In their own words

With less than one week until the Nov. 7 general election, the Henrico Citizen posed the same questions to candidate for office in the General Assembly races that impact Henrico County. The answers of those who responded by the deadline appear here. 1. Why should residents of your district vote for you as delegate?

Dart – I am running for the House of Delegates because I’m concerned by the continuing inaction and negligence in Richmond. Education funding has been cut year after year and healthcare costs keep rising. As a 12 year resident of the district, a healthcare administration consultant, and mom of three young boys in public school, I know that our community deserves better. I’m asking residents of the 56th district to vote for me because I am the only candidate with a clearly stated vision on how to move the commonwealth forward and the personal and professional background to hit the ground running on day one.

McGuire – I’m a fighter and I’m a leader. My mother abandoned me at five and I attended nine different elementary schools. After graduating Henrico Schools, I served 10 years as a Navy SEAL. I am now a 19-year business owner and I help athletic and corporate teams nationally and internationally develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. My diverse set of life experiences will allow me to bring people together and get things done for a stronger community.

Bynum-Coleman – Whether it’s public safety, our schools, or our small businesses, I know what it’s like to fight for the American dream here in the 62nd. I’ve lived in Chesterfield all of my life. I attended both Monacan High School and Virginia Commonwealth University. I am the daughter of a retired police officer and a mother of five. My husband and I run a construction business, and I am licensed real estate agent. I understand what it takes to create jobs, expand access to health care and improve our education system.

Ingram – Prior to my service in the House of Delegates, I served as mayor and a member of the Hopewell City Council. I know what it takes to get things done at the local level. As the current state delegate for the 62nd District, I will continue prioritizing conservative spending, support for our public schools, and encouraging smart economic growth.

Loupassi – I will work in a bipartisan manner to improve our schools and school infrastructure. I support lower taxes and less onerous government regulations, so that small businesses can flourish.

McQuinn – My constituents should continue to support me, because hopefully they know how much I fight for them every day, not just when we (General Assembly) are in session.  I am keenly aware of the issues that confront my constituents and largely my neighbors on a day to day basis.  I am sensitive to their quality of life, the quality of education, the quality of health care, and overall well-being.  I am not just interested in them having jobs or access to health care, but quality jobs that can sustain a family, and quality health care that supports their longevity.  I don't consider them just as "voters," but my neighbors and extended family members.

VanValkenburg – Voters in the 72nd District should vote for me because I will put the issues that impact their lives first. Our country is founded on the notion that all people have the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” To achieve that, the General Assembly needs to protect our public schools and create educational opportunity, expand access to affordable health care, and ensure that we are creating jobs for the new economy so that nobody gets left behind.

Whitlock – My life has been about service and leadership. I am a lifelong Henrico citizen. I would like to take the best of Henrico’s past and bring it into an even brighter future. I’m a veteran, attorney, and small business owner. I have served as a coach, scout leader, PTO president, and have been very active in my church. These experiences have given me the skills and characteristics needed to lead and have prepared me to serve this district.

O’Bannon – I hope the citizens of my district choose to vote for me again because they think I have been doing a good job for them and want me to continue serving them. I have strived to live up to the ideal of the “citizen legislator” – serving in the General Assembly and continuing to work as a neurologist in the community between sessions. I’ve used my skills to help fight the opiate crisis and strengthen our healthcare safety net. Having accumulated seniority in the House and as a conferee on the budget, I am ideally positioned to help our entire region going forward.

Rodman – I am an educator, an advocate, a mother, and someone who cares deeply about the lives of my neighbors. I love Henrico, and my focus as your delegate will be on making sure that our schools are strong, healthcare is accessible and affordable, and that we are well prepared for a 21st- century economy. After 17 years, we need new leadership here in the 73rd to ensure that our priorities are put before partisan politics.

