Editor's note: Just as we did with the candidates for governor, we reached out to every candidate for lieutenant governor and asked five questions. Out of those, we have responses from everyone but the campaign of Republican candidate Jill Vogel. We spoke with people from the Vogel campaign on multiple occasions, but by presstime, we hadn't gotten those answers returned. If we do receive the questions, we'll add them.
1. In every election, the economy comes up as a major concern, but when voters go through a candidate's economic plan, they often don't see how it will help them. Please give specific examples of how your plan would benefit places like Martinsville, Henry and Patrick counties.
Bryce Reeves (Republican)-As Lt. Governor, I plan on creating a Regulatory Oversight Commission run out of the Lieutenant Governor’s Office that would be a watchdog and citizens advocate over regulatory agencies. Right now, such over watch only resides in any substantive way in the legislature. That means that in the vast majority of cases when regulatory overreach, selective enforcement, or regulatory redundancy harms a citizen or business owner, they have to wait for the next legislative cycle to hopefully deal with the problem. That can be a yearlong wait. This commission would actually have the executive branch doing its job with respect to policing its agencies. By putting such a commission in the office of an elected official of the executive branch, citizens would finally have a place to go to address concerns and grievances that would have the power to deal with the problem quickly and constitutionally. The Lt. Governor can best serve not only the economy, but also all of their constituents by keeping government power in check and operating in accordance with the Constitution. Instead of focusing on a couple of economic gimmicks that don’t actually help people and fall outside the appropriate scope of the office, I will focus on providing a service which constitutes a legitimate function of government. Namely holding government accountable and insisting that regulatory agencies work with citizens and businesses to help them achieve compliance as opposed to acting as obstructionists.
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Glenn Davis (Republican)- The last thing you want is a bunch of politicians creating another government commission of political appointees who have never run a business in their lives. I’m a career business owner and job creator, so I don’t think the answer is more government, when government was usually the cause of the problem in the first place. Virginia double-taxes many small businesses and punishes those who want to expand and hire more people. States across our borders have reformed their tax codes and eliminated regulations that have outlived any usefulness. We just need people in office who will do that same thing in Virginia. I’ve developed plans to bring more broadband internet access to all parts of Virginia. I’ve met with MIT researchers who may be able to help make Virginia coal the next silicon in technology production. And I’ve met with technology companies that would expand in Virginia if we fix our punishing tax code. These are the keys to economic success I will bring as your Lt. Governor.
Gene Rossi (Democrat)-I have two specific economic proposals that I believe will help workers, employers and families in Martinsville, Henry and Patrick counties.
The first is a strong expansion into broadband access in rural communities. When employers look at relocating, one of the key areas they focus on is infrastructure – the ability to get goods and services to markets. Increasingly, access to high-speed Internet is a public utility, like electricity or water – and Virginia needs to treat it like that. Particularly for employers that provide services of all kinds to consumers down the road or around the globe, broadband Internet access means the ability to quickly interact with markets, and for rural communities to be competitive and attract employers, we need to start there.
The second approach I have as raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, with exceptions for small businesses, by 2021. The research is very clear – raising the minimum wage helps attract better employees, reduces employee turnover, raises the quality of life for workers and puts more into the economy that can be spent by consumers, which creates jobs. It seems counterintuitive, but time after time, it’s what happens in real life. As a kid, after my father passed away when I was 10, I had to pitch in at the family lumber business, and I saw this firsthand. Most importantly, it gives dignity to the work and the worker. It lets people take pride in their work, their employer, and their community.
Susan Platt (Democrat)-First, I support raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, which would immediately help workers in Martinsville, Patrick, and Henry counties. No one who works full-time should live in poverty.
Second, I support making two years of community college free for every Virginian, which would make Patrick Henry Community College an even stronger economic engine for the area. We must allow our young people to get a head start on a college degree without falling into a lifetime of debt.
Third, I will work with large companies and small businesses in the area to find out what changes state government can make to help them create more jobs and pay higher wages. The state must help companies expand, just like Eastman Chemical is doing.
