BertForSenate.com<\/a><\/p>"}}},{"id":6573,"slug":"1-biggest-challenge-us","title":"1. Biggest challenge \/ U.S.","description":"What's the biggest challenge facing the United States and how would you propose to address it?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":0,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"14272":{"content":"
Artificial intelligence is going to transform virtually every sector of our economy, and we are nowhere near prepared for what that means for American workers. I am AI-long: I believe this technology can create enormous opportunities, but we can't pretend there won't be real disruption along the way. We need to start preparing now, and AI companies and big corporations that stand to massively profit must do their part. My comprehensive AI legislation would establish much-needed guardrails, including federal standards for data centers to prevent developers from passing their costs onto communities. It would also promote competition and safety, protect our national security, and generate new revenue from AI companies and data center developers to invest in workers impacted by AI-related disruption. AI companies will make enormous profits from this transformation. We need to make sure American workers share in the upside rather than simply bearing the costs.<\/p>"},"14273":{"content":"
Our biggest challenge is our national security. Under Biden, our adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran were allowed to walk all over us. Dealing with these regimes takes true resolve and experience. As a retired Major General of the United States Army, former Commander of the Combined Joint Interagency Task force in Afghanistan, and Trump's trusted advisor on national security, I am ready to face that challenge.<\/p>"}}},{"id":6574,"slug":"2-biggest-challenge","title":"2. Biggest challenge","description":"
What's the biggest challenge facing Virginia and how would you propose to address it?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":1,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"14272":{"content":"
The cost of everything has gotten out of control. From groceries, to housing, to the utility bill, costs are climbing and Virginians are feeling the squeeze in their pockets. Trump's reckless tariffs are a tax hike on American consumers, a tax on nearly everything. I introduced legislation to require full refunds of Trump's illegal tariffs to put money back in the pockets of Virginians. The housing crisis is also contributing to the affordability crisis. We're millions of homes short in this country. I am proud to have co-authored the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, a landmark package of legislation. It has key provisions to cut red tape, make affordable housing easier to build, and stops private equity from buying up homes. I'm also fighting to make sure developers, not residents, pay for costs associated with data centers.<\/p>"},"14273":{"content":"
The biggest challenge facing the Commonwealth is our current leadership. Spanberger and her allies have shown that they are closer to Mamdani and AOC than everyday Virginians - attempting to rig our congressional elections, pushing for billions of dollars in tax increases, infringing on our Second Amendment rights, and joining Green New Deal initiatives like the RGGI that are hurting Virginians no matter their political affiliation. Unlike Warner, I will push back against the policies in the Senate instead of enabling them.<\/p>"}}},{"id":6575,"slug":"3-hr-1-aka-the-one-big-beautiful-bill","title":"3. HR 1, aka the One Big Beautiful Bill","description":"
How would you assess the impact of that legislation?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":2,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"14272":{"content":"
HR 1 slashed health care, nutrition assistance, and other critical programs that Americans rely on in order to pay for massive tax breaks to the very rich. It has already forced over 100,000 Virginians off their health care plans by jacking up the cost of premiums, and its massive Medicaid cuts put roughly 300,000 Virginians at risk of losing their health insurance and threaten rural hospitals that are already struggling to keep their doors open.<\/p>
The bill also caused the largest SNAP cut in the program's history, putting over 200,000 Virginians at risk of losing the program that helps put food on the table. I voted against it and fought to strip out some of its most damaging provisions. Congress should be lowering costs for working families, not asking them to sacrifice so people at the very top can get another tax break.<\/p>"},"14273":{"content":"
The Working Families Tax Cuts (OBBB) has lowered taxes on Virginians virtually across the board and it allows families to keep more of their hard-earned money including no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and no tax on social security. Not only that, but it has also directed much-needed funding to modernize our military and secure our borders.<\/p>"}}},{"id":6576,"slug":"4-health-care","title":"4. Health care","description":"
What are your views on how Americans can better afford health care? Would you support the so-called \"Medicare for All\"? Why or why not?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":3,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"14272":{"content":"
We need universal health care. Americans shouldn't lose health coverage because they lose a job, and no Virginian should have to choose between groceries, rent, and medicine. As long as we keep arguing over who gets covered, we'll never actually get to have a real conversation about bringing down costs. <\/p>
I helped write the Affordable Care Act, which massively expanded health care access and ensured that no insurance company could discriminate against you for your medical history. I helped cap insulin at $35 a month and cap what seniors pay out of pocket for prescriptions at $2,000 a year. And when the middlemen were hiding how they set drug prices, I helped force them to open their books.<\/p>
I'm less interested in arguing over labels than I am in getting to universal coverage and bringing costs down. We ought to build on what works, fix what doesn't and make sure every American can get quality, affordable health care.<\/p>"},"14273":{"content":"
Socialized health care, \"Medicare for All,\" would cost the American taxpayers trillions of dollars and will never be a viable solution to health care in the United States. It would decrease the quality of care that people receive and lead to longer wait times at the doctor's office. There are real solutions to this issue like fostering free market competition so pharmaceutical companies and hospitals don't price gouge working families.<\/p>"}}},{"id":6577,"slug":"5-rural-hospitals","title":"5. Rural hospitals","description":"
Up to 10 rural hospitals in Virginia have been listed as endangered. What would you propose to make sure they stay open?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":4,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"14272":{"content":"
Rural hospitals were already operating on incredibly thin margins, and the massive Medicaid cuts from HR 1 made the situation much worse. While the wealthy got trillions in tax breaks, rural Virginians are at greater risk of losing access to care. I fought against those cuts and offered amendments to protect Medicaid and rural health care, but Republicans blocked them.<\/p>
I'm also working to strengthen rural hospitals by addressing some of the services most at risk of disappearing. My Keeping Obstetrics Local Act would increase Medicaid payment rates for labor and delivery services to help rural hospitals keep maternity wards open and ensure families don't have to travel hours to have a baby.\tI also authored the Save Struggling Hospitals Act to ensure that rural hospitals are fairly reimbursed for their services by the federal government.<\/p>
