Kandy Hilliard: Medicaid expansion is a big piece of the puzzle

Kandy Hilliard is no stranger to the political landscape in Stafford County. She served as the Aquia District representative on the Board of Supervisors from 2001 to 2005. 

The Democrat lists helping to secure $30 million in fundng to preserve the Crow’s Nest Natural Area, a sprawling wetland area on the Potomac and Accokeek creeks in Stafford County as one of her many accomplishments. 

Today, she’s going up against longtime incumbent Republican Bill Howell. He’s served the 28th district, which includes portions of Stafford and King George counties, and Fredericksburg, for 27 years. He’s also been the Speaker of the House since 2003.

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PL: What are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent?

Hilliard: Reducing traffic congestion, adequate funding for schools, bringing living wage jobs to our community.

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?

Hilliard: When talking about these three issues, Medicaid expansion is a big piece of the puzzle. According to the Commonwealth Institute, Medicaid Expansion would give over 195,000 Virginians health insurance, improving the health of our workforce. It also brings 30,000 good paying jobs to Virginia. With three local hospitals, one that already laid off over 60 people, I think it makes good sense to bring good paying jobs to our community.

I believe it is critically important to work with our local, state and national partners to leverage every resource available to us.  That helps us keep taxes low. Medicaid Expansion would bring $1.7 billion to the General Fund.  Based on current trends in the Virginia budget, we spend 30% of the General Fund on public education. This could mean an additional $515 million in the state budget for our public schools. It makes good economic sense, and that is why so many other states have accepted the expansion.

Additionally, HOT lanes cannot be our only solution to traffic gridlock. They are too costly and they dump out right here in Stafford. We need to invest in public transit (VRE, Metro, and bus service). Wouldn’t it be nice if VRE operated going both ways so people could use it to travel during off hours? It is also critical that we prioritize infrastructure, and ensure that we build complete streets that are safe for drivers and pedestrians.  We need to be thinking long term about transportation solutions.

PL: From your prospective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Hilliard: I believe the person elected to this office should be a representative for the people of the 28th District. Your Delegate should be fighting for the welfare and of all residents, businesses and organizations in the district. This job requires you to listen to all sides of an issue, bring forward legislation and vote based on what is best for the community as a whole. Your Delegate needs to be accessible to the people, prudent with our tax dollars, and able to make the tough governing decisions that improve the everyday lives of the people of the 28th district.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Hilliard: I am an expert in early childhood education. I have started a small business and co-founded a non-profit in this field. I have also served on the Stafford Board of Supervisors, so I have a close up and personal understanding of the needs and challenges of local government. I grew up in this community and I raised my family here. My husband travels I95 everyday to get to work. I believe my family is very representative of the people of this district, and this gives me a strong understanding of the needs of our community. I want to go to Richmond to fight for the people of the 28th District.

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency?

Hilliard: I believe most people know what they want from their government, however the challenges facing our community are complex and procedures can be arduous.  It is the role of an elected official to help citizens navigate the process and find the information they need. I will be accessible to constituents. I plan to keep the community informed through my website, newsletter, social media, and community events.

PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they effected you?

Hilliard: We are all human and we all make mistakes.  There have been times in my public life that I have regretted coming out too quickly on an issue before hearing all perspectives.  This happened when I was on the Board of Supervisors, fighting to protect Crow’s Nest from development. I had initially committed to one course of action but had to change direction when I learned that we could access different resources.  In the end, I secured $30 Million of Virginia Resources Authority Funds from then Secretary of Natural Resources, Tayloe Murphy, to purchase the land. We had a favorable outcome, but I learned the importance of hearing from all stakeholders before committing to a specific course of action.

PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you? 

Hilliard:  I am ready to go to Richmond to fight for the people of the 28th District – not special interests that have too great an influence over our legislators. I will focus on finding common ground to bring solutions to our challenges. I will be accessible to you when you have a question or concern. I will focus on improving the lives people in our community every single day, and I will do it with integrity and honesty.