Fourth, I will work to expand Medicaid, which would provide economic security to hundreds of people just over the poverty line in the Martinsville, Henry and Patrick county area. Medicaid expansion also creates local jobs. Fifth, I would work to incentivize the creation of clean energy jobs in every corner of the Commonwealth. We need more wind turbines, which we can build almost anywhere, but the state government needs to give these projects a boost to get off the ground.
Sixth, I would use my experience as a member of the Virginia Tourism Corporation Board to help communities like Martinsville, Patrick, and Henry counties attract more visitors, thus driving the local economy.
While the job of lieutenant governor is limited and technically a part-time position, I want to be a full-time, hands-on lieutenant governor. I want to travel to communities throughout the Commonwealth and meet with business leaders to collaborate on ways that the state government can help create jobs.
Justin Fairfax (Democrat)-My plan is to build an economy that works for all Virginians. First, we need to make sure that all Virginians have access to jobs that pay a decent, living wage. As Lieutenant Governor, I will actively pursue an increase in the state and federal minimum wage to ensure that all workers are compensated in a way that allows them to support themselves and their families. We will be bringing good jobs to every region of the Commonwealth; there are 175,000 middle skill jobs open today in Virginia, and whether in areas like biotechnology or renewable energy, I will pursue policies to place Virginia workers in these openings and continue to attract innovative businesses to every region of Virginia. To make sure that Virginia is ready to supply human capital to fill these 21st century jobs, we must ensure that our educational programs in high schools, trade schools, and community colleges are preparing our graduates for these jobs, which pay many times the minimum wage. Additionally, I will help lead the charge to invest in infrastructure for our more rural communities, including Martinsville, Henry, and Patrick counties. Whether supporting the construction of new roads, investing in high-speed broadband internet, or bolstering the electrical grid, investing in infrastructure is one of the best things that we can do to bolster economic growth. Finally, I will always be friendly to small businesses, which are the backbone of the Virginia economy. 97 percent of the businesses in Virginia are small businesses, and they employ millions across the Commonwealth. As a small business owner myself, along with my wife, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, I understand the challenges that small businesses face. We need to allow small business owners to access capital to pursue their economic goals, and to attract investment to our often-overlooked communities across Virginia.
2. When we see utility companies announcing investments and technology upgrades in different parts of the commonwealth, those often go in urban centers. Rural areas tend to be the last ones updated, creating problems both for residents and in the attempt to attract new business. Is that something that if elected, you could help address? If so, please explain how.
Bryce Reeves-I’ve represented rural areas that face this problem for years. Our rural areas such as Martinsville have much to offer and should not be looked over for improvement projects such as expanding and upgrading Internet and wireless coverage that would help attract new businesses. Having up-to-date utilities is a very important economic development tool because it makes areas more attractive for potential companies to move into the area. As Lt. Governor, I would work with organizations such as the Virginia Chamber of Commerce to promote continued investment in expanding broadband coverage. Allowing for public-private partnerships could also lessen costs and create more opportunities for expansion of services.
Glenn Davis- My career is in technology. I’ve started technology companies and I know what it takes. I’ve already met with people who have beta-tested an economically viable way to solve the “last mile” connectivity problem in giving full broadband internet access which brings technology jobs and companies to this region. What it takes is electing people with the experience to create private-sector technology growth to unleash Virginia’s potential and get government out of the way. We private sector business owners can move much faster than government.
Gene Rossi-Broadband is such an important investment – that’s why it’s central to my rural economic development platform. As the Lt. Governor, I will also sit on the board of the Center for Rural Virginia, where I will make sure to keep pushing forward on this infrastructure.
We can’t keep leaving rural economies behind and then wonder why they’re not growing. An economy is like a seed – we have to take care of it for it to flourish. As Lt. Governor, whether pushing for broadband access or other investments, I’ll make sure the voice of rural communities is heard.
Susan Platt-There is no doubt that rural Virginia has been given the short end of the stick when it comes to utility upgrades and investments. It’s a tragedy that many rural areas in the Commonwealth lack access to broadband, holding communities back in terms of educational opportunities and economic development. The state government must step up its role in providing broadband access to all Virginians. If elected, I will make this one of the top objectives of my office.