I'll keep fighting to protect Medicaid, strengthen rural hospitals and make sure your ZIP code doesn't determine whether you can get quality health care.<\/p>"},"14273":{"content":"
Rural hospitals are key to communities across Virginia. However, this is an issue of failed state leadership to provide adequate resources and support for rural hospitals. These issues need to be addressed to ensure that we are not shortchanging our rural communities for vanity projects in Portsmouth or Alexandria.<\/p>"}}},{"id":6578,"slug":"6-immigration","title":"6. Immigration","description":"
What are your views on immigration? Does the U.S. need more immigrants or fewer? What should be the criteria for entry and deportation? Under what circumstances should undocumented immigrants already here be given a pathway to citizenship?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":5,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"14272":{"content":"
We're the one country where you can come here, play by the rules, embrace our democracy, and become an American. That's what makes our country so strong. But our immigration system has been broken for years. I fought for a bipartisan border deal that would have bolstered our national security, provided better technology to stop fentanyl and implemented major reforms to our asylum system. Donald Trump killed it at the 11th hour.<\/p>
A screwed-up border is not a license for the level of cruelty and chaos that has been unleashed on the streets, with masked, undertrained agents engaging in illegal acts of violence, grabbing people heading to work and folks who showed up to their own court hearing, shooting Americans dead in the street - none of this is making us safer. <\/p>
We need secure borders, a fair and consistent immigration process for people who have lived and contributed here for years, and law enforcement that follows the law. Those things are not mutually exclusive.<\/p>"},"14273":{"content":"
America is a country of immigrants, but we are also a country of law and order. We must keep our borders secure while making legal immigration for those seeking the American Dream available. Those who broke the law and came here illegally should not be given a free path to citizenship over those choosing to do it legally.<\/p>"}}},{"id":6579,"slug":"7-israel-gaza","title":"7. Israel \/ Gaza","description":"
Would you support an arms embargo on Israel? Why or why not? What else should we know about your views on Israel and Gaza?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":6,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"14272":{"content":"
We can stand firmly with Israel's security while also speaking out against actions that jeopardize peace and stability in the region. While I'm a friend to the Israeli people, I do not support all of the actions of Netanyahu's government. Earlier this year, I voted to cut off American aid that could have enabled more illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The conflict that followed the October 7th attacks in Gaza resulted in significant and devastating human cost. Extremist settlers continue to commit violence and displace Palestinian families in the West Bank, while the Israeli government enables illegal settlement expansion. Israel is escalating military actions in southern Lebanon and other areas of the region that are not in Israel or America's long-term interest. Israelis should be able to live in security with a two-state solution that honors the humanity of Israelis and Palestinians, and there must be an end to the ongoing geopolitical conflict in the region.<\/p>"},"14273":{"content":"
No, I would not support an arms embargo against Israel. Israel is one of America's greatest allies, and we cannot allow them to become a sitting duck for their enemies who have vowed to destroy them.<\/p>"}}},{"id":6580,"slug":"8-ukraine-russia","title":"8. Ukraine \/ Russia","description":"
What, if any, aid should the United States be supplying to Ukraine? Why or why not? What are the consequences if Russia succeeds in militarily claiming part of Ukraine?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":7,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"14272":{"content":"
Supporting Ukraine isn't charity - it is squarely in America's national security interest. Ukraine is fighting for its sovereignty against Vladimir Putin's brutal invasion, and the United States should make sure Ukrainians have the tools they need to defend themselves. Their fight is not just about Ukraine's sovereignty. It is about defending the democratic values and principles that protect our own. Ukrainians are literally fighting and dying for these values and in doing so, they are dealing a devastating blow to one of America's top adversaries without sending a single American service member into combat. <\/p>
Russia, China and every other American adversary are watching what we do in Ukraine. If Putin can invade a neighbor, seize territory by force and simply wait out the West, the lesson will be heard far beyond Ukraine.Walking away from Ukraine would make America less safe. <\/p>"},"14273":{"content":"
Obama allowed Crimea to be seized and Biden's failed foreign policy empowered Russia to try and finish the job. Thanks to President Trump, we are no longer in a losing position around the world. Europe is finally picking up their part of the tab that U.S. taxpayers were paying, and any further U.S. assistance must have U.S. interests in mind.<\/p>"}}},{"id":6581,"slug":"9-artificial-intelligence-data-centers","title":"9. Artificial intelligence \/ data centers","description":"
What, if anything, should the federal government do to either encourage or discourage development of artificial intelligence? Please address data centers as part of this.<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":8,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"14272":{"content":"
Artificial intelligence will reshape nearly every aspect of our economy and society. The only question is whether Congress is going to do something about it or try to play catch up. <\/p>
My comprehensive AI legislative framework addresses four key priorities: building AI infrastructure responsibly; promoting competition and safety; preparing workers for economic disruption and technological change; and strengthening America's national security advantage.<\/p>
Data centers use enormous amounts of power and water. Virginians deserve to know the impact a new data center will have on their community, and companies shouldn't be able to hide those details behind secret deals. I've introduced legislation to require greater transparency about energy and water use and other impacts, make data centers pay for the grid upgrades they require instead of passing those costs on to residents, and condition valuable tax benefits on meeting strong efficiency standards.<\/p>"},"14273":{"content":"
Democrats have fought against local control across Virginia, and we need to let local communities decide what is best for themselves. Let me be clear: You should decide what gets built in your community, not politicians in Richmond or Washington DC. Data centers have exposed the failure of the Democrats' Green New Deal energy policies that restrict energy production and communities should be empowered to restrict data centers and control their own land use policies.<\/p>"}}},{"id":6582,"slug":"10-energy-offshore-wind","title":"10. Energy \/ Offshore wind","description":"
President Trump has tried to block development of offshore wind energy. Dominion Energy is building an offshore wind facility off the coast of Virginia Beach and has long-range plans for more. What should the federal government'sposture on offshore wind be? And energy development in general?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":9,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"14272":{"content":"
