WYDaily sent an identical questionnaire to each candidate running for the 93rd House of Delegates district.
Heather Cordasco, a 54-year-old philanthropy officer, is the Republican candidate for the seat. The district is comprised of the City of Williamsburg, parts of James City and York counties, and parts of the City of Newport News.
Cordasco’s answers are unedited and presented below.
The election takes place Nov. 7.
Read a completed questionnaire from the other candidate for the 93rd House of Delegates District, Mike Mullin.
What’s the one sentence that properly describes the 93rd House of Delegates District?
The 93rd is comprised of one entire city, parts of another city and parts of two counties that are very different and yet all would benefit from increased education options, more diverse and better compensated jobs and improvements in our transportation options including roads and transit.
What are the two biggest opportunities in the 93rd House of Delegates District?
The 93rd district is a prime candidate for bio-tech jobs since we have two colleges (one four year and one two year) in the district and another near the district. In addition, we have some unused industrial space that would serve advanced manufacturing very well, especially since we have wonderful opportunities to partner with Thomas Nelson and New Horizons in their technical training programs.
What are the two biggest challenges in the 93rd House of Delegates District?
Transportation is a big challenge and we need better options for our residents so they can spend less time in traffic. We need to finish 64 all the way to Richmond, introduce process management and build the overpass on 60 to help alleviate the choke points that stall traffic.
I along with many of my friends have educated our kids in Virginia and then watch as they move other places because they cannot find jobs here. In addition, our district relies heavily upon tourism and the service industry and many find it difficult to afford to live here.
In 2010 James City County’s population had roughly 13,800 people aged 65+. In 2016 that number increased to more than 18,000 people aged 65+. How are you going to help the county and Greater Williamsburg to prepare for a rapidly aging population? What are you going to do to help bring younger folks here?
It is imperative that we invest in our police, fire and first responders, as they are a big part of this issue. I am honored to be endorsed by the Virginia PBA and the Newport News FOP and I will do all I can to make sure they have the resources they need to serve our diverse community but especially our older population for whom a quick response time can be the difference between life and death. We have some wonderful medical facilities and need to make sure that we have a great network of providers for those of all ages but especially our older population since a lot of medical care comes later in life. It is also important that we have a great job base so that we can have a thriving community for young people, families and our retirees. We want to have lots of services offered in the area as well as good housing options with proximity to businesses and housing options to fit singles, growing families and those who are downsizing.
Williamsburg’s poverty rate is estimated to be about 1 in 4 residents, according to estimates from the U.S. census. More than 12,000 people in Greater Williamsburg are living in poverty. How are you going to help bring better paying jobs to the city and to the area?
Again, I believe more diverse options like bio-tech, mechatronics and advanced manufacturing as well as more support for the trades is very important. I am a part of the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and we are working hard to develop grassroots connections between local high schools, Thomas Nelson, William and Mary, New Horizons Regional Education Center and Literacy for Life. This will take time but we are making great progress.
How do you intend to move transportation projects forward on the Peninsula? What do you think your role will be in improving transportation throughout Greater Williamsburg?
As you know, we pay additional tax in the Hampton Roads area for the transportation projects. As Delegate, I will fight to make sure that money stays dedicated to the transportation needs in this area. I will work with my colleagues to ensure that 64 is finished all the way to Richmond and that we follow through on completing additional connections to the Southside.
What sort of experience are you going to bring to the area?
I bring over 20 years of experience in various community organizations and I’m a former member of the Williamsburg/James City County School Board and the New Horizons board. I’m currently on the New Horizons Foundation Board, a member of the FBI Citizens Academy and sit on the Williamsburg Symphony League board. I have had the privilege to invest in and support many great organizations in the area. In addition, my children have attended and graduated from school here. I truly know the area, a lot about the schools and the need for affordable housing and better paying jobs. That’s what I plan to work on.
The military and federal government are preparing for sea-level rise and increasingly volatile weather. Should the state government do more to prepare such as increasing environmental regulations?
I believe we should be proactive in preparing for sea-level rise, especially given our proximity to the coastal areas. I would support reforming the Virginia Pooled Financing Program so that infrastructure projects would include addressing sea-level rise.
Should recipients of social welfare or tax relief be tested for drugs? Why or why not?
