Black keen on stopping Bi-County Parkway, Obamacare

Potomac Local sent a candidate survey to incumbent  Senator Richard “Dick” H. Black. He’s running to keep his seat in the Virginia State Senate, representing the 13th District that includes portions of Prince William and Loudoun counties. 

Black faces Democratic challenger Dr. Jill McCabe in the November General Election on Nov. 3, 2015.  

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

Black: 

1. Stop the 230 V Power Line from passing overhead through the district.
2. Stop the bi-county parkway.
3. Oppose the state portion of Obamacare.

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

Black:

1. I have spearheaded efforts to require the power line to be built underground, along I-66.
2. Organized a broad coalition of community members and political officials to oppose the parkway. Our efforts are very close to succeeding.
3. My budget amendment blocked Gov. McAuliffe from expanding Obamacare and adding 400,000 people to the welfare rolls. 

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

Black: I have represented Prince William and Loudoun for four years in the Virginia State Senate and representing over 200,000 people effectively is a full-time job.  

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Black: I served in the House of Delegates for eight years and have served in the Senate for four years. I am an attorney with a degree in accounting and have deep experience in highway construction and military affairs. Served in the executive, judicial and legislative branches of government.  

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?

Black: I attend at least five events a week to inform people about the actions of the legislature. I spend about 60 hours a week working on constituent issues, inform the public through social media and emails and work with students learning about Virginia’s government. 

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

Black: Occasionally, I have supported candidates who failed to live up to their promises once elected. This is why I have never voted for a tax increase and remained unwavering in my commitment to traditional family values.  

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

Black: I have represented the district well in the Senate for four years. I have opposed every tax increase. I sponsored legislation to keep Common Core out of Virginia. I earned an A rating from the Chamber of Commerce three years in a row. I have a 100% rating from the VCDL. I am pro-life. I vote for energy independence. As a member of the Privacy Caucus, I have co-sponsored legislation to protect our privacy rights from government intrusion. I’ve enacted laws to protect women from sexual assault. I sponsored legislation to prevent subsidies for illegal immigrants. I have sponsored numerous school choice bills.