The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project is a product of years of work and is the largest commercial-scale offshore wind project in the United States. It is providing clean, reliable energy to Virginians. I am proud of what I've done with Dominion Energy and other partners in the region to secure federal funding for the project, improve local maritime infrastructure, and create good-paying jobs. The project will provide Virginians with greater price stability, fuel savings, and protection against future energy shocks, such as those being created by the Trump administration's war in Iran. I look forward to working on growing Virginia's clean energy economy.<\/p>"},"14273":{"content":"
Offshore Wind is one of the most expensive and least productive forms of energy. America should rely on proven energy sources that produce the levels of power required by Americans now and in the future, and wind off the coast will never be either cost efficient or sufficient to power our economy. The wind turbines off Virginia Beach are not just an eyesore, they cost more to create than they will ever generate and we all got stuck with the bill.<\/p>"}}},{"id":6583,"slug":"11-tariffs","title":"11. Tariffs","description":"
How would you assess the impact of the tariffs that President Trump has imposed?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":10,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"14272":{"content":"
The across-the-board tariffs are reckless. <\/p>
I support targeted trade enforcement when countries like China cheat, steal intellectual property, or manipulate markets. But indiscriminately taxing imported goods and then pretending another country is picking up the tab is simply not how tariffs work. A tariff is a tax, and American businesses and consumers are the ones who are paying it in the form of higher prices.<\/p>
When courts ruled many of these tariffs illegal. I introduced the Tariff Refund Act of 2026 to require the government to return the money it collected with interest.<\/p>"},"14273":{"content":"
President Trump correctly sees tariffs as an instrument to level the playing field with other nations whose import policies unfairly treat U.S. goods and services. Many countries had trade practices that were supremely one-sided to their own benefit and costly to America. It was time that we stood up to those who were taking advantage of us.<\/p>"}}},{"id":6584,"slug":"12-trump-administration","title":"12. Trump administration","description":"
How would you assess the performance of President Trump? What actions would you take to support or oppose his agenda? For Democrats: Would you support impeachment? Why or why not?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":11,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"14272":{"content":"
President Trump has spent far too much of his presidency testing the limits of his office instead of lowering costs and solving problems for Americans. I've opposed him when he has undermined the rule of law, weakened our national security, or pursued policies that hurt Virginia families. But I've never believed my job is to reflexively oppose everything an administration from the other party does. When an administration has a good idea for Virginia or the country, I'll work with it. When it's wrong, I'll fight it.<\/p>
Regarding impeachment: if we didn't have the votes to convict Trump after the violent insurrection on January 6, we aren't going to have those votes in January 2027, either. My strong preference for my party would be to focus on delivering for voters and actually lowering costs, rather than pursuing another impeachment that is unlikely to get the results the folks pushing it want. <\/p>"},"14273":{"content":"
President Trump deserves far more credit than he often receives for rebuilding the Republican coalition and making our party a national winner again. I worked with him during the 2015-2016 campaign and authored candidate Donald Trump's foreign policy doctrine. In the U.S. Senate, I will work with President Trump help him challenge the decades of failed domestic and foreign policy, take on wasteful government spending, and bring a business-minded approach to protecting taxpayer dollars.<\/p>"}}},{"id":6585,"slug":"13-abortion-contraception","title":"13. Abortion \/ contraception","description":"
What changes, if any, to federal law would you like to see?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":12,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"14272":{"content":"
In the years since Roe v. Wade was overturned, we've seen the consequences unfold in real time: women denied lifesaving care, doctors forced to navigate confusing and dangerous legal gray areas, and families left to deal with the fallout. Decisions about pregnancy should be made between a woman and her doctor, not by politicians. That's why I introduced the Women's Health Protection Act, legislation to guarantee access to abortion care across the country. It would once and for all restore the constitutional right to abortion, permanently making it safe and legal nationwide.<\/p>"},"14273":{"content":"
I support the Dobbs decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that the Constitution does not have a federal role in abortion.<\/p>"}}},{"id":6586,"slug":"14-guns","title":"14. Guns","description":"
What legislation, if any, would you support regarding firearms?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":13,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"14272":{"content":"
I believe law-abiding Americans have a right to own firearms. I also believe our kids should be able to go to school, families should be able to go to the grocery store, and people should be able to worship without fearing they'll be the next victims of a mass shooting.<\/p>
Those beliefs are not incompatible. We need commonsense measures that respect responsible gun ownership while keeping dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands. That means requiring comprehensive background checks for gun purchases and banning assault weapons that can inflict enormous casualties in a matter of seconds. These steps won't prevent every act of gun violence, but they will save lives. Congress has waited far too long to act.<\/p>"},"14273":{"content":"
I believe that our Second Amendment rights \"shall not be infringed\" just as our founders intended. We're already seeing gun bans in Virginia by Abigail Spanberger and her allies, and I will ensure the federal government never restricts our constitutional freedoms.<\/p>"}}},{"id":6587,"slug":"15-other-issues","title":"15. Other issues","description":"
What else should voters know about you?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":14,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"14272":{"content":"
I've always believed government works best when people are willing to roll up their sleeves, work across the aisle and actually solve problems.<\/p>
Before politics, I was an entrepreneur. My first business failed in six weeks. My second failed in six months. Eventually I helped build a successful company in an industry - cellular phones - that was transforming the economy. That experience taught me not to be afraid of change, but also not to underestimate how disruptive technological change can be.<\/p>
I've carried that approach into public service: be willing to try something new, work with people you don't always agree with, and never forget that the goal is to give every American the same fair shot I had at success. <\/p>"},"14273":{"content":"