Bagby – As a product and lifelong member of our community I have developed an understanding of not only the needs of the community but also a genuine understanding of the people of our community. I have served this community as a coach, business teacher and administrator, school board representative and currently in the House of Delegates. I have diligently worked to bring smart, innovative and effective approaches to impact educational opportunities for our youth and the most vulnerable members of our community. I’ve also worked to make sure all Virginians have access to quality affordable healthcare. As a member of the Commerce and Labor Committee, I am focused on continuing to make sure Virginia workers are compensated fairly and that leading practices are fair and not predatory.

Brown – Whether you are a Democrat or Republican I am the candidate for you. I am not afraid to speak up against poverty, injustice, joblessness, and the many other problems plaguing our communities. With me in the General Assembly the district will have a strong voice who is not part of the “political clique” but a person who will speak for the people and not be control by the demands of a political party or donations from big business.

2. What would be your top focus as a delegate?

Dart – Our top priority should be shoring up the healthcare markets and bringing down premiums for all Virginians by expanding access to Medicaid for over 400,000 children, elderly, and disabled. There needs to be more transparency and accountability in the system. We also need to support our schools and teachers by fully funding our public schools. And lastly, we need to provide basic infrastructure like broadband internet to our rural communities so that they don’t get left behind.

McGuire – I want to reduce taxes, create jobs, and invest in our communities. Quality jobs bring stability to individuals and communities. Stability will help eliminate many of the challenges we face like the weakening of the family unit, gang activity, drug and alcohol addiction, and more.

Bynum-Coleman – My top priority would be to expand
access to opportunity, including jobs, healthcare, and education for all members of our community. During my campaign, I’ve met with hundreds of people who lack access to basic needs in our community. Some lack adequate food and shelter. Many go without healthcare. We need to improve our schools. We need adequate and affordable housing. We need to expand Medicaid because healthcare is a human right. If we work together, we can make it so that every person has a shot at the American dream in Virginia.

Ingram – This job is about service. My top priority will always be to continue serving the people of our district. However I am also activity involved in advancing smart policy initiatives that keep Virginia moving forward. We need to keep taxes low and ease our regulatory burden. Our students need their skills and degrees to be better aligned with the job market. Technology and innovation must be prioritized by investing in research, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and broadband to help us solve the complex problems within the public and private sectors.

Loupassi – School infrastructure improvement and modernization

McQuinn – I do not have a singular focus – it is the overall well-being of my constituents: employment, health care, education and the environment.

VanValkenburg – My top focus as a delegate will be
our public schools. As a public school teacher, I have seen first-hand the devastating impact that decisions made in Richmond have had on Henrico County Public Schools. We need to restore state funding after it was cut during the recession. We need to reform testing and accreditation standards so students are learning how to think, not how to fill in a bubble. And we need to protect against radical proposals to siphon public tax dollars into private and for-profit schools because taxpayers can’t afford to fund two separate public school systems.

Whitlock – My primary focus will be on promoting a strong economy, keeping taxes low, and ensuring students have a world-class education.

O’Bannon – My top focus as delegate will be to balance our budget, supporting policies that grow our economy and create jobs. Virginia has suffered unfairly because of sequestration. We can do better by recruiting new businesses to Henrico County, like our recent success with Facebook.

Rodman – My top focus will be making healthcare more accessible and affordable to Virginians. A close second is ensuring that public education in Henrico and around the Commonwealth is as strong as possible, preparing students for a 21st century economy.

Bagby – As delegate for the 74th House District I am focused on finding and funding quality solutions that break cycles of poverty. Supporting access to quality education continues to be a critical component. We must properly prepare, compensate and support our teachers or we run the risk of continuing to lose quality educators to other professions. Particularly in our schools that are serving students that live in our most impoverished communities. We must also ensure that individuals that are struggling with mental health and substance abuse receive the quality care that would afford them an opportunity to positively contribute to our society. I remain committed to education, mental health and substance abuse treatment in an effort to prepare our citizens for jobs as opposed to jail.

Brown – I will fight for an economy that works for all “Virginians” and not favor the rich. I will focus on funding for education, protecting individual rights and justice for all. I will fight to protect health care, Medicaid and work for minimum wage increase.

