Jay Donahue, Democratic candidate for Virginia's 86th District, reacted to the General Assembly's transportation package with concern and criticism today. "I am primarily concerned with the bill's inequities. Residents of Northern Virginia receive back only a small portion of the taxes we send to the State. We're simply not getting our fair share from Richmond."The plan will take resources from the state's general fund to pay off up to $2.5 billion in borrowing for roads, bridges, and transit infrastructure. In addition, the plan called for increased fines for a variety of driving offenses, a $10 increase in automobile registration fees and tax increases for Northern Virginia through legislation granting localities additional taxing authority.
"The inability to effectively address Northern Virginia's transportation crisis over the past two years is a clear indictment of the Republican leadership in the General Assembly," said Donahue. He accused lawmakers of failing at the most fundamental task of governing, the task of working together. "I hope this bill can be altered in a manner that makes it more effective and more equitable for this region. If we have to accept it as is, we'll have a lot of additional work to do when we get to Richmond next January."
Donahue believes that residents in Northern Virginia are frustrated with the lack of progress in Richmond. He also expressed concern over the use of general fund revenues which he feels should be reserved for services such as education, health care and public safety.
He pledged that if elected he will strive to overcome past legislative failures by working in a spirit of compromise with leaders of both parties. "We can't move forward if we don't work together, and I pledge to work with leaders of both parties to pass responsible legislation on transportation. I will make that my number one priority in office."
Jay Donahue, 60, has over 25 years of public service experience, including service with the Herndon Planning Commission, the Dulles Rail Land Use Commission, and the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce. He lives in Herndon, Virginia with his wife of 35 years, Joanne Golway Donahue. For more information, contact Jennifer Boysko at 703 736-8949.