I want to lead on common sense solutions to help families stay safe and prosper.<\/p>"}}}],"template":[{"component":"row","children":[{"component":"column","attributes":{"width":"33%"},"children":[{"component":"individual_candidates","children":[{"component":"candidate_card","children":[{"component":"portrait"},{"component":"name"},{"component":"individual_questions","attributes":{"zone_id":["candidate_card"],"title":"Short summary","help_hint":"Brief fields (like demographics) for a summary card. Keep it short: this takes space in all candidate listings"}}]},{"component":"individual_questions","attributes":{"zone_id":["individual_1","individual_2"],"title":"Sidebar","help_hint":"Shorter topics for the side rail"}}]}]},{"component":"column","attributes":{"width":"66%"},"children":[{"component":"ticket_questions","attributes":{"zone_id":["ticket_1","ticket_2"],"title":"Primary","help_hint":"Main area, great for more in-depth and longer policy topics"}}]}]}],"layout":{"groups":"dropdown","topics":"directory","responses":"auto","wrap":"auto"}}]},{"id":2436,"slug":"congress-2026","title":"U.S. House 2026","blocks":[{"type":"raceitems","race_type":"election","race_id":1982,"race_description":"","groups":[{"custom_id":null,"slug":"6th-district","name":"6th District","content":null,"show_heading":true,"hide_map_shape":false,"candidates":[{"id":10630,"slug":"beth-macy","name":"Beth Macy","party":"Democratic","photo_sm":"https:\/\/app.electup.com\/storage\/thumbnails\/sm-5bcb2852-e915-4f77-81a9-2a8abed3a8b6.jpeg","photo_lg":"https:\/\/app.electup.com\/storage\/thumbnails\/lg-5bcb2852-e915-4f77-81a9-2a8abed3a8b6.jpeg","order":0},{"id":10629,"slug":"ben-cline","name":"Ben Cline","party":"Republican","photo_sm":null,"photo_lg":null,"order":1}]}],"total_groups_count":1,"topics":[{"id":4367,"slug":"biographical-information","title":"Biographical information","description":"","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"individual_1","order":0,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"10630":{"content":"
Beth Macy is a prize-winning reporter and best-selling author who stands up for working people abused by powerful, often corrupt, systems. She grew up poor in a small Ohio town, the first in her family to go to college, and built her adult life in Roanoke, Virginia, where she and her husband raised two kids on a reporter's and a teacher's salary. For 25 years at The Roanoke Times, Beth covered the stories of people and communities across western Virginia. Her first book, Factory Man<\/em>, chronicled how globalization reshaped small towns. Her book Dopesick<\/em> exposed how opioid executives preyed on vulnerable communities, and became an Emmy- and Peabody-winning Hulu series she helped produce and write. Her latest book, Paper Girl<\/em>, tells the story of home, struggle and hope. In Congress, she will fight to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable by lowering prices, helping farmers and veterans, putting guardrails on Big Tech, rooting out corruption and returning power to the people.<\/p>"}}},{"id":4368,"slug":"website","title":"Website","description":"","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"individual_1","order":1,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"10630":{"content":"bethmacyforcongress.com<\/p>"}}},{"id":4369,"slug":"biggest-challenge-us","title":"1. Biggest challenge \/ U.S.","description":"
What's the biggest challenge facing the United States and how would you propose to address it?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":0,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"10630":{"content":"
Americans have lost the faith that the system works for them. People believe that the economy, government and taxes have been rigged to favor billionaires and one specific trillionaire over working folks. And they are not wrong. No one fights for them. I will stand up to the powerful and the greedy who have gamed the system to take advantage of slush funds and tax breaks for billionaires. The \"swamp\" is as deep and algae-filled as ever. Meanwhile prices keep rising for the rest of us, veterans are losing long-promised benefits, families have to choose between buying a gallon of milk or a gallon of gas, food is taken off hungry children's plates, all so that Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk and the like can receive $2 trillion in tax cuts. In Congress, I will immediately support ending tax cuts for the rich and restoring Medicaid cuts and making Social Security solvent. We must restore the hope that we can fix our broken systems and return the power to the people where it belongs.<\/p>"}}},{"id":4370,"slug":"biggest-challenge-virginia","title":"2. Biggest challenge \/ Your district","description":"
What's the biggest challenge facing your district and how would you propose to address it?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":1,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"10630":{"content":"
The suffering I have encountered while traveling the 6th District has been stunning. Farmers are worried about the farm safety net being shredded and masked federal agents terrorizing their workers. Food pantries have lost funding and are being slammed, with people lining up hours ahead of time for groceries, even sleeping in their cars. Veterans are furious over DOGE cuts, VA reductions and the cutting of benefits. People can't afford food, cars, homes ... it's hard just to get by. Democrats, Republicans and Independents are angry about sweetheart secret deals for data centers. I support a moratorium on data centers until we have guardrails in place to protect our water, keep energy costs low and guarantee that AI doesn't destroy our children's and grandchildren's future jobs. We need a new Farm Bill that guarantees resources in case of catastrophes and that restores SNAP cuts. And we must restore the Medicaid cuts that will throw more than 300,000 people off their insurance.<\/p>"}}},{"id":4450,"slug":"hr-1-aka-the-one-big-beautiful-bill","title":"3. HR 1, aka the One Big Beautiful Bill","description":"
How would you assess the impact of that legislation?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":2,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"10630":{"content":"
It's a catastrophe. The Big Ugly Bill will go down in American history as one of the worst, and most un-American, pieces of legislation ever signed into law. Trump and Ben Cline ripped food benefits from working families, healthcare from millions, benefits from veterans and stuck it to the middle class all so that the Bezos, Musk and Zuckerburg crowd could enjoy $2 trillion in tax cuts. Three rural health clinics closed in the Shenandoah Valley because of this bill. More than 300,000 Virginians will lose Medicaid coverage, which hurts lower-income people, endangers rural hospitals and drives up costs for everyone. The national debt was $35 trillion when Trump took office in 2025. It's now $40 trillion because of the billionaire tax giveaways in this bill. This was a choice. Cline and Trump chose to steal from families and give to the rich. We must choose to change course. Tax cuts for the rich will be rescinded, healthcare will be restored and services will be returned to the people.<\/p>"}}},{"id":4385,"slug":"health-care","title":"4. Health care","description":"
What are your views on how Americans can better afford health care? Would you support the so-called \"Medicare for All\"? Why or why not?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":3,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"10630":{"content":"