3. What is the most critical issue: 1) facing your district? 2) facing Virginia? How do you propose to address these?

Dart – The most critical issue facing my district is reliable internet access in rural communities. It is the 21st century - having a reliable internet connection is critical for education, business development, and basic day to day life. The status quo hasn’t worked to bring connectivity to the last mile, so it’s time we pursue more innovative techniques. The state has the ability to change the incentive structure to make it more profitable for private businesses to get internet to sparsely populated areas. At the state level, we must expand Medicaid and improve transparency in the healthcare system. Having hundreds of thousands of uninsured people raises prices across the board and puts a strain on resources.

McGuire – A: Job creation for non-college educated individuals. Our children need to be prepared for jobs in the 21st century. Information technology and vocational training is key. I would like to see our district take the lead with cyber centers of excellence in our high schools to prepare our students for IT jobs. This can lead our graduates to six figure incomes while remaining in the 56th. We need to increase opportunities for non-college bound students to explore and learn vocations in our middle and high schools. B: We need to reduce the size and influence of state government. Virginia is becoming like other states with government intrusion, bloated budgets, and out-of-touch bureaucrats. We need to turn more control over to localities and provide them the resources to do what they need to do.

Bynum-Coleman – As a mother of five, I am aware of the challenges we face as parents, students, and teachers. The most critical issue I will focus is the lack of access to opportunity for too many. We must create jobs and improve our healthcare and education systems. In recent years, my opponent has voted for the drastic cuts made to our K-12 education system. K-12 schools need to be fully and fairly funded through the budgeting process. We also need to expand the successful Virginia Preschool Initiative to the 7,400 students who did not get to attend VPI in 2016. We need better and more adequate funding so that more young children are afforded the opportunity to attend preschool. Higher education has also been cut. I will vote to make community college free for all Virginia residents, and I also support establishing a Hope Scholarship, similar to a Georgia program, where kids with a 3.7 high school GPA can go to college tuition-free. Finally, we must vote to expand Medicaid in Virginia so that all Virginians can have access to the health care they deserve.

Ingram – I got my first job when I was a teenager, and I’m a proud small business owner today. I know the meaning of a hard day’s work. The 62nd District is prosperous, but small business owners need to be able to grow and expand without government bureaucracy. That is why I helped pass legislation to allow start-up companies to participate in crowdfunding like GoFundMe and examined ways to reduce burdensome regulations. Every time I’m out door knocking in our district, I hear about the need for more fiscal responsibility. Virginia’s government should live within its means and not waste taxpayer money. Since 2003, we have defeated 26 separate tax hikes that would have cost families and taxpayers $30.2 billion.

Loupassi – See answers 1 and 2

McQuinn – One of the most critical issues facing our district is what the commonwealth is challenged with as well.  We need to ensure that all Virginians have the basic educational requirements, including career readiness skills.  A solid educational foundation will enable folks to have more employment opportunities, especially life sustaining wages.  An affordable education is necessary to even the playing field, so that all students who graduate from high school are afforded an opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree, or a trade specialty.  Affordable and quality health care is a basic right of all Americans, and Virginians deserve the best, especially when we have some of the best healthcare systems in the country.  In certain ares of our Commonwealth, immigration is a critical issue, and legislation needs to protect all law-abiding residents without prejudice.

VanValkenburg – The most critical issue facing Virginia is funding our public schools. In the great recession, the Commonwealth slashed funding to our public schools to balance the budget. The economy has improved, but that funding has not returned, leading to ballooning class sizes and drastic cuts to staff and infrastructure. As delegate, I will focus on making sure that funding comes back to Henrico County to help take the burden off local taxpayers and make sure our public schools continue to be world class. Furthermore, we need to tie our education system to the jobs that are coming to Henrico County with vocational training to ensure that nobody gets left behind in the new economy.

