WYDaily sent an identical questionnaire to each candidate for the District 93 seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. District 93 represents Williamsburg, parts of James City and York counties and part of Newport News. The seat is currently held by Republican Mike Watson who is facing off against Democratic challenger Monty Mason. The election takes place Nov. 5.
These are Mason’s answers to the questions. View a completed questionnaire from Watson by clicking here.
1. Can you share your age, family and professional background?
46 – William and Mary Class of 1989, Senior Account Executive, Visa, Inc.
Wife – Pamela, Deputy Compliance Officer at The College of William and Mary
Daughters – Taylor Anne (5) and Hawley (3)
2. What would you say are the three biggest issues facing the 93rd District and how do you plan on addressing them if you are elected to the statehouse? Are there specific policy objectives you can outline?
1) Diversifying the local economy and creating high quality jobs by investing and promoting small business. We must look to the future and make investments that attract jobs while helping existing businesses expand. Our proximity to the military bases and shipyard make us a prime location for jobs of the future – Cybersecurity, wind energy, etc. However we can’t forget tourism is a dominant driver in our local economy. We must work statewide to increase our marketing of tourism, take advantage of the new leadership of our local marketing arm, and coordinate efforts to increase visitation in the Historic Triangle.
2) Educating the next generation to be prepared for the jobs of the 21st century. We must invest in Pre-K education so that children show up with a solid foundation and ready to learn. I have seen the benefits of Pre-K education for my 5 year old daughter who is entering kindergarten this year. Too many of her peers had little or no early childhood education. We have a responsibility as a community to ensure that all children, regardless of their parents’ means, have access to quality education.
3) Investing in our transportation infrastructure. The transportation compromise is a good first step but we need to prioritize the projects properly and immediately look to the full expansion of Interstate 64 with three lanes to Richmond. Moving three lanes to 199 is a good start but just moves the bottleneck up the road to Williamsburg. We need to begin studying the expansion across Queens Creek now.
3. On a statewide level, what challenges do you think need to be addressed in the next legislative session? How would you address them?
1) We must stop raiding the general fund to pay for pet projects out of Richmond. Our children’s education is too important for it to take a back seat to the issue of the moment. We also need a legitimate, long term plan to shore up the Virginia Retirement System. I will be a vocal opponent to any effort to reduce general fund money dedicated for educating our children.
2) We need nonpartisan redistricting before the end of the decade. I will parton or co-patron legislation to create nonpartisan redistricting in Virginia. Competition is good for the system and the need to compromise is based upon it. The gridlock in Washington is a result of gerrymandered districts guaranteeing the re-election of members that see no need to compromise. It has also led to the extreme conservative agenda coming out of Richmond.
3) We need to stop the assault on women’s rights. I will oppose personhood legislation and any other bills that seek to fight the same fights from 40 years ago. I will work to return the focus in Richmond to addressing the challenges facing our families rather than interfering with the relationship between a woman and her doctor.
4. How do you think the 93rd District is recovering from the recession? What policy changes would you make to help the local economy grow?
Slowly – as has the rest of the state and country. While we have seen a gradual and sustained recovery we need to continue to look at places to reduce regulations and help give businesses a jump start with incentives as we have in Williamsburg. At the Williamsburg Economic Development Authority we have focused on regional efforts to incubate new businesses, apply for joint enterprise zones and give incentives for small businesses to invest. We always say that we can’t guarantee the success of a business but we can do everything we can to reduce the barriers to entry and help them thrive and grow.
5. Do you believe the Transportation Bill (HB2313) passed in the 2013 session adequately addresses the state’s transportation problems? If so, why? If not, how could it be better?
The compromise was a necessary first step to address the decades of neglect to our transportation infrastructure. With the new revenue we must properly prioritize projects in the pipeline and maintenance needs while pressing for three lanes to and from Richmond. The hybrid tax makes no sense as we should incent behavior that we want (reducing the carbon footprint and gas usage) rather than penalize it. We need to use this as step one towards a sustained long term transportation plan that includes improved rail service on the Virginia peninsula.
6. Describe your perfect day in the Historic Triangle. Where would you go? Who would you see? What happens?
It’s no secret that we love Tribe athletics in the Mason household, so any day that includes both is a great day! Pamela and I like to walk to the capitol with our daughters, since they can run around and play on Duke of Gloucester Street without worrying about cars and they like to feed the horses. A morning at the Farmers Market in Merchant’s Square, followed by any home William and Mary sporting event and dinner with friends afterwards would complete a great day in Williamsburg.
