House of Delegate Candidates Discuss a Range of Issues

Candidates competing for the 34th District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates highlighted the candidates forum held Wednesday night at Langley High School.

Incumbent Republican Barbara Comstock and Democratic challenger Pamela Danner shared their views on McLean water rates, the new federal health care bill and offshore drilling before an audience of about 80.

Comstock, who is running for re-election to a second term, emphasized her record in the House of Delegates. Danner, a McLean attorney, emphasized her many years of community service with organizations including McLean Rotary and the McLean Community Foundation.

Do you support the (recent) recommendation of the Fairfax County Consumer Affairs agency that the county exert its right to establish water rates for county residents served by other water agencies? (Water rates are a major issue for McLean residents who are served by Falls Church.)

Danner: She agreed. She reminded the audience that Falls Church recently raised its water rates. She also referred to a lawsuit won last year by Fairfax County. The ruling in that suit prohibits Falls Church for continuing its practice of transferring millions in excess water revenues to the city's general operating fund.

Comstock: Agreed with Danner. She said she introduced a bill to require Falls Church to tell customers about the ruling in the lawsuit. She also complained that she had requested that Falls Church officials meet with McLean residents, but they had refused.

Danner: Asked how effective is a state legislator who can't arrange a meeting with Falls Church officials?

The McLean Citizens Association hosted a meeting in July with Falls Church officials to discuss the then-proposed water rate increase. Both Danner and Comstock attended the MCA meeting along with Dranesville Supervisor John Foust.

If the health care bill is declared unconstitutional, what impact will it have?

Danner: This is the law and we need to stop spending money to fight it in court. “We are wasting our money.”

Comstock: It would help small businesses because the law imposes new taxes.

Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli filed suit to repeal the law. A federal appeals court in September tossed out Virginia's lawsuit after the three-judge panel concluded Thursday the state lacks the jurisdictional authority to challenge the 2010 law, according to CNN.

Do you support offshore drilling off Virginia's coastline?

Danner: Virginia needs a diverse energy portfolio. The state needs to look at the issues before we adopt that.

Comstock: She said she supports it and that the House had passed legislation to allow it. She added that drilling jobs pay well and will add jobs.

Election Day is Nov. 8.

Snapshot of the 34th District

Source: The Virginia Public Access Project