Delegate Richard L. “Rich” Anderson has served in the General Assembly since 2009. He represents the 51st House District which encompasses most of Prince William County.
He is seeking reelection this year, so Potomac Local sent a candidate survey to Anderson to see why voters should reelect him to go back to Richmond.
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?
Anderson: Jobs, economy, and transportation
PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
Anderson: Jobs: State and local governments must partner to bring more businesses and jobs to [Prince William County]. This will broaden our business base and lessen the burden on residential property owners, while permitting people to live where they work.
As the new chair of the House Committee on Science and Technology, I have initiated a series of discussions with NoVA technology companies and associations about a legislative agenda for January 2016 that will attract businesses to Prince William County. As chair of the House-Senate Military and Veterans Caucus, I am working with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and PWC government to build a comprehensive Virginia Veterans Care Center in PWC, which will host 120+ residents and create 200 jobs in the county. As the Chief Patron of House Bill 1906 that created the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program in 2013, I teamed with Sen. Linda T. Puller (D-36) on bi-partisan efforts under which Virginia companies have so far hired 9,000+ veterans out of 11,800 jobs pledged.
Economy: The federal economy remains anemic because federal burdens on private businesses continue to chill job creation and growth. I’ve heard that from literally thousands of business owners across Virginia. This has been compounded by the federal sequestration and the withdrawal of defense industry dollars in NoVA. As a member of the Governor’s Commission on Military Installations and Defense Activities, I have worked over the last two years with my fellow commission members on a comprehensive set of initiatives that are now on the Governor’s desk for consideration. This bi-partisan effort will lessen Virginia’s dependence on federal dollars and invigorate our state economy through local initiatives.
Transportation: It’s crucial that more NoVA tax dollars be returned to our area for use in reducing traffic congestion. I supported legislation to give urban (NoVA and Hampton Roads) legislators a bigger say in how transportation dollars are spent, but legislators from other parts of the state defeated this proposal. I strongly supported a successful bill to require that congestion mitigation be the primary criteria for allocating transportation dollars. As a member of the House Transportation Committee, PRTC Board of Commissioners, and Virginia-North Carolina High Speed Rail Commission, I will continue to work hard for transportation solutions that speed the movement of commuters, goods, and services.
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?
Anderson: Our Prince William neighbors have taught me over the last six years that they wish to be represented, not “governed.” My job is best described as one that requires me to spend the bulk of my day in direct constituent interaction so that I understand the needs of our neighbors, can provide comprehensive services when requested, and represent the best interests of Prince William families and businesses at home and in Richmond.
PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?
Anderson: Over the course of a 30-year military career during which I led large and complex organizations, I was able to learn a skill set that has served me well in the Virginia General Assembly. Today, I’m privileged to chair a full House committee, co-chair the House-Senate Military and Veterans Caucus, and lead a number of state boards and commissions. Over the last six years, that has provided me with insights into the needs and desires of Virginians in Prince William County and across the Commonwealth.
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?
Anderson: The largest portion of Prince William County residents are focused on raising a family, earning a living, and commuting to and from their work places. That’s why I take my legislative message and constituent services to their door steps, their front porches, and their living room couches and kitchen tables. I personally answer hundreds of constituent emails each day, attend a half-dozen community events each day; host town hall meetings, visit schools and classrooms, and publish periodic newsletters. That’s how I achieve the two-way dialogue that makes my constituents and I informed partners in the legislative process.
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
Anderson: Since my first election in 2009, I have worked hard to engage with our Prince William neighbors, listen to viewpoints that both coincide and differ from mine, and consider policy options with care and deliberation. During that time, I have tried to avoid mistakes in my public life and to take care in how I articulate ideas in the public forum. Like all humans, I am vulnerable to error and will use any future error as an opportunity for growth and accountability.
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
Anderson: Throughout my 2009 campaign for the 51st House District seat, I pledged that I would be fully engaged with our people, deeply involved in the life of Prince William County, devoted totally to delivering quality constituent services, and that I would be readily available and quickly reachable. I have worked hard to be true to that promise, and I humbly ask our 51st House District neighbors to permit me to continue to serve at home and in Richmond.