Whitlock – The most critical issues facing the district are maintaining a strong economy, building a well-trained work force, and making sure we are providing students with the best education possible. The most critical issue facing Virginia is our business environment. We need to return to the business-friendly environment we had 8 years ago. We were the #2 best state in the country for businesses. We’re now 38th [in one ranking]. One of the best ways to address these issues is by controlling our spending. I developed the “Whitlock Test” to address some of these problems. The Whitlock Test is a series of three questions that any spending proposal must pass before I will support it. If the proposal fails even one question, I will oppose the proposal. The three questions are:
• Is the spending for a core function of government like public safety, education or roads?
• Is the spending for something that government does more efficiently than the private sector?
• Is the spending at the lowest appropriate level with all waste and redundancy removed?

O’Bannon – The most critical issue facing my district and Virginia is attracting more good-paying jobs. Our region has diverse businesses, great tourist attractions, and abundant natural beauty. By enhancing economic development, training our workforce better, and strengthening education (as with the certified/credential education grants available through our community colleges), we can get our economy back on track.

Rodman – Henrico is a wonderful place to live and raise a family, and many of us move here for our wonderful public schools. We need to turn back the efforts taking place in the General Assembly to create a separate school system of charter and voucher funded schools that take money out of our public schools. In Henrico and across the commonwealth, the other issue I hear most about is health care. We need to extend Medicaid coverage to the 400,000 working Virginians who are currently without health care and who are taxing our emergency rooms and passing on costs to those with insurance. The Virginia Director of Medicaid said recently that if we extended coverage, we would save $138 million over the next two years in our budget. This is important, morally and fiscally, and we need new leadership, especially here in the 73rd, to make this change.

Bagby – Henrico must continue to work on promoting and encouraging affordable housing throughout the county in an effort to break up the saturation of poverty. Henrico, Richmond and Charles City continue to have challenges associated with academic achievement and services for our youth. We must adequately fund public education including after-school programs and behavioral support. This will require a team approach and I plan to be a leader in this effort.

Brown – From the school house to the jailhouse, education is a issue facing all of Virginia. The Composite Index of Local Ability to Pay indicators hurt some of our schools. The three indicators are 1. True value of real property – weight 50 percent 2. Adjusted gross income – weight 40 percent 3. Taxable retail sales – weight 10 percent. With this format, the richer neighbors’ schools get more money than the poorer neighbors’ schools. With the large flight of families moving into the 74th District, we need to also focus on transportation, jobs, crime and balancing the budget.

4. How will you involve citizens in General Assembly matters?

Dart – We need to have more accountability from our representatives. As I’ve been campaigning, I’ve talked to countless people who’ve said they don’t feel heard in Richmond. I will strive to be the same kind of delegate as I’ve been a candidate. I have not missed the opportunity to attend a debate or public forum. I want to hear what people are concerned about and how they think the General Assembly and I am doing. I pledge to be a visible and accessible member of the community and faithfully address the concerns brought to me.

McGuire – I’m a big believer in involving many to solve our challenges. We want to form a citizen advisory board across the district so we hear diverse perspectives on ideas. What works best for the rural part of the district may be different than what is best for the urban part of our district. We will continue to utilize diverse communication platforms to give updates on the matters that impact them.

Bynum-Coleman – As a legislator, I will use innovative ways of listening to and engaging my constituents. I want to have frequent town halls where citizens can engage and ask questions about the legislative session. I also want to use social media to gauge support in my district for important legislation. This is similar to the people-driven way that I have run my campaign where I interact with voters about the issues they care about.

Ingram – I value the input from constituents on legislation. I always place our district first when considering whether to vote “yes” or “no” on a bill. Before the start of each General Assembly session, I send out a survey soliciting feedback on key issues that the legislature will consider. The feedback received is valuable, and I will continue this practice. I will also continue my session letters outreach, which send tens of thousands of letters across the district with updates on the General Assembly’s actions.

Loupassi – I keep an open door, answer phones and emails and meet with the people that I represent. The best government is the one that is responsive to the citizens.

