Decision 2007: Henry C. "Hank" Giffin III (R)

Why do you want to be a member of the Virginia General Assembly?

I spent my adult life in service tour country while in the navy for 33 years, and since retirement have been involved in numerous community support organizations. These include the Chairman of the Board of the Hampton Roads USO, the Wisconsin and WHRO Boards, Greater Norfolk Corporation, other Boards, and the Boards of numerous scholarships.

I believe we need (and I can provide) mature and tested leadership in Richmond.

I believe I know how to represent the citizens of Norfolk just as I fought for our young Sailors when I was in uniform, and believe I can make a difference.

What is the most pressing issue facing Virginians today? Facing the region?

The most pressing issue facing Virginians today is the astronomical rise in property taxes which came along with the recent rise in property assessments. These taxes are threatening to force seniors on fixed incomes from their homes.

Our citizens need relief from this burden and both the proposed Homestead Act and a cap on revenue our cities can raise every year from property taxes is the most common sense solution.

The most pressing problem facing the region is transportation. This issue is impacting our regions economic development as well as the quality of our citizens lives. Additionally it is a matter of saving lives if we ever had a natural disaster or terrorist attack requiring rapid evacuation of the region.
The recently enacted Abusive Driver Fees have generated intense criticism from citizens and lawmakers alike. Where do you stand on the laws and, if you oppose them, how would you replace the transportation funds they were designed to generate?

The abuser fees need to be applied equally to all drivers or not at all. Additionally the lesser offenses need to be clarified in order for our citizens and law enforcement to clearly understand them.

What is your view on The Hampton Roads Transportation Authority formed earlier this year?

The HRTA is the result of an imperfect compromise that appeared to be the only solution to focusing needed resources to the Hampton Roads area.

I am concerned about the effect of the Grantors Tax, particularly on our elderly selling their residences and to young families trying to move up to a larger home to accommodate their growing families. Additionally it impacts our young military families forced to move in and out of the region due to military orders.

The tax on car repairs may hurt local businesses by driving work out of the region.