2023 Candidate Profile: Mark Vafiades Running For Senate District 35

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Mark Vafiades, a longtime civic activist and advocate for families, is running in the Nov. 7 general election to represent the 35th District in the Virginia Senate.

Vafiades, who lives in Annandale, is a retired reserve Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy and now works in the health care field. He is running against state Sen. Dave Marsden in the general election for the 35th District seat.

In the general election, Fairfax County voters also will be casting ballots for candidates running for open seats on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board. Candidates also are running for sheriff, commonwealth's attorney, and clerk of the court, as well directors on the Soil and Water Conversation District.

Early voting will continue through Nov. 4, which is three days before Election Day. More information about how to vote in Fairfax County is available online.

Patch invited the candidates running in the 35th District race to fill out a questionnaire about their campaigns. The following are Vafiades's responses.

Name

Mark Vafiades

Campaign website

www.markforva.com

Family

Married to Mary Ellen Flynn. We live in Annandale.

Education

University of Massachusetts, School of Business, Amherst. BBA in Management/Marketing

Occupation

• Healthcare Field - Electronic Health Record Systems and Data.
• Law Enforcement: Retired Reserve Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy, worked in Patrol. Over 20 years of service.

My top priority in the next session of the General Assembly is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

My top priority in the next session is to work with Governor Youngkin to repeal the poorly thought out, regressive legislation from the previous session. The legislation of which I speak hurts citizens and families due to the huge fiscal burden it places on them. Examples include: Linking Virginia to the California Electric Vehicle mandate; phasing out electric generation by “Fossil Fuels” such as clean natural gas. I would also work to repeal the overburdensome Car Tax.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidate?

My opponent is personally a very nice man. We, however, have opposite views on the major issues we face here in Virginia. The prime example is the “Green” agenda which my opponent favors. I however oppose the “Green” agenda as it will be hugely expensive for the citizens, damage the economy and have little or no impact on the environment.

What do you think makes representing District 35's part of Fairfax County unique compared to senators who represent other parts of Virginia?

SD 35 is in many ways a suburb of Washington, DC. We therefore experience many issues that other parts of Virginia do not. We need to be vigilant that crime does not spill over from DC. Traffic issues are much greater here in Fairfax County and our tax burden is much greater for the citizens.

What are some of the concerns and ideas that you've heard from Fairfax County residents that have resonated with you as you have campaigned that you will bring to Richmond if elected in November?

I’ve spoken with the people in my district and the three issues that are mentioned most that I will prioritize are:

• Education Transparency/Parental Rights
• Crime control/Supporting Police
• Cost of Living/High Taxes

Describe other issues that define your campaign platform for this Senate seat.

See below

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Have a happy, positive attitude when discussing the issues. Being angry does not change hearts and/or minds.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Mark Vafiades works in the healthcare field, specializing in Electronic Health Records management. He has worked in the private sector, for the Federal and State government, has owned a small business, and is a retired reserve Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy, who worked in patrol for 20 years. He has a broad and eclectic background, which puts him at great advantage when understanding and discussing how legislation can affect the economy and therefore the citizens and families of Virginia. Mark is therefore an advocate for citizens and families, not for special interests.

RELATED: 2023 Candidate Profile: Dave Marsden Running For Senate District 35