I have sent out identical questionnaires to all five candidates - Miles Grant, Alan Howze, Patrick Hope, Andres Tobar, and Adam Parkhomenko - running for the Democratic nomination in the 47th House of Delegates district (Arlington). Adam Parkhomenko is the first candidate to respond. His comments and answers are in italics, my questions are in bold. Thanks to Adam for getting back to me on this, and I look forward to publishing the other candidates' questionnaires in coming weeks.Thank you for giving me this opportunity to answer your questions and to have the opportunity to go on the record discussing the serious issues facing our community. I look forward to continuing this conversation throughout the very important primary.
Q. Why, in your own words, have you decided to run for the Virginia House of Delegates from the 47th district at this time? What specific qualifications do you bring to the table?
I am running for the Virginia House of Delegates because I care about this community. It has raised me and shaped me. My roots are planted here. This open seat is a very important opportunity for Arlington to send a true progressive and hardworking fighter to Richmond. With Virginia going blue, and Arlington as blue as it is, we need to make sure we have a delegate who will always look out for the interests that we as Democrats all care so deeply about. I believe I bring a different voice, a new set of experiences, and innovative ideas to this race— ones that are needed in Richmond at this time. I will work the hardest and I think this office can be more than it already is.
Like the doctor who used to make house calls, I’ll be the delegate at your door if you call my office and have a concern.
Q. How would you describe your political philosophy - progressive, moderate, conservative, or - to paraphrase Jim Webb - "the old political labels no longer apply?"
I am a progressive who is not scared to fight – or as I like to say an “Eleanor Roosevelt Democrat.” I had the amazing opportunity to grow up in Arlington, where we have an election every year and there is always a great Democratic campaign to work on.
Q. What is your attitude regarding bipartisanship, aka "reaching across the aisle?" Is this a high priority for you, or are you more interested in pushing hard for what you believe over compromising with conservative Republicans in the House of Delegates?
I think this question goes back to why I am running. We need to elect another Democratic governor this year and we need to take back the House. My priorities lie with the residents of the 47th District, not with Delegate Bob Marshall.
Q. If elected, what would your top three priorities be when you get to Richmond? Why these and not others?
The first would be making sure the stimulus money goes to the right projects. The next delegate of the 47th district will be right in the middle of one of the most important conversations we have ever had in Richmond. We have too many important programs that are at risk of being cut due to the state of the economy. Let’s fight to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Secondly, education will be a big priority of mine. I will work to ensure that Virginia’s finest secondary school students have the ability to matriculate at all of Virginia’s finest colleges and universities. In these tough times, it is tempting for Virginia schools to look for out-of-state talent because that means out-of-state tuition dollars. Arlington and Northern Virginia produce some incredibly talented students, and I will fight to make sure that they can go to school in Virginia.
Additionally, because transportation issues are so important for so many of us, we need to ensure that the growth of our transit system takes into account environmental protections.
Q. What is your position on the Dillon Rule, which severely limits the power of local government vis-à-vis the state? Should it be weakened to allow a progressive county like Arlington to move ahead on things like human rights, energy efficiency, environmental protection, and other areas?
I support a weakened Dillon Rule. A progressive county like Arlington shouldn’t be held back from raising its standards and leading the way. With that said, by weakening the Dillon Rule we cannot let a locality fall backwards.
Q. What will you do to fix the traffic mess in Northern Virginia? Specifically, what is your stance on "smart growth," extending Metrorail to Dulles airport, and I-66 widening?
I think a big part of this relates to Metro. Who wouldn’t be more likely to take Metro if the escalators and elevators worked and trains not only came, but came on time? I will work to make sure stimulus package money goes towards making needed repairs, so that we do not double dip from tax payer dollars and waste money on inefficient projects.
Also, they have been talking about rail to Dulles since before I was born. It’s time we actually have rail to Dulles. The economic impact of rail to Dulles would be huge. I do not support widening I-66 and I think it’s a sad day when we have that conversation before we even know what a 66 looks like with a working Metro system and rail to Dulles.
Q. What are your beliefs regarding gun control? For instance, do you favor banning so-called "cop killer bullets" and "assault weapons?" What about closing the so-called "gun show loophole?"
It’s past time to close the gun show loophole and that will be a top priority of mine when I get to Richmond. As someone who is involved with law enforcement, I strongly support banning “cop killer bullets” and “assault weapons.”
Q. Do you believe that gays and lesbians should have full marriage rights in the Commonwealth of Virginia? If not, why not?
Yes. And I believe the 47th District cannot afford a delegate who doesn’t support these rights.
Q. Do you support an aggressive move to slash Virginia's power consumption, particularly for fuels that emit carbon dioxide or cause environmental destruction (e.g., mountaintop removal coal mining) in their production? Would you press for "decoupling," "smart metering," and mandatory "renewable portfolio standards" if you get to Richmond?
We all need to become better energy consumers, and I will push for the highest efficiency standards in Richmond.
Q. On a related note, will you pledge to take no money from Dominion Power or other companies that act in ways that harm workers, the environment, etc?
Yes. And I think it is time we as candidates stop taking money from a company like Dominion. How do you get tough on a company that funds you getting elected to that seat? I would ask all candidates in this race to agree not to take this type of money. In short, elected officials need to set the example. If I need $1,500 for my campaign I will turn to my grassroots supporters who put me there.
Q. Which one issue are you most passionate about and why?
Our children. We live in a new age and we need to make sure we protect our children. Through my work at the CyberTipline at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children we fought against child pornography and child predators every single day. I witnessed the devastating impact of child exploitation first hand. Child exploitation is real and, sadly, it affects us right here in Arlington. There is so much that happens right around us that we may never see. But everyday it impacts us.
I will fight for every single child to make sure we continue to enforce punishment for these horrible crimes, tighten laws relating to them and I will use this seat to help educate parents and children about the dangers that are sometimes only the click of a key away.
Q. Can you give us a few reasons why people should vote for you instead of your Democratic opponents?
We need a Delegate with a strong connection to our community who really cares about the people he grew up with. Our citizens deserve a representative who really knows their neighborhoods, grew up on their streets and attended their schools. I am the only candidate in the race with these qualifications.
Since right before I graduated high school, I have supported myself and have been innovative and entrepreneurial. I will carry these same qualities with me to the House of Delegates. In 2003, I started a “Draft Hillary” campaign because I believed she was the best candidate at the time to beat George Bush. The campaign led to a 5 year assignment working for Senator Hillary Clinton and other Democratic causes. Others in the race may claim to have more experience or belong to the most groups, but my credentials and the jobs and confidences people have entrusted me with demonstrate that I can be the most effective delegate for the 47th district.
If you want someone who will fight everyday, shake things up in Richmond, always ask the tough questions and never forget who they represent, then I am your candidate. I meet people everyday when I’m knocking on doors who tell me their fears and concerns. I am really clear that I will be working for them and that nobody will work harder than me to represent Arlington in the General Assembly. Thank you for your time. I ask for your vote on Tuesday, June 9th! If I can answer any other questions or if you would like to discuss our campaign more I can be reached at 703-340-8830 or adam@voteadam.com. Please also visit our website at www.VoteAdam.com