McQuinn – I often host numerous community forums and informational sessions in all areas of my district and in surrounding areas.  I constantly solicit input from my constituents through social media and newsletters.

VanValkenburg – My entire campaign has been centered around voter engagement, and that is something I will continue as a Delegate by hosting community meetings, communicating with stakeholders, and having an open door policy for constituents to discuss issues.

Whitlock – I will involve citizens in Virginia General Assembly matters through regular email communication, virtual town halls, and personal meetings.

O’Bannon – I involve citizens in our process regularly. I hold town hall meetings during session, tele-town hall meetings after session, and conduct a constituent survey annually.

Rodman – We need a delegate who is open and accessible. I am always out and about with my family, and I love talking to my neighbors about their hopes and challenges. If elected, I would be sure to make myself publicly available for constituents to ask questions, raise concerns, and talk about important issues. We are at our best when we have community conversations, and I will never hide from tough questions or people who disagree with me.

Bagby – I will remain visible and responsive to the constituents of the district. Residents of the district know how to contact my office or me directly. I appreciate when they email me or call with ideas on how we can best improve the laws and lives of Virginians.

Brown – I will make constituent service my number one priority. I will attend churches,civic association meetings, start a district newsletter and I will be the voice that the community needs in the General Assembly.

5. What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?

Dart – My favorite way to spend the weekend is just hanging out with my boys. We love going to the movies and playing outside. I am also a certified yoga instructor and enjoy going to a class to help me relax.

McGuire – Now that we are empty nesters, I’ve been busy campaigning, but I really enjoy spending time with family and friends. I was a Navy SEAL so I enjoy target practice but I also enjoy spending time with my wife Tracy when we visits art museums, go hiking, or run races.

Bynum-Coleman – I enjoy spending time with my children during the weekends. I’m also a big sports fan.

Ingram – My​ family means the world to me. A perfect weekend will always involve spending time with my children and grandchildren.

Loupassi – With my family

McQuinn – No doubt about it – cooking for family, friends and neighbors and on Sunday attending services at my long-time house of worship.

VanValkenburg – My favorite way to spend a weekend is being out and about with my kids Caden, Elliot, and Hollis. Often we are at swim team, soccer games or Boy Scouts. When we aren’t busy we enjoy going to local events with our friends or spending time outdoors. We love spending time in the many wonderful parks we have in Henrico.

Whitlock – I enjoy spending time with my family. I’ve been campaigning since March. This process had made me appreciate my time with them even more. Family is very important to me and every minute I get to spend with them is a blessing, especially my new grandson James.

O’Bannon – Recently, it’s been walking door-to-door in the campaign. When my weekends are not spent campaigning, I enjoy fishing.

Rodman – I love to go with my family on day trips around the commonwealth, especially to the mountains to pick peaches or apples. If we’re not going out into nature, we really enjoy spending time in our neighborhood with our incredible friends and neighbors.

Bagby – I enjoy youth sports. You can’t beat the family and community atmosphere you find at the fields and gyms across our district. I also enjoy visiting churches to fellowship and worship with members of our community.

Brown – Relaxing and watching my weekly TV show on the CW Network.

6. What personal or professional clubs or organizations are you a member of?

Dart – I sit on the Henrico County Special Education Advisory Committee and the parent board of Rainbow Station, my sons’ preschool. I am also the alumni advisor for the Richmond Spiders Against Sexual Assault and Violence at the University of Richmond.

McGuire – River Road Church, Baptist; VFW Veterans of Foreign Wars, life member; A Team 212 Networking Group; UDT SEAL Association, life member; NRA, life member

Bynum-Coleman – I am the first African-American woman appointed to the Board of Contractors. I am also active with the local NAACP.

Ingram – I am activity involved in many local organizations like the Rotary Club of Hopewell, the Chester Business Association, and the American Legion Post 146. Statewide organizations I devote time to include the Joint Commission on Health Care, the Manufacturing Development Commission, and the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation.