Healthcare is a basic right. The reason we don't have universal healthcare isn't because America can't afford it, it's because the uber-rich have received trillions in tax breaks at the expense of working people. Reverse those tax cuts, and we can make sure every American has the health coverage they need. Universal healthcare will let seniors age in place. It guarantees that everyone will have healthcare rather than be at the mercy of private health insurance companies (that now routinely use AI to deny benefits) or not have any coverage at all. Such a plan would fix reimbursement rates and allow rural hospitals to thrive rather than close. It's our surest path to stave off the healthcare deserts Cline promotes, and which we are now seeing. We must lift the cap on Social Security payroll taxes that have allowed the richest Americans to avoid taxes on their incomes over $184,500. Lifting this cap so that billionaires pay their fair share can guarantee Social Security is solvent. In the meantime, the Affordable Care Act tax credits must be restored. More than 30,000 residents of the 6th District have already lost ACA tax credits, and more than 300,000 Virginians will lose Medicaid coverage after the midterms if we don't do something. I know people whose insurance premiums have gone from $400 a month to $1,600 a month because of the ACA cuts. That's unconscionable. <\/p>"}}},{"id":4395,"slug":"rural-hospitals","title":"5. Rural hospitals","description":"
Up to 10 rural hospitals in Virginia have been listed as endangered. What would you propose to make sure they stay open?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":4,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"10630":{"content":"
ACA tax credits must be restored and Medicaid cuts rescinded immediately. Augusta Medical Group closed three clinics in the Shenandoah Valley because of the Big Ugly Bill's Medicaid cuts, which will strip coverage from more than 300,000 Virginians. Bath Community Hospital is at risk of closure. Winchester Medical Center closed its Observation Unit because of Ben Cline's Medicaid cuts. Valley Health, which owns the Winchester facility and three other hospitals in Luray, Woodstock and Front Royal, recently farmed out its high-quality emergency care to a corporation backed by a Canadian private equity firm because of Cline's cuts. Research has shown that when private equity gets involved with emergency care, there is a 13 percent increase in patient mortality. I will introduce legislation to curtail private-equity ownership of our local hospitals. These corporations profit by limiting care for people. I will put the health of our people over profits.<\/p>"}}},{"id":4451,"slug":"immigration","title":"6. Immigration","description":"
What are your views on immigration? Does the U.S. need more immigrants or fewer? What should be the criteria for entry and deportation? Under what circumstances should undocumented immigrants already here be given a pathway to citizenship?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":5,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"10630":{"content":"
We are a nation of immigrants, and America has long benefitted from the work, talents, experiences and culture of people from other countries who helped build the United States into the greatest democratic and economic force on the planet. Forty years have passed since the last comprehensive immigration legislation was signed by President Reagan. America mustrestore and preserve legal pathways for permanent legal status and\/or citizenship. A majority of Americans support citizenship for people who have lived, worked and contributed here. Republicans demonize hard-working immigrants and refugees, most of whom arrived through legal channels. Masked federal agents cannot be allowed to unconstitutionally detain people who have broken no laws. Immigration enforcement is a necessary part of domestic and international security, but ICE has lost the confidence of the people. Congress should reform the H-2A visa program to meet workforce demands, including making it easier for farmers who need workers year-round, not just seasonally. Many industries rely on immigrant workers, especially in the 6th District, where farms, processing facilities and construction companies are staffed by folks who were not born in the U.S. Our healthcare systems, including the Fralin Biomedical Institute in Roanoke, have benefitted from the work, knowledge and research of immigrant scientists and staff. Trump and Cline's cuts to research funding and immigration have hurt the biomedical institute and blunted the region's economy. We should deport criminals here illegally, but we shouldn't be deporting lawful residents and separating families, especially without due process. Cline voted against a bipartisan bill that would have secured our borders in 2024 when Joe Biden was President because Trump ordered him to oppose it. We can secure our border and provide pathways to citizenship for people living here.<\/p>"}}},{"id":4393,"slug":"israel-gaza","title":"7. Israel \/ Gaza","description":"
Would you support an arms embargo on Israel? Why or why not? What else should we know about your views on Israel and Gaza?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":6,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"10630":{"content":"
American taxpayer dollars should not fund weapons that Benjamin Netanyahu is using against innocent civilians. Israel has a right to defend itself in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. But Netanyahu's outsized response has made the Middle East situation worse and cost the lives of over 73,000 civilians. Any US military assistance to Israel must be questioned and thoroughly examined by policy makers before going forward.<\/p>"}}},{"id":4438,"slug":"ukraine-russia","title":"8. Ukraine \/ Russia","description":"
What, if any, aid should the United States be supplying to Ukraine? Why or why not? What are the consequences if Russia succeeds in militarily claiming part of Ukraine?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":7,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"10630":{"content":"
The Ukrainian people and military are heroes in the eyes of all freedom-loving people. Their brave resistance against a fading, bankrupt superpower has inspired the world, which owes Ukraine all the assistance the country deserves. Sadly, the Biden and Trump Administrations and the European Union have failed to adequately provide arms to Ukraine that would've ended this conflict years ago. And now, Trump's disastrous war of choice in Iran has depleted our arsenal of defensive missiles, depressed the morale of American service members and made it more difficult to help Ukraine. The Iran War has also strengthened the hand of China, which watches as Trump drains our defenses, weakens our military and wrecks our economy. Russian victory in Ukraine would be a catastrophe for Europe, NATO and for Western democracy. Fortunately, Russia's incompetence and corruption have made victory unlikely. Still, Trump and many sycophants offer mealy-mouthed support to Ukraine while frequently voicing admiration for Putin (and other authoritarians). Cline has opposed continuing aid for Ukraine and has voted against NATO interests, including denying support for Finland and Sweden to join the alliance. Republicans like to call their opponents \"communists\" while cozying up to actual communists.<\/p>"}}},{"id":4387,"slug":"artificial-intelligence","title":"9. Artificial intelligence \/ data centers","description":"
What, if anything, should the federal government do to either encourage or discourage development of artificial intelligence? Please address data centers as part of this. <\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":8,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"10630":{"content":"
