should the federal government take to address funding issues for transportation projects?
Here in the nation's capital, the federal government has a real responsibility when it comes to transportation funding. Our road and transit system is absolutely essential to the security and prosperity of the entire nation. My number one priority will be to secure the final pieces of federal funding for the rail to Dulles project. This project is critical to the future success of the region. We also need to look at extending Metro to Potomac Mills in Prince William and down the I-66 corridor to Manassas.
-- The Washington Post | Submit a correction request.
