Lori P. Alexander (D)
Office Sought: U.S. House, District 11 (D)
Age: 42
Residence: Mount Vernon.
Education: BS, Boston University; MS, physical therapy, Boston University; some coursework, biochemistry, George Mason University.
Occupation: Physical Therapist, Virginia Hospital Center - Arlington. Biochemistry student, George Mason University.
Web site:http://www.lorialexanderforcongress.com
E-mail address: lori.alexander@lorialexanderforcongress.com
Offices and positions held: Membership chair, Virginia Physical Therapy Association, 2004-present; legislative contact, Virginia League of Conservation Voters, 2002-present; chair, Wasioja Group Sierra Club, 1996-2001; president, Mayo Recreational Cycling Club, 1996-2001; member, Sulgrave Manor Civic Association; member, Neighboorhood Friends of Mount Vernon; member, WETA; member, Potomac Appalachian Trial Club; member, WAMU 88.5 FM; member, PADI.
What is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?
Traffic congestion diminishes our quality of life and harms the environment. Voters tell me this daily but, as a physical therapist and mother, I need no reminders of the urgency of this issue. Each year, we spend more time in the car, eroding our free time and causing increasing environmental harm. With each "Code Red Day," I see more admissions of patients with pulmonary disease, especially children with asthma. As gas prices rise, the impact of the problem is magnified. Addressing Northern Virginia's infrastructure issues and adding mass transit, including rail to Dulles, is critical to solving this problem.
Why should voters elect you?
I am not the typical politician. If elected, I will put my constituents and this country first. While all of the other candidates have courted special interests, I have refused to take any money from those groups. This will give me a huge advantage in Congress because, unlike the other candidates who are beholden to their donors, I am independent and can focus all my legislative efforts on the true concerns of the citizens of Virginia's 11th Congressional District. Special interests currently dominate congress and the legislative process. I am ready and willing to take back Congress for the voters.
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?
Yes, beyond the burden on the community, blackouts are economic drains that impact both individuals and businesses. Congress must intervene now and initiate a new Manhattan Project focusing on clean energy and alternative fuel technologies, and increasing energy efficiency. The federal government should partner with consumers and institutions in Northern Virginia to reduce energy usage now and promote smart energy use choices for the future. Further, the federal government should set the standard for the entire country by making the properties it owns laboratories for and models of energy efficiency. These actions will be important steps towards avoiding future blackouts.
What impact does immigration have on your district?
The federal government should not shut its doors on those seeking to legally come to our shores. Legal immigration generally has been positive but should be limited in a reasonable and prudent manner. On the other hand, illegal immigration is a significant problem in Northern Virginia that the federal government has refused to address. Such a large illegal immigrant population creates an underground economy that is counterproductive to Northern Virginia and the country. More importantly, the federal government must know who resides here to keep the criminal offenders out. If elected, I will make this issue a significant priority.
What steps, if any, should the federal government take to address funding issues for transportation projects?
Northern Virginia is a critical economic engine and many federal workers live here. Traffic congestion impacts Northern Virginia's economy and the health and welfare of its residents every day. Thus, the federal government must make transportation projects in Northern Virginia a funding priority. The federal government should provide all possible assistance to the Commonwealth and localities in planning transportation projects and fully fund its share of construction costs. If elected, I will fight to make certain the federal government meets its funding obligations and stop the abuse of funding powers such as those that occurred with the Dulles rail project.
-- The Washington Post | Submit a correction request.