I support a moratorium on all data center construction until there are guardrails that guarantee protection of our land, water, energy costs and our children and grandchildren's jobs. This is an issue that has brought all political stripes together. Google's proposed hyperscale data center in Botetourt County will draw 2 million gallons of water a day, and possibly up to 8 million gallons, from Carvins Cove, already partially drained because of drought. Energy use and emissions will rise. All of these costs are meant to benefit the explosive growth of AI, which threatens our economy, jobs and even our national security. Goldman Sachs, a friend of Big Tech, estimates AI is currently eliminating 16,000 jobs a month. A year ago, Goldman Sachs predicted AI would displace 6% of the workforce. That figure is now up to 9%. AI's threat is frightening. OpenAI went rogue in June and hacked a rival company. What if that happens to the nuclear arsenal? We must contain AI before it controls us.<\/p>"}}},{"id":4388,"slug":"offshore-wind","title":"10. Energy \/ Offshore wind","description":"
President Trump has tried to block development of offshore wind energy. Dominion Energy is building an offshore wind facility off the coast of Virginia Beach and has long-range plans for more. What should the federal government'sposture on offshore wind be? And energy development in general?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":9,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"10630":{"content":"
Trump and Cline have tried to cut $1.6 trillion from clean-energy projects that would make America energy dependent, reduce costs and protect our environment. The reason for these cuts is to provide more taxpayer-funded kickbacks to the oil, gas and coal industries -- even as Big Oil has seen soaring profits due to Trump's war with Iran. Chevron, Shell and ExxonMobil raked in $404 million in profits EVERY DAY after Trump attacked Iran and fumbled his way through a war. I would restore the tax credits for electric vehicles, solar and wind projects, including wind projects in Western Virginia and off the coast. We have the technological capabilities to free ourselves from expensive oil and ensure a cheaper, cleaner future, but politicians have no will to make that future a reality because they are in the pockets of the oil and gas industries. I take no corporate PAC money. None. I can't be bought. I'm nobody's lapdog.<\/p>"}}},{"id":4380,"slug":"tariffs","title":"11. Tariffs","description":"
How would you assess the impact of the tariffs that President Trump has imposed? <\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":10,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"10630":{"content":"
Like everything associated with the Trump Administration, tariffs have been a disaster. Earlier this year, government estimates showed Trump's tariffs had cost American families more than $1,700 annually, through higher costs passed on from importers to consumers. That number is probably above $2,000 now. Foreign countries do not pay tariffs, American businesses and consumers do. Tariffs are an extra tax on Americans. Now that the Supreme Court has ruled Trump's tariffs illegal, billions of dollars are being returned to companies, but not to American families that bore the costs. Tariffs supercharged inflation, they slowed GDP growth from nearly 3% in Biden's last two years to 1.8% now, they raised costs for farmers and led to farm bankruptcies, they eliminated manufacturing jobs and they hurt our allies and emboldened our adversaries. China, which posted record trade surpluses, is the winner of Trump's tariff war. Congress must take back tariff authority from Trump.<\/p>"}}},{"id":4397,"slug":"impeachment","title":"12. Trump administration","description":"
How would you assess the performance of President Trump? What actions would you take to support or oppose his agenda? For Democrats: Would you support impeachment? Why or why not?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":11,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"10630":{"content":"
Trump is the most corrupt President of our lifetimes. Watergate looks like a church picnic compared to the slush funds, kickbacks and self-dealing happening inside the Oval Office today. Trump's legacy is a trail of broken promises and failures. He stood by a table of groceries and said he'd bring prices down, but they've risen on his watch. He promised a manufacturing boom, but we've lost 62,000 blue-collar jobs. He promised no wars, then attacked Iran. He promised gas under $2 a gallon, but it's nearly $4 now. Insurance costs more. People are losing Medicaid, veterans and SNAP benefits. He builds golden ballrooms and wants his name on the currency, praises Kim Jong Un, and then rages when his job approval falls into the low 30s. Impeachment is unnecessary because he will be out of office soon. Cline said on TV, \"I'm going to advocate for a continuation of the Trump policies.\" Ridiculous. When we flip the 6th, we will restore checks and balances on this self-serving Administration.<\/p>"}}},{"id":4437,"slug":"abortion-contraception","title":"13. Abortion \/ contraception","description":"
What changes, if any, to federal law would you like to see?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":12,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"10630":{"content":"
I will work with Democratic majorities to codify Roe v. Wade<\/em> into federal law. A woman's ability to choose how and when to start a family should be decided by parents and doctors, not politicians. However, the Supreme Court took away women's Constitutionally protected rights in 2022, which allowed Big Government to bully its way between women and their doctors. Virginia is the only Southern state where a woman's right to choose is still legal. In the 14 states where abortion rights have been overturned, maternal mortality has increased by 9.2 percent. Incredibly, eight states don't allow abortion exceptions in the case of rape or incest. Six don't allow exceptions to save a woman's life. These immoral restrictions clearly violate the fundamental civil rights of women, and I will work to remove those limits -- including limits on birth control, abortion medication and IVF treatments -- across the United States through legislation.<\/p>"}}},{"id":4391,"slug":"guns","title":"14. Guns","description":"What legislation, if any, would you support regarding firearms?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":13,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"10630":{"content":"
I support the 2nd Amendment, just as I support all Constitutional amendments. That includes the 1st which guarantees freedom of speech, religion, the press, peaceful assembly and ability to petition the government; the 14th which guarantees birthright citizenship; the 25th which gives guidance for removal of an incapacitated President; and all other equally important amendments. Hunting is a tradition among many 6th District families, and I want that legacy to continue. Like 70% of all Americans, I support background checks and common sense gun laws that keep weapons out of the hands of criminals and those who would do harm to others or themselves. High-capacity magazines should be restricted, because you don't need 120 rounds to shoot a deer. We must keep weapons out of the hands of deranged people who would harm law enforcement officers performing wellness checks or other emergency calls. RESPONSIBLE gun owners agree that irresponsible people should not have guns.<\/p>
<\/p>"}}},{"id":4381,"slug":"other-issues","title":"15. Other issues","description":"
What else should voters know about you?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":14,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"10630":{"content":"
