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2007 General Assembly Election Interview Questionnaire
HearSay with Cathy Lewis ~ WHRV 89.5FM
 6th District
Ralph S. Northam (D)
http://www.northam2007.com
- Why do you want to be a member of the Virginia General Assembly?
I am running for public office because the 6th Senate District deserves a Senator who will advocate commonsense solutions to the Commonwealth’s challenges. The needs of Virginians supersede party lines and party loyalty. Community service has always been a priority of mine and I can contribute significantly as a State Senator, especially in the area of healthcare reform. I have a proven commitment to serving people, not special interests. I am committed to developing my vision of the future of the Commonwealth and to bringing that vision into reality when I am elected in November.
- What is the most pressing issue facing Virginians today? Facing the region?
The most pressing issue facing Virginian residents is the growing healthcare crisis in the Commonwealth and the rest of the country. Dr. C. Everett Koop, former U.S. Surgeon General, said it best when he stated, “There are three issues in healthcare: quality, access, and cost. I can give you any two of these three items, but not all three.” If you want to increase access and quality, it’s going to cost more. You can decrease access, increase quality and cut your cost, but it is very difficult to increase access (to the uninsured that need to be covered) while increasing quality and decreasing cost. This dilemma has become even more apparent in the last few years. Seniors, the uninsured, and children are the hardest hit as this crisis keeps expanding; we cannot afford to have health insurance companies determining healthcare in the Commonwealth.
For our region, transportation is the most pressing concern. Hampton Roads is rife with traffic congestion; businesses and commuters are losing money because of the time and money lost from congestion on our roads. I discuss transportation and related legislation in more detail in the following questions.
- 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?
Simply put, the abuser fees are wrong. The fees target Virginia drivers and let out of state drivers and illegal aliens off the hook. Also, I question the practicality of the collection of the fees. I am very disappointed that Nick Rerras voted for the abusive driver fees every single time, both in committee and on the floor. My first priority in 2008 would be to fix the abuser fees.
In addition to the abuser fees, I would strongly favor reconsidering the changes made to the grantor tax as well as the taxes imposed on mechanics. The grantor tax has been raised 400 percent; this increase only punishes home sellers and buyers.
- What is your view on The Hampton Roads Transportation Authority formed earlier this year?
I would like to make serious changes to the regional transportation authorities created by the transportation bill, and would seriously consider eliminating them altogether if a fiscally responsible, practical solution was presented.
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