Our utility companies need to change the way they do business, and our state government needs to play a role in driving that change. The state is able to regulate utilities, but too often the rules favor utility companies over the people who the government should represent.
I believe the root of the problem is the millions and millions of dollars that our utility companies spend buying elections in this state, giving them far too much influence in Richmond over public policy. That’s why I was the first candidate to sign a pledge stating that I will refuse contributions from Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power.
Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power need to change the way they do business and become more socially responsible, focusing on the common good instead of only their bottom line. That means making sure rural areas see the benefits of technology upgrades and it means stopping their plans to rip up Virginians’ land, farms, and rural landscapes to lay pipelines. I was also the first candidate in my race to oppose the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley pipelines. Our energy companies should be making investments in clean energy jobs and rural infrastructure instead of ripping up our lands and threatening our water supply. If elected, I will work to make sure their priorities are in line.
Justin Fairfax-I have traveled 40,000 miles across the Commonwealth of Virginia in the past year. This is a statewide campaign and my focus as Lieutenant Governor will be to serve all Virginians. I have seen where our Commonwealth is thriving and where it needs improvement. As a small business owner, I know that what attracts investment and great jobs is infrastructure. Infrastructure is key because in order to attract business development, you need roads, bridges, hospitals, etc. so that employers know employees will be safe. We need to expand infrastructure in the rural areas in an effort to attract businesses.
Our campaign is about economic security and opportunity for all Virginians. In our rural communities, that looks like access to cell phone coverage and broadband internet statewide and ensuring access to capital to start a small business. With access to broadband, rural businesses will be able to attract new customers and people will be more likely to purchase homes further from the city if they know they will have internet access. Ensuring access to capital for small business loans will allow people to start businesses which creates jobs and brings in revenue to the community.
Businesses are also attracted to an educated labor force. Right now there are 175,000 vacant jobs available in Virginia because people don’t have the certification for the jobs. One of the initiatives that I want to institute is allows people to get the training with low cost and opportunity cost. Education is the most consistent key to class mobility and people deserve the opportunity to move upwards.
3. In 2016, Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission reported that over the last decade, appropriations for Virginia’s Medicaid program grew by $3.7 billion, a 75 percent increase. The University of Virginia's Miller Center found that by 2024, Medicaid's share of the total state spending would be 14.3 percent, up from 11 percent in the 2013 fiscal year. It's clear that we have people in need. How do we as a state address those needs, while keeping the budget under control at the same time?
Bryce Reeves-As a state, we need to ensure that those individuals receiving benefits from programs such as Medicaid qualify for them. We should focus on helping give people a hand up, rather than a hand out. Through education, training, and having a viable economy that allows businesses to thrive, more good paying jobs will be available for people. When people are able to provide for themselves they will not have to rely on the government to take care of them. We must also stand up against Medicaid expansion. Medicaid is constantly growing bigger and bigger and it is a flawed system—that’s why I have always voted against expanding it. We need to focus on fixing Medicaid before we allow it to eat up more of our budget and take away from other important programs such as K-12 education, salaries for Law Enforcement Officers, and much needed transportation projects around the Commonwealth.
Glenn Davis- Neither of my opponents have ever offered a bill to reform Medicaid. I have, because Medicaid will bankrupt the Commonwealth if it is not reformed. I created a plan that finally controlled Medicaid costs and resulted in fewer people trapped in the Medicaid system. Yes, I said trapped, because the current system gives every incentive for people to stay on Medicaid and little reason to transition to private insurance. Today under Medicaid, make one dollar too much and your health care coverage is gone. Don’t try for that promotion. Don’t accept a raise. It could cost your family their health care. Medicaid actually discourages you from climbing the economic ladder. My plan changed that and helped people improve their lives. It added work requirements and attacked fraud and waste in a real way. It was based on Governor George Allen’s welfare reform, which resulted in the real savings in welfare spending and helped people improve their lives.