I grew up poor, worked my way through college and wouldn't be where I am today had the government not invested in me, from government cheese to fully funded Pell Grants. I'm furious those same opportunities are no longer available to working-class people today. I'm running because I don't want our kids and grandkids to grow up in an authoritarian state., and the government as it is now has forgotten who it works for -- not corporations, but people<\/p>"}}}],"template":[{"component":"row","children":[{"component":"column","attributes":{"width":"33%"},"children":[{"component":"individual_candidates","children":[{"component":"portrait"},{"component":"name"},{"component":"individual_questions","attributes":{"zone_id":["individual_1","individual_2"]}}]}]},{"component":"column","attributes":{"width":"66%"},"children":[{"component":"ticket_questions","attributes":{"zone_id":["ticket_1","ticket_2"]}}]}]}],"layout":{"groups":"dropdown","topics":"directory","responses":"auto","wrap":"auto"}}]},{"id":2440,"slug":"school-board-2026","title":"School board 2026","blocks":[{"type":"raceitems","race_type":"election","race_id":2203,"race_description":"","groups":[{"custom_id":null,"slug":"alleghany-school-board","name":"Alleghany School Board","content":null,"show_heading":true,"hide_map_shape":false,"candidates":[{"id":12942,"slug":"randall-randy-tucker","name":"Randall \"Randy\" Tucker","party":null,"photo_sm":null,"photo_lg":null,"order":0}]}],"total_groups_count":1,"topics":[{"id":6049,"slug":"biographical-information","title":"Biographical information","description":"","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"candidate_card","order":0,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{}},{"id":6050,"slug":"1-biggest-challenge","title":"1. Biggest challenge","description":"
What's the biggest challenge facing your school system and how do you propose to address it?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":0,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{}},{"id":6051,"slug":"2-qualifications","title":"2. Qualifications","description":"
What qualities or insights do you feel you bring to the school board?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":1,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{}},{"id":6052,"slug":"3-other-issues","title":"3. Other issues","description":"
What else would you like voters to know?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":2,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{}}],"template":[{"component":"row","children":[{"component":"column","attributes":{"width":"33%"},"children":[{"component":"individual_candidates","children":[{"component":"candidate_card","children":[{"component":"portrait"},{"component":"name"},{"component":"individual_questions","attributes":{"zone_id":["candidate_card"],"title":"Short summary","help_hint":"Brief fields (like demographics) for a summary card. Keep it short: this takes space in all candidate listings"}}]},{"component":"individual_questions","attributes":{"zone_id":["individual_1","individual_2"],"title":"Sidebar","help_hint":"Shorter topics for the side rail"}}]}]},{"component":"column","attributes":{"width":"66%"},"children":[{"component":"ticket_questions","attributes":{"zone_id":["ticket_1","ticket_2"],"title":"Primary","help_hint":"Main area, great for more in-depth and longer policy topics"}}]}]}],"layout":{"groups":"dropdown","topics":"directory","responses":"auto","wrap":"auto"}}]},{"id":2437,"slug":"town-council","title":"Town council","blocks":[{"type":"raceitems","race_type":"election","race_id":2208,"race_description":"","groups":[{"custom_id":null,"slug":"clifton-forge-town-council-3-seats-available","name":"Clifton Forge Town Council \/ 3 seats available","content":null,"show_heading":true,"hide_map_shape":false,"candidates":[{"id":13891,"slug":"dale-e-burdette","name":"Dale E. Burdette","party":null,"photo_sm":"https:\/\/app.electup.com\/storage\/thumbnails\/sm-ac375cd8-29cd-40c7-ac16-f654e4ec0130.jpeg","photo_lg":"https:\/\/app.electup.com\/storage\/thumbnails\/lg-ac375cd8-29cd-40c7-ac16-f654e4ec0130.jpeg","order":0},{"id":13892,"slug":"pamela-e-lightfoot","name":"Pamela E. Lightfoot","party":null,"photo_sm":"https:\/\/app.electup.com\/storage\/thumbnails\/sm-3a5550d3-74f1-4d73-a2ae-6c93a7133e3c.jpeg","photo_lg":"https:\/\/app.electup.com\/storage\/thumbnails\/lg-3a5550d3-74f1-4d73-a2ae-6c93a7133e3c.jpeg","order":1},{"id":13893,"slug":"michael-l-foster","name":"Michael L. Foster","party":null,"photo_sm":null,"photo_lg":null,"order":2},{"id":13894,"slug":"deborah-a-laudermilk","name":"Deborah A. Laudermilk","party":null,"photo_sm":null,"photo_lg":null,"order":3}]}],"total_groups_count":1,"topics":[{"id":8475,"slug":"biographical-information","title":"Biographical information","description":"","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"candidate_card","order":0,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{}},{"id":7256,"slug":"1-greatest-challenge","title":"1. Biggest challenge","description":"
What's the biggest challenge facing your community and how do you propose to address it?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":0,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"13891":{"content":"
Improving affordable housing. I will continue to support initiatives to expand the town's housing portfolio. We have several projects in the works, and continue to look for additional opportunities. I continue to support efforts to improve the existing base through code enforcement and similar efforts.<\/p>"},"13892":{"content":"
Clifton Forge faces a dual challenge: neglected properties and a sluggish local economy, heavily tied to a housing market and a workforce crunch that don't fit our actual needs. While the town has had vacant building registration tools on the books for years, previous leadership lacked the capacity to utilize them effectively. Recent grant-seeking momentum is a step forward, but registries and cosmetic face-lifts alone won't solve the root problem.<\/p>
This area also faces the fact that the area suffers from \"brain drain\" since many young people do not want to stay in the area, primarily because - and I have heard from a few high school seniors - they can not see an economic future here. But, this does not mean they can not leave the area for educational opportunities. Some may want to work in the \"trade\" business (and training is available at our or other local community colleges) or they may envision completing a four-year degree and then more advanced degrees. Many town citizens have academic degrees and could serve as mentors and, perhaps, we can help our youth to connect with universities that offer free tuition and other financial assistance. For example, the University of Virginia will cover the cost of tuition, fees, room and board for students with family incomes of less than $50,000 (https:\/\/www.virginia.edu\/tuition-affordability\/). Virginia's \"G3\" program provides financial assistance to attend the commonwealth's community colleges (https:\/\/virginiag3.com\/about-g3\/). William & Mary also has programs to mitigate the cost of attending college there (https:\/\/www.wm.edu\/admission\/undergraduateadmission\/costs-aid\/in-state\/). Closer to our area, Washington and Lee's \"Promise\" covers full tuition for students who's families earn less than $200,000 per year (https:\/\/www.wlu.edu\/admissions\/financial-aid\/the-w-l-promise). Financial need should not be the cause of our youth receiving higher education. <\/p>
We face a severe workforce and housing gridlock: even when residents have the funds to fix up properties, there is a shortage of qualified local tradesmen. At the same time, seniors who want to downsize have nowhere to go, and younger families can't find appropriate homes. To fix this, our approach must build practical, hands-on capacity:<\/p>
