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Algie T. Howell Jr.
Democrat
Residence Norfolk
Personal Born in Holland, Va.; age 71; married, two children
Education Bachelor’s degree in history from Norfolk division of Virginia State College (now Norfolk State University), 1967; master’s in special education from Hampton Institute, 1973
Occupation Owner, Algie’s Barber and Beauty Salon
Experience Delegate since 2004. U.S. Air Force, 1956-60; Norfolk School Board, 2001- 04. Retired civil servant and educator
Other Member, Hampton Roads Committee of 200+ Men; past president, Ingleside Civic League; past president, Ingleside PTA; past president, Norfolk Chapter, Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Contact (757) 853-5700
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What will you do to ensure that a transportation plan can win General Assembly approval? What revenue sources should be used?
Transportation projects in Hampton Roads must remain a top priority in the General Assembly. In order to keep up with our growing population, to keep operations running smoothly at our ports and to attract new businesses, it is imperative that we devise an effective and efficient plan to address the transportation issues in the region. There are several proposals currently under review by the General Assembly to alleviate congestion and decrease drive time on our roads. Unfortunately, due to the economic turmoil that the nation is experiencing, there is a limited amount of funds available for major projects. We will continue to search for dedicated revenue streams to fund future projects. We are optimistic that the economy will begin to show signs of improvement in the near future. I have and will always continue to support any transportation project that addresses our dilemma without putting a burden on the taxpayer.
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What steps would you support to deal with an additional state budget shortfall? What specific areas would you cut, if any, and what revenue sources would you increase, if any?
I do not support spending cuts or raising taxes at this time. Times are tough not only in Virginia, but also nationally. People are struggling to stay afloat. This is not the time for additional layoffs, spending cuts or taxes. The General Assembly has to think out of the box to come up with new and sustainable revenue streams. Until the economic pendulum swings back up, we need to be creative, but not at the expense of our constituents.
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What are the biggest challenges facing Virginia’s elementary and secondary education systems, and how would you address them?
Funding. We need more money to bring Virginia teacher salaries up to the national average. If we do not pay our teachers well, we will not be able to retain the good teachers or attract new ones. Again, the dismal economy is playing a major role. I am a former educator, so I will continue to support any legislation that appropriates additional funds for our educational system, whether it is K-12 or higher education.
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In this time of economic difficulties, what can the state do to retain current employers and businesses, and to help new businesses succeed?
As a state, we have to give businesses a reason to want to come to Virginia and stay here. I believe the best resource that we can offer corporations coming to Virginia is an educated work force. That goes back to your previous questions. Invest in our schools, enhance our roads and businesses will come. Employers will not come if we do not have individuals prepared and trained in high-demand areas. They will not move their businesses here if they have to spend precious time sitting in traffic; time that could be utilized moving goods and services throughout the region. Therefore, to retain businesses in Virginia, it is imperative that we invest in our educational system and our roads.
Jason E. Call
Republican
Residence Chesapeake
Personal Born in Illinois; age 42; married, four children
Education Bachelor’s degree in political science from University of Wisconsin at Madison, 1989; master’s in accounting expected in December from Old Dominion University
Occupation Accountant at MYMIC
Experience Treasurer of Ipswich Villas Homeowner’s Association; U.S. Navy, 1989-96
Other Active at Indian River Baptist Church; Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Virginia
Contact (757) 403-2331 vote4call@gmail.com
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What will you do to ensure that a transportation plan can win General Assembly approval? What revenue sources should be used?
Every region in the commonwealth will benefit from improving transportation and eliminating bottlenecks. Each region should make a list of transportation priorities, and the first priority for each region will be approved or none of the state’s projects will be approved. It is time to work together. The Jordan Bridge project has demonstrated the value of public-private partnerships in solving transportation challenges in Hampton Roads. It will require little if any public money and provide more options for commuters. Tolls for new roads, revenues from selling off ABC stores, and off-shore energy development will provide revenue sources for transportation in the next few years.
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What steps would you support to deal with an additional state budget shortfall? What specific areas would you cut, if any, and what revenue sources would you increase, if any?
Reckless spending and unrealistic revenue forecasts in the past have now led to painful cuts to education, social programs, transportation and the arts. Incumbents should be held accountable in November for this bi-partisan failure. We need to take a lesson from working families and small businesses: Set priorities and make sacrifices. My top priority is protecting education. Everything else is on the table. Once the economy turns around and Virginians are back to work, we need a real rainy-day fund and the discipline to fund it. Let’s be ready for the next downturn with shovel-ready projects and the money to fund them.
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What are the biggest challenges facing Virginia’s elementary and secondary education systems, and how would you address them?
Education needs to become a priority for everyone – parents, educators and community leaders. We need to immediately launch a two-pronged approach: academics and inspiration. For the academic side, we need to recruit and retain the best teachers and fully fund the programs we require. This will require money. For inspiration, we need to step up as parents, clergy, and community leaders and explain the American Dream. This will require hard work and living by example.
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In this time of economic difficulties, what can the state do to retain current employers and businesses, and to help new businesses succeed?
It is crucial to our future prosperity in Virginia to retain our business-friendly environment. I propose that we keep taxes low and eliminate red tape to attract and retain businesses and entrepreneurs. Business remains the engine for job creation. Tax credits for businesses that open in distressed areas, businesses that hire new employees, and the film industry generally pay for themselves and produce a boost to the commonwealth. I will lead the effort to attract a company that will purchase the former Ford plant and provide good-paying jobs.
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