Gene Rossi-The best way to keep the budget under control on this issue is by leveraging the millions of federal dollars that Republicans in Richmond continue to turn down out of spite. These Medicaid funds would allow us not only to provide health coverage to 400,000 Virginians, many of whom are in hard-hit rural areas, but also would allow us to create thousands of rural health care jobs – nurses, physical therapists and more. Finally, these funds are the same thing that help us keep rural hospitals open. In states like Oklahoma, rural hospitals are all but extinct because of their decision to reject Medicaid funding. We can’t keep ignoring the needs of our communities any longer. Using these funds will help us buy smarter, invest better in our health care infrastructure, and deliver better care to Virginians.
Susan Platt-The state government has an important responsibility to take care of the most vulnerable among us. We must protect low-income families by safeguarding Medicaid in the Commonwealth.
A major reason why Medicaid costs have gone up in the state budget is that more eligible Virginians are enrolling in Medicaid after the passage of Obamacare, which required that Americans carry health insurance. This is a good thing, because while the state does have to cover much of the cost, fewer people are using emergency rooms as their primary care facilities and thus passing the bill along to everyone else.
Medicaid funding is also an essential part of addiction recovery programs in the Commonwealth, programs that have become increasingly more necessary in recent years with the opioid epidemic plaguing the Commonwealth. We must support these life-saving and life-changing programs for people in need.
I’m a believer that the state government should make more of a commitment to Medicaid, not less. Unfortunately, Republican leaders in Richmond have refused to cover 400,000 Virginians through Medicaid expansion passed by President Obama, rejecting federal funding that belongs to us and sending it to neighboring states instead. Families in Martinsville, Henry, and Patrick counties could have health care coverage immediately if Republicans in Richmond would simply take the federal money that is ours. I will be a fierce advocate for Medicaid expansion in the Commonwealth if I am elected as lieutenant governor.
It is shameful that Donald Trump campaigned throughout Virginia promising to protect Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, and he is now breaking that promise. Trumpcare would be a disaster for Virginia’s families because it would leave hundreds of thousands more Virginians uninsured.
Justin Fairfax-As your question accurately states, we do have people in need in Virginia—and that is not only true regarding Medicaid but many others as well. We have to provide services to those who need them, while being fiscally responsible. The JLARC study that you cite actually suggests a number of ways that the executive and legislative branches can make Virginia more cost-effective in providing Medicaid services, and I support some of these--including such actions as tightening screening procedures to ensure only eligible applicants get benefits, and avoiding unnecessary overpayments. I will add that as Lieutenant Governor, I intend to secure additional funding for Virginia’s Medicaid program by bringing in the federal funds that would come through Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. As a question of fiscal policy, I believe the economic growth—and resulting revenue—that we will bring to Virginia through expanding Medicaid will offset any negative budgetary impact. Investing in Medicaid will bring upwards of 30,000 new jobs to our Commonwealth, many of which will be in communities where economic investment has been overlooked in recent years. But another part of the answer to a growing population using Medicaid is that we need to do a better job helping Virginians achieve economic security—we need to move toward an expectation that people who are willing to work can find good employment opportunities, and that a job comes with quality health insurance benefits. When this becomes true, fewer Virginians will need to apply for Medicaid in order to get health insurance coverage.
4. When it comes to education, it's hard to find a "one-size-fits-all" solution towards grading proficiency. Some students can demonstrate their knowledge in hands-on exercises, but struggle in test taking. For others, test taking comes easy, but when they have to show knowledge in a hands-on situation, they struggle. Is there a way to make sure both types of students are prepared for their lives post high school?
Bryce Reeves-Teachers should have the flexibility to determine what teaching methods and manners of assessment work best for their students. I believe that standards of Learning examinations should be eliminated so that there is less fixation on teaching to pass a test, and more emphasis on teaching to learn. Education should be student-focused and be centered on truly learning and absorbing knowledge rather than simply regurgitating information for a test. Giving students and parents options is necessary. I am an advocate for school choice because not all students learn the same way. The decision on what the best course of action is for a student’s education should be made by parents —not by the state.
Glenn Davis– This is why I helped create a charter school in my hometown of Virginia Beach. Students can excel if the educational system has the right goals and the right flexibility to teach for the 21st century. It’s not the amount of money spent, since we spend more per capita on education than most countries in the world. It’s how those dollars are spent and whether the school is able to focus on things that work rather than be forced to follow programs decided by politicians. This was my experience when I volunteered with an organization called “Junior Achievement.” Students can succeed in numerous ways, and we just need to provide the environment for them to reach their potential.
