On October 16, I attended the debate held at Lake Ridge Middle School between the candidates for Occoquan District Supervisor, Earnie Porta and Ruth Anderson.

I was struck by the difference in the candidates answers to the questions presented. Mr. Porta was clearly knowledgeable of the important issues facing the district and the county, and presented clear, well thought-out, common sense answers to questions on subjects including traffic congestion and taxes.

When deciding who would best represent our community and support the families that it consists of, the answer is as clear as a summer sky.  Justin Wilk is an honest, devoted leader who has dedicated immense amounts of efforts to have the opportunity to bring the positive change that this county so greatly longs for.

As a former educator in Prince William County, he has witnessed the issues first hand. He has stood in front of a classroom, one that is overpopulated compared to our competing districts, and struggled to develop teaching methods that accommodate every one of his students.

I met Maureen Caddigan before she entered public life. We first collaborated when she was a member of the Prince William County School Board and worked closely since she has been a member of the Board of Supervisors representing the Potomac District. Maureen and I have worked on a variety of issues to include transportation, public safety and education.

As [a member] of the Board of Supervisors, Maureen understands the need for leadership and working as a team. She does not get involved in partisan bickering and readily reaches across party lines in order to accomplish a goal and improve the quality of life for the citizens of Prince William County.

Virginia State Delegate Scott Surovell has done an excellent job in the House of Delegates and is running to replace Senator Toddy Puller who is retiring.

Delegate Surovell has an excellent record as an advocate of all the people. One of his key pieces of legislation bans texting and driving, a life-saving piece of key legislation.