Targeted Property Assistance:<\/strong> Help everyday homeowners and downtown property owners connect with rehabilitation resources, matching grants, and historic tax credits. We should actively coordinate with regional housing and community development partners--like SERCAP (which we are doing) and local nonprofits--to bring in actual repair assistance for residents who cannot afford basic upkeep.<\/p><\/li>Practical Small-Business Startup Grants:<\/strong> Focus on direct, practical startup grants and real incentives to help local residents of all ages launch small businesses and fuel economic activity from the ground up.<\/p><\/li>Building a Local Trades Workforce:<\/strong> Partner directly with Mountain Gateway Community College to actively support and expand their carpentry, electrical, and building trades programs--ensuring we have the skilled craftsmen locally available to actually perform home and commercial renovations.<\/p><\/li>Private-Sector Housing Solutions:<\/strong> Engage private builders and developers to evaluate realistic, market-fit options for our unique housing gridlock--helping seniors downsize, opening up larger homes for younger families, and ensuring new development serves actual local needs rather than relying on superficial cosmetic fixes.<\/p><\/li>Expanding Direct Federal & Philanthropic Partnerships:<\/strong> Move past heavy reliance on state-level brokers by directly engaging federal agencies--such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) and USDA Rural Development programs (which previously backed our local incubator)--while tapping community foundations and philanthropic networks to channel charitable capital directly into local needs and small-scale community projects.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>"},"13893":{"content":"Clifton Forge is plagued by absentee landlords and commercial building owners who have neglected their downtown buildings that remain vacant and run down. While the town has adopted, albeit slowly, a vacant store registry. The penalties for non-compliance are far from an economic deterrent. My plan is to push forward aggressive penalties with short-term benchmarks for completion of improvements or repurcussions.<\/p>"}}},{"id":7258,"slug":"2-biggest-strength","title":"2. Biggest strength","description":"
What is your community's greatest strength and how do you propose to build on that?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":1,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"13891":{"content":"
Our biggest strength is our location. While away from the hustle and bustle of big city life, we continue to offer unique assets. Those include our thriving downtown shops in addition to our proximity to many outdoor recreation opportunities. Were a stone's throw away from the most beautiful state park in Virginia, Douthat State Park.<\/p>"},"13892":{"content":"
Clifton Forge's greatest strength isn't found in corporate balance sheets or incoming state-brokered projects--it is our active, creative, and fiercely committed community spirit.<\/p>
For a town of roughly 3,000 people, just look at what has been built from the ground up through sheer local grit: the Historic Masonic Theatre, the Clifton Forge School of the Arts, the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center, and the C&O Railway Heritage Center. These aren't corporate imports; they are monuments to citizen volunteerism, local vision, and cultural energy that draw thousands of visitors to our historic downtown.<\/p>
To build on that strength, we have to stop treating our cultural and civic core as a separate bubble from our economic survival, and instead leverage it as our primary engine for growth:<\/p>
Leveraging Housing & Feasibility Initiatives:<\/strong> Build directly on the town's upper-level housing feasibility studies and downtown revitalization RFPs to help property owners convert upper stories into practical, safe housing options for lower-income families and fixed-income residents.<\/p><\/li>Reclaiming the Historic High School as a Community Hub:<\/strong> Rescue the long-vacant former Clifton Forge High School building from neglect and transform it into a vibrant multi-use anchor for recreation, youth programs, and community spaces--turning a major local liability into a shared asset.<\/p><\/li>Advancing Municipal Tourism & Heritage Infrastructure:<\/strong> Build on proactive steps already taken--such as town acquisition of the former CSX property and feasibility work for a boutique hotel--while supporting local partners like the C&O Railway Heritage Center, establishing a weekend local history museum in the town hall basement that captures both our railroad legacy and our historic business boom, and creating self-guided walking and driving tours so residents and visitors understand the deep historical significance of our buildings.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>"},"13893":{"content":"I listen, research, contemplate, build consensus then act. I have a long history of leading large organizations in finance related roles with a keen understanding of budgets and operations.<\/p>"}}},{"id":7257,"slug":"2-other-issues","title":"3. Other issues","description":"
What else would you like voters to know?<\/p>","type":"text","allow_text":true,"allow_structured":false,"zone_id":"ticket_1","order":2,"compare":true,"show_compare":true,"responses":{"13891":{"content":"
I continue to gain experience while serving on town council. I've made it one of my priorities to work with, support, and compliment our mayor in my role as Vice-Mayor. I'm approachable and open minded to varying viewpoints.<\/p>"},"13892":{"content":"
While I did not grow up in the Alleghany Highlands, nearly five years ago we deliberately chose Clifton Forge as a place to put down roots, drawn by the natural beauty of the mountains and the incredible character of this community. We purchased a home here because we believe deeply in its future--not only to grow our tourism economy, but to help make our town a better place to live that attracts individuals and families of all ages, fostering an outstanding town-sponsored \"quality of life\" where our sons and their families, and all our local youth, can envision a future instead of feeling like they have to leave to succeed.<\/p>
That personal commitment is backed by a lifetime of professional experience in public administration and policy. As a retired federal civilian employee and military service veteran, I am bringing full-time energy, analytical rigor, and complete schedule flexibility to this role--meaning I will actually have the time to do the deep dive on municipal budgets, research federal and philanthropic grants, and be fully accessible to residents. Voters deserve a town council that doesn't just manage the status quo or rubber-stamp decisions, but actively rolls up its sleeves. My commitment is to bring genuine transparency to town hall, open the doors to public participation, and ensure that every resident has a voice in our future.<\/p>"},"13893":{"content":"
As a small business owner of a thriving restaurant and brewery employing approximately 30 people from the area, we are closely in touch with many of the constituents across the community and the wider area. We are highly invested in the success of Clifton Forge and the Alleghany Highlands.<\/p>"}}}],"template":[{"component":"row","children":[{"component":"column","attributes":{"width":"33%"},"children":[{"component":"individual_candidates","children":[{"component":"candidate_card","children":[{"component":"portrait"},{"component":"name"},{"component":"individual_questions","attributes":{"zone_id":["candidate_card"],"title":"Short summary","help_hint":"Brief fields (like demographics) for a summary card. Keep it short: this takes space in all candidate listings"}}]},{"component":"individual_questions","attributes":{"zone_id":["individual_1","individual_2"],"title":"Sidebar","help_hint":"Shorter topics for the side rail"}}]}]},{"component":"column","attributes":{"width":"66%"},"children":[{"component":"ticket_questions","attributes":{"zone_id":["ticket_1","ticket_2"],"title":"Primary","help_hint":"Main area, great for more in-depth and longer policy topics"}}]}]}],"layout":{"groups":"dropdown","topics":"directory","responses":"auto","wrap":"auto"}}]}]}}