Gene Rossi-One size fits all education is a terrible way to build a commonwealth and an economy. The best way to make our classrooms more nimble, to respond to the different learning styles of each student, is to better prepare our teachers. That means more investments in teacher training, helping them have the freedom to teach to the student and not just to teach to a high-stakes test, and to ensure that we’re not forcing teachers to choose between preparing for class by buying supplies out of their own pockets and preparing for their futures.
My wife, Diane, was a speech therapist in public schools when we got married, and she went on to work for one of the greatest Secretaries of Education this country has ever seen – Richard Reilly. We sent all three of our children to public schools, and I myself would be considered today an at-risk kid: I nearly flunked out of school after my father died!
And that’s the other key investment we need – we need to do better helping at-risk kids in rural communities. Too many students start to struggle and get left behind, forced to try an learn in a system they have trouble understanding. These aren’t bad kids. They might be gifted with their hands, but struggle to diagram a sentence. We need to make sure there are counselors and teachers in our schools that are equipped to help them. And these counselors and teachers can’t just be in big cities and rich suburbs – they need to come here, too.
Susan Platt-There is no one-size-fits-all approach to education; each school district, each teacher, and each student is unique. I believe that the state government must provide support but that local control is paramount. We must empower teachers, parents, and administrators and not simply “teach to the test.”
Because students possess different strengths and challenges, a well-rounded education with vocational training choices is essential. Fine arts and extracurricular activities are also critical. Flexibility in teaching and options in programs are necessary to help our children grow. It should be our goal that every student graduates from high school prepared to live up to his or her full potential.
Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, and Don McEachin have a plan that would immediately inject funding into outdated school buildings by allowing school districts to take advantage of the same tax credits given to private business. I have urged Congress to act on their proposal.
I was alarmed that Betsy DeVos, Donald Trump’s Secretary of Education, seemed to not even be aware of the proficiency vs. growth debate in public education, something with which she has no experience. I am also deeply concerned that public education could be turned into a for-profit system with the proliferation of unaccountable charter schools that treat our children as money-makers.
We also must recognize that if students are struggling from abuse, addiction, or mental health challenges, they won’t be able to learn. That’s a big reason why I advocate a Cabinet-level position to focus on the Commonwealth’s children, providing them resources and support before they go off the rails. I lost my own daughter to addiction and took my grandchildren under my roof. We need to make sure our children’s basic needs are met in order to give them an opportunity to learn.
Justin Fairfax-The answer to this challenge is giving our public schools greater flexibility in dealing with diverse skills and abilities among students. I understand the desire for objective and consistent metrics in evaluating schools, and that this is what underlies the Standards of Learning (SOL) accountability framework. But as your question suggests, there are major drawbacks to a system in which “teaching to the test” is the primary goal—it undervalues the potential of some students while failing to properly educate others. We have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that students of all stripes are prepared for life post-graduation. Among the options for students should be career and technical education (CTE) classes that offer a path to industry certifications for high-paying, 21st century jobs. We also need to ensure that our evaluation of students is informed not only by test results but by a broader view of the skills that they possess. Finally, one of the best ways to ensure that students are getting as much as they can from high school is to do a better job attracting good teachers to the classroom—teachers who will get to know their students, draw out their strengths and challenge them on a personal level to succeed in life.
5. What made you decide to run for this position? Why pick this role?
Bryce Reeves-As a state Senator, I would carry a myriad number of bills on a wide variety of topics on any given year. Most of these bills would come from my constituents and would address problems they experienced. Helping my constituents is a matter of great pride to me, however, it makes it difficult to focus in on one particular issue and be able to give it the in depth time and effort that’s needed. Examples of this would be tax reform or welfare reform. As Lt. Governor I would have four years to throw all of my time and effort into a few key issues and really tackle big problems that we’ve been talking about for years. As a member of the Senate, I understand how the Chamber works and have cultivated great working relationships with my colleagues that I feel will make me uniquely able to work on these important issues. I am proud to be a Virginian. This is where I started my business. Where I have raised my children. It is my desire to work on behalf of the Commonwealth to make it an even better place to live, work, and pursue your dreams. As your next Lt. Governor, I will work tirelessly to do just that. I’d ask readers to please vote for me on June 13.
