Mark R. Herring*

Office sought: District 33 Senate
Party: Democrat
Age: 48
Residence: Leesburg.
Web site:
http://www.markherring.org
E-mail:
senator@markherring.org

* Incumbent

Occupaton: Lawyer, Herring Law Firm.

Education: BA, MA, University of Virginia; JD, University of Richmond.

Elected offices/civic activities: Member, Virginia Senate, 2006-present; member, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, 2000-04; past chairman, United Way Campaign; member, PTA, Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, Leesburg Kiwanis Club, Loudoun County Bar Association; elder, Leesburg Presbyterian Church.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why should voters elect you?

A: I am the only candidate running with the experience and knowledge to improve transportation, better manage new growth and development, and keep our schools strong.

Q: What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?

A: The most urgent issue facing my district is solving our transportation crisis. We have made a lot of progress improving transportation in the last few years, but we need to continue focusing on alleviating traffic and managing new growth to ensure traffic doesn't get worse.

Q: What is the appropriate role for state and local government in enforcement of federal immigration laws, and how do you view the current debate in Loudoun on the issue of illegal immigration?

A: George Bush and the Federal Government have failed to address our growing problem of illegal immigration, which has put pressure on our state and local governments to act. During the past legislative session I introduced and sponsored common-sense immigration policies at the state level that deny bail to any person arrested for a felony if they entered the country illegally and legislation to provide heavier fines on employers that misrepresent the immigration status of their workers. Illegal immigration is a growing concern and I believe common-sense actions need to be taken at the Federal, State and Local levels.

Q: Do you plan to push for any legislation involving land-use policy or the impact of new development on roads and schools?

A: One of the most critical issues in our district is managing new growth and development in order to ensure our schools aren’t overcrowded and traffic congestion doesn’t get worse. One of the best ways to make sure that infrastructure such as schools, roads, and firehouses are in place when they are needed is to give local officials the tools they need to better manage growth and development. As Senator, I serve on the Local Government Committee and introduced legislation that would give clear authority to local governments to deny re-zonings when the transportation infrastructure is inadequate, allow localities to impose reasonable impact fees, and require state and local government to coordinate land use decisions with sound transportation planning. Controlled growth and well-designed communities are part of a delicately balanced economic development equation, and both are necessary for the continued economic health of our region and to allow Loudoun residents to enjoy an excellent quality of life.

Q: Do you see the need for changes in the state's mental health treatment system (including any changes in state laws) as a result of the shootings at Virginia Tech?

A: The Virginia Tech Report has highlighted several gaps in Virginia’s mental health treatment system that need to be improved. As a state, we need to make sure schools, colleges and other agencies are fully aware of Federal and State privacy laws and that they are in communication with one another regarding patient history. We also need to provide local community service boards and court services units with the resources to ensure compliance with court ordered treatment and services. Additionally, I supported the Governor’s executive order to expand background checks on gun purchases to people who have already been identified as dangerous and placed involuntarily into mental health treatment programs. This is a common sense action that balances the right of law abiding citizens to own guns with appropriate public safety measures.

Q: The state is facing a budget shortfall because of revenue projections that did not pan out. What areas of the budget do you think need trimming, and what areas would you try to protect from cuts?

A: For two consecutive years Virginia has been named the Best Managed State because of the leadership of Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. I support the Governor’s order to have each agency trim their budget, but I believe we need to make sure core services like education, public safety and health care are properly funded. During the past General Assembly session, I joined with other legislators to co-sponsor legislation that would have helped trim the budget by increasing government efficiency and cutting wasteful spending, and I will continue these efforts next year after being re-elected.

Q: Do you think the General Assembly should make any changes in the abusive driver fees it approved this year? If so, what changes do you favor?

A: The abusive driver fee provision was included at the insistence of the Republican leadership during the last session. I spoke out against the legislation in 2006 because I felt then, as I do now, that charging drivers excessive fines is not the right way to solve our transportation problems. I look forward to going back to Richmond next year and working to repeal the abusive driver fees.

Your Thoughts...

Are you happy that the school year is over?