Unfortunately, right now Virginia is facing an epidemic of Opioid and Heroin addiction. In fact, it is a problem that has touched someone very close to me. It’s important that we do everything we can to combat addiction by prevention and intervention. I would consider all options in combating this crisis that is taking far too many lives and if it will save lives administering drug tests then I would be open to considering it. However, we must ensure that children do not suffer for the actions of their parent or guardian and I would be opposed to any legislation that would influence any aid going to their household.
Should the state increasing taxes on its wealthiest residents to pay for more social programs? Why or why not?
I think we should practice caution when looking to expand dependency on government. While there should be a safety net for those that truly need it, we must always look toward promoting self-reliance and opportunity. Improving our local economy and creating good paying jobs is the direction we should focus on heading, not expanding programs that will take vital resources away from public education and public safety. Most people want the autonomy that comes with a good paying job which often gives more choices in housing, healthcare and education. We must also remain competitive with our neighboring states in attracting new industries to the Commonwealth.
Should property rights ever trump an individual’s gun rights? Why or why not?
I fail to see a conflict.
Should there be more restrictions on the current process of purchasing a gun? Why or why not?
Gun violence is a serious problem and the tragedy in Las Vegas didn’t need to happen. We have all seen the tragedies that have happened across the country, not just at Virginia Tech. A common thread through many of these tragedies are a shortcoming in our mental health care system. The best way to combat gun violence right now—is to enforce our existing laws, strengthen and reform our mental health care system, stand against efforts to weaken criminal sentences by bringing back parole, and protect the rights of law abiding citizens who simply want to protect themselves. I also am listening carefully to the conversation currently happening and was glad to see an openness to banning bump stocks.
Should there be more restrictions on the current process of procuring a concealed carry permit for handguns?
No, crimes committed by concealed carry holders are extremely low as there is a rigorous process for obtaining one
Do you support the legalization of marijuana?
I would be in favor of decriminalizing the possession of marijuana up to a certain amount. I believe this would save money and alleviate some of the burden on our correctional system. In addition, there are some medical situations that should allow usage. I also am in favor of additional usage of hemp products including CBD oil.
Should a voter be required to have a valid photo ID to vote? Should convicted criminals have the right to vote?
One of the most important things to the foundation of democracy is confidence in the integrity of our electoral system. I would support a requirement to provide any form of identification before voting and believe that it would aide in helping to ensure the integrity of our election, if it does not represent an undue burden on the voter. In fact, I was pleased to see that Virginia provides ID’s for those who do not drive.
I believe in redemption and restoration, I know it is a huge loss too many to lose their right to vote. I would not be opposed to restoration if convicted felons have completed their sentence and completed their restoration to their victim, and demonstrated that they deserve the opportunity to once again participate in our elections. However, there should be a clear and consistent delineated policy that applies fairly and equitably. That policy should consider the nature of the crimes committed, whether they have paid back their victims and the court system, and their willingness to serve as productive members of society.
Should gerrymandering or political redistricting be made into a non-partisan process?
We have a fair and open redistricting process. The current map was passed with bipartisan support after more than a dozen public hearings and committee meetings around the state. President Obama’s Justice Department also approved the plan.
What are your top three policy goals?
State tax deduction for teachers that purchase school supplies
Work with both parties to help with tax reform for small business
Working with leadership to complete I64 all the way to Richmond
Are you a member of any political organizations? Which political organizations are you a member of and what have they taught you?
Member of the James City County Republican Party and various Republican Women’s Clubs in the area.
What recent policy changes in the current federal administration do you agree or disagree with? Why?
I am really interested in seeing what comes through regarding tax reform. It has been decades since we reformed our tax code and I would like to see the tax code simplified. I am also interested in developments to keep capital here in the states instead of leaving to go overseas.
Will you be participating in any forums or public debates? When and where?
Heather accepted an invitation from the York County Chamber of Commerce for a forum, but the event was cancelled after concerns about inclement weather, according to Cordasco’s campaign manager Chris Scotten. Heather participated in a forum on Oct. 20 at the Women’s Club of Newport News.
What is a question you wished had been asked?
I was really looking forward to questions about the enormous opportunities available in education and how we can improve our local school.
What is the answer?
My goal is to use my experience on the school board to be an effective liaison between the school systems and the General Assembly where there has generally been friction and a lack of co-operation. I would like to encourage other school systems in the district to implement process management so more money can go toward teachers and into the classroom. I would also like to develop additional career pathways for teachers and encourage more focus on education opportunities in manufacturing and technical jobs as I did with Manufacturing Day in James County Schools.
