Democrats seeking Prince William Senate seat debate in Woodbridge

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Voters heard from all three Democrats vying to replace longtime retiring State Senator Charles Colgan.

Delegate Michael Futrell, Atif Qarni, and Jeremy McPike fielded questions Monday night at a Democratic debate for the 29th Senate District. Potomac Local was the sponsor of the debate. It was moderated by Bob Gibson, Executive Director for the Sorensen Institute of Political Leadership at the University of Virginia, and Stephen Farnsworth, author and professor at the University of Mary Washington, and Potomac Local Prince William Regional Editor Stephanie Tipple. 

“The balance of power of the Virginia State Senate is before us,” said Futrell, who wants to ensure Democrats retain control of Colgan’s seat.

The candidate outlined their views on education, transportation, immigration, infrastructure and economic development.

“This election is not about the progressive values we have. This is about someone who can go to Richmond and make reforms for Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park,” said McPike.

The 29th Senate District spans much of Prince William County from east to west. So would a long-debated Bi-County Parkway – a project the candidates said would relieve traffic and spur economic development.

“I am the only one on this stage that commutes an hour or more to work every day,” said McPike, who lives in Dale City and works for the City of Alexandria Government and argued for improved roads. “I’m not the only one who gets nervous when I see a sea of brake lights ahead of me when trying to drive home. Getting home early – it’s like winning the lottery because I get to spend 30 minutes more with my family.”

Futrell told the audience that his time in the House of Delegates in Richmond gave him an advantage if elected to the Senate seat. A failed bill introduced during the last law-making session would have created an infrastructure savings bank comprised of both public and private money for needed infrastructure projects. He plans to reintroduce the bill, and he called it the solution to the area’s transportation funding crisis.

Qarni, a U.S. Marine and school teacher, hammered home the need for improving schools and making better opportunities for students.

“The reason why I’m in the situation that I’m in is because of a good education,” said Qarni, who said he was grateful to have served his nation in the Marine Corps.

Qarni also called for diversifying the region’s economy in an attempt end a reliance on federal government, and military industry jobs.

McPike said another round of federal sequestration is looming and could impact the region. Adding more cyber defense jobs at Quantico is critical to the economy, he added.

Futrell touted his time working with military veterans in the area to improve health and quality of life.

“We don’t need to tell veterans that we care. We need to treat veterans as family,” said Futrell.

Voters will head to the polls June 9 to decide which Democrat will go on to face Manassas Mayor Harry “Hal” Parrish II, the Republican seeking the 29th District seat.