I am running for Senate because I get it: government isn't working for regular people, and we need to take real action to solve the problems we are having in Fairfax County and the Commonwealth. My experience as the former head of a state agency has taught me that the best way to solve problems is by working with both sides of the aisle to find practical solutions. My Plan for Virginia’s Future is just this, a set of real solutions that I will present to both parties in Richmond to solve our most urgent challenges.

Education

We need to protect resources for both our teachers and our classrooms in order to maintain the quality of our education at all levels: K-12 and our colleges and universities. I have a strong commitment to education and am proud to have been endorsed for my re-election campaign by the Virginia Education Association.

My wife and I are both graduates of Fairfax County Public High Schools. I went to Woodson, and Julia had been in the first graduating class at West Springfield High School. We raised our three sons (Nathan, Stuart and Connor) in Burke and they graduated from Lake Braddock Secondary. I want to continue supporting Fairfax schools by protecting current funding levels and working to keep them among the best in the nation.

I also want to help our state colleges and Universities. My sons, Nathan and Stuart went on to Virginia Tech and Connor to the University of Richmond. I understand the rising costs of tuition and the cutting back on courses. Our schools can't accommodate all the Virginians they should.

Economy

I believe in holding the line on taxes and spending, working across party lines for a fiscally responsible budget. I was proud to be the chief co-sponsor of the Middle Class Tax Relief Act during the 2009 session, which would have provided tax cuts for families in Fairfax County, eliminated the tax on food, and lowered the tax burden on our small businesses so they can create more jobs.

Transportation

Our transportation system is inadequate and clogged with traffic. On the Transportation Committee, I am working on attacking the traffic problem from all angles, including a steady, dedicated reliable funding stream to improve all forms of transportation.