Loupassi – Board member of the VA Bar Association; Board of Drive to Work; Board of the Virginia Holocaust Museum

McQuinn – Sisterfund, National Sisters Network and Patient Advocate Foundation, East District Family Resource Center, Richmond Slave Trail Commission, The African-American Historical Resources Task Force, Bridging The Nutritional Divide.

VanValkenburg – I am history and civics teacher at Glen Allen High School, a Nationally Board Certified Teacher, and proud member of the VEA.

Whitlock – Knights of Columbus, Henrico Bar Association, Virginia State Bar

O’Bannon – I am a member of River Road Church (Baptist), Glen Allen Ruritan Club, West Richmond Rotary Club, West Richmond Businessmen’s Association, as well as professional groups including the Richmond Academy of Medicine, The Medical Society of Virginia, the American Medical Association, The American Academy of Neurology and the Virginia Neurological Society.

Rodman – I am a member of the American Anthropological Association. My family attends Temple Beth-El, and we are active at the JCC.

Bagby – I am a member of Rising Mount Zion Baptist Church. I serve on the Henrico Police Athletic League Board and Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Board.

Brown – Member of Prince Hall Masonic Lodge Edward Jones 324; Board member of Richmond Boys Choir; Board member of Higher Learning Bible Institute; Member, Crusade for Voters; Member, NAACP

7. Additional information:

McGuire – I fought to serve everyone, and I am running to serve as a delegate for ALL people in the 56th district. Our communities face unique challenges and I want to put my life’s experiences to work in supporting lowering taxes, creating jobs, and our law enforcement, veterans, and first responders in our towns, cities, and counties. In 2006 I broke my neck in a freak accident where doctors said I would not make it through the night. God gave me a second chance and I want to use that second chance to work with you and our communities to make the 56th district the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

Bynum-Coleman – Thank you for the opportunity to answer these questions, and I humbly ask for your vote on Nov. 7.

McQuinn – I am a sixth-generation Virginian and have literally given my life to serving others.  I have been active in the community since I was 11 years old.  I firmly believe I was born to be a public servant and embrace my calling to do so.

VanValkenburg – Although I am not a professional politician, I have seen first-hand the consequences decisions made in Richmond have had on Henrico County. I am running to bring new leadership to the General Assembly that focuses on the issues that matter to people.

O’Bannon – I hope the citizens of the 73rd House district will choose to vote for me again on Nov. 7. It will be a great honor to continue to serve them.

Rodman – Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to learn more about my campaign. I have tried to make this a campaign based on real issues facing our community, and about holding Del. O’Bannon accountable for his record. Please check out our respective websites to see how we think about issues. You can see more from our campaign at http://www.rodmanfordelegate.com. After 17 years, it’s time for new leadership. I humbly ask for your vote this Nov. 7.

Bagby – I currently serve as the director of operations at Peter Paul Development Center. Peter Paul’s transformative programs provide year-round support for youth and senior citizens in the most impoverished areas of our region. I encourage you to visit lamontbagby.org if you have additional questions. There you will also be able to contact me directly.

Brown – I am an energetic, hardworking, no non-sense businessman. I have earned my way to success through hard work, and trial and error. My practical experiences have helped me to develop my work ethic attitude into a result-oriented approach to life. I am long on ideas, short on excuses. I have a determined attitude and am unafraid of long odds, unintimidated by obstacles and undaunted by setbacks. My steady, patient, and determined attitude has enable me to succeed where many would dare even to attempt. In 2017, no other qualities of leadership are needed more than the kind I possess. I am not running to advance any personal agenda, but to seek public office to enhance the benefits and opportunies of the people in the 74th District. I am not afraid to speak up against poverty, injustice, joblessness, and the many other problems plaguing our district and our state. I will fight to protect our schools, senior citizens, veterans. I will not be controlled by the demands of a political party or donations from big business. I am the only candidate who will go to the General Assembly and work with the political parties and not for them. A vote for me is a vote for you!