RSSThree throw their hats in ring for 44th District delegate seat
Three-way race centers on transportation, schools
Del. Kris Amundson (D) surprised many people in late June when she announced that she would not seek re-election to her 44th District House of Delegates seat in order to focus on her business, leaving the Alexandria-area seat open for the first time since 2000.
Democrat Scott A. Surovell, former chairman of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee, soon announced that he would run to replace Amundson, joining Republican James E. "Jay" McConville and Independent Green Glenda Gail Parker, who were already on the ballot.
Parker is running on the general Independent Green platform of promoting high-speed rail projects.
"High-speed rail powered by renewable energy sources ... will revitalize our economy and grow revenues for state, county and local governments," Parker said in response to e-mailed questions from The Times. "We need rail to make us safer and to have cleaner air and water. "
Both McConville and Surovell say the top priority in the district is bringing transportation improvements and economic revitalization to the Route 1 corridor.
"We have economic problems, we have environmental problems, we have traffic problems," McConville said of the corridor that runs through the heart of the 44th District.
Surovell, a lifelong Mount Vernon resident, favors widening Route 1, adding dedicated bus lanes and, ultimately, extending Metro to Fort Belvoir.
"It would be completely transformative of that area," Surovell said of Metro, saying that rail service would help bring improved retail options, housing and other amenities to the area.
McConville said he would first advocate for a single high-priority transportation project on Route 1 while planning for bigger improvements down the line. He also says it is important to grow the state's economy to generate more revenue overall.
"I think there are creative ways to raise additional revenue without raising our taxes," he said. For example, he backs Republican gubernatorial candidate Robert F. McDonnell's proposal to sell the state-run liquor stores to private owners.
Surovell rejects McDonnell's transportation funding proposals, which also includes using some money from the general fund, which funds most state responsibilities, including education.
"The very last thing my district needs is less school money and private liquor stores," Surovell said.
Both major party candidates are also concerned about protecting the quality of county schools and say they want to preserve as much state funding as possible.
"The state either needs to find more revenue or to cut things," Surovell said. "Public education is absolutely critical. We have to do all we can to protect public education."
Surovell is focused on changing the funding formula for K-12 education to bring more money home to Fairfax County, although he acknowledges that this may not be possible until redistricting in 2011 creates an anticipated urban/suburban majority in the House of Delegates.
"I think there are opportunities that arise when we band together as a group," he said.
While he also says the public schools funding formula does not adequately reflect his district's needs, McConville wants to explore other options for improving education as well.
"I think we need to allow for more creative solutions," he said, such as bringing charter schools to Fairfax County.
ELECTION 2009
James E. McConville
Republican
Age: 46
Residence: Alexandria
Family: Married, three children
Occupation: Vice president, Chandler/May Inc.
Public service: President, Fort Hunt Youth Athletic Association; plays in two bands that perform for charitable causes
Campaign finance: Raised $178,652 in 2009; $90,023 on hand as of Sept. 30
Web site: gojay.org
Glenda Gail Parker
Independent Green
Age: 62
Residence: Alexandria
Family: Three children, grandchildren
Occupation: Retired
Public service: Member, Fairfax Federation of Civic Associations; Washington Region Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board Citizens Advisory Association
Campaign finance: Raised $13,870 in 2009; $12,690 on hand as of Sept. 30
Web site: www.gailparker.us
Scott A. Surovell
Democrat
Age: 38
Residence: Alexandria
Family: Married, four children
Occupation: Co-founding partner of law firm Surovell Markle Isaacs and Levy PLC
Public service: Former board member, Tauxemont Community Association; former board member, Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce Education Partnership
Campaign finance: Raised $216,694 in 2009; $109,630 on hand as of Sept. 30
Web site: www.surovell2009.com