Foreman: Tax credits, improved Route 1 key to economic development

Potomac Local sent a candidate survey to Gerald “Jerry” Foreman. He’s running to become the next Virginia State Senator in the 36th District encompassing south Fairfax County, eastern Prince William County, and North Stafford.  The seat is currently held by Linda “Toddy” Puller who will retire. 

Forman faces Democrat Scott Surovell who also seeks the 36th District Seat. Surovell is currently a Virginia State Delegate who represents the 44^th District which encompasses Mount Vernon and a portion of Fort Belvoir.

Voters will head to the polls to decide a winner for this race on Nov. 3, 2015.

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

Foreman: 1. Economic Development/Revitalization
2. Route-1 Transportation Corridor
3. Ethics and Transparency

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

Foreman: 

Economic Development/Revitalization: This subject transcends the 36th District. As Mayor, our town has reduced property taxes by over 50%, eliminated excessive fees on businesses, reduced Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) taxes, Stormwater Management Fees, Vehicle Tag fees and ensured our business operating fees are lower than or equal to Prince William and Stafford Counties and not one service to our taxpayers has been eliminated.

This same type of rolling-up your sleeves mentality needs to be in Richmond. Economic Development and Revitalization are Town and County initiatives (as an example Virginia does not tax property at the state level; real estate and tangible personal property are taxed at the local level) but Richmond has got to be part of the solution. I will meet with County Supervisors on a quarterly basis and ask how State programs such as the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia Economic Development Incentive Grant Programs, Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit, Recycling Equipment Tax Credit, Worker Retraining Tax Credit, Green Job Creation Tax Credit, Refundable Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit, creation of Enterprise Zones and the grants that accompany them, Technology Zones, Defense Production Zones are being taken advantage of in each locality.

As your Senator I will meet with your Regional Chamber of Commerce(s) and discuss with them programs such as the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority and Community Development Block Grants and Virginia’s Small Business Development Center Network. I will meet with County School Boards as well as Colleges and schools and discuss “work force” development. As Senator, I need to do my part to ensure State funded programs are coming to our region.

Route-1 Transportation Corridor: I have been a member of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) since 2012. I have worked hard to ensure regional transportation requirements have been addressed. As a Senator my first mandate is to address Route-1 from Fairfax to Stafford. We can’t continue to fix intersections a piece at a time. There must be coordination among the three Counties.

Currently Stafford County is not even brought to the table to discuss their requirements. With $351 million dollars in state transportation funds available, it is imperative elected officials from Senator to Delegates be involved in supporting our local officials – not just during an election year. I know the Fairfax & Prince William County Supervisors, the NVTA members, the Commonwealth Transportation Board and regional VDOT officials and I am confident I can work with them to continue to make progress on Route-1.

· Ethics and Transparency: Before and since running for elected office, a politician that continually inspires me is President Abraham Lincoln. In his Gettysburg Address, which is ten sentences and 170 words in length, Lincoln preached about his commitment to a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

While his speech is over 150 years old, the lessons Lincoln taught are just as relevant today. I urge all the men and women serving in elected office to heed Lincoln’s advice, no matter what political party they represent. As Mayor, I am proud to put Lincoln’s words into action and I remain steadfast to follow in his footsteps.

I am committed to ensuring the people who put their trust in me to serve as Mayor get a town government that is open and honest with them at all times in return. That’s why I introduced a policy that allows for full transparency by televising all Council Meetings, whether they are scheduled or unscheduled. Moreover, recognizing how difficult it might be for citizens to attend town meetings, while still tending to their jobs and family responsibilities, I brought predictability and certainty to the meeting schedule by holding one regular and one work session a month. Additionally, under my leadership, Dumfries now requires Members of Council and town staff to provide briefs to Council and citizens regarding town events to keep everyone informed.

As Mayor, I have continually held Council accountable for their conduct, to include the most recent discussion aimed at preventing a politician from using public time and resources to promote their political ambitions through Town Council televised meetings. An open, honest and transparent government isn’t a Democrat or Republican issue – it’s simply the right thing to do. I applaud the Governor and the State Legislature for coming together recently and passing ethics reforms on the state level.

While the reforms weren’t perfect or a total panacea, they were a step in the right direction and an example of politicians from different parties working together to accomplish a common goal. I believe in servant leadership. We must never forget that we represent our voters and business owners’ interests; our actions reflect their values. If elected to the State Senate, I pledge to be a reformer who works closely with moral government advocates and like-minded colleagues in both parties to ensure the most accountable and accessible state government possible. 

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

Foreman:  I’ve learned as a Councilman and Mayor my job description as an elected official is not just to represent my party, it is to represent my constituents.  The homeowner, the businessman, the serviceman and women, the First Responders, the teachers, etc.  I will represent my County, City and Town governments.  

I am proud to be the Mayor of Dumfries and I will take that same pride and commitment to Richmond to represent the entire 36th Senate District.  I have been elected to show fiduciary responsibility with my constituents money as well as provide for a quality of life my constituents expect to enjoy.  I will fight for my District and I will cross the aisle to work with all parties to bring about a final solution to issues that affect our region. 

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Foreman: As a Marine, a business owner, a consultant with the government, a councilman and as mayor, I have prepared all my life to lead from the front.  I have and will continue to walk and drive this District to talk with and listen to the property owners, the business owners and voters of the 36^th. 

This is not about having all the answers; this is about preparing for the legislative session.  I have always come to meetings prepared, I guarantee I will come to Richmond prepared.  I take pride in working with citizens, business owners and fellow politicians to learn the subject at hand, do my research and be prepared to make a decision that benefits my constituents.  This is the type of leadership you deserve in Richmond.

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?

Foreman: Absolutely ,“Yes.” It’s a matter of accessibility to your elected official. I’ve taken a lot of pride as Mayor being accessible to everyone in Dumfries; that same type of openness will come as a Senator as well.  I will hold Town Hall Meetings on a quarterly basis for citizens.  I guarantee you will not just see me once every four years when there is an election.  I am not that type of a politician.  I represent you, so this is about knowing your needs.

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

Foreman: Yes I have. Every meeting I attend, I critique myself afterwards to see if I could have handled a situation better. Even when everything goes right, there is room for improvement as no two situations are the same. I learned in the military that mistakes will happen, you will fall down; Leadership is standing up, brushing the dirt off and accomplishing the mission.  

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

Foreman: As Mayor I am a leader from a local government; it is this type of grassroots leadership we need in Richmond. This election is not about me, it is about YOU and who will best represent YOU in Richmond.