Glenn Davis-I chose to run for Lt. Governor because I’m a business owner and I focus on results that improve our economy, lower the cost of government, help businesses create jobs and make Virginia #1 for jobs. We used to be #1. Now we’re #13 and slipping further. We have the 30th worst tax policies in the nation. Businesses no longer look to Virginia as where to expand their companies. I’m running to fix that. I’m the only candidate with the business experience to help improve our stagnant economy and bring jobs back.
Gene Rossi-As former governor’s aide who worked with Virginia Governors Robb and Baliles, I have 33 years of public service experience, and teach trial advocacy at Harvard Law School and constitutional law at George Mason University. I know how important the office of Lieutenant Governor can be.
As Lieutenant Governor, I’ll be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, just like I was as a Justice Department prosecutor for 27 years. I led the largest opioid investigation in U.S. history, taking out a dangerous pill-mill doctor in McLean.
I’ll fight to resist Trumpcare, which will strip health care from hundreds of thousands of Virginians, and instead work to expand Medicaid. As a medical survivor, along with my daughter, I know how important it is to defend the Affordable Care Act – the signature accomplishment of President Barack Obama.
I will also fight for more funding for at-risk students and invest in pre-K, because I know from personal experience how important these investments can be. As a prosecutor, I saw how disadvantaged children can grow up to face real challenges in life. And as a former at-risk student who nearly failed out of high school, I believe we need to do everything we can to help kids like me and countless other Virginians succeed.
Finally, I will push reform the criminal justice system to stop punishing addiction, because he knows that addiction is a disease and mass incarceration is not the cure. I’ll push to outlaw for-profit prisons, and believes that anyone who has served their debt to society and been released should have their voting rights fully restored.
Susan Platt-For years, I worked behind the scenes in politics and in business. I worked for good people like Chuck and Linda Robb, as well as former Vice President Joe Biden. I also advocated for small businesses and Fortune 500 companies in the Commonwealth, helping them create jobs and pay good wages. Tim Kaine, when he was governor, appointed me to the Virginia Tourism Corporation Board, where I promoted Virginia as a travel destination for people around the world, to help drive our economy and showcase our rich history. Meanwhile, I started two grassroots organizations focused on recruiting and training women candidates for office, although I never imagined running for public office myself.
After November 8, I decided it was time to take my own advice and run because I knew I could make a difference for women, children, and families in the Commonwealth.
I was devastated that Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine did not win, but I was also determined to do something about it. No woman on the Democratic side was running for any of Virginia’s statewide offices. It was shocking that even after the mobilization of millions in the Women’s March that no women were running statewide. I stepped up and decided to run for lieutenant governor because I knew that my business, political, and advocacy experience prepared me as the most qualified candidate in the race.
I believe that as lieutenant governor, I can make Virginia a better place to live, work, and raise a family, while resisting Donald Trump’s dangerous and hateful agenda. We need leaders in Richmond who will boldly fight for Virginia families and for progressive values. I am the candidate in this race who can do that.
Justin Fairfax-I announced my campaign for Lieutenant Governor in May of 2016. I have spent the last 13 months making my case across the Commonwealth because I have a passion for public service. As a former federal prosecutor, I know just how fragile security and stability for hard-working Virginia families can be. As a small business owner with my wife, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, I understand how important it is that we continue to invest in infrastructure and invest in people to build an economy that works for all Virginians. And, most importantly, as a father, I know how important economic and stability and quality education is for the future of all of Virginia’s children. As Lieutenant Governor, I will be deeply involved in the policy discussions in the General Assembly and on policy task forces that will make a critical difference in the lives of Virginians. As a leader for all Virginians, will fight for all of Virginia’s families and will work every day to make sure that everyone across this Commonwealth has the same opportunities that I had to succeed.