James P. Moran* (D)
Office Sought: U.S. House, District 8 (D)
Age: 64
Residence: Arlington.
Education: MA, public administration, University of Pittsburgh; BA, economics, College of the Holy Cross.
Occupation: Congressman.
Web site:http://www.jimmoran.org
E-mail address: None given.
Offices and positions held: Mayor, City of Alexandria; member, Del Ray Civic Association; chair, United Way; vice chair, Northern Virginia Associations for Retarded Citizens; member, Mental Health Retardation and Substance Abuse Services Board; chair, Human Development Committee, National League of Cities; chair, Aging Committee, COG; board member, Community Development Block Grant Board; member, Volunteer Bureau; chair, Affordable Housing Task Force; chair, Forum for Social Service Agencies.
What is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?
Maintaining our region's economic vitality and diversity requires affordable housing, sustained full employment, an efficient public transit system, an educational system that develops every child's full potential from pre-K through college and a sufficient nurturing of our precious natural environment.
We should devote the resources now being misspent in Iraq to meeting these needs as well as reducing the indebtedness of future generations. I believe that the federal government must play an indispensible role in enabling individuals and their communities to maximize their economic and educational opportunities while preserving an even higher quality of life for their children and grandchildren.
Why should voters elect you?
I was one of the earliest and continue to be one of the most outspoken opponents of the Iraq War. I have sponsored and cosponsored some the most aggressive legislation promoting energy independence and environmental conservation--with a 100% League of Conservation Voters rating. I also have near perfect ratings from human rights, animal rights, and civil liberties groups. I have been a consistent supporter of public transit throughout Northern Virginia and have earmarked dozens of affordable housing grants for seniors and lower income families. No one could be prouder of the consistuency I have had the honor of representing.
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?
We should mandate immediate and higher energy efficiency standards for automobiles and public utilities requiring the latter to develop at least 15% of their power generation to come from alternative sources such as wind, solar and geothermal. It is also imperative that we provide more research grants and tax credits to stimulate the greening of America. This will have an economic stimulative impact but most importantly preserve our precarious environment for future generations. The global warming challenge should be led by America through example and investment. But while the challenge is global, the answer is local and individual.
What impact does immigration have on your district?
Immigration has been a net plus for Northern Virginia. It has provided hardworking families who have contributed immeasurably to the strength of our economy as well as the fabric of our society. America is a nation of immigrants who renew our fundamental principles of tolerance and inclusiveness while sustaining a work ethic that has made our nation an economic superpower for the last 150 years. I support comprehensive immigration reform that will provide a path to citizenship for every immigrant family who complies with the law, learns English, pays their taxes and accepts the fundamental principles of American citizenship.
What steps, if any, should the federal government take to address funding issues for transportation projects?
It is time for America to rebuild and strengthen its entire infrastructure with an emphasis on public transit, advanced technologies such as mag-lev and an airline system that is affordable and accessible. We can't sustain a first-rate economy on a second-rate transportation system. This will create tens of thousands of well-paying jobs that cannot go overseas but whose work product will pay dividends for generations to come. Some of this infrastructure should be paid for with higher gas taxes that are reinvested in more efficient transportation systems and alternative energy sources. It is time to be bold and visionary.
-- The Washington Post | Submit a correction request.
